A Little of Everything

 For Family Home Evening last week we did a lesson on "Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy."  It was really fun.  We basically made an ice cream sundae putting condiments on the ice cream that are good on other things, but not good on Sundae's.  Those condiments represented things that may be appropriate to do on other days, but not on the Sabbath.  There was ketchup and mustard, relish, mayo, salsa, etc.  You get the picture.  Then using the right toppings for a Sundae we talked about what things were appropriate for the Sabbath day.  Then of course for dessert we had Sundae's!  Andy of course was dared to eat the gross one...but he never did :)

 Sam and I reading a book yesterday.  She has recently taken a very big interest in books and wants to read all the time.  I LOVE that.  I try so hard to get these kiddos interested in books and for the older two it's paid off, so hopefully the younger ones will grab the vision as well.

 Blast from the past eh?  She's wearing my gymnastics shirt from when we were tiny that says "Tara" on the back.  And her hair looks just like an 80's child to me!  I just thought it was funny!

Audrie got a slip n' slide for her birthday that they HAD to try out one afternoon.  Sammy decided to join the fun, but wasn't sure about all the water spraying her.  So much fun even if it didn't work like it was supposed to!

Sam again.  She got tired of the water and sun so sat on the porch...again pantless...I am seeing a trend here.  HA!  So hard to keep those pants on these days :)

Father's Day 2012

 Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Husband!  He is an amazing Father and I am so glad he is the example he is to my children.  We got him a charcoal grill to celebrate and HE grilled for us today :)  It was quite scrumptious! Love you sweetie!

 The kids on the back porch enjoying the grill heat...in the dead heat of summer.

Side note. This is typical Tyler.  ALWAYS with a book in his hands and always nuzzled in a chair reading away.  It is SO dang cute; although we have our moments of please, please put that book away!  I love that he loves to read :)

Audrie's 8!

Yesterday we celebrated Audrie’s 8^th birthday!!  We had a lot of fun.  We went to Chili’s per her request (I think it’s the only restaurant my kids think there is on the plant).  Sammy quite enjoyed her food, although that girl always loves her food :)

 Then we went bowling.  There were a couple of times I was worried about the safety of everyone around sweet Audrie as she threw that ball.  It was SOOO funny.  Her technique is UNIQUE and slightly awkward (ok REALLY awkward), but completely entertaining.  When her turn she used the bumpers on the bowling lane and still almost managed to get the ball into the next lane, but I think she was using her left hand to bowl then...not really sure why, but it must have seemed like a good idea at the time!  HA!

 All of us girls minus Sammy.

 Sam wanted to pick up one of those balls SO bad.  She tried so hard, but just couldn't!  Look at that sweet face.

Tyler, as handsome as ever!  

Audrie in absolute HEAVEN.  I mean seriously that face just says it all! 

I adore this picture.  This captures all the sweetness that Audrie has.  She is such a loving, tender kind soul that is carefree and always wanting to have fun!  We love her to pieces and so glad she joined our family 8 years ago :)  Love you sweet Adriana!

True Texan!

 Well I am officially a true Texan!  I shot my first gun EVER.  They have always kinda freaked me out, but I did pretty well for my first time.  (My shots are in the black circle portion)  Andy took me on an afternoon date and we went to lunch and then he taught me how to shoot!  Super fun and we will surely do it again.  I knew I was a cowgirl at heart!  (Or should I say hick?)

Farewell Lyndsey!

 I was fortunate enough to be able to fly out to say goodbye to my sweet sister Lyndsey (below) who leaves for the MTC on Wednesday.  Sammy and I flew out leaving Andy and the rest of the kiddos behind, thanks Andy :)  He took care of the house and work while I enjoyed my time with my sisters, parents, nieces and nephews.  It was awesome!  Above is my sister Ali and her cute little Wade.  Tyler LOVES that he can look forward to some male cousin time.

 Here is Lyndsey.  I didn't get ONE shot of her and I together...that's what happens when I'm tired, I just don't think of the obvious.  So Lynds this is my tribute to you, you're such a hottie Sister Whicker!

A Darling shot of Wade.

 Poolside fun.  We had a great time swimming in the icy waters of the pool :)  HA!  Sammy even got in after a while.

 As many of you know we've had quite the month of May.  It started with strep, then lice, vomiting, a uti, fevers above 104 degrees, possibly mono and the flu...one starting before the other was over.  It has been absolutely EXHAUSTING.  So when we went to Utah I started breathing a sigh of relief thinking FINALLY we are over this month of mayhem. Well a couple of days into my trip we went shopping and Sam was seated on a bench.  I was trying on clothing and had my back turned for a split second and she fell.  I have always been known for my fast reflexes and this was no exception.  I caught her but something happened because she cried and cried and CRIED hard.  Finally after we got home and I noticed she wouldn't use her arm we decided to take her to the drs and get her checked out.  They took xrays and thought that it was probably broken, but later was deemed ok.  She still hurts when her arm is lifted, but has no trouble using it, so it is healing.  So the saga continued, but I think we are in a healthy holding pattern....hopefully!  But either way she is SUCH a cutie!

When driving home one day while in Utah, Lyndsey spotted Katie's dream car in a used car lot.  Immediately she called and told Katie and Katie immediately asked if they could go and test drive it.  Katie has Dad wrapped around her finger, and he took her out that evening...we all took a turn :)  Fun times!