Happy Birthday Hannah!

I can't believe she is 10!  She is becoming such a young lady and I was actually brought to tears at how grown up she is becoming. This is the year she stopped being a little girl. She is vibrant, intelligent, helpful, and becoming more than my daughter.  She is becoming my friend as well.  I love our talks and  can't believe how tall she is! She may quickly pass up her mother!

Helping Dad decorate his all famous caramel brownies

All done!  Let's eat!

The girls each picked something of their own to give to Hannah on top of  the gifts I selected and gave them  the choice of giving.  She loved all her sister treasures!

Just what she wanted...
(well her 2nd choice anyway--we aren't ready to buy her an iPod)!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!

Love you forever!

Celebrating 30 Weeks

A dear friend of mine came was sweet enough to take some photos of the family awaiting our new addition.  It was so fun and the kids were so happy to be a part of it (though they didn't show it by their cooperation)! Thanks Lynnette!

Getting special Tx from a great foot rubber!

Daisy showing me the love!

Is this really MY big family!  YES it is! Lucky 7!

Love this man and the life we have made together!
He came home from patrol just so we could take a pic like this!
Yep, I think he loves me!

This happens hundreds of times a day!
She loves to kiss her baby sister!

When BJ saw this one he said, "Wow!  Look at that beautifully refinished front door!"
Yes, Babe. It does look amazing.

Little Miss Sassafrass

Really these pictures speak for themselves!

Fall Is In the Air

So let's...plant a garden??  Yep. In the Sonoran Desert we get giant spiders, bobcats, rattlesnakes, monsoons and winter gardens.  BJ began this project with the girls on Aug 3rd...in 100+ degree weather. But it has been a blast and the girls have loved every second.

This sight did my heart good!

Cute Little Helper

Ready to SAW

Addie's Turn

After a hard day on the garden, a little pampering is in order!
Way to go Dad!

A Scary Surprise

Living in the desert is never boring...

one night in August I stepped outside and was surprised by this guy!

We were scared of each other...my flashlight was really annoying to him!

Daisy wanted to greet him properly (a lick and a nibble)
but we wouldn't let her.  I think the tarantula would've won!

Celebrating 12 Years!

Twelve years ago, on August 12, BJ and I promised to love, cherish, and serve each other forever. I never could have known then how wonderful a life we could create together. 

I thought I loved him then!

Four and 1/2 kids  and 12 years later...
Thanks to Grandma Kathy, we went on a local getaway for a couple of days and enjoyed sleeping in, eating out, and talking uninterrupted. It was so much fun and I love every minute I get to spend with my best friend!

Happy Anniversary Babe!

Happy Birthday Addie!

Addie turned started 1st grade and the next day celebrated her 6th birthday!  It was an exciting week!

An excited and adorable first grader!

Ballet gear and lessons was her big gift this year.
She has been begging for lessons for months. She couldn't wait to put it on!

Grandma hugs are the BEST! We shared lost of hugs and presents.  

Addie's "Cuddle-Uppit"--gotta love commercials!

Cupcakes please!

Birthday celebration at school with Ms. Debbie and school friends!

Birthday dinner request: Split Pea Soup and Banana Bread
Ok Addie, it's your birthday!

Happy Birthday Addie!  Love you forever!

A REAL Monsoon!

Since moving to AZ in 2009, we have heard tell of the infamous MONSOON. I have laughed and poked fun at the news stations making such a big deal over a little wind and rain.  On July 31st however, I understood what they meant.  We were hit with pounding rain and 55mph winds for over 90 minutes. Homes, roads, and businesses were flooded, people we stranded on the roads in rushing torrents, not to mention property damage and downed trees/catci.  Here are some of the pics I captured just outside my house.

The walking path...river anyone?

Our park complete with new water feature!


I will never balk again!  Although I hear storms like this are one in 100 years so the Monsoon still has a lot of  unjustified hype on the day-to-day basis here in the desert.  This one was one not to be missed!  

Summer Recap #5

We headed North to Beaver, UT for some cooler weather, camping, and more awesome cousins.  We love the Utah McIlnays as demonstrated by the numerous vacations we spend at their home! 

Thanks Travis and Jennifer!

Daddy and Brynlee sharing loves and fishing

All the girls caught multiple fish and we had lots of rain and cool weather.
The trip was a success!

Way to go Shelby!

We took the ATVs out again as there is much riding available there too.
I don't know...do you think the kids had fun??

 After a few days camping, we arrived back in town and learned my Uncle Steve, Papa's brother, had passed away.  We were so glad to be close enough to make it to SLC for the funeral.  I got to see cousins I hadn't seen in 15 years.  My kids all got to experience a priceless Great-Grandma Austin hug too.  Though the circumstances were hard, Uncle Steve's happy presence was felt and we all enjoyed seeing each other again.

After the funeral, we headed back down to Beaver, packed up and headed to Las Vegas for Uncle Todd's wedding to Heather.  It was a great chance to see all the McIlnay's in one place...a very rare occasion.  Todd and Heather were both radiant and such gracious hosts. Hannah and Janessa got to be flower girls and felt so proud and special to be a part of the celebrations.

Callahan was a beautiful maid of Honor and continually surprises us with her love and grace....
so much of it for such a young girl !  

Todd and Heather are so happy and such a loving couple.  Many happy tears and laughs were shed.

After al the fun we were ready to be home again.  What a fun summer!