{4th of july}

We had such a fun 4th of July. We started the day off with a bike parade and pancake breakfast. The girls had fun decorating their bikes. We made star medallions and painted some cans to drag from behind their bikes.

They're off! Go Leah!

Ella was happy and cheerful at the breakfast.

Luckily we got some food in her and she perked right up!

Ashley and Leah love the dunk tank. It was a hot day, perfect for a quick swim.

Then we headed home for some naps and then off to another swim and bbq party!

Are these all my kids?

It was so hot that even Mr. Drew got in the pool.

This was his first time wearing this bathing suit and it is too small.

He is growing too quick.

Ellie loves her life jacket. Hopefully we can get her to swim soon.

We actually watched fireworks the two nights before the 4th. We were so tired from such a busy fun weekend that we stayed home and watched them on tv. But nevertheless, we are grateful and proud to be Americans and so lucky to celebrate of country's birthday with a wonderful day together.

{oakland temple}

We met up with family in Oakland, to go through the temple with Uncle Mike for the first time. Chris and the girls waited outside with Andrew. They visited the visitor's center and walked around the beautiful grounds.

It didn't take too long for to go back to Mom mode.

It was special day to be together for Mike. We missed you J.

{andrew's blessing}

What a wonderful day it was to bless Andrew. We were able to have family here to celebrate this special day. Chris gave Andrew a beautiful name and blessing.

This is a nice photo of our family. Yeah right. Why couldn't we just get one good one? I guess you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

Grandpa Jeff and Mr. Drew

(this is the only picture of Andrew is his blessing outfit)

The the most delicious strawberry cupcakes made by Mimi.

The weather report called for rain. So we went with Plan B. Everyone was suppose to eat outside, but instead we moved it to the garage. In the end it didn't rain until guests started to leave. But is was still a perfect day.

{gone too long}

Why has it been so long since this blog has been updated? Well, we have been busy. In March, we welcomed a baby BOY to our family. Chris almost got his wish with naming the baby Jimmer, but in the end we went with Andrew Joshua. He has been such a blessing to have in our family. The pregnancy was tough, he was 9lbs 9oz. The hardest of all of them, but in the end all worth it. I am finally getting back in the swing of things. Back to blogging again. I will try to go back and add things from the past, but lets just start with the present. Here are few pictures of the new man in our family. More to come.

{free movie}

I took the girls to see Kit Kittredge at the free movies. I took Anna and Mimi took Ella. We figured the little kids would lose interest. It was a nice time with the girls. They each bought their dolls. Ashley mentioned that she wants to be Kit for Halloween. Sounds good to me.

They were so cute. I usually don't let them leave the house with the dolls, so it was a big deal.

{birthday celebration}

We had a birthday celebration for Ella. She chose the dinner, chicken enchiladas, rice and corn. As well as a rainbow chip cake. She felt so special to make such big decisions.

She needed some help blowing out the candles. The sistas were happy to help.

All she wanted for her birthday was Potato Head. A happy 3 year old.

On a side note, I have always had my girls potty trained long before they were 3. Ella has had no interest in learning. But this last weekend I really worked with her and she has it down for the most part. She did it. I guess I put it off long enough and got her trained under the wire.

Yes! We are out of the diaper stage.

{county fair}

We were able to go to the fair for Ella's birthday. We hadn't been in a few years, and I remember why. It is such a rip off. I can't believe how expensive things were. Chris at least got us a deal to get in. But it was the fair and I had to let go of my cheapness and have fun.

We did some horse racing. Maybe we should have placed a bet, to win some extra money.

Of course Chris wanted to go in the exhibition hall to see all the demonstrations and sales piches. He really liked the Vita-Mix samples. I think he would have bought it until I told him it's like $300. But they do have it at Costco if you want to pick one up Chris.

We do need a new blender.

Ella was so excited to go on this ride. But Chris had to go with her and use up some to the tickets because she wasn't tall enough to go without an adult. Rip Off!

We did get to spend some time with Grandpa Steve. That was fun!

Ashley enjoying her ride. This one always made me a little nervous because I was afraid the swings were going to fly off. Mainly because the rides are portable.

This ride was bought from Neverland Ranch. Wowwww. Whatever.

My favorite booth. Fair food. So good for you.

The last ride of the day for the birthday girl.

Happy Birthday Ella!