Happy Fathers Day!

Ellis Grandparents 70th Wedding Anniversary

Some fun pictures of all that were able to attend the 70th wedding anniversary of my grandparents.  Unfortunately grandpa ended up not feeling well and was unable to attend but grandma was treated like the royalty that she is.

Pig Chasen and Muttin Bustin

The kids had the opportunity to go to a rodeo out in Queen Creek a few weeks ago and Brinley did a little muttin bustin and Lincoln did some pig chasen. 

Lincoln signed up for the muttin bustin but the sheep were completely warn out just before his turn.  The video of Brinley is the 2nd sheep that she was on.  The first one just stood there when they opened the gate and wouldn't move.  They pushed and pinched and yelled and finally put her on another one.  I'm not sure if it's more entertaining for the parents to watch or the kids to ride and chase.  I think it's great!  Hopefully we will be able to find another rodeo before Lincoln gets to old for the muttin bustin.

San Diego - Spring break

The kids and I went to San Diego for Spring break.  We were a little cold but had a really fun time at Sea World and spending time at the hotel.  The kids were super excited to go on the airplane and even more excited about the heated pools.  This isn't normal in Arizona.  My favorite part obviously is the polar bears.  Brinley cried because Lincoln wouldn't go on the big roller coasters with her and Lincoln cried because he didn't want to go on the big roller coasters.  Other than that, (oh, and the super fast taxi driver) we had a great trip.

Two sisters one heart race

This was a very fun race that our family ran with Ambers family. We all did great and had a lot of fun afterwards eating pancakes, slushes and listening to the wild 80s music.

They created this race to help the family out with medical bills however, the sisters past away a few months before the race so it was done for the memory of the sisters. http://www.twosisters-oneheart.blogspot.com/

Next Race

Brinley and I ran another race today.  It was the Londons run at Schnepf farms.  We ran out on the dirt roads around the fields.  It was really fun and we will definitely keep it in mind to run again next year. 

Pinewood Derby

Lincoln had his first pinewood derby this year.  We are proud to say that he made his own car, design, paint, color choices and stickers.  He won between 3-5 races out of the 50++++ races.  Enough for everyone to be happy.  He received an award for the sportiest card.  Way to go Lincoln!

Merry Christmas

We had a really fun Christmas this year.  They were up at 5:00am and Doug told them that they had to go back to bed until there was daylight.  When I got up they were both asleep in the hallway but as soon as they heard me, they bolted down the stairs to take a peek.

I took lots of pictures with my new camera but most came out blurry. I really need to practice before big days like this.

 This was one of Lincolns favorite gifts.  He was so excited to get a robe just like the one on the Polar Express.  He enjoyed it more than the toys.  WOW!

This is the classic Christmas picture where the kid is having more fun with the box than the toy. 

This is Brinley before candy.  She is just a little, no, a lot hyper!

Baptism Day

Yay for Lincoln! He was baptized on December 18th 2002.  We are so proud of him.

His dad baptized and confirmed him.



Dad and Bryan days away from the bowl game. Go UTES!!!



We had lots of family travel to be there for his baptism and what a great experience it was.  Later we went out to eat and then we went to the Mesa Temple grounds to look at the lights.  It was a blast to have so lots of family here to spend time with.  Thanks to all of those for venturing out.  We love you.

These girls had to walk right by grandmas wheel chair at the temple grounds because they were so concerned for her, or so we thought.  We turned around at one point and they were both sitting on her lap getting a free ride.  Sneaky little girls.

 This is how we all felt when we got home.  Apparantly we know how to entertain really well.

Snow Day

Well the communitee had a snow day.  I'm not sure if they brought snow in or had a snow maker. But the kids went crazy with it.  It was about 70 degrees and they were sledding down a small hill and throwing snowballs in the other area.  Everyone was drenched but they didn't care.  They also served hot chocolate, snowcones and popcorn. 

How fun is that!

Brinleys Dance Recital

Brinley took at dance class through our community this year and learn a dance for the nutcracker.  It was very low key, no professional performances or pictures but they performed for the parents and did a great job.

This is mid December and they are walking out to the soccer field to perform.

There were about 8 little girls and they had more fun playing than learning the dance.  Needless to say, the dance lasted about 40 seconds.  JUST RIGHT!

Way to go Brinley.  She is now in Gymnastics where monkeys belong.