summer so far

1. home made strawberry lemonade. Ice? Yes please.


2. Moses loves rolly pollys. I am getting uncomfortable with this tumbler that is my unborn daughter.


3.Ball camp 3 days a week. Soccer is his fave so far.


4.favorite summer flip flops. She lives in them. And, I was teaching her about compostion, focus and lighting and she took this. Great job Bells!


5. Dinner when dad is home. grilled asparagus from the market, steaks hot off the bbq resting, peach and almond salad with a strawberry viniagrette (in that mini blender) and strawberry lemonade. mmm.


6. running through the sprinklers.A favorite daily event.


7. Riding her scooter


8. family night a Baskin Robbins. chocoate, orange sherbert, snickers and mint chocolate chip.

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This is the reason I LOVE the DI. When I find something that takes me back to my childhood and that is this freaking adorable? I think I scored.

Isabella's Baptism

Isabella, your Baptism was the most beautiful day. It was small, and simple and perfectly sweet. Our hearts have never been filled with so much love. We are so proud of you for making the choice to be Baptized and becoming a member of the church. You realize what it means to follow in Jesus' example and want to follow his example in your life. Im sorry that your brother was such a goof, although we all thought it was pretty funny when he stepped down into the font not realizing there was water. He was barefoot and wearing shorts because of it, no body cared. You were surrounded by those that love you the most and we all felt the spirit there that day. You are such a sweetheart and we love you so much.















you requested chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate chip cookies, brownies and lemononade for your refreshments. And they were refreshing indeed, good choice!

Eight is grrreat!

Its hard to explain how surprised I was at my feelings about cute Bella turning 8. Shes different somehow. Shes still her, of course, but we've been talking so much about baptism and what it means in her life, that naturally, she is more sensitive to her spirit and sweet nature. The last few weeks, months, what a challenge. She is discovering her limits and boundaries. She is testing me to every degree. Her emotions seem all over the board at times, leave me wondering how I am supposed to be a patient, kind mother who validates her feelings, while teaching her respect and how to appropriately handle all of her feelings. I feel empowered in my role as her mother lately, thanks to prayer. Now, more than before I know that she will continue to grow as a beautiful, confident, tender hearted, kind, spunky, funny, empathetic girl and young woman.

For her birthday, we took her to Temple Square. I know, Temple Square for an 8 year olds birthday! But you know what, she said to us several times that evening "this is the best birthday present ever, thank you so much" Wow. I told Buddy, this was the easiest gift ever and it made my heart so full of love for her! It was a warm night, we walked around the Salt Lake Temple, admiring its beauty, watched a beautiful movie on Gods plan for the family and toured the beehive house. We ended the night at the Olive Garden and ate pasta and salad until we were stuffed. It was wonderful and she was happy. Happy 8th birthday cute girl. We love you more than ever and are so glad you are ours! (SO glad)

On Friday, when BOTH Grandmas and Grandpa were here, along with cousin Brenna and Aunt Kim, we had your favorite dinner, chicken tacos, chocolate cake with strawberries and opened gifts. You were SO happy to receive a razor scooter, Taylor Swift CD (of which you know every word to every song) and a multi colored swatch watch. You are so 8.

You requested Dads yummmmmy breakfast casserole for breakfast. Complete with candle.

8 candles

Its been 5 years since Bells had a birthday party, Wow, how bad is that? She's been missing out. Our adorable Bella turns 8 next week and if there was ever a year, boy this is it. 8 is a big year for a young lady in our family and she deserves a very special month. I excitedly helped her write out all of her invitations, she invited 5 girls and 3 boys until Dad squashed the boy idea, so we ended up with 8 girls on the list, 4 of which were able to come. Perfect. She chose the local pool as the place to be. It was THE easiest party on the planet. They swam for a few hours, had pizza, lemonade, an icecream cake, opened gifts and done. Most importantly, Bella was so happy. I love seeing a smile on her face and a bounce in her step.(especially since lately we've been riding the emotional roller coaster called being an 8 year old girl ) I really cant beleive she is almost 8. I say "its not fair!" in the whiney-est voice possible tonight. I love her so much, she's the funnest girl and biggest blessing in my life to have her as my daughter. We're glad you had a fun day sweet girl.















and your cute brother was there with a friend. Thank you for including him in your fun party. You are such a NICE big sister (most of the time :)