Baby Crocodile

On Saturday Ellie was saying that there was a baby crocodile over by the swing set so she wouldn't go over there. I thought that she was using her imagination and played along. The next day she was looking out the front windows and said "Mom, the baby crocodile is back!" This is what was out on the front patio, a lizard. Could be a baby crocodile, they are both reptiles. We went outside and got as close as we could before it scurried off into the bushes.

Starting Solids

Clara has started eating solids. She isn't quite sure if she likes it or not, and she is still figuring out how to keep the food in her mouth. She has just had rice cereal a handful of times but I'm sure she will get it the hang of it eventually. She has a lifetime of wonderful food to look forward to.

pink,Pink,PINK!

Ellie loves pink. If her pink glasses, pink shorts, and pink shirt didn't clue you in.

She likes to eat out of a pink bowl. She likes to drink out of a matching pink cup. Carries around her pink princess purse. Good thing her room is pink.

It's never too early...

to start exercising that is. McKay has taken a liking to our elliptical machine and has a new favorite song, Lollipop by Mika. This clip combines both. He's feeling the music so much that he lets go with one hand to try and dance more but the results aren't great. Also notice Ellie trying to sing along in the background.

S.Y.T.Y.C.D. here we come

Ellie has really been enjoying her dance class. Some of it is even sinking in.

Clara is 5 months

and she is so much fun. She is such an easy going sweet spirit. I'm grateful for the love she has brought into our home, along with a little madness. Her older siblings love her and won't leave her alone but she just hangs out and lets them maul her.

I had to include this because of the nice cheeks. You just want to eat them.

I think she is mostly McKay but has a little Ellie as well.

We were practicing sitting on the couch...

She tipped over.

Clara has such a perfectly round little face and head.

Smiling for the camera

Hmmm. That looks really cool I wonder how I can get it.

Fresh out of the bath. She has now discovered that it is loads of fun to kick in the bath and make splashes.

My buddy and me!

I love watching my kids interact. I especially love the interest McKay and Ellie are taking in Clara. McKay really loves to play with her. I can't leave her anywhere without McKay climbing on her, patting her belly, smooshing her cheeks, or lately making her sit up. It makes me a little nervous especially when he is doing by her neck, but unless she in danger I just try to stand back and let them bond. On this special occasion every time he tried to pick her up she started to giggle. He was very proud, and I got a kick out of it as well.

Go McKay!!

I am so proud of my son!

So I'm a woos when it comes to bugs. All day today we have had this huge wasp fly looking thing flying around our living room in the upper windows. I'm not joking huge, about 1 1/2 inches long. Anyway the few times that it has been down close enough to catch I just throw something at it. Just a few minutes ago I was sitting on the couch reading my latest Us Weekly when I hear the kids from the front room. "We got the fly. We got the fly." They come into the family room McKay carrying a cardboard CD case. "You got the fly?" I ask. "Yeah it's in here." motioning to the case. "OK put it in the garbage." McKay goes to the garbage, unfolds the case, and dumps the dead flying bug in the garbage. McKay is my HERO! We did high fives all around.

Happy Anniversary!!

June 29th was our 7 year anniversary but we celebrated two weeks later by going to the Michael Buble concert. It's amazing to me that it has been 7 years. When I look at where we are now I can't believe we have fit it all in,3 kids,5 moves, and our own business. We have been so lucky to have had such a wonderful 7 years. Here's to 77 more.

Cheers! We had intended to go to a nice dinner before but things were busy and my dad was in town so we enjoyed a nice hot dog and soda from the concessions. Sometimes I really do enjoy a good hot dog.

The concert was incredible. He was an excellent performer, and funny. I think I have a little bit of a crush now. It's the music. It does something to you. Anyway, I also included this video since a surprising number of people I talked to didn't know who he was. Enjoy!!

Fourth of July - Fireworks

My family has a 4th tradition of laying out on the grass of the motel across the street from where the fireworks are set off. The fireworks are so close that you can feel the explosions and it is my favorite memory associated with the 4th. This year I felt that the kids were old enough to go and enjoy the experience. McKay loved it! Ellie fell asleep. There is always next year.

Getting all settled in with Lindsay and Aaron.

"Whoa Mom, maybe this is a little scary!"

The anticipation was killing McKay. He was doing his excited face and bouncing in his seat.

And they begin.

Ellie is not quite sure.

McKay loved the fireworks. He had his eyes glued to the sky the whole time.

Ellie thought it was too loud for Sandy, her dog, and scary. Notice how Sandy is covering her eyes with her ears.

Ellie had a long day. The parade, swimming all day with no nap, and now staying up past 10:00. It was too much to take. She fell asleep DURING the fireworks.

Fourth of July - Pool Party

After the parade we spent the afternoon up at Grandma and Grandpa Hill's house. They had a big family/ward poolside BBQ. Ellie was in the pool all day. She even got brave enough to swim on her own, with a life jacket of course.

McKay and Ellie dancing poolside.

McKay was intent on making this huge dragon go down the slide. We had to tell him it wasn't going to work.

Luckily Ellie had her dad to swim with her all day. I know I wasn't getting in a swimsuit!

Taking a break

Say Cheese!

Fourth of July - Parade

One thing that I do miss about living in Utah is the Freedom Festival and celebrating with family. It was wonderful to be able to be in Provo this year for the festivities. Happy Birthday America!

Here comes the parade.

Ellie enjoying the parade with Grandpa Jeff

and Lindsay

Most of the rest of us moved back into the shade but McKay insisted on being front and center for the whole thing.




Clara enjoyed her first 4th of July.

Ellie got to pet the little mini horses

and a llama.

Fat Cat's

We have now created a tradition of going bowling at Fat Cat's when we go to Utah. The kids have a wonderful time. This last time we even got lunch.



Ellie watching intensely.

Lining up his shot.

McKay decided that for good luck he would blow in each finger hole before each turn.

Celebrating a terrific bowl.

Practicing for her modeling career.

Ellie wore herself out.