Beach Babe and Company

It was a beautiful day today and summer is quickly coming to an end so Mike took the day off and we headed to Grafton Lake. A great time was had by all even little Anne. She loved playing in the sand, trying to eat the sand and splashing in the water. Alex and Abby also had a great time digging in the sand and playing in the shallow water. Hopefully we can fit in one more day at the beach before school starts!

"I Wanna Stay at Grammy's FOREVER!"

These were the words frequently spoken by Abby on our recent trip to Utah. We had a great time in Utah going to a Bees Baseball Game, Lagoon, waterparks, taking Alex and Abby to their first movie, attending the Oquirrh Temple Open House, seeing old friends and most importantly being with family. It was fun to see Alex, Abby and Anne interact with their cousins. We were sad to say good-bye to loved ones and already can't wait to visit again.

We Love Him!!

For Father's Day this year, I took the kids to the local dollar store to pick out a couple of gifts for Dad. The kids had so much fun shopping for Dad and did a good job of picking out things Dad would enjoy like his favorite snacks and some tools. They could hardly wait for Father's Day to give him their gifts. Here's a few pictures of this year's Father's Day.

Alex placed this warning note on the door of the closet containing Dad's gifts.

Alex was so excited to finally give Dad his gift.

Abby also elated to give her gift.

Mike admiring the card Abby made for him.

Happy kids with their happy Dad!

Hose 'Em Down!!

Alex and Abby LOVE to play in the backyard, especially in the sandbox. "Can we go outside?" is frequently asked by them throughout the day. Lately, they have been getting extra dirty making bath time a daily necessity. On this occasion, they were so dirty we had to hose them down so that they could actually go in the house.

1,2,3 Strikes, Not Out!

Alex has entered the world of tee-ball competition where everybody is a winner. We've enjoyed watching him and the other little boys on his team learn the game of baseball. Alex's favorite parts of tee-ball are the over-sized uniforms, pulling on the grass and dandelions in the out field and waving at Mom and Dad. Oh yeah, and he likes to bat and catch.

In the "ready" position.

At bat - GO ALEX! (If you look closely, you'll see Mike and Abby in the background playing third base coach.)

Getting a little distracted.

Running to third with Dad coaching him on - I love their helmets:)

Two of Alex's biggest fans.

We Love Our Abby

A few weeks ago we celebrated Abby's 3rd birthday. Mike and I can't believe that our first baby girl is three! Where did the time go? Abby chose a princess theme for her first birthday party and we invited a few of her friends. I am used to rough, loud and crazy boy birthday parties so I was pleasantly surprised by how sweet and cute little girl princess parties are. Here are few pictures of the celebrations surrounding Abby's birthday.

A picture of Abby shortly before her birthday party. She was soooo excited!

Abby and her friends eating cake.

What Alex thinks of princess parties - his face shows it all!

Abby caught destroying her cake.

What was left of Abby's cake after a cake batter mishap with Alex and after Abby destroyed half of it. It was about 1/2 inch high with frosting!

Out of the Mouth of Butcher Babes

As we currently don't have a functioning camera this will be our first post without any pictures. We thought we'd share instead some of our favorite things that the kids have said in recent months. We hope you'll find them as funny as we do. Hopefully our next blog will contain pictures of our wonderful Butcher Babes.

(Setting) Mike and Alex are walking into the men's locker room at the YMCA. Mike notices that the locker room smells extra bad that day.
Alex: Mmmm, it smells good in here.
Mike: Really?
Alex: Yeah, it smells like root beer.

(Setting) Anytime Abby says a prayer.
Abby: Dear Heavenly Father, We thank thee for this day. We thank thee for the food (Even if there is no food in sight). Please bring the blessings. Amen.

(Setting) Mike and Heidi having a conversation about their age at the dinner table.
Alex: Mom, are you old?
Heidi: No, not yet.
Alex: Are you new?

(Setting) Abby singing her favorite song "I am Like a Star" over and over again.
Abby: I want to sing "I am Like a Star" on my nose.
Heidi: Okay. (Heidi thinking Abby will simply change the lyrics to include the word nose)
Abby: (Abby starts puffing the tune "I am Like a Star" through her nose.)

(Setting) Several hours after Heidi attempted to answer Alex's question 'Where did my poopoos come from?" Alex is asked to say the prayer at the dinner table.
Alex: Dear Heavenly Father. Please bless the food in our tummies so that it can turn into poopoos.

(Setting) Alex found an old picture of an ultrasound done while I was pregnant.
Alex: Mom, what is this?
Heidi: It's a picture of an ultrasound.
Alex: (several seconds go by)...What sound does it make?

(Setting) Alex's battery operated toy wasn't working anymore.
Alex: Mom, why doesn't this toy work anymore?
Heidi: The battery ran out.
Alex: (Alex looks perplexed.) Where did it go?