Lovely

Lovely. I always use that word to describe my wife because I think it the most appropriate. What do you think of when you hear the word lovely? A soft-petaled flower touched by morning rays? A fresh-fallen snow on a crisp winter morning? A broad-brushed painting with a parasol or a covered bridge?

I wish I could paint, because if I would I could capture the radiance, the beauty, the hilarity that is my wife. I would need every color in the universe to make a proper picture.

Then again, even if I had the talent of Monet or Rembrandt, I could never capture her true essence and the happiness that she brings to my life. I truly do think that I have the most wonderful life on the planet. I have a fantastic wife that has brought me two glorious children. I have a family. Not a family just in the organizational sense, but in the true sense of the word, I have a family.

I am so thankful for my wife. She anchors our family in the Gospel and makes life a pleasure. Happy birthday, lovely. You are my tiny.

I propose a Haylee Day!

Happy Birthday Haylee! Even though you live far away, and we don't get to see you nearly enough, we want you to know how much we love you! We're glad that Greg chose you to be part of our family, thankful for your willingness to be a mom, and for the good care and love you give our brother. We look forward to getting to know you for many years to come! Have the best birthday ever!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAYLEY!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday!

My Baby Grows Up

Brooke is dancing in the Hmong New Year celebration tonight. Our neighbors dressed her up all fancy, did her hair super cute and off I sent her for a day of fun. We'll meet her there tonight, but for now she is off on her own. This is our 4th year attending the New Year celebration, so it's easy for me to gauge her age and maturity based upon the things we let her do each year. The first year she stayed right by us and wasn't allowed to wander. Three years ago she could walk around in the main room, and I kept her in sight at all times. This year she left early and I didn't even worry (too much)! She'll be 10 years old in a couple of months.

Makes me feel old.

Trip to Twin

Last weekend we went to Twin Falls to visit Stephani (really we went because Blair had two college games to ref there, but Steph was my important reason!) We took the kids out of school early on Thursday, drove to IF and then left EARLY on Friday morning to get to Steph's house around 9:30 (Really, Blair was going pheasant hunting, so that's why we had to leave early). The kids had so much fun visiting with her and spending time with the cousins! We went swimming, to the bouncy house, drank volcanoes at the really cool old time chocolate store, played all day long, and had a sleep over at the motel. It was a FANTASTIC weekend. Saturday Dad came over and went hunting with Blair and Adam- they even got 4 pheasants, which made all of the walking a little more worth it. The weekend was too short, but perfect none the less. Below are some pictures of the fun. I tried to make sure to put some cute one's up of Steph's girls, since we don't get to see enough of them on the blog!! There are a couple of pictures of Em that I have tried to load several times, but it keeps loading different pictures rather then the one I choose! I'll try to add them later!

Avery LOVED swimming. This was the first time (I think that's what Steph Said) all out swimming in the water. Dane LOVES it, and wishes that I didn't have to hold on to him.

Steph introduced us to Volcanoes! My kids want to have volcano's with thier friends now! Did you know that Brooke doesn't like "fizzy's"- Pop hurts her mouth, she's probably only had it 4-5 times in her entire life. She would rather be thirsty then have to drink soda.
Sarah wasn't sure she wanted to drop in her egg, but she did in the end!

Love the ball pit. ADMIT IT- all of you secretly want to jump in there to and swim around! I know that I did.

I Propose a Sarah Week

Last Christmas, Sarah learned how to play Wii Tennis. However, she couldn't get good enough to get past the first opponent. Still she would play. Every time a new game would begin, she would explaim in a exasperated, yet somehow still bright, tone, "Oh man! Not this guy again!" It was hilarious.

Beans - 1989

Go Huskies.