Katie's 5th Birthday

Our sweet Katie turned 5! Katie loves to dance, sing, and make people laugh. She is so patient with her sisters, shares toys so good, and loves to hold and play with Nathan. Katie is our child that likes to go on rides...anywhere. She'll want to go to the grocery store, the soccer games, on a walk. She just learned how to ride a bike without training wheels, and is getting more and more independent. I love having Katie at home with me another year before she goes to kindergarten. She is so helpful, and is full of spunk...which makes our lives full of fun.

We had a party for her. She had so much fun with all the family that came to celebrate with us!

Katie - 2 months old
Katie - 6 months old
Katie - 2 years old

Katie - 3 years old

Katie - 4 years old

Katie - 5 years old

We love you Katie!

Joy School

Katie was really disappointed not to go to school this year. So, I found a group of mothers doing a Joy School twice a week. It was fun! The six kids are very cute and get along well. We took the first week to get to know each other, then I took the next week of teaching. I learned a few things:

1. Do not waste time cleaning BEFORE the kids arrive. They could care less.

2. Painting is probably not the best activity to start with.

3. Kids don't think veggies count as a snack.

4. My day of over-prepared went way better than my day of being under-prepared.

5. Show and tell could last an hour, if I never interrupted.

This was my favorite project we did this week. The Joy School Bus. I took pictures of all the kids, cut holes in an egg carton, painted them yellow, and stuck the pictures inside the holes of their bus. The kids loved them. I'm glad I now have a few weeks off...I'll need it to think of more to do.

The Fair

Growing up, we never really went to the fair...and now I know why. Everything is way expensive, and having children with you is way tiring. But, we did have fun...so I can also see why people go. Here are some cute pictures of the girls on the rides.

Katie on the swings.

Rachel on the motorcylce.

Katie, Rachel, and Sarah on the train.

Rachel and Sarah coming down on the slide.

Rachel, Katie, Sarah, and me on the tea cups. Sarah had to get off half way through because she inherited her Dad's stomach for amusement parks.

Cute picture of Rachel and Katie on the swings.

Sarah and David.

Okay, I entered Nathan in a Cutest Baby Contest...and he didn't win. But he should have...I am not biast...HE IS THE CUTEST BABY!

Last, but not least. I ran the 5k. I am getting better. I bested my time...so I was happy.

Visitors

We've had a lot of visitors this summer. I thought I'd post a few pictures, and thank everyone who has come over to see us! Thanks again...we love you guys!
Rachel and Katie loved having their cousins come up from St. George. Nora and Lily. Here are some pictures of Michael and Bonnie's family while they came over.

David and his brother, Michael


Lily, being very cute

Doesn't Nora look fetching in the arms of her uncle.

Carla came in June, just before her birthday, so we had a party while she was here. The girls love Aunt Carla...we think she is pretty great.

Grandpa holding Sarah..she misses her "Papa".

Grandma and Nathan being really cute together.

Grandma Cox came and we went to see her sister LaVona. Two really cute old ladies...I love them!

And last, but not least. Grandpa Cox gave his stamp of approval on the sheds. We were so grateful that Grandpa and Grandma made it down. They have been a huge part of our lives.

Well, sorry I didn't get everyone's picture who came...but thanks again. We're excited to be in our new home, and grateful to have wonderful families!