Just What I Wanted!!

I hope Gayle doesn't mind, but I've been dying to show off these pictures. My cousin, Gayle took us up Hobble Creek Canyon and spent 2 hours taking our family picture. It was so fun and she did such a great job! Again, we really appreciate your time and talent Gayle!! Thank you!

Here are the pictures that she's posted for us. I was so worried that the kids wouldn't cooperate or something else would happen, but everything worked out great. I love all of them.

Probably Trespassing

Last Monday evening, Dave took the boys out to climb trees (Derek's new love). By the time I got outside they were done with the trees and I found them across the street running up and down the hills in this open lot. The sun was just setting and luckily I had brought my camera to capture the "tree climbing", so we got some shots of the beautiful view. I love Utah mountains.

You can see the Provo temple and Y mountain in the background.

I Heart Troy (aka Dave)

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My Kids as Teenagers...Let's hope not.

This one is to make Taylor happy.

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Something every baby must learn

It seems to me that "Patty-cake, Patty-cake" is one of those tricks that all babies must learn. Like a prerequisite to childhood. McKenna's version of "toss it in the oven" is a little unorthodox, but she's got the idea. Enjoy!

It's Official...

...I am a mom! You would think that childbirth would do it, but no, there are some little milestones that make you feel more and more like a true, full-on mom. Your first mini-van, first day of school, and now we've reached...soccer! I am now a soccer mom. I feel like I need a bumper sticker. Derek started soccer the end of August and he loves it, which makes all the driving to and from practice and games worth it. I can't imagine having more than one child in a sport, like my sister! Four days a week involve soccer and one day a week with Dave's softball. It doesn't last forever, so I really don't mind.

Derek is just dying to kick his first goal. He's had plenty of opportunities, but he's just not aggressive enough. He just likes to run with the pack of kids. He gets a few good kicks in each game and we try to praise those. This age group is very entertaining to watch. They get confused which direction to kick it and the coach has a hard time keeping their attention. It gives the kids great experience though. Derek loves feeling like a "real soccer dude".

Derek's New Favorite Number is 6

Now that Derek is six, his new favorite number has changed from 5 to 6. Derek's actual birthday was on Sunday and was pretty low-key. He woke up to the traditional streamers hanging in his doorway and sign on the door. We went to church where they sang to him and gave him a crown. We came home and ate our usual nachos, but by calling them "birthday nachos" it made it a little more special. We also let him choose the chip with the most cheese. :) He chose taquitos for dinner which was more than okay with me. Super easy, since they are the frozen variety. :) After dinner we had cake and presents.
Derek has a funny thing with his feet. We think they are just super, ultra-sensitive. He freaks out when we try to clip his nails and don't even think about giving him a foot rub. Because of this sensitivity, he LOVES getting new socks. I think we all do though. But I just think it's cute that a 6 year old is already in love with it. So we bought him a pack for his birthday.
Yes, that is cake number 2! Lucky kid. He had asked for a chocolate Batman cake months ago and no one wants to disappoint their child on their birthday. :) When I showed him the cake with just the Batman symbol he said "it's perfect". Then I showed him the cake with the border and he said "oh, now it's more perfect!".