Hello Summer

I have been so grateful for warm weather! We just can't get enough. I try not to complain about it getting too hot, because it sure doesn't last long, then it is winter again, bleh.

Samson is growing up quickly. Here he is 5 months old.

 Took a quick camping trip up Toponce Canyon, beautiful!

 Jack turned 5!

Grandma Myrn turned 60

 Kids at the Rexburg splashpark

 Jack rocking his motorbike

 Most of our activities involve water in some way or another. Bridge jumping is one

 of Val's favorite past-times.

Swimming lessons with all of the cousins was a blast! Bella wouldn't put her face in the water

 until the third day of lessons.

 7 months old and loves to play in the grass

Kids on the double-bike in the parade with the primary on the 24th.

January '12

 We've been so busy dancing,

 making peanut butter playdough, 

and cleaning up messes (chocolate milk mix EVERYWHERE)...

that we are all worn out! (and slacking at blogging)

December '11

 December was full of fun and excitement. We had Grandpa Roy's 60th Birthday party.

 Christmas

 Fed the ducks

Added a baby brother to the family

Samson Roy

Three months later, here is the birth story: 12/13/11 Started out the day with contractions. When they were 15 minutes apart I got concerned- I wasn't scheduled for my c-section for another week. Called the dr. and he said to come in right away. After getting admitted and checked I was dilated to a 6. The clock was ticking. By the time I was prepped for surgery I was at an 8 and given the option to push until the surgeon checked me and said the baby was faced wrong. Surgery proceeded and at 1:15pm came a 6lb 1oz 19in baby boy.

These two still have a hard time keeping their hands off, but they are pretty good helpers.

One of my favorite pictures! We are just about to leave the hospital. (All pictures of me in the hospital look terrible! I had also just had an IV dose of iron to help replenish my low red blood cell count so I was very pale.)

15 Days old, pictures by Alesha

Jack and Bella

 These two, like most close in age siblings, are the best of friends and fight constantly.

 They miss each other when apart, and show concern and hugs when the other gets hurt.

Even though they wreck the house, cause me to wear mismatched shoes to church, and don't eat their dinner, they have the cutest smiles around- I love my kids!

Dreaming of Summer

Now that it has turned cold I can't help but think of those days not so long ago...

 Driggs

Youth Conference at Badger Creek

 Alexander Res.

 Portneuf River in Lava

 Bear Lake

Only about 8 months until we can do this all over again!

Downata Hot Springs

This was truly a fun and adventurous week for me. I'm talking about camping at Downata in June for four nights, just us girls and our kids!

 

At night we enjoyed girl talk around the campfire. 

Yes... we can take care of ourselves and even build a fire!

We swam each day after lessons and wore ourselves out.

 The kids got along great! 

Along with swimming there was sand to play in, bikes to ride, and forts to build.

Notice the careful placement of rocks and sticks.

Plans for next year are already in mind.