Family Photos - August 2016

In August, we had photos taken of our family. It had been almost two years and it was time! Due to rain we rescheduled twice, and still were rained "in" on the third time! We met in Excelsior and luckily there was a covered area that worked well for photos. It was pouring ran and didn't let up, but we still were able to get the session done. Here are just a few that we love. We were surprised how much our kids loved posing for the camera. Lincoln had in his mind that he should get down on his belly for the pictures, so Lauren followed.  Lauren could not stay still for more than two seconds, and when it was her turn for individual photos, she twirled and danced!  They show her personality, which is perfect. I love how photography can capture moments, personalities, etc. 

Happy 7th Anniversary!

We drove down back to Las Vegas two days before we flew back to Minnesota. Our last day of vacation was our anniversary. Happy 7 years to my sweetheart.  We didn't go fancy for dinner, but something memorable. When we were both at BYU for undergrad, we loved to eat at Cafe Rio. It is our favorite Mexican American place by far. So we had to go there, yes, even for our anniversary. We ate way more than our bellies could handle, but it was so delicious. 

We didn't have a lot of time, but we toured the Bellagio and enjoyed all the lights of the strip of Las Vegas. It is so fun to see! It isn't some place I'd take my kids (a little too much skin there!) 

We ended the night by watching the water fountain shows right outside the Bellagio. It was a great evening. Love you, Vance! Let's do 7 million more!

July 2015- Part 2

In July we had a reunion in southern Utah. Here are a few of the cousins (and younger aunts and uncles) 

Kenzi with Lauren. Kenzi was so sweet to carry Lauren on the end of a hike. 

Keyana and Kate 

Cousins Finn and Isla

Lincoln and I were mini golfing. I remember him swinging and feeling a huge sudden pain in my head. I think his swing was a little too agressive for mini golf, and I was standing way too close. There is no urgent care nearby, so we headed 45 minutes away to the Kanab, UT ER! 3 beds in one room, with two dividers. Only 5 stitches and a cut under the eye, with a black eye for a few days. All is well now.

Zion National Park

Lincoln was a little cranky that this photo was taken.

Cousins Brynn and Lyndee, and Aunt Karissa and Aunt Keyana

Jenna, Lyndee, Keyana, Jessica, and Vance

Tanner is the man!

Lincoln is the fairest of them all:) Actually, I told the kids to dry off for a couple of minutes before we went back to the car.

This was the day after the first mini golfing date. We had only gotten to hole 5 the first time, and we had to finish!

Aunt Becky, CJ, Karissa, and Lauren at the rodeo

Jumping on a trampoline outside in the middle of July in Las Vegas. It was SO HOT! We were only outside for about 5 minutes.

Bounce U in Las Vegas

Lincoln and Ethan

The laundry needs to be started, the dishwasher needs to be unloaded, floors swept, but I try to enjoy moments with my sleeping baby. 

Picnic at the park

July 2015- Part 1

Lauren and I went on a much needed date. We painted at a park (in her Minnie Mouse coloring book) and then got vanilla ice cream cones at McDonald's. With adding a wonderful, and third child, it has been stressful. Lauren has been a trooper. She has been lately saying "I'm just like you, Mom" or "Mom, play with me!" and "Mom, we're twins." I've realized I need to spend more time with her and make sure she feels loved. 

First zucchini of the season. They both wanted to hold it. So far we've already made about 6 loaves of zucchini bread, and 2 loaves of Death by Chocolate zucchini bread (which is basically cake)

Ok, I absolutely love gardening. I bought these Strawberry Candy daylilies a year or so ago. They are all right next to my beautiful purple Russian Sage plants (I've got like 7-8). It is looking absolutely stunning this year. I have another daylily like this with lots of Russian Sage. It is my favorite side of the house right now!!!

Lincoln is constantly writing notes, making plans, drawing pictures, maps, etc. He gave me this puzzle in a plastic sandwich bag this month. It says  I love you Mom soo much. 

New hair cut for this gal. Her hair was getting so long! But it was attracting lots of peanut butter, syrup, etc. which was no fun...

Caught these boys talking one night on the front porch.

Beach day with neighbor Matt. We took him with us. It was a little chilly that day. 

After our vacation to Utah (and trying to save money by taking red eye flights with three kids both ways) meant tired kids for days. Here Lincoln is after a grocery trip with me! By the way, these kids did AMAZING on the flights. They all fell asleep for the trip. I was prepared for the worst, but it turned out to be much better.