There's a New Female in the House

Introducing Daisy!

Mike and the kids have been begging since Casey died to get a new dog. I was able to put them off until it got warm, and then until after our vacation. Finally, I couldn't put them off anymore, and had to make good on my promise.

We got her one week ago, and she is 12 weeks old. I am happy to report that she has really been a great dog so far. It is fun to see the different personalities that dogs have.

We have to keep our eye on her because she does get into mischief.

(Don't worry, the dishes were dirty, not clean.)

But Mike finally has a new buddy to follow him around.

And so do the kids.

And that makes it all worth it.

My Little Boy Isn't So Little Anymore

This past Sunday Noah turned 5. It's hard to believe that time is going by so quickly. We had fun celebrating his birthday. We went to dinner the night before at Red Robin - his choice. He made me tell the server it was his birthday so that they would sing to him and bring him an ice cream sundae. I wished I had a camera when they came out to sing, because he was so embarrassed. But boy did he devour that ice cream.

He woke up in the morning to streamers and balloons

He chose the Sunday dinner - roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and broccoli

He got some great presents - a spaceship blanket from Grammy

An Angels jersey from Grandpa

Megan gave him a Transformer, Sammy gave him a watch, and Mom and Dad gave him a Nintendo DS of his own.

He wanted me to make him a spaceship cake, so I did my best

Candles lit - ready to take off

His sisters were even extra nice to him for his birthday

He said it was his best birthday ever.

We love you Noah!

Trip to Utah - the Final Chapter

Because we took so many pictures, I had a hard time choosing my favorites. Here are some others that didn't make it the first time around:

Trip to Utah - Part 5

We needed something to do one Sunday afternoon to fill the time after church, so we headed up to Memory Grove to walk off the kid's energy for a little bit.

Cooling their feet

Taking some time to meditate

Noah needed his chance too

Mike celebrated his 40th birthday while we were in Utah . He got to spend it with his family, which was so neat for him.

His favorite - blueberry cheesecake

He got some gifts that come in handy when you're an old guy

We also got to celebrate the 4th of July. The day started with a little parade in Mike's parent's neighborhood. Afterwards there is a little neighborhood carnival with games and food.

My whole family was also in town for the weekend of the 4th. We all decided to meet up in Park City to do a little outlet shopping, and then over to the resort to ride the Alpine Coaster and Slide. We had a great time! Afterward we went back to Mike's parent's house for a BBQ, and then over to the park to watch fireworks.

Hanging out at the outlets

Me and my sis

The next day we headed down to American Fork for my nephew Landon's blessing. It was so fun to be with my family, and the weekend ended way too quickly.

Nicole's family

My whole family!

Silly cousins

The kids with my Grandma and Grandpa Crosbie - the only Great-grandparents my kids have left. I was so happy that we got to see them and get this picture.

When it was time to head home we drove a long first day - 15 hours, and stayed the night in Council Bluff, Iowa. Since the second day was a shorter drive we took a detour and went to visit Adam-ondi-Ahman. It was the only church history site we hadn't visited yet in Missouri. It was a very beautiful and peaceful place.

From there we headed home. We were happy to be back in our own beds, but so sad the trip was over. We had such a fun time with all our family and friends, and can't wait to do it again!