Tile Skiing

Nathan and I accidentally made up this new game. I noticed that my new flip flops were very slippery on our tile floor. So, I told him to try sliding accross the floor with them. He really couldn't get going, so I pulled him. Before long we were all taking turns dragging one another across the kitchen floor while wearing my flip flops. Good times!

It's Great to Be Eight!

Kirsi got baptized yesterday. I can't believe she is already eight years old! The time goes by so fast! The baptism was wonderful and we had so many friends and family there. Thank you everyone for your help and for supporting Kirsi!

My mom taught me how to sew. Unfortunately, I haven't used that skill as much as I should have over the years. I decided for Kirsi's baptism I would make her a dress. It has a VERY full skirt. It wasn't easy to sew, but Kirsi loves to twirl in it!

I included this photo to show you the kind of support we have. We really feel blessed! I think having the baptism on a Sunday was a great idea. During the week it is so hard to work around schedules. Thank you everyone for coming!!! For those who couldn't come--we missed you--especially the family that couldn't come!

Baking 101

Kirsi made her first, very own, all by herself batch of cookies yesterday. I told her what ingredients and amounts, and she did the rest. I was going to make the cookies for her, but she wanted to try. I really didn't think she was big enough, but I was wrong. I think I'm in denial that my baby is grown up.

We made the cookies because in Primary yesterday they asked if any of the kids knew the 3rd Article of Faith. Kirsi raised her hand and said she did and recited it with very little help. One of the dads leaned over to me and said, "You need to make her some cookies today." So we did. She also bore her testimony yesterday all by herself--nobody even had to go up with her!

Dying to Tie Dye

Kirsi has been begging me for months to let her tie dye a shirt. I had done it with Nathan once when he was little and remembered how messy it was, so I kept puttin her off. Finally, for her birthday we got her a tie dye shirt kit (in hopes that with a kit it wouldn't be as messy). Here is the finished product. Kirsi picked the colors and design herself. The kit didn't make it much easier or less messy--by the way. Kirsi couldn't be happier with her shirt though. I suppose it was worth it--look at that smile!

A Star is Born

Nathan received his Star rank in Boy Scouts last night. He has worked so hard on his Scouting. We're so proud of him. He got 13 merit badges too! Way to go Nay!

Kirsi Turns Eight!

Kirsi had big plans for her birthday. We started the day with her decorating her own cake. She had a little help. She did a great job! After she was done, we hopped in the car and went to eat lunch with Dad at work. Then it was on to Uncle Darrell's law firm for the grand tour and to pick up the cousins. I took all the kids, Nathan, Kirsi and their three cousins to the Rogers Animal Shelter and the Bella Vista Animal Shelter. Kirsi loves dogs!!! And Nathan is working on his Dog Care Merit Badge. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain, so we all got wet as we walked around outside looking at the dogs. The things we do for our children!

After we got back from the animal shelters, the rain had let up and I let the kids run through the sprinklers. They had an absolute blast! We have three sprinklers that they picked up and used like water guns. Nathan and Kirsi would ride on their bikes and the cousins would try to shoot them with water.

After playing the sprinklers, Grandma and Grandpa, Daddy and the rest of the cousins arrived. We had pizza and played Pin the Tail on the Dog (I told you she loves dogs).



Then it was time for presents! Kirsi got new scriptures from Mom and Dad, and a new Webkinz from Nathan. (She also got money from Grandma M, and Grandma S, Puppies in My Pocket from Grandma and Grandpa, a bracelet, bookmark and money from her cousins, a Barbie and Barbie clothes from Grandpa D and a weaving loom from her other cousins--Thank you everyone!)

Think she likes her gift?

And of course the birthday wish. I'm thinking that Kirsi had been contimplating her wish for some time because there was absolutely no pause between "...Happy Birthday to you," and her blowing. I barely had time to snap a shot of it.

Happy Birthday, Kirsi! We love you!

Meet Sammy

This is Sammy. He is my Cockapoo--half Cocker Spaniel, half Poodle. He joined our family about 18 months ago. He was only 7 weeks old when we got him. After my miscarriage, I needed something to cuddle with. Sammy has been a wonderful addition to our family. He doesn't bark, doesn't shed, knows a lot of tricks, and was really easy to crate and house train.

Look at that face!!!Sammy can jump higher than you would think he could by looking at him. He is really fun to watch.

Sammy rolling over on command. He can also turn in circles, but that is hard to see in photographs.

I love how Sammy lays with his back legs behind him--totally relaxed!

This is Sammy running a muck around the living room. If there is one thing about Sammy I could change, it would be his energy level. He loves to run around the house as fast as he can. It is kind of funny to watch, but watch out...


This is Sammy giving Kirsi "five." (It's actually ten, but he won't respond when we say, "Gimme ten!")

Sammy's newest trick is jumping over a broomstick about 12 inches off of the ground.

These photos don't really do Sammy justice. He isn't very photogenic.