sand angels and lumberjacks

This past weekend we went camping.  Not "real" camping with tents and no running water--we had cabins and bathrooms.  The camp grounds are owned by the church and used for girl's camps, but families can use the facilities at other times.  We had a great time with 3 other families from our ward.  We climbed trees, braved the 25 ft. 2-line traverse, rappelled, and participated in other team building activities.  Everyone had a great time!  The following day we hiked around the beautiful grounds and went canoeing before heading home.  Millie thought that it was only appropriate to make a sand angel on the beach--if it works in snow, it must work in sand!  

Davis at the helm of the canoe--way to row boys!

Only thee of our five children made it in the picture--one is not paying any attention (Millie) and the other (Eli) is busy tormenting our little friend by pulling her hair.  Sorry Ana!  

Millie log dancing?

Thanks so much to our fun friends for a great weekend! Let's do it again soon!

4 down, 1 to go!

Being 3 1/2 years old and signed up for Preschool this fall, we thought it was high time for Millie to be rid of diapers. Yes, I choose my battles and she won! With a drawer FULL of princess, My Little Pony, and very pink panties, she was not going to budge! However, I was done! I bought the last box of #6 diapers (you know that is the biggest they make those things!) and told her that when the box was done, it's panty time! She went along with it. When the basket of diapers was empty, she threw a complete fit, as I expected. Stuck to my guns though (so proud). It was panties, pull ups, or a bare bum. She FINALLY gave in and chose the Cinderella panties. And it has been 2 weeks and only a few minor accidents to speak of! Woo Hoo for Millie! She had an issue with wearing pull ups at night (no surprise), so we compromised--1 week pull ups at night and if they were dry, she could try panties all night. Voila! She's a pro! So, 4 down and only 1 more to potty train! Woo Hoo for me! Oh, these monumental moments of motherhood!

growing way too fast!

Now I know that this is normal for his age (6 months old tomorrow!), but man how I wish I could slow time down just a bit!  Knowing that he is our last baby just makes me want to prolong most of these "baby stages."  Sitting is still a bit wobbly and he really is only rocking on his knees--so I still have time, but not much!  Eli continues to be so happy and content.  We love having him in our family!

What do you think--time for his big boy crib?  We just had his room painted (being as he has been in this bassinet in our CLOSET!) and working on making it cute.  He has been sleeping in his crib the last few days, and I think he really misses his tight, dark space!  He is still a great sleeper at night (10 hours or so), but his naps aren't quite as long. He'll get used to it!

Yum, toes!  Hopefully he will break this habit on his own!  I only wish that I was this flexible!

4th of July and then some ...

Yes, we really do have eyes!  Can you tell it was a bit sunny on the 4th?!  

Our holiday festivities began well before the 4th as we were lucky enough to have the Mills family visit us!  We all had a great time--watching high school volleyball, seeing Kung Fu Panda, playing the Wii, hiking to the "Y", running a 5K/10K, pedicures, eating out, BYU Alumni Center/Bean Museum, our own fireworks show in our street (you can do that here!), dodge ball/croquet match in our backyard, just spending time together!  Thank you for the visit Uncle Michael, Aunt Becky, Melanie, and Rylan!

We are so grateful to live where we do--it's not a hard place to lure our family and friends for a visit!  Thank goodness for all the family connections that bring you all here! Although we would like to think it was just because of us! But we LOVE, LOVE seeing you all!  It's been so fun to spend time with so many of our dearest family and friends--our kids are going through "extra, super-duper fun, get-away-with-not-doing-our-chores" withdrawal--it's back to the summer chore chart! So you see, we absolutely love our visitors!  Come back soon!