Playing at the Beach

We took a break after the blessing to let the kids enjoy the beach before we headed back to Las Vegas.

Hailey thought the water was a little too cold to jump in.

Jordan, Noah & Bradley had no problem diving right into the water.

Hailey & Audrey ran around looking for shells.

Dad was obviously beat enough to crash in front of everyone.

Well, I'm finally getting over my huge fear of guns. I still am not a complete pro at it, and I still get a little nervous when I'm about ready to pull the trigger. Now I don't consider them to be in the same category as spiders, snakes, and tight spaces. I pray that I'll never need to actually use one, but I feel better now that I know I could be ready in an emergency.

Ben's New Trick

Benjamin has learned a trick recently that makes everyone laugh. The following pictures show the jist of it. Up, down, left, right, down, repeat. He thinks he's so funny that he cracks himself up.

Jordan's Fauxhawk

Jordan believed that I would be willing to let him have a fauxhawk. Since he needed a serious haircut, I let him keep it for a day. Granted, if we had to leave the house he promised he'd comb it. I told him in order to commemorate the event, I'd post a picture.

Naked Sunday Mornings

As I was getting ready for church one Sunday morning, I decided I'd better check on everyone since Taylor wasn't home. While I headed downstairs, I heard a continual "squeak, squeak, squeak". The noise started getting louder the closer I got to the back door. Much to my surprise, this is what was causing the noise.......

Being the smart little stinkerpants he is, Ben pulled over the stepladder to let himself up. For those of you who are easily offended, I blurred out the embarrassing areas.

School Spelling Bee

Noah sitting in line on the bench waiting for his turn.

Up in front of the principal for one of his words. He looks so relaxed. I think my nerves took more of a beating than his did.

Noah won 1st place for 2nd grade!!!! They even moved on to the "Challenge Words" for 4th grade in order to weed through the kids a little faster. We are so proud of him! Great job Noah!!!!!

Pinewood Derby

Noah's car on the left and Jordan's on the right.

The boys got VERY into making their Pinewood Derby cars this year. At the Stake tournament, Jordan came in 2nd for the Webelos & Noah came in 1st for the Wolves. In the final race, where the 1st place finishers raced against each other, Noah came in 2nd behind the same kid that beat out Jordan in Webelos. Who invited that kid anyways?

Ben LOVED watching all the cars race. It was almost as good as Disneyland for him.

4th of July

4th of July fireworks were held at our home this year. It was nice having such a big backyard to light the fireworks off. Looking at the pictures, I pondered at how nuts it is to have kids running around with lighted sticks in their hands. It's a wonder no one got hurt.

Taylor and the bonfire of sparklers.

Ben wanted no part of fireworks. This is one of only a few moments that he let me take my hand from off of his ear. He was petrified.

Hailey has become such a poser these days. I can hardly get candid shots anymore. Once she sees a camera aimed at her, she automatically strikes a pose. Notice the absolutely forced smile. This look reminds me of the cheerleaders posing in high school.

Ben was fascinated the next day to inspect the damage. He was out there staring all afternoon.

Jordan & Noah

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hailey

I'm trying a few different ways to do a slideshow on here, so bear with me. I thought I'd better put one on of Hailey before she starts crying for equal opportunity.