Fall Break 2014- Park City

Fall Break was so great this year. Seth and I went up to Park city for one night by ourselves. I got a good deal on a room because we agreed to listen to a time share presentation. That was the worst 90 minutes of our lives. But everything before and after that was worth it. While we were gone grandma Brown came and spent the night with the kids. They had a blast with her. Then we picked up the kids and spent 2 more days in Park City. Basically, eating, swimming, playing, hiking, and relaxing. The girls loved the jetted tub and robes. Claire also fell in love with Chinese checkers.  And of course they couldn't get enough of the pool!

It was so fun to be able to get away and spend time together as a family!

New Bishop

A days ago Seth had the idea that we should schedule an appointment with the bishop of the ward Kenny should be going to.
This morning we met with him. He was a very nice man and very happy to help. His wife is the activity days leader. We decided it would be a good idea to take Bella to an activity days activity and then one day maybe all of us going to that ward. Of course we need to check with Rob and see what he thinks about when we can tell Kenny. We still want to fight for Bella to come to church in our ward but it wouldn't hurt for her to have friends in Salt Lake for when she with Kenny.
I'm grateful to have a husband who is so in tune with the spirit and had the idea to even do this.
I don't want Bella to be away from us but it would make me feel good to know there are good people taking her to church and watching over her when I can't.
I felt the spirit as we met with the bishop and i know this is the right thing to do.

No Words

A few days ago we go the report from Ann Trupp. And since then I've done nothing but cry. I know it was bad because Seth was crying.
It hurt so much I can't even find the words to write. I just feel sick to my stomach and sad all the time.
This report has no truth to it and hurts so much because she slammed our character. She made up things that didn't happen, twisted our words and left out key reports and testimony. All to fuel her side.
What makes me so sad is none of this is about Bella. It's about Kenny having rights.
We've met with Rob and feel that our best choice would be to give Kenny Anna's recommendation for parent time. This is hard, but Rob says we can document everything for 6 months and then go back to court and show the rope that Kenny hung himself with. Because there is no way he can do everything he says hes going to do.
The problem with this is I don't want Bella to get hurt. But Seth thinks he should give her a blessing that this short 6 months won't effect her. I know Kenny can't keep up with this schedule during good weather let alone during the winter. So Rob thinks getting this started by November/December is the best. I've tried talking to Bella about it to get her prepared but she just cries and says "why doesn't anyone care what I want?".

Gardening Class

The twins and their friend Claire took a gardening class at Woods Cross. They had a good time and were so well behaved. They looked so cute in the big high school desks.

Best Friends Even in sleep

I checked on the twins at night and saw this. Oh how I love these two!!

Dear Syd

Dear Sydney,

5 years old! What a big girl you are! Just think, only 5 years ago you were this 4lb baby and now you're one of the tallest in your class!
You've learned so many things this past year. I'm so proud of the girl you are becoming. You always think of others first and love to share.
Me and dad love being your parents! You truly are such a blessing in our lives! And I don't know what I'd do without you!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Dear Bre

Dear Breanna,

Happy 5th birthday!! I can't believe it's here!
I have loved watching you grow this past year! You've learned so many new things. I especially love that I know I can always count on you to share with your sisters. You're the first one to offer something to someone else and the first to offer to help me.

Dad and I love being your parents! It truly is such a blessing!
We hope you have a great year!

Love,

Mom & Dad

Happy Birthday Syd & Bre

Started the morning off with presents and breakfast in bed. And what could be better than walkie talkies? They were so excited about them!

On Saturday Syd and Bre had a birthday party with some of their friends. We had cake and presents at home and then headed to Kangroo Zoo. Syd said "this is the best day ever!". Although Syd did get a mild concussion, not fun!

Linda made their Scooby Doo birthday cake and that was a hit! It was a great day!

1st Utah Game of the Seaon

Seth took Bella to the first game of the season and they had a great time!

Mormon Message

It was so much fun to have the girls in the Mormon Message with me. They did a great job and loved having hair and make up and all the treats!

1st Grade- Claire

Claire! How did you get old enough to go to school all day?
I'm going to miss you like crazy! You're so full of energy. I'm jealous your teacher gets to spend so much time with you!
We'll miss you at home, but I know you're going to do so well in school. You're a bright girl just like dad said in your blessing. You have always been a quick learner and remember everything you've been taught!
I can't wait to hear all about your first day!

4th Grade

I can't believe my baby girl is starting 4th grade! I still remember 4th grade. It just doesn't seem possible that you're that old.

Tonight dad gave you the sweetest blessing! I wish I had written everything down so we could always remember it. But I do know he talked about you being a leader not a follower. You have always been a leader. You lead your sisters and your friends. 

You'll do great because you always choose the right!

I can't wait to hear all about your first day!

First Wardrobe Fitting for a shoot with the church's missionary training department

Ogden Temple Open House

We headed to the Ogeden Temple House and then out to lunch at Chick fil a. The kids had a great time and it was fun to be together and see the beautiful Temple.

Wicked!

The girls and I got to see Wicked!Bella has had the entire soundtrack memorized since she was 5 and Claire is taking after her. So this was well worth it. They both couldn't get enough. Grandpa also sent them with money to buy shirts. Which they LOVE!

It was a great night and I feel so blessed to be their mom!

Bear Lake 2014

Thanks to the Toolson's we enjoyed another year at Bear Lake! What an amazing time we had! We invited grandma Brown and Joel for a couple days and grandpa and grandma for a couple days. It was great. None of them had ever been with us so it was fun to host them.

We spent so much time in the sun outside that the kids got burned and some threw up. So we took a rest day and stayed inside. 

Overall it was perfect! Just like every year. We are so grateful for the Toolson's and their kindness!

Celebrating the 4th

This year Joel hosted a 4th of July party at his house. 

We had lots of fun!