Kylie & Dennis...

My cousin Kylie & Dennis were married a couple weeks ago in the San Diego Temple on July 11th. Dennis is from Panguitch, Utah and they held an open house this Friday. We decided to surprise them and take a drive on down to celebrate with them!

This is my cousin Jordan hanging out with Krista and I.

Jared, Riley and Kennady enjoying our time at the open house. We were all really just counting down the minutes until the real party in Panguitch was to begin. We all returned to Dennis' grandparents house to open their gifts. We ended up staying us SUPER late until about 2 AM. We all ended up crashing on the grandparents floor that night. They were so kind and hospitable to us. Thanks for the Panguitch fun!

Waterslide FUN!!

On the 24th, we had this GREAT idea (thanks to Krista & Riley) to bring our slippin slide to my Aunt Cheryl's house. Her back yard turns into the community park. We had 75 feet of plastic. We dragged her hose over and had the sprinklers helping out too! We of course brought out the dish soap to help us out! This was a riot. We went again and again. The funny thing was that the very moment we walked out to the park to set up our slide another family brought their 100 foot slippin slide. So, after a few hours of our individual fun we decided to team up and combined our slides. We eventually had 175 feet of pure excitement! It was an absolute riot. We have all decided to continue this tradition, multiple times a year! What a blast! Next time anyone is invited to join in the fun.

This is Alayna's new best friend. "Soda-pop!" Yeah, my kids are sheltered. When they get in the real life with others who actually drink this sugar goodness, she can't get enough of it! So, for the entire BBQ on the 24th she had a "pop" can in her hand! She LOVES pop. Poor kid, she is so deprived!

Yes, for all of you wondering...this is Shandra trying out the slippin slide!

This is Jared trying to take out Alayna! He succeeded!

Celebrating the 24th of July!

Here are a few darling pictures of our little "caveman" Jacob! He seriously is an adorable kid. Jared and I can't get enough of this little guy. He really makes us laugh. I has a few new loves in life, ICE, Balls, water, and girls. (I'll explain the cute girl thing in a minute!) Anyways, I just wanted to post some super cute picts of this little guy! Oh, we call him a caveman because he grunts and acts on instinct only! Cute kid.

Our cute little tag-a-long!

Kennady Lou Peck is our new little baby! Since her parents so kindly left us to enjoy an exotic cruise to Jamaica. We have been blessed with her. My parents so kindly kept her from Friday until Monday afternoon. At that point I relinquished duty. I have her until Thursday night at midnight! Then her parents will be home!

This was the morning...Alayna being so excited to HELP feed Kennady applesauce. I actually enjoyed teaching her how to help me with a baby.

Here are my two babies! Jacob has really enjoyed his new little friend.

She is still such a happy little girl, even though she doesn't have her mommy & daddy to ooh and goo over her...we are enjoying her bright smiling little face!

Just one week later!

Can you believe how quickly our bodies heal? Well, after the traumatic experience last Monday, I am SHOCKED that our sweet little Alayna face is back and smiling!

Besides have a little dry skin under her lip, she is doing perfectly! We are so happy to have her SMILE back! Notice, she is also back to swimming! Every night her "sad" thing for the day was that the doctor said she couldn't swim until Monday. She was so THRILLED with Monday finally came! You better believe it she went straight for the swimming pool!

"HAT!"

This is Jacob sharing his first word, "HAT" with all of you. I guess it is his first object word. He says the typical, Momma, Dadda, bye bye, hi, hot, All done, etc.

Hey, this hat might be pink, but I think he looks great in it! I finally found him a little boy baseball hat for him to wear! I just happened to catch the photo of him saying, "Hat, Hat" while wearing his sisters darling pink hat!

It was bound to happen!

Living with six little kids in one house an accident is bound to happen from time to time. Our little Alayna had another accident. She was out swimming with her cousins. She was taking a ride in a tube and she was somehow pushed over the edge. She unfortunately landed on a rock wall. I'll spare you the gory details...for those who are squeamish and with a weak stomach. Lets just say I thought I was tough...but when I fainted yes, two times today. I guess I'm no longer the brave accident mom.

The first time I showed her her face in the mirror she just stared and then said, "At least I have a cool Spiderman band aid!" What an optimistic little thing!

She had to get on "stitch" underneath her bottom lip because some "tooth" went all the way through. As you can see her face is all scratched up and she has VERY puffy poofy purple lips. She has been a very brave girl.

Unlike myself. As I was standing over her little body and holding her hands down while she was getting stitches, I started feeling a little squeamish. I was just staring at the doctor so intently, that I realized that the room was starting to spin and going very dark. I was thinking very slowly mind you, "I...can't...carry...her...I can't carry her! She's...too...heavy...Jared will have to carry her!" I then found myself "checking out" before I knew it the nurse had pushed me into the chair and had pulled my shoulders down so my head was in between my legs. I few seconds later I was ghostly pale and laughing. I realized what had happened. The doctor said, "I've seen that look plenty of times on the Mommies faces. It does usually happen because the child is finally taken care of and the mommies body begins to go into shock and realize all what has happened!"

I guess that's what happened to me. Except that I was "faint, sweaty, clammy, spinning, etc" at home when I had to figure out what to do with my little girl. Thank heavens for prayer. This situation was assessed MUCH worse than it turned out. Again, all spare the rest of you with a faint stomach the details. We are just thankful she is doing as well as she is. A HUGE thanks goes to Aunt Shanny who helped ME stay calm and under control, even though I was about to faint. I'm just glad Alayna did as well as she did. She was one brave little girl. She was so sweet tonight. When we tucked her in and talked about happy things today and sad things. She said "I was so happy even though you (mommy) was a little scared you prayed and you felt better." Me too.

*What a lucky seven wedding anniversary for Jared and I...we won't forget this one!**

7 years...yes you heard me right!

Today we are celebrating our SEVEN year wedding anniversary. I honestly can't believe that we have rounded over the 5 year mark and we are on our way to TEN. I must admit we have had our good times together.

Jared and I fell madly in love at Utah State University. I was a YOUNG freshman and he was a RECENTLY returned missionary (by three weeks or so!). We were bound to fall in love. We were next door neighbors. I lived in Snow Hall 302 and he was in room 304. We met that first weekend up there and yes I had this thought, "Darn no cute boys to date...but at least they will become our best friends!" But once I heard these words, "I served my mission in Rome, Italy!" He had my attention and I thought he was instantly super cute!! (My dad served in Italy...and he said he liked to golf...so does my dad!) I was "hush hush" over Jared...well, only to his face! And Jared was "Mr. I won't get married until AT LEAST a year home from my Mission!" A few months later, after I broke Jared's 5 year kissing streak, we were destined to fall in love! The following spring the Spirit witnessed to us both, that Marriage was the right thing, and we had to listen. I am sure glad I did at that very young age. One thing we can know for sure, that if we do following the promptings of the Spirit we will be blessed.

I must admit we have been overly blessed in our marriage. We were both able to finish our college degrees at the University of Utah. Just as I graduated we had our first baby Alayna. She quickly became the light and joy of our life. Jared then was accepted into graduate school here in Utah, (We didn't have to move out of state like I was very much dreading!), then we had our little Jacob. And now, we have been so blessed to have a job so close for Jared, where he comes home for lunch most days! We really can't ask for much more, and I could go on and on...

I love you, J! **I've saved all the ooshy gooshy stuff for Jared's card...I figured you'd want me to spare you the details!

**USU roomies, Jared and I watched our wedding video today and we wanted to thank everyone up in Logan who helped this marraige come about! Thank you for being so patient with, "The Cave!" and "Mom & Dad!" We love you kids, you really hold such a special place in our heart. We love you all!**

She's back home!!

Yeah, Sunday couldn't come soon enough for us. Jared, Jacob and I were really missing our little Alayna. We knew she had such a fun time, but we were ready to have our happy extra active personality back with our family here at home! I've included a few pictures from their super fun vacation. THANK YOU MOM & DAD!!

La Jolla Beach. Their first fun activity...If you can read Alayna's body language she was afraid of the waves and the baby crabs! She enjoyed just playing in the sand, but not playing in the water...says Grandma Lou.

Then they were off to an Oceanside tradition...we must eat at Joe's Crab Shack right on the beach!

SeaWorld...the girls had several matching outfits, they looked so cute together!

Hello, Legoland! This is what these little girls looked forward to for so many years! My parents learned a few things. One, a three year old...does throw tantrums! Two, a three year old isn't tall enough to ride all the rides. Three, that these little girls are so fun together! Oh...and we can't forget that they learned my daughter is VERY independent! (I tried to warn them!!!)

Enjoying their favorite Apple Fry's?? I guess we have to go to Legoland to find out what they are!

This was one of Alayna's favorite rides!
Do you notice that the people in the background are made out of ALL Lego's? I just thought that was hilarious!
The other part of the trip, was my cousins wedding at the San Diego Temple. Kylie was married on Friday. The girls thought it was so neat to actually go inside the doors of the temple. This temple has a special waiting room that they could go in. Alayna said, "Mommy this temple was sooo pretty!"

I think these two little girls had such an enjoyable time together! I hope my parents will be able to relax this week and take a vacation from being parents. THANK YOU so much. I know that it was a tough week remembering what a three year old can bring to life, but they will talk of this vacation forever. THANK YOU we are so lucky to have you be such great grandparents who want to spend time with our children!!! We love you.

Memories...

Memory Lane...I got this from a friend's blog. I thought it would be fun! I hope you will play along.

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

Something that got me thinking...

Yesterday Jared and I had a very quiet Sunday morning. Mainly because Alayna is gone to California, but Jake was also napping. So I picked up the new July Ensign. The cover was very intriguing to me. So I read the article that went along with it. I found it very interesting that Elder M. Russell Ballard actually mentioned blogs. He said...

"Talk honestly and sincerely about the impact the gospel has had in your life, about how it has helped you overcome weaknesses or challenges and helped define your values. The audiences for these and other new media tools may often be small, but the cumulative effect of thousands of such stories can be great. The combined effort is certainly worth the outcome if but a few are influenced by your words of faith and love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ has no doubt had a powerful impact on your life. It has, in part, shaped who you are and what your future will be. Do not be afraid to share with others your experiences as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. We all have interesting stories that have influenced our identity. Sharing those stories is a nonthreatening way to talk to others. Telling those stories can help demystify the Church. You could help overcome misperceptions through your own sphere of influence, which ought to include the Internet."

As I read this, I realized that's why I love to blog. That's why I love reading your stories and experiences. I love to share my experiences and stories of joy with others. I simply didn't realize that this is one way we can impact the lives of others. So if I happen to share a few more personal feelings and details, just know that I'm trying to reach out to others just a little bit more. I actually saw on a friends blog "52 weeks of Gratitude" I thought, that I also could do something like this. Well, lots to think about, but I just loved this angle to sharing the gospel using the Internet. What do you think?

And they are OFF to California!

The time has finally come for Olivia and Alayna to go to Legoland and Sea World with my parents. They have been looking forward to this trip for over three years!

This is the 2nd grandparents trip with two grand kids. Three years ago my parents started this tradition of taking two grand kids...Kierra and Conner to Legoland and Sea world. My parents loved spending one on one time with the two kids. They are going to continue on this tradition FOREVER! All I know is that the kids next in line can't wait till it's their turn!

My mom bought them matching shirts, sunglasses, hats and more clothes to be twiners on this vacation. They are going to be gone until next Sunday! What are Jared and I going to do with ourselves with only one little baby? I'm not sure, but I know I will do anything I want! ha ha ha Alayna will be missed but I'm going to enjoy a change in pace! THANK YOU MOM AND DAD. You are the BEST grandparents and grand kids could ask for. Thank you for loving them so much you want to spend time with them!!!

The NINE grandkids...

Here is our attempt to take a picture with the grand kids. It's a little tricky to say the least to have two adults holding four little boys! Not to mention to try and attempt to get everyone happy! Yeah, that didn't work! This was as good as it got. My mom was given a darling Americana frame and she wanted to put a picture with her and the grand kids in it. Well, we tried!

The Riverton Parade...

Oh...how the Riverton Parade has grown...let me explain. About 20 years ago my mom started bringing her four little girls to a parade. We would walk down Redwood Road and sit on the same curb every July 3rd at 6:30pm to watch the parade. Year after year the parade would get better and better. We would begin inviting cousins and friends to this parade and sit on the same corner. Year after year, more candy would be thrown - hence making the parade better and better! Year after year we would invite more people to sit on the same corner! Well over the span of 20 years all the girls have since married, had our own children and we have since invited our in-laws to "The Riverton Parade!" I know what your thinking...come on what is so great about this parade. Personally, I think it is all about the 20 year long tradition, the BEST candy parade, pizza on the corner, having to duck down every few minutes because you would be pelted in the face with taffy! But the best part this year was the family attendance. I know the picture is impossible to view everyone but, I'm going to humor you...by telling you who attended.
Left to Right...The empty spot on the left was for the Madsens (Todd's parents), Larry & Dianne and kids...(9 kids total - plus spouses & grand kids) they came just after I took the picture...My grandparents, my aunt Kathleen, then my parents & their three friends from their inner city mission, my family, my sister Ange & Grady with the boys, Krista & Riley, Kennady and four of their friends plus kids, the Pecks (Riley's parents), their kids, plus spouses and grand kids. My cousin Jeff & Shelley plus their kids. Well, I didn't take the time to count and get the final head count, but it was a ton!

Here we are sporting our new holiday shirts. We ended up passing out flyer's along the parade route. Besides them being BLACK and SUPER hot for this summer heat, it has made my life sooooo easy when having to think about my outfits to wear! I don't have to think...I just say, "Oh, I get to wear you again!" Then I'm out of the closet in one minute. I think Jared wishes it was always this easy!

Olivia and Alayna...they are two cute little buddies.

The four older grand kids...Alayna, Olivia, Kierra and Conner! If your wondering, their grocery sacks were FULL of taffy! These kids LOVE this parade!

An Early Morning...

On Thursday morning we attempted to make it on time to the "2nd Annual Perry Family -Murphy Family" Hot Air Balloon festival. Needless to say we didn't arrive on time this year. Either way, we had a GREAT time waking up early and seeing a few of the hot air balloons. The kids absolutely love this activity. Last year we arrived early enough to watch them blow up the balloons, you could hear the fire blowing in, feel it, and smell it. It really is such a great activity. I recommend the EARLY wake up for anyone to experience this!

This was the closest balloon shot I could get! We were just about 10 -15 minutes too late! AHH.

The gang...Todd, Isaac, Gr Lou, Olivia, Shan, Kierra, Diana, Brock (my cousin from California), Conner, Jake Murphy, Andrew Murphy, and baby Jacob. Emily and Ryan were taking the pictures!

Since we missed the hot air balloons, my parents found the next best thing. We got to have the kids watch a helicopter take off. The kids thought this was great! They were waving goodbye to them!

Grandma Nettie came with Alayna shortly after we arrived. Alayna was able to have a special sleepover the night before at their house. She was spoiled rotten as usual, watched two movies, ate ice cream and got to sleep in her Princess room. What a lucky girl!

After the balloon festival, we went to Bridal Veil Falls, in Provo Canyon. Do you notice Alayna in the river? Yeah, that was my dads doing. He dared the kids to walk out to a log and he'd give them a dollar. Alayna didn't hesitate. She walked right in and started walking up Bridal Veil falls. She did fall one time...but not a tear. She was so proud to have made it to the log for her dollar.
This made for a fun early morning adventure...we later went to Discovery Park in Highland, to eat our lunch. Yes, we ate lunch at 10:30am.