Daddy Ruffles

Last night at dinner, Amanda pointed out a sunspot on my arm and asked "Mommy, owie?"
"No, that's not an owie. Mommy just has a spot there," I explained.
Katie began examining her arms. "Mom, I don't have spots like you, I just have ruffles on my arms, like Daddy."
"Oh? What ruffles do you and Daddy have?" I asked Katie.
"See?" Katie points to the hair on her arms. "These are the ruffles that Daddy and I have on our arms."
Daddy would be so proud to know he's not a hairy man, he's a ruffly daddy!

Drum roll, please. . .

Well, to confirm your majority vote (not that you REALLY had anything to do with it. . . .)
we are having a Christmas

Baby GIRL!

Now, we need your suggestions for your favorite girl names! Please feel extra free to comment!

Get in on it!

On Monday, we'll announce what flavor of bun is in the oven. Vote on the left before then!

Tumbling July 2010

For the second summer in a row, Katie was enrolled in Provo City's Tumbling Tot's class. Last year was definitely more of a challenge and learning experience for her, but this year, as the oldest and strongest in the class, she enjoyed dominating every event. On the last day, Katie got a certificate and medal from teacher Kimberly. Amanda also got to attend a couple of classes as a guest and LOVED it. Perhaps that's what Amanda's activity will be next summer. I am amazed at the strength and tone these girls have. They enjoy it and so hopefully it will be something that can help them keep those muscles strong!

Katie's Family Birthday Party at Pirate Island

Katie has been asking for a party at Pirate Island Pizza since before they opened. It may have started with the pirate stint at Disneyland and continued when she saw the pirates in the July 4 parade last year. Anyway, she happily donned her pirate outfit and proudly wore her pirate princess hair and we had a great party! We had the huge, Kraken pizza, lots of arcade games, presents, cake, family and fun. She has announced she wants another party there when she turns 5.
Thanks to all for coming. Katie was made to feel like such an important and special girl, that she is. I'm so proud of her and all the she has learned and become over the last four years. She not only knows numbers and letters and and is trying to sound out words, but she is interested in many activities like singing, tumbling, trains and building with duplo. She is learning about her Savior and wants to hear stories from the scriptures every day. She is a good big sister and helper to her mom, which I love and appreciate. I hope she always knows that we love her and are so grateful she is in our family!

Cinderella has been a recent favorite princess, although she did announce yesterday
that she wants to be Belle for Halloween.
(Lots of time to change her mind again between now and Halloween)!

Amanda going to town on a cupcake.

Katie is FOUR!

Katie had her fourth birthday and we decided to try a "friends party" for the first time. It turned out really well and everyone seemed to have a good time. We had a soft theme of Strawberry Shortcake.We had a donut eating contest, bean bag toss, pin the jewel on the crown. . .

(Amanda just thought everyone was being super silly)

Musical chairs. . .

and the crowning event: Pinata!




We let the kids have three rounds of hitting--and they only beat it up a bit. Finally, Dad took some swings. It only took about three hits to send candy literally FLYING all over the yard. Amanda is still finding some pieces that she brings to me--melted and sticky--her favorite! :)
Thanks to all who helped make Katie's birthday memorable and fun!Maggie D., Adam M., Annie B., Asher D., Kate R., Maya D., Katie and Amanda

Sixth Anniversary

Our anniversary this year fell on a Thursday (May 6), which is the same day of the week that we got married on. I'm sure I'm cheesy, but I thought that was pretty cool so I wanted to do something special (more than a movie or something. . . .). Well, we shopped around and actually found a suite deal for less than $30 . . . in Wendover, NV! I've never even been to Wendover (that I know of. . . ) so I thought it was pretty fun, albeit kinda cheesy. We got a babysitter (thanks Grandma!) and drove West (right into the sun). It was actually relaxing to go anywhere in the car and not have to turn to the back seat even once! We had a buy one get one free at the dinner buffet (not that great of food) and so Brett was excited that this excursion was soooo cheap! (Yes, I guess the only way to please him is to NOT spend money). We wandered around the Nugget Casino, checked out their display of desert race cars, took silly pictures, and then watched a movie in the huge jacuzzi tub! Brett was about to be disgruntled when I pulled out a present---this was supposed to be 'el cheapo anniversary', right? He settled down when he saw what it was---a library book of baby names and a little test showing him that he'll be a Daddy again! Yes, we're expecting our third baby on Christmas, 2010. Happy Anniversary dear! I love you!

And on our way home, we stopped by SaltAir. I've never been there before but
I always loved listening to Brett's grandparents talk about going there for dances
when they were dating in the 1940's.