Memorial Day

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Tucson with the Welkers. It was so nice and not even that hot! We stayed at a resort that had multiple pools and a fun water slide. The kids got spoiled. They swam all day and only stopped to go see a movie. Grandma & Grandpa always make it so fun!

Grandma Linda, Addi & Blake
Kye & Ash loved the slide
That is not Kye's big foot, he went down with Scott!
You'd think living in California we might be able to get a tan! Todd rarely leaves the library and as a mom, who has time to lay on the beach? This summer we'll work on it!


Lola has no fear of the water. She kept walking off straight into the pool.
Grandpa Rick & Lola
Aunt Kristi gave Lola a "Baby Alive". Kye & Blake thought it was hilarious to give the doll a drink and watch her wet her pants. Boys will be boys!

Lola Overload

Obsessed! Yes, it is true, I am! I can't help it. My friend, Isa, took these pictures and I love them. Lola has been so fun lately. She toddles around doing her Frankenstien walk and reaching out for someone to pick her up. She loves to give kisses with a "smack" sound at the end and already loves to play with her "baby". She loves to give us hugs followed by a pat on the back. Now that her first year is over I'll lay off on the obsession and focus on other things also! But boy have I loved this past year!

My baby's 1!

It's true our sweet little babe is now 1 year old. She's been such a joy! We all love her to pieces!

She turned 1 on Tuesday May 12th. We had some of our friends over to help celebrate. Lola liked her cake but was unsure of what to do with it! It took her a while but with a little help finally blew out the candle.

She started out eating the cake very daintily, taking very little pieces...

once we added a little ice cream she really dove in. She is quite the little lady, though, and hardly made a mess!

Some of our favorite guests!




Aunt Emily made Lola this darling hat and cute cupcake t-shirt! Em, you truly inspire me!

Lola received great gifts. Everyone seemed to know the 2 things Lola wanted (or I wanted for her) books and clothes. She really already loves to read and everything looks so cute on her. It was the perfect end to a perfect day!

Just call me Martha!

I decided to start a tradition of making "special" cakes for my kids birthdays. I made Lola this cute fondant cake. It was so fun to make and my kids helped me make matching cupcakes. Now, I've just got a few weeks to plan Kye's cake!

Why can't every day be Mother's Day?

I had a fabulous Mother's Day! The kids made me breakfast in bed and served it to me on a new cake plate they bought me. Todd and Ashton sang in a trio at church. It was Ashton's first time singing at church and she did a great job. I also received many great homemade cards and gifts. Ashton has been doing little favors for me all week. Kye wrote in one of his cards that he "hoped I would never die." It's great to be loved!

Mother Dear

Mom, lately I've been making our kids' lunches every morning before they go to school. It takes me longer than you might think and I sometimes find myself grumbling about it. But I thought of something recently that has helped change my attitude. I remembered how you not only made lunches for us kids nearly everyday, but you also took the time to write a note on each one of our napkins. These notes were always personal and sometimes pretty long. And even though I was a little embarrased by them when I got older (I tried to read them quickly before my friends could see what I was doing), they always made my day. Thank you for all of the little things you did and do. They make me want to be a better father.
--Todd

Mom, I love you so much. Thanks for all you do! I have so many wonderful memories! You've always been such a fun mom. I remember our rides up Payson canyon in the Bronco while eating ice cream and fun camping memories of the West Fork and the Kendall Kampout. I remember liking to be sick as a kid (sometimes even faking) because I loved to say home and be taken care of by you. You've always been known as a hard worker, someone who can do every and anything. Thank you for teaching me how to work. It was so fun having such young mom. I love how you and Grandma Shirley stayed up all night singing karaoke with us on our "girls" cruise. You've always been beautiful. I remember the dentist asking me if you were single! You always made holidays so special, making green shamrock pancakes for St. Patti's Day and bunnies for Easter. I always thought no Christmas tree could ever compare to ours. I really think I had the ideal childhood! Thanks for being so compassionate. It was amazing to see the way you cared for your Grandparents, even bringing them to live in our home. You've done so much for me and I love you!
--Amberly

Almost there....

Lola's walking.... almost! This past week she began pushing her stroller all over our house. At first she would push it into a corner and then cry until Todd or I came and helped her get turned around. It didn't take her long to figure out how to do this herself and now she is on the go. She reminds me of a little grandma with her walker.

The Sweetest Thing

Who knew that nearly one year later I could still be so infatuated with this child? I love her dark green eyes and full lashes. I love the way her hair curls so sweetly at the nape of her neck. I love the huge gap between her two top teeth. Needless to say, I love everything about her.