Epic Summer Vacation Pics

We just finished a FOUR-WEEK vacation. I don't think I've ever been able to say that before. The day after school got out, we welcomed my brother and SIL Shelley and their three girls to our house. We went with them for two days to Disneyland. I remember now why I always say, don't go to Disneyland in the summer. The words hot and crowded don't do justice to how hot and crowded it was. It was fun, and often annoying and sometimes embarrassing--like the time Jackson was getting his picture taken with Goofy and when I finished taking the picture, he reached up and slapped Goofy across the face. I guess I don't wonder why that guy dressed up like Tigger snapped a few years ago and beat up a guest.
At the end of the week, we all drove to Vegas where we ate swam and ate several more times. Then we drove to SLC where we spent the next three weeks at my parent's house. Lance had been working in SLC since May 1st so we were extremely glad to see him again. Here is a list of some of the fun things we did so my kids can read it, appreciate it and stop saying that they are bored:
Memory Grove
Temple Square
The Mayan Restaurant for Morgan's Birthday
Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Museum and Petting Zoo
Hiking the Hidden Falls Trail up Big Cottonwood Canyon
Lagoon/Lagoon a Beach Water park
Fourth of July Celebration, BBQ and Fireworks
Gateway Discovery Children's Museum
Tour of Sweets Candy Factory
Veteran's Park
Cars 2 with Daddy
Several sleepovers at Uncle Jim's house
Several Sunday dinners at Granma's house
Morgan's Baptism and luncheon
Grandpa's Birthday/Retirement Celebration
Dinner at Hires with Grandma and Grandpa
Mom getting to have a sleepover at Krista's house
Mom getting to learn how to dip chocolates
Farmers Market
The Pie and Yogurtland

We are so thankful to Grandma and Grandpa who made our trip possible. I know we were loud and oftentimes obnoxious but we are so thankful for you allowing us to stay at your house, use your washer and dryer and eat all your delicious food.

Is Allie getting Baptizes?

As you know, Allison turned 8 in March. Her birthday fell just a few days after the scheduled Stake Baptism they do once a month in our stake. So, Allison got baptized on April 9th, the next available date. Grandma and Grandpa M. and Uncle Boyd came for the week to help celebrate and help get ready for the big day. We went to Disneyland, the new temple visitors center, out to dinner at our favorite Cuban place and Allison got to have a special afternoon with Mom and Grandma to pick out shoes and jewelry to go with the beautiful white dress Grandma had brought for her from SLC.
Allison looked beautiful in her dress. Just before we left for the church, Grandma and Grandpa S. arrived along with Aunt Jill and Jamie and Uncle Dave. They brought accessories to go with Allie's dress and she looked like an angel. We went to the church and had a wonderful program put on by the Stake Primary and Allie took the plunge. She was so happy afterward. She was then confirmed by her Daddy. It was such a great experience for our whole family. Jackson kept asking all day "Is Allie getting baptizes?" "When will I get baptizes?"
After the baptism family and friends came back to our house for a celebration dinner. Everyone ate, talked and we had a great time. Thanks to everyone who came to support our family that day. We are so thankful to have Allison in our family and we are proud of the decision she made to get baptizes.

8 is GREAT

Yesterday Allie and Lance had their 8th and 41st birthdays, respectively. Allie was so excited to open all her presents and had her birthday cake and dinner all lined up weeks ago. She has even talked about what she wants for her NEXT birthday several times if you can believe it. Because of the church policy regarding stake baptisms (and the fact that they actually enforce the rule in this valley,) she will not be getting baptized until April 9th. We are so lucky, happy, and grateful to have such a beautiful, feisty, loving, smart little girl as part of our family. Lance had a great birthday with the day off work, lunch at Rubios- followed up by a trip to BestBuy for electronics. Thanks to all of you for your presents, calls and good wishes.

Daddy-Daughter Dance 2011

Lance took the girls to the Daddy-Daughter dance at their school last Friday. They always get excited to get their hair done and put on fancy dresses and go dance the night away with their dad. Our Stake President was at the dance as well and commented abouthow he was impressed with Lance dancing with two girls at the same time, one on each arm.

Mackenzie turns 4

We went to San Diego a few weekends ago to help celebrate Mackenzie's fourth birthday. We left after school and arrived FIVE AND A HALF HOURS later. Remind me not to leave at that time EVER again. We had fun staying at Jamie and Dave's house. The Princess Party was so much fun for the little girls. Mackenzie is growing up so fast. Wasn't is yesterday when she was born?? Thanks for letting us help celebrate your birthday girl!

Jackson turns 3

Lots of Presents


A trip to see the new Elephant Exhibit at the LA Zoo


"Pupcakes with Sparkles" (translation Cupcakes with Sprinkles)


A Cheeseburger from Five Guys


Equals one happy Three Year Old!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Thanks so much to Grandma and Grandpa for letting us crash at their house for two weeks at Christmastime. We had so much fun! I know the kids will have fond memories when they are grown up.