Oh Blessed Day!

This weekend Cameron and Cecia blessed Jack. It was such a nice day. We loved seeing friends and spending the day as a family. Jack was SOOOOO cute, all day long! It was like he knew it was his special day. He blew bubbles and kicked at Cameron during the blessing. Here are few pics of the day. We missed Nick, the G-GBob's and G-G'ma Ferrin. Just when I think he can't get any cuter-he does!

Cameron insisted on holding him up like Simba from Lion King, this is a weak replay. Jack held his arms out straight at church. Hilarious really.

The boys I love! (minus Nick)

Family Fun!

This past week Cameron arrived home from Chicago. It is so good to have everyone back safe and sound. Cameron made Cecia promise not to take the baby into the pool until he was home so he could be there too. (Some things a boy just needs his dad for.)
School is now officially started for the entire family. The three boys yesterday and Madison a few weeks ago. I didn't bother taking pictures of the boys on their first day, a shame I know. Madison is LOVING the JHS scene. I feel so blessed to have each member of my family. Someday down the road I hope I can post about my bright and highly educated children. Time goes by so quickly that day will certainly come sooner than later. Until then we'll stick to our family days at the pool.

THEY'RE BACK!

OH HAPPY DAY! They are back again! When I look at the calendar it really was a relatively short time, but it felt like they were gone FOREVER. I watched, aka played with Jack today while his mom ran a few errands. I was cracking up the whole time. He has so many different looks. Two things I know for sure, he is a "mini-me" of his dad and he is a chubbers, complete with little fat bands all over his arms and legs. There is nothing like a chubby baby to kiss on. Here are a few of my favorite faces from today. (PS- Yes, I love being a Grammie!)

Blowing Bubbles~or practicing his "raspberry"!

He is so NOT amused by us~ This is exactly what his dad used to do to me too!

~I finally captured a smile, simply precious~

Oh I love him.......and his Mom & Dad too.

Put on your dancing shoes...

We had a great time with all our "dance" friends at Nationals in Hollywood. After competition we were able to sneak in a few days on the beach. Is there anything better than a glorious day on the beach in Laguna?

Looking good after class.

Gettin' on their dancing shoes.

This was the musical theatre number, "Don't go Hollywood!" I don't know how she kept those glasses on her face.

Billy Elliot- Electricity, we all loved this number. (Taken earlier in the year.)

After the closing show-They all did a great job.

Fun in our spare time. Wicked was FABULOUS!

I forgot to post about our 4th of July Weekend with The Cawley's. We had so much fun and loved every minute we got to spend with them! (we missed you Alissa)

Celebrating - AZ Style!

Taking in a Diamond Back Game with the cousins.

He LOVES garlic fries- go figure!

You're a Grand 'ol Flag, you're a high flyin' Flag....

I love the 4th of July! So many great memories are associated with the 4th. As a kid I remember when dad would dig out his old bugle from his army days and play to wake us up. As soon as we were awake, our flag was proudly displayed with the Mo Tab Choir's Patriotic Hymns playing loud and clear. It was always a fun and exciting day. It didn't really matter what we did for an activity, we were with family celebrating the freedoms we enjoy. These simple and heartfelt traditions instilled in me a great love and respect for our Country. This year we are all super excited because once again we will be celebrating those freedoms with family! Kristen and family are braving the heat to come frolic in the pool, BBQ and watch as many movies as possible in our short time together. Rob has the bugle, I have the Mo Tab Choir CD and Mads is a pro at getting the flag out first thing just to make me happy! I love America!

... and forever, in peace, may you wave!

WOW....what a month it's been!

CHICAGO-

I decided it was time to finally get caught up and update my blog. It has been a CRAZY BUSY month. Let's see....it went something like this. Jack born May 12th, which came complete with my desire to spend all my time with him. Funny thing, life just keeps going. We went straight into end of school complete with the many honors Madison was awarded, Nick's Seminary and High School Graduations, Dance recital, Cam and Nick driving to Chicago to prepare for their summer there, girls camp, speak in church Sunday after camp, Camp Recap Award Night (thanks to great counselors and a FABULOUS camp director the movie/slideshow was completed and darling awards were handed out to the girls.) Finally we ended this crazy month with a family vacation to Chicago.

All of us took Cecia and Jack to Cameron and spent 5 days with them exploring the area. What a great trip. I don't think I want pizza or hot dogs again for a few weeks. We had some incredible food and I found a new love, Garrett carmel crisp popcorn (It was a must EVERY DAY we went to the city). It was especially nice to see where they are living, where Cam is working and to find out more about the company. The company has taken great care of them and have them set up in style. We are so proud of Cameron. He is a hard worker and he "just gets it" It's hard to have them away, but seeing how great this opportunity is for them makes it much easier.

I don't know why he has to ruin a beautiful picture

of the baby by making a creepy face.


Dino named Sue! (Yes, NickI am
making you stand in front of a Dino
to have your picture taken!)

Hungry and trying to look tough! Best Pizza we ate!

How cute are these new parents? I love and miss them!

PRECIOUS!

Riding the train home from the city.

Girls Camp....."What time is it? It's My Time!" Our ward "era" was The Future. After considering our options for "future" the girls were sure of one thing, no robots! After brainstorming, we came up with a technology based concept. Since technology is making everything faster we went with bar codes, complete with their name and the dates of camp, we tried to get the look from the iPod commercials, a black silouette against bright bold colors, and just about whatever the imagination could create. We had funky socks, black hoodies with bar codes, colorful sashes, propeller beanie caps, glow sticks at night, futuristic sunglasses. It was all great fun! I love girls camp and I always have. I love the great memories that are made, the friendships that are cemented, that testimonies are started and strengthend and the opportunity to see the girls grow in front of our very eyes. Everyone of our girls came away with the knowledge that their future is spotless. For me, the best part of camp was having Madison with me. I have waited a LONG time and it was better than I had dreamed. It was a great year!

Skit Night, Hanging around the addies, Madison and Carrie sporting sunglasses

Bishop Cheer and Bishop having fun. (Look at their faces..that is joy!)

Outside of our Addies

On Skit night all dressed up in our "Era" I love these 7 ladies!

Seminary Graduation -

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION-

The fine looking graduate getting ready to go out into the world.....oh no, I mean Rain!

We could hardly believe it was so cold...no freezing. At least we had umbrellas. This is the best picture we could get of the graduation. He is somewhere out there.