My Favorite Girls

I just came across this picture of my favorite girls and had to post it. Ever since I found out I was having a girl Oakley has been so excited. It is a lot more fun to come to our house now that she has a girl with whom she can play. It has been so much raising our kids together and it will be fun to see their friendship develop.
Charity and I were joking the other day that ond day our girls will look back on these giant flowers with the same disgust our generation now associates with the "mo-bows". Oh well. For now they are too cute!

Memorial Day

What a busy and fun weekend we enjoyed. By Monday we were FINALLY all feeling well. Mike and the kiddos began the day bright and early with breakfast with Mike's parent's ward. I opted to stay home and sleep a few rare but much needed hours and it was fabulous.

We then headed over to Mike's aunt and uncle's house for some fun swimming in their pool. They put in a sweet water slide a couple of years ago and it is fast and furious to say the least. Summy loved playing in the water and Tracy pretended he was her "safe guard". AKA: life guard.

Everett found some dinosaur toys and was in heaven. Once we had had enough water and sun for the day we went to Mike's parent's house for a BBQ and some hot-tubbin. Everett and Deacon took turns on Grandpa's Thomas the train and they are both so little they got to ride together. Very manly.
I found a cute cake idea which I thought was perfect for Memorial Day and it turned out pretty cute. The kids were fascinated by the little ants, hot dogs and hamburgers which were actually quite simple to create. But, the longer my kids think I am magic the longer I have the upper hand.

I know we look forward to Memorial Day as a day off work and the unofficial start of Summer, but I hope you all took a few moments to think about why we celebrate. So many brave men and women have fought for us to live in this great nation where we can believe what we want, earn an education and live freely. They go through hell to make it safe for our children to go to bed at night. I am incredibly grateful to live in this beautiful country. As much as I love to see the world and travel I will always be happy and proud to call the good old USA my home. We are so blessed and I thank all of those who have fought and continue to fight for my freedom to live here and raise my family in freedom. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!

Fathers and Sons Campout

Thursday night Troy called and said that his ward had a fathers and sons campout on Friday, and wanted to see if we could go. After talking with Leesa, we decided I'd take the boys with Troy and Deacon. The Kids Had a great time getting dirty, throwing things in the fire, and playing with the other kids. Troy and I forgot to get plates, or utinsels for that matter, so here's some pictures of Everett and Deacon using their "Plastic Bag Plate", Troy Eating some Ketchup.

Everett even got a glipse of Sasquatch, but it turned out to just be Tracy.

A Mother's True Calling

The other day Tracy discussed occupations at school. As we were driving we discussed different careers people have and what they do at these jobs. We talked about what Daddy does and what firemen do etc. I then asked Trace what Mommies do and this was his response:

PLAN MY BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

I was expecting cooking, cleaning, playing, teaching, hugging, ANYTHING other than that. At least he appreciates all the work that goes into planning his birthdays. I think it is pretty funny that my son thinks my purpose in life is planning parties. I have to admit it is one of my favorite things about being a mom. I love a good themed party. Especially if it involves dressing up.

ZOO-RRIFIC

Last Friday our kids were lucky enough to go to the zoo with Grandma and Grandpa Bollinger. They could not stop talking about how much fun they had for the rest of the day. I had a good time too. It was a nice break to go to the store and the gym without kids. It is amazing how much quicker I get in and out of the car when I am alone. Everett apparently didn't want to sit in the stroller and walked the WHOLE TIME! Let's just say he had a VERY GOOD nap that afternoon. That is a lot of ground to cover on two little legs.

TURTLE POWER TRACY

EV REALLY IS SPIDER MAN!

Thanks again Gamma and Pappa!

Dino-Mite!

I love watching my kid's personalities develop and watching them grow and mature. A couple of years ago Tracy was so annoyed at the thought of participating in a school program. This week he had his spring preschool program and did a fantastic job! He is so animated and dramatic. I often tell Mike I can picture Trace in musicals because he hates sports but loves to sing and dance. His dancing was not always on the beat but as his mother his performance was PERFECT!

My favorite part was when he stood up to say his favorite dinosaur. That and his partner dance with cute little Sophie Bella to "Dinosaur Rock". I cannot believe he will be in kindergarten next year. Wow, how time flies! I am so proud of my little dino guy and all he has learned and how much he has grown. I apologize for the blurry photos. Everett was sitting on my lap. When I say sitting I really mean trying to run up and talk to Tracy, play with the toys or grab the camera.

Race for the Cure

A FAMILY AFFAIR

It was another fun year at the Race for the Cure, or as my brother-in-law mistakingly called it, "the hooray for boobies race". That's another story. I really wanted the whole family to participate and I am glad it worked out. The kids enjoyed being pushed around and it is the FIRST TIME I have gotten Mike to go running with me. Unfortunately we got to the starting line late and hit a huge wall of people. We zigzagged through as many people as we could, but with a double jogging stroller it was impossible. We were forced to walk most of it but still had a wonderful time. I love that the race takes place before Mother's Day because I feel like it is a small way for me to celebrate with my Mother. I am incredibly elated by all the pink "survivor" shirts and hopeful for the future. I am saddened to see all the "In memory of" signs but it is overshadowed with a feeling of comraderie. So many people have been touched my this often fatal illness and are pulling together for the fight.

VAL AND ME

Thank you for all of you who joined my team, donated to my team, ran the race or just wished me good luck. Team "Busting Butts for Busts" would not have been a success without you. I really wanted to have a potluck lunch after the race but we are all getting over the flu and I didn't think it would be a good way to thank you by getting you all sick. Next year I will make up for it. I want to personally thank: Mike and my little ones, Val, Jody, Kriste, Jody, Dana, Amy, Kelley, Ted, Mindy, Lizy, Rachel, Cory, Doyle, Sari and any of you who donated or ran with other teams. If I am a jerk and left you out please tell me so I can recognize you too. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANKYOU! I appreciate the support and hope to see you all next year. If you have any good ideas for a team name please pass them on. I kind of like Bubbas "hooray for boobies" slip. Hee hee hee. He is getting married in a few months and has one thing on his mind. :)

Congrats to Mike- again!

I have to send out a "HOLLA" to my "little" brother Mike for graduating with his Masters of Accounting last Friday. He has worked so hard to get where he is and deserves all of the exciting things that are happening for him this year. ;) He is starting law school at the good old U of U this fall. We are soooooo very happy he and Melody get to stay in Utah for at least three more years. He survived endless years of torment, me grilling every girl that called him, atomic wedgies at my hands and I am so proud of him. I like to think all the torture made him the strong person he is today. Ha ha ha. He may have 7 inches and 60+ pounds on me but I think I can still throw it down. Never mess with a big sista. Congratulations Mike.

The truth about Spiderman

Scene: Everett's nursery class.
The topic: We are all children of God

Nursery Leader: "Everett are you a child of God?"
Everett: "No I am Spiderman."

So, there you have it. The true identity of the beloved hero is none other than Everett Bollinger.
You may all rest assured he's got your back.