Moab

We took the kids camping (much to my chagrin). We wanted to go somewhere we had not taken them yet, so we chose... Moab... in the middle of August.... Did we think that through all the way? No... my advice go in the early spring or fall.... it was H.O.T.

We did however have fun. We saw dinosaur bones encased in rocks, dinosaur tracks frozen in time, breath taking scenery and did a little rock climbing (well mostly the kids climbed).

A dinosaur rib bone,

Dinosaur Tracks



The kids got to show off their rock climbing skills

Tough man Bradley

Exploring our first arch.

Double Arch Hike

 

Showing off their wild sides and being ONE with nature.

10 Year Anniversary

The beginning of this month marked Richard and mine 10 year wedding anniversary. It has been a wonderful 10 years with us both growing individually and together.

For our anniversary we decided to take a trip (without the kids). I was having major anxiety leaving the country to Mexico, Caribbean or even our Virgin Islands. Since Europe was not quite budget friendly, we turned to the Poconos.

We went to a resort in Mt. Pocono, PA (think Dirty Dancing in 2010 just in hills not mountains). Since we were so close to the East Coast we also decided to spend a few days in Boston. The trip was a nice relaxing and energizing trip. We even got some history in for Richard.

Poconos

This is right out side of our room/cabin.

We took a carriage ride around the resort.

Boston

This is the view from our hotel on the wharf.

The Old North Church that Paul Revere rode to.

Kick back and relax... sort of.

For the past ten plus years I have listened to Amanda proclaim how we are never going to get a lazy-boy recliner. "They are ugly", "They don't go with any of our furniture or decor", "We are never, ever getting a recliner".




Well as you can see from the picture, the impossible has happened. It was a little confusing at first. A day after returning from our Ten Year Anniversary trip to Poconos and Boston, there was a knock at the door and an RC Willey delivery truck outside. They had a leather chair that was supposed to be delivered to LeeAnn Lawrence. I told them that she had moved out one week ago and they needed to take it to her new address. They said that they confirmed the address earlier in the day with LeeAnn and this was the right place. I told them I would sign for it and take it to her later in the day. The chair was not fully assembled and I did not realize it was a recliner. A little while later LeeAnn called and told me "Happy Fathers Day". She said that she knew Amanda would never give in so the only way I was going to get one was if she went over Amanda's head and just did it. She also said that it was for all of the help taking care of little projects and "honey-do" lists over the past 15 or so years. And it was for putting up with Amanda for the same amount of time;)


Unfortunately for me, it seems to be Bradley and Olivia's favorite new spot too.




We had to lay a few ground rules... First of all, it is Dads chair! That means he gets to sit in it whenever he wants. Secondly, when Dad is sitting on his chair, there will be no climbing or wrestling with Dad. Third, no dogs allowed.
This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change at any time.

So what does Amanda think of this? She is still a little shocked, but has come to realize that if her sister can find a way to allow a recliner into her house, maybe she can too. Thanks LeeAnn! Maybe I can actually get some time to sit back and relax. If it ever happens, I will be sure to have someone snap a picture and post it.

Growing up is hard to do...for Mom

The single most important rule out our house has been that Olivia is not allowed to grow up. She is to stay my baby forever. Sounds simple right?

She doesn't quite agree with me. She wants to grow up, get married and be a mommy (Y.I.K.E.S.)!!!


So to defy me (and my rule) she grows daily (really), she turned 5, and insists that she is going to turn 6 cause God made her that way.

BUT today she not only had her last day of preschool.......to top it all off, Olivia lost her first tooth. More traumatizing to me than the little blood and pain she had. She is so excited for the Tooth Fairy's first visit. She has told everyone she saw that she lost her tooth, from the preschool morning door helper, to every cashier we saw today.





I really thought I had at least one more year before this milestone. Really time is flying by WAY too fast.

But look how cute and small that tooth is.. (under the H if you are wondering).

I guess I will have to get over the fact that my baby is growing up! But she will always be my baby, even if she won't let me call her baby.

New Pictures... YEAH!!!

I have wanted new "professional" pictures of my kiddies since last fall. What took so long you may ask??? What didn't!?! Is my answer! :)

Olivia (the little princess or my monkey)

Bradley (my Dude-le)

Goofing around

Loving

*** SNEAK PEAK***

Kelsey and my kids.

I will let Ivy post the rest of the pictures.

I don't want the wrath of my sister coming down on me. ;)