Father's Day

We had a wonderful Father's Day! The weather was perfect. We were able to go to Stake Conference last night for the adult session and then again today. It was seriously AMAZING. I loved the talks and it always feels so nice to be spiritually uplifted. I think I am extra emotional these days knowing that my sister is leaving for 5-7 years too. I have not cried in a long time to say the least. My eyes enjoyed the cleanse. :) This morning I woke up early and made Bryan's request of steel cut oatmeal with almonds and raisins stewed in butter & cinnamon. The girls gave him the gifts they made him at school. We also colored cheesy mugs for him just for the memory. They turned out awful and my chair now has permanent marker on it but the girls had a great time making them. And sometimes that is all that matters. I got Bryan some new clothes since none of his fit! He's down 40 pounds and looks and feels great! Baby August woke up and I put a See's sugar free candy bar in her hand to give him. It was cute. We had a yummy BBQ and played at the park. We adore our daddy and think he's the best! He is always having fun with us. We heard a quote at conference this weekend that said "The family that plays together stays together". We certainly like to do this and Bryan plays a big part in our always fun adventures. He is such a good father and is so supportive by always helping with the kids. This week I am leaving them for the first time ever for a few days. And I can sleep great while I am away knowing that they are in the best hands. Their daddy is the man! He's my man! Love you Bry! Thanks for putting up with me and being the father of my children!

Sometimes a day in LA with Gar Bear is all a girl needs.

Kristen

9 years ago in the same ward we are still in... I was called to be the beehive advisor (12&13 year old girls) at church. I had the cutest and most fun girls! A few years later I was called again to be with the girls but this time as Laurel Advisor (16-18 year old girls). Kristen was in both of my classes. It is fun to see how she has matured and grown into such an amazing person. I am SO proud of her. We have always loved catching up whenever she is home at Christmas and in the Summer from BYU. She loves to come see my girls and they adore her too. Today I was able to go to her bridal shower and next month she will marry a great guy and soon start a family. I couldn't be more excited for her.

YOU GO D!!!!

Congrats to David for his book hitting #15 on the New York Times best seller list. I could not be more proud! Well deserved my friend. Could this be the first book I read in years? We will see...

Matt Clayton...

... is coming to SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA July 5-11!!! I could not be more excited! His work is beyond brilliant! He was my brother's old boss and the greatest! Please check out his website HERE and get in touch with him if you want pictures!!!

... and certainly not the last!

Murder Mystery

Aleisha hosted a fabulous Murder Mystery dinner party! Of course she went over the top and it was SO much fun! We were supposed to be in France in the 40's. Everyone got their character weeks before with instruction on where and when to meet. I was a no frills news journalist and Bryan was a ganster type soldier of fortune. Our whole menu was the most delicious french cuisine. Aleisha even drove 1/2 hour away to get fresh french baguettes at a special shop. The murderer ended up being Katie (aka Idelle a princess of royalty). Who would have thought?

Open House

Last night we went to Haven's Open House at school. I am SOOOO impressed with her cute little school. Before we started there all of our neighbors talked about how it is like a private school because the teachers and principal are so hands on and in tune with the students. I could really feel that there. Haven also made many wonderful friends and I made some too with their many wonderful parents. During the hour we spent with her, Haven loved showing us around her room and telling us about each item she had on display. Bryan especially thought the classroom was cool since Mrs. Cardwell had the Lakers game on for all the dads. We went to the Book Fair where Haven and Berkley each picked out a book. And then Haven wanted to take us to the playground where she showed us her favorite thing to do at recess... 4 square of course! I can't believe this school year is almost over and that she will be a big 1st grader next year! We are so proud of how well you did in Kindergarten Haven.

10 months.

Yes- it's true! She is almost 1 and I'm so sad! I can't believe how FAST this first year went by. I am starting to plan her birthday party and feel like I just did this with Berkley and Haven yesterday. We die over this sweet little August. She is SO happy and doing SO much now. Crawls and explores everything. Pulling herself up to stand on everything. Says "Mama" and "Dada". Loves to eat table food. Her favorites are string cheese, peas and bananas. Every morning and after naps I am welcomed to her standing up making silly noises and smiling. She officially stopped nursing last week and it was bittersweet. She was my BEST nurser and I really enjoyed it with her. NO mastitis this time! A miracle. I am grateful for her in our life. She is a sweetheart! This next year is filled with so many "firsts" and I can't wait to see her develop more and more everyday.

How Berkley helps water the flowers

Memorial Day Weekend

We had such a fun Memorial Day weekend! After a busy week we woke up saturday morning and drove out to Palm Springs. I just love how close it is (even though my girls complain the whole time how long it takes). The weather was beautiful and we layed by the pool, shopped, the boys went and saw a movie and ate yummy food. I had read about a place there called "Cheeky's" that we have never tried. We decided to go there and it was really amazing. Everything is organic and locally grown and the menu changes every week depending on what is in season. I also think we were some of the only straight people at the place. If you look behind August in one of the pictures where she is drinking her bottle, there was an interesting outfit and some very amusing people watching. Monday we came back here and went to our ward pancake breakfast and then headed to my parents in Laguna Beach. We spent all afternoon on the sand and enjoyed the weather and time with friends. It was great and I think my kids had the time of their life.