Family Fun Night

Intel sponsored a few family fun nights for their employees. One of places was Bullwinkle's Fun Center. Who can turn down a night of free food and fun?!?
We had a great time playing on the: bumper boats, racing the cars around the track,
riding in the Max Flight Cyber Coaster
(a roller coaster simulator).

Ms A's favorite: The Frog Hopper Ride
which "hops" high into the air, then bounce your way down.

We also enjoyed running and jumping in the HUGE play structure (Ms A)
and playing arcade games (Reed).

Thanks Intel for the GREAT evening!

Ms A the Ballerina

Last week was Ms A's first dance lesson. She was thrilled to finally go. She got all dressed up in a pink tutu and a pretty scarf (Angelina Ballerina inspired). When we arrived, class had been canceled that day, tears started and I reassured my little ballerina she would have class in two more days. Thursday came and all Ms A could talk about was her dance class. She had a wonderful time and did an excellent job. I loved watching her serious face as she tried the steps and then the look of pure joy when she succeeded.

"Don't I look STYLISH mom?!?"
Ms A's favorite clothing question.
(I love her the throw scarf over the shoulder)

Hummingbirds and Lilies

We've had a little visitor in our backyard the past couple of weeks. It's been enjoying the raspberry blossoms along with the bees and butterflies. We've been enjoying watching this little one as it has flitted from blossom to blossom. (Click on the picture to see a closer view)
I have been delighted that my lilies have finally bloomed (I think they like the heat). These lilies remind me of my maternal grandfather. A family member gave my mother a lily plant like mine at his funeral. Whenever I see them, I feel him near me. I miss and love you Grandpa!

Birthdays and Pioneers

Ms E invited Ms A to a Water Fairy Birthday party a couple of weeks ago. Of course anything with water and fairies and my little one is ready to go. The party was at this great swimming pool. Ms A tried her hand at the wave pool and LOVE it (until she got a mouthful of water). She had a wonderful time with her cousins, but wished she could have played a bit more with Ms E.

Here she is floating with her life jacket

and navigating the wave pool.


Happy 8th Birthday Ms E and thanks for the invite and fun time.








The next day, we celebrated Pioneer Day with my church. Our Stake had a wonderful celebration with a variety show, yummy treats and fun activities for everyone.

Here's Reed participating in the Pie Eating Contest.

Panning for "gold"

Iridessa Face painting

My Birthday Wish

It's my birthday in a couple of weeks, so Reed and Ms A have been asking what I what and how I want to celebrate. What I really want is a Silhouette...doesn't it just roll off your tongue...say it with me SILHOUETTE. It just makes me smile. :) I love that I can plug it to my computer and create what I want without the cartridges. I can download wonderful pictures and have a fun time. I also love this fun etching project that I found while looking into a few things. Isn't this a lovely gift idea. I can see all sorts of goodies in this beautiful glass bowl.

As I was checking the Silhouette, I ran into these great website and this website and this website and this one and this one. She is giving a Silhouette with some other goodies on Saturday.

What a great idea. Perfect timing for my birthday. :)

We'll see what happens.

What I Meant to Say

Do you ever have those moments/experiences when you know what to say, but then when you forget everything because of the people watching you? So many times my mouth takes over my brain and says things I didn't want to, Sunday was one of those times.

In my church, we set aside the first Sunday of the mouth to fast and to share testimonies of Jesus Christ and His teachings. Anyone in the congregation can go to the pulpit and share their feelings/thoughts and experiences that helped them gain a deeper understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I had those "butterflies in the stomach" feeling and knew the only way to get rid of them was share my testimony.

I wanted to express my gratitude for Heavenly Father and His protective hand in my life.
Here's what I tried to say:

A couple of weeks ago, my family and Sara's family went to Glacier National Park. We were touched by the beauty of the park and with God's amazing power in creating such a beautiful world for us to learn, grow and enjoy. On one of the hikes, I saw a bear (more on that experience read here). Everything turned out fine. The past couple of weeks I've thought of the experience and was so grateful it was a "positive encounter".

I've been thinking about some of the parallels between life and this experience. We can be walking along enjoying life and suddenly a huge obstacle/challenge (bear) blocks our path. We can be frightened, shocked, wonder why this bear is on our path. Our survival mode kicks in and the heart starts rushing as we try to figure out how to solve this situation and be safe/happy. Heavenly Father provides us with answers or reminds us of what we know (grab the sticks and make some noise as you back away). He gives us a peaceful feeling as we pray for help, sing Primary songs/Hymns. Sometimes He sends people (strangers, friends or family) to help us continue on the path/hold our hands through the trials. Then when you get past your "bear" you can continue on your hike enjoying nature until you reach your end goal (finding your family).

I'm so grateful that even when I sometimes mess up, He will still send me help and peace.

Ballet Class

We enrolled Sweet Pea in her first dance class this summer. She was thrilled!!! The last class they invited the parents and other family members to show off their new dance skills.