Birthday Bash

Brandon turned 5 on Sunday and he was super excited! He has been counting down the months, days, and hours until the big day. I even got him to wear a polo shirt, instead of a long-sleeved button up shirt, to church on Sunday only because the size is a 5T (I've been trying to get him to wear it all summer). He also tried to get me to let him open a present before church, but since Wally was at meetings, he was disappointed to say the least. He was, however, happy about primary this week since he would get to stand in the front while the rest of the kids sang, You've had a birthday shout HOORAY! (I'm thinking that is the only reason he went to primary).

He could hardly wait to come home from church to have his party. The theme this year was, you guessed it, Star Wars. Everything he got was somehow related to the infamous movies. I think he got everything he wanted (thanks to family and friends) and proudly proclaimed "This is the BEST birthday ever!". He spent the rest of the day playing with his new LEGO starship, dressing up as Darth Vader, and trying out his new game LEGO Star Wars on the computer.

I'm pretty sure he had a great day, especially when he woke up at 3 a.m. the next morning wondering if it was time to get up and watch Star Wars.

A Camping We Will Go

Wally's birthday was on Friday and we decided to camp overnight at Illinois State Beach. We had so much fun and both Kelsie and Brandon let us know (more than once) that this was the best camping trip ever! Their favorite part was the fire and throwing sticks into it, all while we keeping Caleb away from it! It didn't take him long to figure out what they were doing and would pick up a handful of wood chips and throw them into the fire, just like the rest of us. We've got ourselves a bunch of pyromanicas (just like their mom)! We sang Happy Birthday to Wally, opened presents and then we roasted marshmallows. I remembered everything but the graham crackers for the smores, but we still had enough sugar to keep us going late into the night. (If you've never tried smores with a Reeces Peanut Butter Cup, you definitely have to try it. It takes smores to a whole new level!)

We went for a bike ride along the beach and through some trails the next morning and most of us had a fun time. A couple of our kids (you can guess who) don't like to be hot and tired, so they didn't care so much for the bike ride. We had a good time in the end, but once we got back to camp, it was right back to the fire and getting it ready for roasting hot dogs for lunch. After a little lunch and relaxation, we made our way over to the beach. We kept ourselves entertained by throwing rocks into the lake (this particular beach was not lacking in the rock department) and Kelsie practiced skipping rocks over and over, and was so excited when she finally got a couple to skip! Caleb had a great time throwing little pebbles into the water as well and collecting them in his bucket. Brandon would find the biggest and heaviest rocks he could find and give them to Wally to skip across the water. Surprisingly enough, Wally was able to get a couple of those rocks to skip.

We had so much fun camping, but came home dirty and tired. The kids are already asking when we can go again.

I'm just waiting for my 30+ mosquito bites go away before I even think about planning another camping adventure!

Taking a water break during our bike ride--someone's not very happy!

We couldn't keep these two away from the fire.


Just drinking some juice, but looking oh so cute!

We're not really sure what's going on here, but thought it was a funny picture!


Having fun at the beach.


One more picture to prove that I was actually there.

Here's another one...

Aside from my kids being super cute (which they are), what do you think of this one?

Opinions, please?

I was going through some pictures last night and really liked this one. What do you think? I know it's not the happy, go-lucky picture, but let's face it, he's not happy all the time (just most of the time). I really like the moodiness of it. Does it work for you?

Life is Good with Friends

Some good friends from Pennsylvania stopped by on their way to Colorado! It was so much fun to see them! Their kids have gotten so big since we saw them last (almost 2 years ago). The kids all had a great time playing video games, running around, and catching a grand total of 11 fireflies in a jar. We had a great time talking and catching up on everything and just hanging out! Lucky for us, they are moving back to Wally's hometown so we're sure to see them anytime we're home visiting grandparents.

"I Like to Look for Rainbows"

Kelsie was baptized a member of our church this month in Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful day and everything went so well. Both sets of grandparents were able to be here for her big day. Grandma P made her dress and she looked just like a princess (minus the tiara!).

We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was beautiful, but the lake was cold! (That's the first thing she tells people when they ask her about it.) It is amazing to watch our little girl grow up and make such important decisions that will change her life. She is such a good example to us and her younger brothers. We're grateful for all the love and support we have received and for all the wonderful people who have helped us teach Kelsie about the gospel and to choose the right.

Just before going into the water.

Lucky Me!

Look where I got to go for my birthday!