Hannah's Birthday

Hannah turned Five!

 Breakfast in her new bean bag chair

Pinata

We ran out of time for the pinata at the party so we saved it for Hannah's real birthday.  It was homemade and didn't turn out so well.  It was supposed to be lipstick.

 Sorry for Lily's nakedness.  She's crazy.

We're glad that Hannah is in our family.  She is very spontaneous and fun.  In public she is always kind to everyone and makes friends quickly.  She's our good will ambassador and helps people feel loved.  Our other children just stare at strangers and don't respond to adult weird comments (which is exactly how I was.)  Hannah eggs them on.

This is from Hannah's 5 year old well check.  They tell her everything is princess, including her paper towel gown.  She was so excited.  She said, "I'm queen of the Banana's!:

Combined Birthday Party

I'm glad Rachel and Hannah are good friends and wanted to do a combined birthday party.  They chose a glitz and glamour theme so they could get their hair, makeup, and nails done.

Invitation-typo and all.

The Stations

Bedazzled frames for their glamour shots

Cake and Presents

 

(Hannah opened her presents to fast for a picture to be taken.)

Glamour Shots

 Too bad Hawaiian punch was part of their makeup:).  

A big thanks to Deanna for providing the glamour know how, helping throw the party, and for taking the pictures!  I was really grateful that Joe's mom was there too to help run the party.

Rachel's Birthday

Rachel turned 9 on August 16th!  She's growing up fast.  We did all our traditional festivities.

 I usually fail at food presentation but I thought I did a pretty good job with her angel food cake.

Rachel is a blessing to this family.  She helps me so much and is a peace maker.  The other kids love her.  She tries so hard to choose the right and I'm glad she's my first child.  She's such a good example to the younger kids.

First Day of School!

August 12th was the first day of school.  They were all excited...especially Hannah going into kindergarten.  Rachel is a 4th grader now and Lincoln is a second grader.

Lily gets to stay home with me.  Soon she'll be starting preschool one day a week.  It's an awesome break for me.  Lily has a hard time being nice with other kids around, but she does a great job when it's just her.  

Beautiful Ballerinas

The girls figured out Lily could fit into a leotard now so they wanted to all get dressed up as ballerinas.  

Idaho/Utah Trip Part 2

This post will be a work in progress for a while as I collect pictures from other people.  I forgot my memory card so I'll have to see what pictures I collect from other people.

Relax Time

 It was fun to be able to talk to Lucy

 Sweet picture of Cherisse and Lucy

Grandma Louise and her name sakes

Splash Pad

Ice Skating

Feeding the Ducks

Shooting

Boating

Visiting Carl and his family at the mall

Pinata

Minute to Win It

Joe and I got put in charge of the game for the extended family gathering the night before.  Joe did most of it and I thought it turned out really well.  Joe was the announcer and I set up games while the the crowd was playing the other games.

 We were so glad all of Chad's family came.  We don't get to see them much.  It was especially nice to see Lucy.

Wedding 

 The happy couple that were the inspiration behind driving 26 hours.  We're proud of April and Clark and their worthiness and decision to be married in the temple.

Wedding Reception

Bow and Arrow