I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE

We were lucky enough to carve out a little time to go to Temple Square to show the kids where Mom and Dad were married. Dade was particularly excited as he kept saying "this is where Mommy and Daddy live". I still have some explaining to do.

Aislyn was particularly excited about running around!

We definitely had to stop both Dade and AZ from getting wet . The fountains were so inviting.


She had a constant smile on her face.

As did Dade.

We are so grateful to have such wonderful children. It is so fun to sit back and watch them explore and learn.

Aren't the flowers gorgeous?

We are so thankful!

BRINKERHOFF FAMILY REUNION

We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend the Brinkerhoff Family Reunion in Orem, Utah. This wonderful women was the real reason we all decided to get together and celebrate. Happy 90th Grandma!

The great grand kids had such a wonderful time, you can tell by the look on their faces. Can you believe that it was cold enough in August that Dade and Asher are wearing jackets? Man I miss that kind of weather.

The big kids put together a slip n slide. Dain of course won the prize for the longest slide.

And then Daders had to see what he could do.

Honey, I hate to tell you this, but you can slide a lot further on your tummy.

Aislyn was so happy to have all of her aunts, uncles, cousin, etc around to watch and play with.

But, watch out, she has quick hands.

This was more up Dade's alley. He loved this blow up slide. Thanks to everyone for all your hard work.

Our little big wheel pales in comparison to this ride.

This relay race was so awesome. Of course the best part was being able to watch all the little kids giggling and laughing.

This tunnel proved to be a great place to take a photo.

This shout definitely got a few laughs.

Well, maybe I lied earlier when I said that the best part was watching all the little kids giggling and laughing...the best part was beating the pants off Dain. Yeah, that's Dain in the background trying to catch up. Sorry honey, maybe next time.

BLACKBERRY PICKING

While we were in California Dade asked every morning if we could go pick blackberries. He got his way most days. Make sure to take note of the stained fingers...one of the many hazards of berry picking.

I just couldn't resist taking this sweet picture.

My brother Wendell let us borrow this tractor for while we were there. I think Dade looks like he would be a great farmer, don't you?

Ok, now I have to give a little background on these next pictures. My Dad has been famous for this signature swing move since I was a kid. I have vivid memories of him doing the same thing to me.

Aislyn enjoyed it as much as I did.

As well did Dade. Thanks Papa!!!

THE RIVER

One of the top priorities when we go home to California is to go to the river, even if it is December and the water is freezing. Luckily for the kids this visit was in late July and the water was perfect.

She couldn't decide what she wanted to do first, swim or get dirty.

Dade picked swimming...

and more swimming.

Momma couldn't have felt more at home.

SWEET SUMMER FUN

I finally uploaded the pictures from my trip to California with the kids. I couldn't wait to share them.

Dade and AZ running around the backyard. I finally got them to slow down for a minute to snap a picture of the two them...the only one from the trip I might add.
This little jeep (supposed to be battery powered, but as you can tell is now man powered, thanks Uncle Alma) was all the rage. The boys couldn't get enough of it.

This is a picture from the day we played at Uncle Alma and Aunt Polly's house. All the kids had such a great time...thanks guys!!

Now the true winner of all competitions was the dune cycle. Not a morning or evening went by that all the kids missed a turn riding with Papa.

The session usually ended with Aislyn being pulled off crying for another turn.

I still have a ton of pictures from the river, blackberry picking, etc. and will post those in the next few days. I can't believe summer is almost over. Dade starts preschool one week from tomorrow. Makes me want to cry.

THE TENT...AKA THE CAVE

My Mother-in-law made the kids this amazing tent for the kitchen table. My Mother had told me about a similar tent my Grandmother made for my older siblings (at least I think that's how the story goes) so, I put a bug in my Mother-in-law's ear and this is what came of it.

The first time we tried it out we couldn't get the kids out from under the table. We broke out the flashlights and glow sticks and they had a blast.

As you can tell by looking at their faces.

Thank you Oma. Now you need to come visit so we can all play together.

DADERBUGS

So, I have been thinking a lot about my Daders lately. Today is our first day trying to break the thumb sucking habit. It's been...ok. Luckily he only sucks it when his is trying to go to sleep, but of course that means nap has been a little bit difficult. Days like this one above will definitely be missed.

Has any boy every looked more precious...

innocent...

lovable...

or silly?

Daders, I love you. I think the best way to tell you how much, is by quoting what you said to me yesterday morning "You make my heart happy."

COUSIN LOVE

Cousin Charlie came for a week (along with Aunt Susan...sorry Sue, no pictures of you this time). The three kids loves doing everything together. To get a true understanding of how much fun they were having, look at Aislyn's face.
Two things to note in this picture. Charlie's adorable face and the orange crocs. Charlie would not take Dade's crocs off...the entire visit.

Charlie must of know something I didn't, because...

Dade thought it was a good idea too.

4th of July

Here are the 4th of July pictures as promised. We are sitting in the parking lot at our hotel in San Antonio. The kids loved it.

Dade chose the biting shark as his toy from Sea World. Don't you love his face? He still loves this toy a month later.

Aislyn's favorite thing from the trip was probably jumping on the sofa...we used the cushions for Dade's bed (in the closet).

And of course this is how Dain spent much of our time celebrating the 4th. Throwing poppers at me.

I am still trying to get caught up...I have a bunch of wonderful pictures to put up. I have been watching my little sisters boy the past couple of days, so I haven't had as much free time. I will try to get a few more up today, maybe while the kiddos are napping.