A few firsts for Piper.

When we went to California for our anniversary, little Piper got to tag along. Here are a few of her firsts on our trip. And for the record...she was an angel baby. She slept through both flights, rarely fussed, and even took a 4 hour nap while we were at the beach. She is truly heaven sent. We love her so much!!

First Airplane ride

Hotel Stay-Not her first-but her first in California!

First time at the beach.  Just look at how much fun she is having!

First toes in the sand.

First walk along the shore.

First time feeling the ocean on her feet!

Here she is during her 4 hour nap.  It was a beautiful day and she
fully took advantage...as did we!

First bath in a hotel sink.(and maybe the last-she's kinda outgrown it already!)

All in all, a great trip...for all of us!
Love this chubby babe of ours!

Touche indeed.

Pacie is funny.  Without meaning to be.  She just always says the funniest things at the most appropriate times.   Usually I just put their sayings on the side bar. Tonight, I decided she deserved her own post.  We laughed and laughed.  So, here is the latest.
Tonight we broke the news to the girls that we have changed our strict "no getting your ears pierced until you are 10" rule.  Upon further thought, we decided that if they get straight A's in 3rd grade, then on the last day of school, we will take them to get their ears pierced.  (I figure if I had to do it and it was good enough for me, it is good enough for them.)  Anyway-we told the girls and Parker especially thought it was a great idea, as she is currently in 3rd grade.
Pacie said, "Well, what if I don't have to pull any tickets in second grade and I can also go on the last day of school and get mine done?"
I said, "Pacie, how would that be fair to Parker if you got to get yours done a whole year earlier?"
She thought for a minute and then looked right at me and said, "Touche".
Scott and I just looked at each other and started laughing.
First of all, how did she even know that word?? And secondly, how did she know it to use it in the right context??  That is her. Random.  And funny. And usually spot on with whatever vocabulary word she pulls out of the air and uses.  Oh, Pacie.  We love her.  She keeps us laughing!!

Happiness is.....

being married to your best friend.
Today we are celebrating 10 years of marriage. It has been such an amazing ride and I couldn't ask for more. Scott is such an easy going and supportive husband. He is always making sure that I am able to do what I need to do and is so great to step in and take over with the kids when I leave. I love you, Scott! Thanks for ten amazing years and here's looking toward ten times ten more.
Here are a few pics:
Then:::

Now:::

Our greatest accomplishment. Just see how far we've come.....

Happy Ten Years, Scottie! I love you!!

A beautiful day.

Yesterday we were able to bless Piper.  It was such a beautiful day and we are so thankful to friends and family for helping us make it such a wonderful day.  We were waiting to bless her until Rachel and Danny could be there with their little family.  We are so grateful that they are home with little Liam and are grateful for what a blessing he is in all of our lives.

Scott gave Piper such a beautiful blessing.  He blessed her to always be an example to those around her, both her family and others she will come in contact with.  He blessed her to gain a strong testimony of the gospel and to learn the importance of this testimony early.

She has already been such a blessing in our home.  She is a very happy and content baby and really does bring joy and laughter.  We love her so much and couldn't be more grateful that she is ours.  Love you, little Piper!!

Here are a few pictures from your special day. 

Thank you MAC photo booth.....

for providing hours of entertainment for my children.  Ever since we introduced them to this nifty feature on our computer we'll hear hysterical laughter coming from the office. Landon has taken over 100 pictures of himself and Presley this week alone!  Here are some of my personal favorites.  Don't I have LOVELY children?  Trust me, there are more where these came from!!

Tiny Dancer

Presley has joined the big girls ranks.  She is taking dance with her big sisters at Infinity.  She was so excited for dance she could hardly wait!! Here she is all dressed up and ready to go.

Her "ballet pose".

Back view...

Ready to go-sparkly shoes and all!

With Daddy before class.

Once we got to the studio, she stood in the corner with her fingers in her mouth and was too shy to do much of anything.  She wanted to stick right by me!  She did join in a little bit at the end and had fun.

Later that day......

Here is how I found her later that day.  Asleep on the stairs.
We have had another lesson since the first and she did much better.  She still wouldn't hold any of the other little girls' hands, but she followed her teacher and did everything with me secretly watching her from the office.  If she's anything like her older sisters, she'll be good.  Her legs are certainly long enough!

Oh, did I mention we'll have another IDS dancer in 2013??? (Piper-5 days old)

BAck to School-2010

Another year back to school.  Every year I dread sending my kids out the door and I always, ALWAYS, cry just a bit.  I never let them see me because they are always so excited.
Parker is starting the third grade and Pacie is sailing into second.  They both have teachers they have had before-Pacie looped from first grade and Parker's Kindergarten teacher moved up to third grade.  That helped their nerves quite a bit.  It was a rainy, cold first day, but they were excited and ready to board that bus.  Here they are ready to go on their first day, 2010.

I hope they have a wonderful year and that they are able to learn and grow tons!!  We love you, girls!!