Kiwanis Triathlon #2

Getting ready for the big race....

I don't remember how old the twins were when Jill Simpson was their primary teacher. But she has been an amazing support to them. She has come to basketball and soccer games and she even drove all the way out to this Triathlon to cheer them on. So wonderful!

Lauren doing her little sister duty, entertaining us all.

Just a lot of kids!

Matthew's up!

We had to be there when Rachel started and Matthew went so fast we missed most of his. Bummed mom.

Rachel's up!

Ethan's up!

Our Champions!

Rachel's Crash

Steve took the older kids for bike ride at Stephen F. Austin Stake Park. And my super uber courageous Rachel, tried the same steep bumpy, full of roots path that the boys who have done it many times before took. Apparently, she did great until the roots came along and she couldn't quite steer around them fast enough. Poor thing, the look on her face says it all. But the color on her leg turned a few days later said a lot too. This is probably the worse the crash any of the kids have had, knock on wood, and she got up and after a few minutes kept going and even tried another hill that wasn't as treacherous. That's my girl!

Steve hardly ever takes the camera with him when takes the kids for rides, so I asked him to take it again today and he took some great pictures for me.

Steve and I were both able to go on this trail alone a few days ago, while the kids were in school. The weather was great and it was fun to see all the deer, jack rabbits and squirrels. I loved hearing all the different birds and the wind through the trees. It was a nice day!

I'm a Tip Junkie Winner!

I won this during Tip Junkie's Birthday Giveaway back in June and just received it in the mail last week. I think it is super cute, but I don't know how bold enough I am to wear it. It is a little big for my everyday taste, but I am sure I'll find some fun occassion to wear it. Jenny at Doodle Design Shop has all kinds of creative work.

Van's B'day Party

This post is long over due. Sorry Amber, because there are some cute pictures of Van.....

We were able to celebrate Van's 2nd birthday almost a month ago. (July 10) And it started with a little too much to drink. Amber and Mike brought over about 20 different flavors to add to a cup of club soda, ice and whipping cream if you would like. It was delicious and the kids were all hooked. It was also just a lot of fun mixing trying something new.

They also brought along with them my cousin Janie and her husband Bob, who are Amber's parents and visiting from California. We love visitors and enjoyed our short time together with them.

Amber and Mike also exposed our tastebuds to Teriyaki Grilled Hamburgers and yet again we were pleased. You should check out Amber's Recipe Blog.

But onto the most important part of the evening and that is the celebration of Van's 2nd Birthday with lots of Chocolate Cake, Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and Presents.

I loved these cute pictures of Van and had to post them all, actually not all of them. Ethan and Matthew had fun taking the pictures and I think Van definitely warmed up to the camera.




The Texas heat was beginning to be a little much so the party was moved inside. The banner was made by Ethan, Matthew, Rachel and Lauren. Rachel made these cute bows by coloring paper strips with markers and taping the loops together. That is a lot of work for a bow.

It was a great party spent with some great people and one last picture before we said goodnight & goodbye.

All the girls-Lauren, Janie, Amber, Melissa & Rachel

You can see more fun party pictures here.

Sister Elaine Dalton

This picture deserved it's own post. It's of me and my girls with Sister Elaine Dalton, the General Young Women's President. We were able to meet her at the Denton Jubilee, a 50 year celebration of my home stake. She was just as sweet as can be. I told her that I worked with the young women in my own stake and she said, "Thanks for doing such a great job!" And it felt so sincere.

I was so glad that I was able to get a picture of her with the two most important young women in life.

You can find out more about Sister Dalton here.

Look Who's Cooking Again!

That's right! If you want something really really good at our house for dinner, Mr. Mom has to cook it. Here is another delicious meal that Steve created on the grill.

We all love it when he cooks.

Before

After