FIVE!

Well, this week, my four year old turned five. Yes, she did. Where does the time go, I ask you? They grow up too fast, I tell you. But, in spite of her unwillingness to obey my Stop Growing Up! order, we celebrated the day. First, she opened some presents. She opened them strip of tape by strip of tape. Very carefully...

Among her presents, she got a scooter. She has been wanting one for years. Look at her happy face.

Ashton and Christian bought her a cute froggy travel pillow and gave her some money in a sweet card. Precious kids.

Later, we met my sister and her darling girlies at a, well, I don't know what to call it. A fun fall festivalish thing? There were corn mazes (which I sadly had to say no to - I have a broken toe!), pig and goat races, tractor-trike courses,

hayrides,

and all sorts of fun activities. What a fun time!

Later, grandparents and aunts and uncles and a couple close friends came over for pumpkin cake and ice cream (both deliciously homemade).

A very fun evening, too!

Now, in honor of Roxie's FIFTH birthday, I will tell you FIVE things I love about her:

1. She is good. Really, really good. She wants so badly to do what is right and to follow Christ. She recently burst into tears because one of her siblings wouldn't let her do something for them. She cried, "But I want the blessings!"

2. She is HILARIOUS. Really. I'm not sure she means to be funny. She just is. Really funny.

3. She is enthusiastic. Everything is the most fun, exciting thing EVER. She makes everything better for everyone else by her enthusiasm!

4. She is a singer. She always has been. Before she could talk, she would sing - on key, so I knew what she was singing. She has never stopped. I have been told by a few Primary leaders that her enthusiastic singing is one of their favorite parts of Primary.

5. She brings us such joy. She has a happy spirit. She lifts those around her. I can not imagine our family without her. She is such a special girl.

I love her so much. I am so grateful for Roxie. I feel humbled that I was entrusted to raise such a girl.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROXIE! WE LOVE YOU!

My Zoo

So, my in-laws took the big kids to the zoo. But I never made it this year. No worries. Sophie is all I need. I thought I would share in case you missed the zoo, too.

Slacker Blogger

I've been a slacker blogger. Sorry. Here's what happened this summer that I didn't post that I should have:

The kids went to an art studio with cousins and friends. They painted some wonderful coasters. So fun!

The tiny girls wanted to participate, too! Alas, they had to paint with water on paper towels. Meanie mom/aunt.

Doug with the little girls at the Fourth of July Parade.

To be completely honest, if I were to give an accurate representation of our summer, most of the pictures would involve dress-ups in one form or another. They are a state of being at our house.

This year, there was a Darth Vader hot air balloon at the hot air balloon festival. What is cooler than that? 

Coolest float ever. Well, according to Christian, anyway.

Fireworks are mesmerizing.

They are loud, too. Good thing there are lots of cousins to make it even better!

All of the girls wanted curly hair for church. Christian wanted no hair.

We took a hike in the canyon. Check out Sophie's face. Priceless.

Apparently, rolling down hills does not come naturally. It must be learned. But, oh, what fun!

A little horseback riding. Sort of...

We met this guy at the Llama Fest. I love him.

Sophie wasn't quite sure about the llamas.

Christian earned his Wolf badge and like  a bazillion arrow points and a belt loop! What a scout!

Namma and Papa took the big kids to the zoo. Good times!

My sister sang the National Anthem at the minors!

Well, that's our summer in a nutshell. Lots of adventures!