4th of July 2008

The Fourth of July festivities started for us last week with the Children's Parade. We decorated our bikes/scooters/rollerblades the night before so we would be ready for the "big" 6 block walk. Katy was a little disappointed in how slow she had to go on her bike. I think she thought she would be able to dazzle people with her amazing bike riding skills. And Jenny and Tyler kept asking where all the people were. There's nothing like being in a parade when there aren't any people there to watch it. But it was fun!

Waiting for the parade to start!

Then we hit the hot air balloons the morning of the 3rd.
It's always to fun to meet Grandma and Grandpa Z and Kym there.

. . . nothing better then sitting on a Grandpa's lap!

. . . or riding on shoulders! After the balloons Bret treated us to a yummy breakfast (1200 calories yummy) at IHOP. You gotta love that spinach/mushroom omelet!
Last year we started something a little new on the 4th. We decided to start it off with an early morning run. This year my Mom and I ran the 5K and Kym, my Aunt Leslie, and Uncle Rory ran the 10K. My sister talked me into training for it a few months ago . . . and I'm so glad. I've never run that far in my life so . . . It was exciting for me to actually be able to finish the race.

. . . and there's nothing funner then doing it with people you love. Thanks for encouraging me Kym! Way to Go!
Then it was time to cruise home for a quick shower and then back for the parade. I can't get over how handsome these two are! OH! I love them!

We had Otter Pops . . .
and treats . . . and more Otter Pops!
And we can't imagine the parade without cousins! We had so much fun throwing poppers, fighting for our spot and sharing otter pops with our fellow parade neighbors. :) Anyone for some White Glasses?

After a little nap we headed over to a family BBQ for some yummy food and water balloon games. Thank you Cindy! It was delicious! We had to sneak out a little early so we wouldn't miss the STADIUM OF FIRE!
The weather was absolutely perfect that night. We thought we might be "sweatin' buckets" the whole time but the clouds came over and there was even a little breeze. It was perfect!
Shawn couldn't get enough of Grandma Z the whole night. She was the only one he wanted to sit by. And he definitely kept her going on the Licorice and Cinnamon Bears!
Bret even managed to get a few "back scratches" in.
Jenny had so much fun being with Kymmie all day. She just can't get enough of her. We are so glad she lives close enough to play with us. We love you Kym!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for being such good sports with Buddy! He definitely knows who he loves and what he wants!

By the end of the night, when it was finally time for the fireworks, Shawn was read to crash. He made it through the first few minutes and then he zonked.
We had such a fun day! The 4th of July is probably one of our family's favorite holidays. It's so great to be reminded each year of how blessed we are. What a privilege it is to be an American. We are so grateful to live in America and have the freedoms that we do. We pray for the men who are fighting for our country today and their families for being so strong and loyal. May we all remember how blessed we are throughout the entire year!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

The Best Dad in the Whole Wide World

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful Dad!

We can't imagine what our lives would be like without him. (Jenny's sitting by me while I write this and she says, "Yeah we do, Mom. It would be boring!") I love her.

We love our Dad for so many things:

• His jokes - Jenny
• He takes us bowling - Katy
• He comes to my Coach Pitch Games and helps me - Tyler
• He helps us with our art projects at school - Jenny
• He gives the best back tickles - Katy
• He takes us to Nickle-Cade - Jenny

• He smokes the best ribs - Jenny
• He takes us to Jazz games - Jenny, Tyler
• He takes us out for Ice Cream - Katy
• He likes to watch T.V. shows with us like American Gladiators - Jenny
• He likes to play XBOX/Star Wars with me - Tyler
• He takes good care of us - Katy
• He likes to play football in our yard - Jenny

• He plays fun road games with me when we're driving to dance - Jenny
• He is an amazing cook
• He plays games with us - Katy
• He goes on lunch dates while the kids are at school and every Saturday Night
• He takes good care of our yard and home
• He takes us out on the boat - Jenny, Katy
• He gives great foot rubs
• He wrestles with us - Jenny
• He takes us for Four-Wheeler rides in Wallsburg - Katy
• He loves the Food Network Channel
• He likes to play in the waves with us at Laguna Beach - Jenny

• He's funny - Jenny, Tyler
• He makes yummy Peanut Butter Cups - Katy
• He wrestles with me - Shawn
• He takes us on Sunday Drives
• He makes the kids do back, arm, feet, and leg Tickle Contests
• He tells us to "get a good education" when he takes us to school - Jenny, Tyler
• He asks me if I "Shook my Booty" EVERYTIME he picks me up from dance - Jenny
• He loves us - Katy
• He lets me help him fix up our Rentals - Tyler
• I love to give him hugs and kisses -Shawn

• He is honest
• He is a hard worker
• He's an amazing swimmer
• He has a great sense of humor
• He always looks for the good in things
• He loves to read
• He is patient with me
• He honors his priesthood responsibilities
• He dreams big
• He is smart - He knows about everything
• He provides a wonderful home for our family
• He sets good goals and reaches high
• He encourages us to do what is right
• He's a good decision maker
• He loves his wife
• He is so handsome!
• He is very generous and is always willing to help others.

We love you, Dad!

You are the Best!

Go David Archuleta!!!

We're Voting for You!!!

A Weekend to Remember!

Jenny had one of the funnest weekends ever. I'm sure it will be one that she will always remember. First of all, Bret invited her to go to the Jazz game with him on Friday. She wanted to go to the Laker game during the regular season, but it ended up being on a school night, so she wasn't able to go. When we got our tickets for game 6 of the playoffs, Bret knew she would absolutely love it. She got all dressed up and did her hair, put on some cute earrings (Thanks Aunt Jamie!) and a little lip gloss later she was ready for her date with Dad!

Bret was so excited to take her. He knew she would love it, be interested in the game and actually know what was going on. They both had so much fun.

They were a perfect match for the game.

Then on Saturday, the Public Library had a huge Children's Book Festival. They had tons of activities and about 30-40 different authors and illustrators there for book signing. We got to meet the authors of the "Fablehaven" books (See picture of Jen above as Fablehaven), "Snowmen at Night" author and illustrator, Guy Francis (who we will always love), and the one and only . . .
SHANNON HALE!

This is Jenny with Shannon Hale who is the author of Princess Academy(Newberry Medal), The Goose Girl, A Book of a Thousand Days, Austenland, and more. She was really nice and signed Jen's copy of "Princess Academy" for her. It was so fun to meet all the fun authors and illustrators. Jen, Kate and Ty were walking around with their eyes popping out of their heads when they realized who all the people were. It was really fun and a neat experience for the kids. I hope they do it again next year!

After-School-Snack by Candlelight?

Jenny and Tyler got home today right as a storm hit. (Tyler even asked the bus driver to pull right up to our house so he wouldn't get so wet. WHAT A NUT!) They ran in the house as fast as they could, and I decided today was probably a good day for hot, fresh chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven for an after-school-snack. We listened to the loud cracks of thunder and watched the rain pour down while the cookies baked. The power flashed off a few times during the storm and we wondered if we were going to loose our power. When they cookies were done, Tyler suggested that we light a candle and pretend that the power went out. Jenny pulled out some "campfire songs" and we sang a little "John Jacob Jinglehimer Schmit" while we ate our yummy snack. There's nothing like being a little crazy every once in a while!

There's something about a storm that just makes you want to snuggle up with those you love. It was fun!

Katy the Soccer Queen!

Katy played soccer again this year

and she absolutely loved it!

She is one amazing player. She is so aggressive . . . she just gets in there and attacks. We've decided she must have gotten it from her Aunt Jamie!

After game Cheer with Coach Nick Rhineer!

Thanks Coach!
Shaking hands with the other team!
Five of the Eight kids on her team after the final game!
Sophie and Katy!

This is Katy's cute friend Sophie. They had so much fun playing together on the same team this year. We can't wait for next season!

Nothing Like Family Night!

There's nothing like family night! Especially when . . .

. . . it starts off with Bret and I going for a walk around the block

. . . it's one of the first warm Spring/Summer nights of the year

. . . the kids did the dishes after dinner

. . . Bret starts the night off with a baseball game in the front yard

. . . then Bret starts singing our family night song

AND conducts the lesson on prayer with Ty

Spring is in the Air!

Big hit for Ty!
Bret going for the Ball to get Ty out!
Jenny's big Hit!
Kate's big Hit!
And Shawn hangin' by his favorite person in the world.

What would he do without his Mommy?

No one knows!

Ty's Basketball Season

Tyler has been playing basketball for the last several weeks. He has become one awesome player!

He takes the ball down the court like a pro

and he makes a basket almost every game.

Only one game left!
Shawn can't wait to get on that court too!
I sure love you Ty! You are one amazing boy! You are a good sport, team player, and you have been practicing so hard. You are a basketball star!

I LOVE YOU!