Broccoli Soup

Here's Marissa still going to town on her 10 hour personal project project :).  She's suppose to make 10 meals ... but she's spent much more than an hour per meal.  But - I'm for sure not complaining!

This night, she and Annie made broccoli soup.  It turned out SOOOOOOOO fabulous.  I don't think we got an end result picture ... it was gone too fast.  Thanks girls!

They had to chop and chop and chop and chop tons of veggies .... and the velveeta cheese too!  They were troopers.  They served us soup in yummy bread bowls, and it was heavenly.

24th of July

I can't believe I'm just barely posting this. I still have a few "catch up" posts to put on here. But, hey - it makes Summer memories stand out a little more, huh?

On the 24th of July we went to the parade. We had a little picnic birthday party for Hanna Ban. And then we spent the evening with the Jensons for dinner and fireworks. It was a very fun day. I didn't bring my camera at all, and I only got a few pictures with my cell phone ... but, they are good memories however they are documented ... no matter how incomplete.

Playing Skip-Bo at our parade site.  Aaron had had his tonsils out just 4 days before and was still struggling to feel good. 

These kids are so lucky to have a cool gma and gpa that make this parade possible.  If it were up to just me and Ty - we would probably opt for sleeping in and letting the kids watch tv.  I'm glad my kiddos got to have this fun day!

Waving at the firemen!

Krystal particularly enjoyed the parade this year.  And here are the girls sporting their princess crowns ... these crowns are becoming a parade tradition!

Tyler H.A.T.E.S. parades.  So - here's proof that he's here WITH A SMILE!!  Love my man!

I really think that the things you can purchase at parades are the best part.  :)  Aaron got this COOLEST bow and arrow set for like $4.00.  It is seriously cool.  Here's Krystal in her princess crown really wanting her picture taken with the pink tractor.  Phew!  We barely got it!

Krystal and her super good friend (and cousin) - Hanna Banana.  These girls sure love each other!

And I had to end with these pictures, because I just love them!  Aaron is showing some pretty fabulous patriotism here.  What a good boy ... and Krystal had to take an afternoon nap - she was beat from all the activities.  Sweeties.

I love being in Utah for the 24th of July .... mainly because we get to celebrate it!  Good memories.  Fun times.  Being together is the place to be!

15 Years of Marriage!

We've come a long way in 15 years!  I am so grateful for my beautiful children, my siblings, my in-laws, my nieces and nephews, and the grandparents!!  But, mostly - I'm so grateful for my incredible Tyler.  He keeps me sane (ya know - the therapist in him :)), he keeps me smiling, and he keeps me happy.  We were meant for each other, and I feel so blessed to call him mine.

(this picture was taken by:  www.mariawoodphotography.com)

(this picture was taken by:   John Jackson)

(this picture was taken by:  www.mariawoodphotography.com)

(this picture was taken by:  John Jackson)

Happy Anniversary babe!!  Looking forward to many, many more!

Easily Entertained

... and messy!  :)

These girls were SUPPOSE to be swimming, but, as you can see - the swimming pool got a little muddy.  Ick! They played in the mud for several hours, though!  They had so much fun.  Krystal and Aeryn are little  BFFs!

These are just some random pictures from sometime this Summer.  I loved 'em.  Kids will find the darndest activities to keep themselves entertained.  It's fabulous!

Aeryn pushes Krystal in the stroller ...

... and then they switch, of course!  Gotta love the moon boots in 90 degree weather!  haha.  (It was windy -- so moon boots and long pants were in order, apparently).

Oh, Summertime - please just stay forever!

Tonsilectomy

Aaron had his tonsils taken out on July 20th.  It was NOT a good time.

After we got home, he couldn't stop throwing up for the rest of the day.  We were totally freaking out.  After a call to the doctor - and a hefty dose of phenergan - he was able to sleep heavily enough to keep down the little chunks of popcycle I forced into his mouth every hour.  Sheesh - that was not fun.

Of course, Grandma Pat and Grandpa Brent had to find him the coolest toy possible (an air-bender trick toy), and that put a smile on his face and kept him happy when he wasn't vomiting.

Mainly - the next week consisted of THIS:

A lot of sleeping.  He really did not feel good for a long time -- nearly 2 weeks!  We're glad that's over and are hopeful that strep throat won't keep the kids from missing so much school this year.

Aaron's back to normal now, except that he thinks he needs ice cream with every meal ...

Primary Parade

The primary put on an awesome bike parade for Fiesta Days here in Spanish Fork.  Our ward had an "all day" party that started with breakfast, then service projects, then the parade, then a bbq and swim party.  It was a super fun day!  We have such a fabulous ward!

Krystal and Aaron spent a long time putting crepe paper on their scooters - and just as they were all set to go, Tyler turned the sprinklers on to check something out.  Krystal's scooter was waiting on the grass, so her streamers were ruined.

She. Was. Ticked!

But, we whipped up some new crepe paper streamers and they weren't even late.  Phew!

Festive hair-do is a must, of course!  Here's Krystal toward the end of the parade.  I just love her rosy cheeks and tired happiness.

Aaron kept to the front of the parade:

And Krystal got further and further behind.  Here she is close to the beginning of the parade (far left):

A great morning ... and the rest of the day was super fun too!

Dancin' Queens ... er ...Fools

Hilarious. Aaron has such good friends, and they have such good times!

Reservoir Canoeing

Here we are taking a little canoe trip at the Spanish Fork Reservoir.  These kids have the coolest grandma and grandpa!

The reservoir is pretty small - but a fun size to canoe around and around in:

And a great way to pass off some Cub Scout stuff!  Look at that stud Aaron canoeing his heart out!

Getting in some good "beach" action ... reservoir style, of course.

Just being together is the best.

Lounging:

We've been to the reservoir several times now - but only got pictures on this particular trip.  The kids' smiles show that they love it there!

The grandparentals ... in all their coolness! :)

Our Spot -

Good times!