Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Summer Fun

I can't believe the summer is already half over!  We have been super busy, and have enjoyed every minute of it!  Here are some photos of our June activities:

PRESCHOOL GRADUATION

Baylor Nielson, Krew Pollock, Tripp Palmer, Stetson, Cash Palmer, and Brody Bilbao singing their ABCs
  
Congratulations Stetson!
PLAYTIME
Lucy can stand on her own!

A new favorite activity - reading books

One of Stetson's many forts
TRAVELING
Such a good little traveler

What's better than all you can eat/drink and a movie?
SWIMMING
That looks like a handful!

"Look mom, I can swim by myself!"

Lucy stuck close to daddy 'cuz the water was a little cold . . .

. . . now this is more like it!

That is one happy girl!

Lucy's on her way back to the cold pool!
STAYING IN A MOTEL
It doesn't matter where we sleep - as long as we have chocolate milk!

Now this is what I call comfort!
A JUNE WEDDING
So, we came out of the temple after J.J. and Tamra's wedding, and there was my brother, Elder Jesse Grover, who is currently serving a mission in Sacramento, California.  Tamra's sisters brought him so that he wouldn't miss the special event.  Awesome!!!

Simply Beautiful!

The newlyweds with all their nieces and nephews -
don't they look super cute in their black and white dresses, white shirts and black ties?

The parents of the bride and groom

My hot, tired little princess

The cowboy and his bride at the reception

The cake

The aftermath
VISITING THE BAR D WRANGLERS CHUCHWAGON

This was definately the highlight for Stetson - he got to ride the train, AND he got to blow the whistle!

Lucy in her new boots, enjoying the sights with Grandpa Grover

And there's the newlyweds.  After a week of honeymooning, they still can't let go of each other (definately a good sign!)
BYU CLOG CAMP

Amber, McKady, Brielle, Jeanna
sporting our new clog camp shirts

The theme was "Circus - under the Big Top", and these girls were in the Lion Tamers group
(if you can't tell, Brielle is the lion tamer, and McKady is the lion)

There was a competition, and these girls were on the winning team!
(this pose is the V in LOVE that they spelled in their dance)
BALLROOM DANCE
While at BYU, we were lucky enough to watch some ballroom dance practices

Disclaimer on Jordan's behalf:
these two are not dating, this is just a pose in the dance

My brother Jordan and his partner Natalie are preparing for a Latin competition in Vegas in August.
They generally practice 2 to 4 hours a day - wow!
THE ROUNDUP
Cowboys and cowgirls, saddled up and ready to ride

This is the pond at Kane Springs
Stetson enjoyed throwing dirt clods into it while we waited for daddy

Around the pond there is plenty of sand, and that, along with Boda, kept Lucy entertained

My little cowboy on his horse Mater

Completely worn out after the morning ride

Lucy LOVES to play in the dirt - and doesn't mind getting dirty

I missed getting a photo of the cows crossing the road, but here are the cowboys, right behind them

I absolutely LOVE these boys!
Hopefully the last half of the summer is just as busy and fun as the first half!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Happy Father's Day!

When I was younger I got my dad a bumper sticker that said, "Anyone can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad", and I think it fits my dad very well.  He has always been an incredible Father, but what makes him so special is that he goes the extra mile to be a wonderful Dad as well.  I am so lucky to have a dad that was always willing to make time for me, whether it was watching my performances, teaching me how to ride a horse, or just talking with me, he has always been someone I can count on no matter what!  Thanks so much Dad!  I love you tons!

"A Father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow."  I have always looked up to my father-in-law, even before I started calling him Dad.  What an amazing man!  He has such a wide range of talents and abilities, and yet he is still so humble!  He is the type of person that makes you feel good about yourself, but at the same time makes you want to work hard to become better.  Thanks so much dad for always having faith in me, and for teaching me more than you will ever know.  I love you so much!

It is so fun to watch my husband taking on his role as a Father to our children.  Even though he is super busy, he always takes the time to give Lucy a hug, listen to Stetson's wild stories, or take full advantage of a teaching moment.  Kenny is such a good teacher, and I hope my kids learn a lot from him!  He is always willing to drop what he is doing to help someone else out, and he doesn't mind taking the kids to work with him when I am in a bind.  I love you Kenny, thanks for all you do!  Our kids are lucky to have you for a Dad!