first snow of 2011

it came

stayed for 3 days

just to tease us

snow forts

snowmen

now time for soccer tournaments

marinara sauce

super yummy

marinara sauce

love it

the reaper

all day long Sam is reaping HAVOC

all over the soccer fields!

super fun to watch!

super fast!

my girls!

Ash is an awesome keeper!

She has no fear!

-(it makes her mommma really nervous though)

Ellie finally gets to play & doesn't have to watch her brothers & sister!

-so fun to watch!

She has a great swagger when she impresses herself!

AMA 30 miles bike challenge

She is amazing!

30 mile ride all by herself!

Up and down mountains!

Simply amazing!

Hillcrest Varsity Soccer

Good times. Proud of our boy!

day of firsts

ellie- first day of all day school & cold lunches

sam- first day of being protector of little sister at school & bus

ashlyn- first day of middle school and lockers

tanner- first day of high school and seminary

mom- first day to catch my breath!

dad- same day, over & over again

july 4, 2011

Wonderful 4th. Weather was great, water fight was awesome, hauling hay worked some muscles, horse riding and sparklers all done with family made for an extra special 4th!

long awaited return

Grandma and Grandpa Puzey had been away from their family for 3 years and July 3 was the day that they were coming home! The grandkids (with their American flags) were eagerly awaiting at the airport.

A rush was awaiting them as they came through the doors.

What a fun day & one that will always be cherished!

our very first dance camp

Ellie has never had the chance to let her talent of dancing shine. She and her friend, Madeline, had a ball moving to the music. One day after picking them up they were trying to tell me what song they were dancing to. Ellie said, "Mom, have you every heard the song, 'Suck On You'?" I let her know that I wasn't familiar with it. Then she started to sing the tune and I realized it was a song by Sugarland called "Stuck Like Glue". I liked that title a lot more. The girls couldn't have been more darling and they had an absolute blast.

Father's Day

the kids wanted to make their papa

some breakfast in bed.

of course it included sausage,

which they normally don't get for breakfast

(it's only for special occasions.)

notice that they have all of their plates loaded

with the same amount of sausage

as their dad's!

breakfast in bed

I have to say that Casey is the perfect father for our children. He puts their needs and my needs above his own. He gets off work and is right with them usually drilling them in soccer or working on a project with them. Our life is so rich and full because of him and I will love him forever for it!

shrinking gardens

We got our garden planted quite late, due to the move.

But, it was fun getting it in!

This is definitely a lot smaller than what we have taken care of for the past three years!

I have to say that even though it was A LOT of work, the large garden was fabulous.

There was always some work for the kiddos to do and I am not so grouchy at

the weeds for their speedy come back after being plucked from the earth.

Gardens are great for kids & I have to say that it is very therapeutic for myself.

tulips

Grandma Puzey has some beautiful tulips that come up and

make me happy every year!

I took theses shots back in April and they

were too beautiful not to post.

These are my favorite pink ones.

back to the big city

On May 28, 2011 we left our favorite town of Sugar City and moved back to our home in the big city. It was a very special time for our family. We came to Sugar City about 3 years ago and it changed who we are for the better.

what we will miss:

*the people

*bike rides (especially for my kids)

*swimming in the canal

*ice skating rinks & snow hills

*watching the elk outside the bedroom window

*the big garden and fruit trees

*roasting marshmallows in the fire pit

*simplicity

*Sugar Food Town

*feelings of safety

*4 mile blocks

*sewing group

*windows open at night & hearing peace (except for the occasional cat or raccoon fight)

*cheese factory smell

*beautiful sunsets

*kind neighbors to plow you out from a snowstorm

*close to family

*yelling at my kids without everyone hearing (or so I thought)

*long walks to the mailbox

*and many, many more things

I think more than anything I learned of the importance of family and the special time you have to spend with those you love is sacred and goes very fast.

I am determined to keep the simplicity of my Sugar City life and will be forever grateful for it!

I love track!

I didn't do track in high school, because I hated to run!

Little did I know how fun it is.

Tanner & Ash did a great job running the hurdles

for the first time!

I think that I love any activity where my kids are out being active and enjoying life!