Laveen Stars and Stripes Parade

On the day of Shawn's latest LSAT test, we were lucky enough to be able to be preoccupied with the Laveen annual parade. Our ward put together an amazing float and had matching t-shirts for everyone.

Here is our float - there weren't very many in the parade, so we stood out!


Joss and Jackson had a lot of fun eating the snacks and running around before the parade started.


Everyone was supposed to carry pictures of people in the military. I just carried Jackson.


We got as far as the first block and then we saw Gramma and Grampa and it was all over. It was a fun day. I was impressed with the small town parade. We had a fun time, and it was good to take our mind off what Shawn was up to. We will keep you posted as it comes time to choose a school. We are excited for our future!

Joss is 4!

It is unbelievable that our baby is 4! It's also unbelievable that she's only been with us for 4 years! I can't imagine life without her. She is a "Glowing, Shimering Star in the Cinema Firmamint..."
Happy Birthday, Baby!

She had a slumbler-less slumber party and all her buddies came over for sleepy games and pizza. They were so cute and we had a crazy-fun time!


We went to the Children's museum on her birthday. She got to meet the Toothfairy.


Little Gramma made her a beautiful barbie cake. She was amazed! (it tasted as good as it looked) We had to take the legless barbie out when she wasn't looking, so she wasn't traumatized!


We didn't know how to try to wrap her bike, so we sent her on a little scavenger hunt to find her new bike. She got picture clues and went from clue to clue until she found her bike. Her bike was in the garage, and when she got her clue to go to the garage she looked all over in the garage to find the next clue - her bike was sitting right in the middle of the garage with a big bow. Maybe we shouldn't have made the game more fun than the prize!


In the end - she is crazy about her new bike and doesn't mind wearing her helmet. It's on the big side, but she should be able to ride for a long time.

Random Catch-Up

Where have we been? Busy, I guess! Lame excuse...
We have had some monumental months that I haven't updated. Here are some random pictures that I need to put up.


One of our favorite places is the Phoenix Children's Museum. We were lucky enough to get a culture pass. Joss and Jackson are picking flowers:


What's your sign?


How is it possible for these kids to get cuter? Put them with their dad and get them wet~


Joss came with me to mutual when we were doing face painting. She got her face painted by the pro. I got mine done by Joss. I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out!


Joss + a motorcycle + makeup + dressups = me glad that she is only 4!

Stay tuned - I should have more updates coming right up!

New Baby Esme!

Today is a big day! I have taken the Adoption Post off the side of my blog. Paige and James have adopted their sweet, sweet Esme and for now the focus is on her. We were able to spend quite a bit of time with her the first week of her life and she is a beautiful, precious little girl. Adoption is truly a miracle and our family is eternally grateful to the incredibly brave and selfless birth mother, Ashley, who has given us the most amazing gift anyone can give.