Happy Birthday Nathan!

Nate is 30 today. We celebrated last night at a dinner with his family and a few friends. And we celebrated today with the girls and Josh. It's been almost thirteen years since I met Nate and a lot has changed in those years, especially in the last few years. But, one thing has stayed the same--he is still everything to me. I love you, Nate. Thank you for being the great husband and dad that you are. Here's to the next 30. 

Nate's dad and mom

Nate's sister Ashley

Brothers, dad and cousins (minus Cameron who's in China)

Nate's counselors and friends Vince and Skyler

More ribbons than racecars...

We found out a few weeks ago, and it was confirmed today in my 20 week ultrasound, that we are having a GIRL!!! I think Nate always knew he would be mostly surrounded by women and I always knew in the back of my mind that we had another little girl coming. I am so excited, so are the girls and so is Nate. As for Josh, how could he possibly be disappointed over having another sister who will love him like crazy? As I watched my kids dancing around tonight in (what else?) their swimming suits and diaper, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my children. There are many close to me who have yet to be granted that blessing and while my heart aches for them, I know that one day they too will be filled with that gratitude.

Making the most of the end of winter...

I'm still catching up on some photos--these are from February. We spent the weekend in Park City with Nate's family and took the kids ice skating. Lia and Laura were so excited and were pretty good (even without the tennis ball things). Josh got to skate in his shoes a little at the end with Dad. The other pictures are from Nate and Lia's day (or afternoon rather) on the slopes. Nate wanted to take Lia all winter and they finally got a chance. Lia had a few falls and was exhausted by the end, but she had fun. She is always thrilled to be doing something with dad.

St. George

I'm a little late posting these pictures, but better late than never, I guess. This was our trip to St. George at the end of January. I kept telling Nate we needed a little vacation and he finally gave in to my pleadings. We had a great time! The weather was warm, the girls got to go swimming (outside... they were more brave than Nate and me) and I didn't have to make dinner or do laundry for a few days. And more importantly, we got to spend some uninterrupted family time together. Zion was a little chilly, hence the coats, but it still was beautiful. I am a firm believer in getting away every once in a while for the sanity of everyone in the family.

Amelia

We celebrated Amelia's birthday this week and before I include some of the pictures from that day and I want to take a minute like I have with Laura and Josh this week to say why we are so grateful for her and why she is so special. Being the oldest, Lia puts up with a lot. But she is so patient and so helpful. She is also always full of good ideas and is so creative (a trait she does not get from her mother). My favorite part of every day is picking her up from school. She always has a big smile on her face and runs to the car as if we haven't seen each other in days. I don't know what we'd do without Lia.

We started out the day at Lia's school where I got tell her class all about her. She also got to have lunch with some of her cousins and then we had her Utah Jazz party with her friends. Lia loves the Jazz (the Utes are second in line to the Jazz) and Deron Williams, who's jersey she is wearing. Her grandmas and grandpas and some of her aunts and uncles came over that night for another party. I hope she had a fun day. We sure love you Lia!

Laura

I have been meaning to put a picture up of Laura going to dance class, but for some reason whenever she goes to dance I haven't had the camera, until last week. I love this picture of her. Laura adds so much excitement to our lives. She always knows how to make things interesting. I am so grateful for her and for all the things she's taught me about patience and kindness. We love you, Laura! 

Josh

I've been thinking a lot about Josh lately and how much we enjoy him. He is such a happy little guy and has added so much to our family. I think part of the reason I've been thinking about him so much lately is because he is not going to be the baby for much longer... we are having another baby in August. We are so excited and are really looking forward to this new addition to our family, but it has caused me to reflect on how fast time flies and my how things change before we know it! When did he get to be so big?

I left Josh upstairs with his sisters and ran down to the office to get something right after we got home from running errands. This was how I found him when I got back upstairs. (This is why I don't spend much time in the office--where the computer is, something always happens while I'm down here. The next time I went down to get on the computer, Lia glued her fingers together with super glue.) Josh was enjoying himself so much, I couldn't do anything but laugh and take a picture.

The girls got their floaties out when we were getting ready to go to St. George (which I will post pictures of next time... I'm afraid I'm a little behind) and Josh had a great time with them. He is such a ham sometimes for the camera, I love it!