Interception Ethen

Goodbye to our best friend

We had to make the hardest decision this week. We didn't really see it coming and have probably been in denial about it for some time now, but it was time to put Kia to rest. She has been the best dog ever. She was with us for almost 14 years and we consider her our 1st born. Scott and I got her, as a puppy, just a few months after we were married. She has traveled all over the United States, climbed to the top of mountains, watched 4 children join our family and grow up, and basically been there everyday of our lives. Just her presence and breathing in the house was a comfort. The kids have never known a life without Kia in it and we have always been a dog family. I didn' t know I could love a dog so much until we had her and we all miss her terribly. We find ourselves doing things out of habit even though she isn't here anymore. She got to the point where she was unable to stand up on her own anymore and was not eating hardly anything at all. It was the most dificult decision to make, but we know it was the right one. Everyone took some time with her to say goodbye and John helped us dig a grave in our backyard under the Hale tree. Scott and I took her in together and were with her as she quickly slipped away into a peaceful sleep on Tuesday Sept. 14th. She is now buried in our backyard and I wouldn't want her anywhere else.

Once there was a snowman

The kids are already trying to plan out Halloween costumes. This is the beginnings of a snowman. Haha.

Back to School

School is back in session. Summer went by quickly this year. Ethen is now in the 6th grade. I can't believe we have a kid in middle school. He had a good 1st day and found all his classes. Phoebe is in 4th grade and has several friends in her class this year. She is very happy with both her teachers and gets up every morning without any help. Luke started kindergarten this year and is so happy to be able to go to the big school now. He LOVES his teacher and had a GREAT first day. He is already talking about some new friends and I really can't believe he is already in kindergarten. Now it is just Paisley at home. She will start preschool next week.

Nana & Papa Are HOME

Nana & Papa are back from the mission and came to visit last week. We packed a lot of fun in a few short days. It all went by so quickly. We miss them A LOT already. There is nothing like having your Mom and Dad around, even when your grown up. Here are some pictures of our day at the lake. Papa never gave up and had success on the surfboard. It was so fun to watch him get up on the board.

Amazing Paisley

below you will find a video of Paisley. Yes she is 3 years old. She only weighs about 23 lbs. and is a munchkin, but this girl is SUPER STRONG!

New Addition

Here is the newest addition to our family. Phoebe got a bunny for her birthday. She named it Coco and all the kids are in love. It is a perfect shade of chocolate brown and so far is very sweet.

Phoebe's 9th Birthday

Phoebe turned 9 today! Only 1 year left of single digits. She has been so excited for her birthday to come this year. Phoebe wanted a sleepover so I decided on just a small group of friends this year so I wouldn't stress about so many kids. Since Phoebe is all about cooking and baking we decided to have a cooking party. It started a few days ago where Aunt Tina took Phoebe down to The Cake Stand and let Phoebe make a cake all on her own with their excellent supplies. Phoebe spent a lot of time sketching and planning exactly what she wanted. She made it come to life and it looked AMAZING! She pretty much did all of this cake by herself. The only part Tina did was to write her name. The rest of the construction was all Phoebe with some coaching from Tina. I am pretty sure my girl has a gift because this cake was perfect (and super cute) even the layers inside were all perfectly straight! Yummy white cake with chocolate butter-cream frosting in-between the layers and vanilla butter-cream for the rest. My only concern is that she is already enjoying 3 layers of cake for a birthday cake, how many layers do you think her wedding cake will need to be?The party started off with the girls decorating aprons and then wearing them while making individual pizzas. They all loved rolling out the dough and spreading on the toppings. It was a really fun time and all the girls were excited to see and taste how their creations came out.

The girls

Decided it was a nice day to take a picture with my girls

Junk Lover

This girl would prefer to eat like this for all meals.

That's green slushie and pizza. Sugar and more sugar please.

Ping Pong in the Kitchen

Silly Kids

4th of July 2010

Here are some pictures of our 4th of JULY. Scott parked in a great spot for firework viewing and then we lit a few off in the back yard. Some of our neighbors didn't like that, but I had never seen them before and can only think they must not be Ame


Hurry! Those fuses are short!
Luke didn't like being very close to the action. Sparks flying wasn't enjoyable for him or Phoebe.
Ethen found a toad outside and for some reason brought it in to show everyone, but we did let him go.