Miss Liberty is growing up!

First and last day of Kindergarten.
Libby's kindergarten program. She loves to sing and do all the actions. It is so fun to watch her!

Libby had a tooth that was ready to come out. Daren was willing to tie the floss around the tooth, but he made me pull it out. What a wimp! Libby just laughed when it came out. On the other hand, Daren was near tears. He does not like seeing his little girl growing up!

MUD

Do I really need to type an explanation? I was planting plants, there was dirt, there was water, the girls were with me.... 'nuf said.

Tavaci Spring Concert

Libby sang and danced her heart out at her last concert. This time she had her friend Taygan performing with her.

Spring Thunderstorm

Last time I posted about a thunderstorm I showed a picture of Libby wearing ear muffs. Well, the ear muffs didn't cut it this time. This particular storm was very loud, so I let the girls get in our bed. I know that is against the rules, but it sure is cute when they actually fall asleep! Speaking of sleep, Noelle went in for her sleep study. I would have taken a picture of that, but it was a little too sad. She had wires, straps, and monitors all over her. She did all right, but ultimately we have not solved any problems yet. She will have her tonsils and adenoids removed on the 28th, unless something drastic changes between now and then. I don't anticipate any changes. I'm not even sure the surgery will help that much, but I am desperate. I need sleep and so does Noelle. I feel like I have been taking care of a newborn for three years. It's exhausting. In the picture of just Noelle you can see how her little brow is furrowed and she looks concerned. If she is not flat out screaming, moaning, or groaning, she at least has the appearance that she is struggling. I know something isn't right, but I don't know how to fix it.

Noodles Anyone?

I took dinner to my V.T. partner, who just had a baby. Since I was out of ideas I asked Jess (my sister) what I should take. She told me to make Chicken Noodle Soup with home made noodles. Hah! Is she crazy or what? I guess I'm crazy too because I gave it a shot. It was kind of fun and they turned out okay. Next time I need to make them thinner and narrower (easier said than done), but Daren really liked it and so did the girls.

Soccer Season

Last year I coached Libby's team and she didn't enjoy it much. I wasn't sure if it was me or the soccer she didn't enjoy, so I made her play again this year (yes, you read that right, I made her play!). I'm now convinced it was me she didn't enjoy. She has played great this year and for the most part really enjoyed it. Just today, she said, "Mom, I've made a goal at every soccer game, right?" Honestly, I think she has made a goal at every game and maybe even more than one. More importantly, she hasn't been moaning to me about how she doesn't want to play (except for the game when she got a bloody lip from an overly aggressive boy on the other team- his dad was the coach- that's a whole other story- grrrr is all I can say about that). Bottom line, I guess I won't be coaching Libby again. Maybe Noelle will give me a chance.

She's gone!

Ten years ago we decided we had to buy a truck in order to run our Shaved Ice business. So, we bought a Toyota and have never regreted it. About three years ago we bought a newer Toyota but we kept our first truck and she became affectionately known as "old gray". Most recently we used her for delivering Smoothies for Smoothie King. We just sold Smoothie King and the buyers wanted the truck. We decided we had to let her go. I know you shouldn't be emotionally attached to a vehicle, but this one has been so good to us and we have SO MANY memories associated with it. Oh well, I'll keep the memories and get rid of the truck, ok? So long "old gray"!

Spring Break 2009

Playing at the park. What cute girls!

Libby and Taygan

Noelle and Taylor

Easter egg hunt in Hyde Park.

Noelle ran around, but never picked anything up. Grandpa saved the day and helped her fill her basket.

The easter bunny came!

Libby found her basket in the trash compactor

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day! The girls were beautiful too!

Daren was so thoughtful and had the neighbor come over and take our picture as a family. What a rare treat.

It was about time for some new music, so enjoy! Thanks to Dad (Mary, Mary), Dave (Matisyahu), and Jess (Ryan Shupe) for the recommendations. I love good music! The song "Dream Big" is dedicated to my patient and loving husband who is slowly, but surely teaching me to dream big. (I know that is cheesey, but it had to be said!)

They say it's your birthday

Noelle turned 3 yesterday! I was hoping for a drastic improvement in behavior (she is the definition of "terrible twos"), but no such luck. It started out as a really rough day. Libby and Noelle were fighting non-stop. At noon I finally put both of them in the tub. Usually this has a calming effect, but it resulted in the opposite. After having a pitcher of water dumped on me- this was not in jest- I lost it and sent them both to bed. Libby promptly fell asleep. This was her first nap in two years. Noelle never did fall asleep, but that is nothing new. Not sounding like much of a birthday, is it?



































New sippy cups and silverware. I love practical gifts.

The day started looking up when we had Noelle's birthday dinner. Check out that cake- made by yours truly (thanks to Audrey for the cake pan). Noelle was feeling shy as we sang Happy Birthday to her.

My aunt and uncle, Steve and Vickie, happened to be at my parents so they came over and joined the party. As did Nana Holley and Aunt Kim. It is so fun to have them all with us.
Notice Ty in the back ground of this photo, he is assembling Noelles trike. Props to Ty for being such an awesome uncle (Dave too!).

Libby "helped" open every gift.
















Don't dis my wrap job (the blanket)- I was too busy making an elmo cake to worry about wrapping paper!

A new, pink trike!

It drives like a dream.

Happy Birthday Noelle!

Party in Phoenix!

This last weekend Libby and I got to fly to Phoenix to meet our new little niece, Grace. Daren stayed home with Noelle- what a trooper! I had a great time hanging with the fam, but I especially enjoyed some one on one time with Libby.


Savannah and Jess sat just behind us- a perfect photo op

Not such a good angle for our photo!

I blew bubbles- it kept Libby totally entertained and distracted while we got ready to take off. Libby has flown before, but she was too little to remember. So, this was an exciting experience for her. She did great! She giggled as we took off and loved watching her very own little TV as we flew to Phoenix.

Our first look at baby Gracie! Libby and Savannah are in baby heaven (so are Jess, Amy, and Grandma Chris).

For someone living in Phoenix, it wasn't warm enough to be in swimsuits. For a Utahn, it's a totally different story. We loved the SUN while we were there.

As soon as the girls rolled out of bed they were ready to hold Grace. It's so fun to have a happy baby (that doesn't talk back) to cuddle with in the morning.

Grandma Chris bought the girls these sweet sunglasses. They wore them everywhere- indoors and out.

All the lucky ladies that were able to attend Gracies blessing.

We had to do a secrect service shot on behalf of my Dad. This is his favorite pose. Besides being a funny shot, it is also a remarkable one because ALL my siblings are included in it. Poor mom- she is a little short.

The best part of the visit. Jess and I got to read and read- with little or no guilt. Gotta love that

Brig and Lisa were wonderful hosts. Some highlights of the visit:

-A visit to a hilarious comedy club (totally clean, fun humor)

-A couple of hikes in a nearby State Park, complete with cactus

-Dad driving me and Jess to Garage Sales (I should probably classify this as a miracle rather than a highlight)

-A wonderful blessing for Grace (given by my brother Brig)
-Brig, Savannah, and Libby busting sweet dance moves

-and last, but not least, never ending waffle cones!

Until next time....