Cousins

Jenna and Mara were born just 7 weeks apart and have always had a connection. They usually get along, but do have their moments when they have been together a little too much. I was going to post the pictures I took today and then remembered this picture of my brother, Devin, holding the girls when they were babies. I thought how fun to have this picture:

And this picture from today:

Aren't they the cutest pair of trouble you have ever seen?!?!

Rylee

A couple weeks ago Rylee was lucky enough to be the model for a photography class. It was rainy and a little cold but she had a blast! Here are a couple of the awesome pictures from her modeling day. I know I am a little bias but I think they are beautiful pictures!




Rylee has had a pretty exciting weekend. Friday she got to go to Lagoon for the day with just her friends, no adults for the first time. Yesterday her and her friends helped me throw Jenna her bday party. I would not have been able to do it without them. They decorated, made sandwiches, put make up on the girls, helped them make their wands and hair things, and jsut were great! I think the younger girls felt special having so much attention from the older girls.
Today Rylee gave her first talk in Sacrament Meeting. She wrote the talk herself and did an incredible job. She talked about family and was lucky enough to have a lot of family there to hear her. My parents, Mike's mom, and my sisters and their families (thanks Leah and Sara for you support). She was also made a counselor in her Young Women Beehive class. She has grown into such an neat young lady!

The Princess Tea Party

Jenna has been talking about her birthday party for months. She kept saying she wanted this, no this or no that. She finally decided on a princess tea party. All the princesses came in their princess attire. They decorated wands, had make up applied (thanks Ry, Emily, and Daisy), then we had a little tea lunch, made hair clips and scrunchies, opened presents, and ended with fondue. Jenna said it was her best birthday ever!




I found out that morning that my sister, Sara, and her family were on there way from Vegas. They arrived shortly before the party ended. Her daughter, Mara, is just 7 weeks younger than Jenna and they are best cousins! I didn't tell Jenna they were coming so she opened the door to find her best birthday present: her cousin Mara!

My Baby is 6!

Yesterday Jenna turned 6! Where has the time gone. It seems just yesterday that she joined our family and she has been a joy since she arrived. She is so full of life!

Here she is at about 4 months old:



Here she is on her first birthday:



Here she is on her 3rd birthday. Her, Rylee, and I flew to NC for my brothers wedding openhouse. My mom made her a cake and Jenna helped by licking the bowl and putting the sprinkles on.



This year we didn't do a cake. Jenna LOVES chocolate! So we decided to do chocolate fondue instead and she loved it!

A Shout Out to my Brother

A couple weeks ago the kids and I were able to attend my brother, Devin's, graduation from UVU. It was long and boring, but I am so proud of him and all his hard work so it was worth it. (I really understand all the hard work now and cannot wait until I am graduating) He worked extra hard and had a lot of full semesters and worked throughout his program as well. Tomorrow he and his cute wife, Karissa, will celebrate their 3rd anniversary. CONGRATS!!! And in a few months they will become parents. Wow! Lots of changes in their life. I want both of them to know how proud we are of them and how much we love them!

Our New Fun...

We decided to get bikes for everyone so that we can enjoy a fun family activity and get some exercise at the same time. I found a good used bike for myself and both boys got new bikes. The girls bikes are good for another year so they get to wait. We didn't think Jenna would be able to keep up with the rest of us so we got a trailer bicycle for her. It attaches just under my seat and she has her own pedals and handle bars. She loves it! It has been years since I have ridden a bike so Mike made sure I went a few times on my own before trying to tow Jenna along with me. Last week I decided I was ready to pull her along with me. So the kids and I headed out for a bike ride close to home. All was great until my bike stopped suddenly. I thought maybe my chain had come off but it was actually a problem with Jenna's wheel (it was a little tight and wouldn't' move). Luckily we were right across the street from the pawn shop. I ran over and borrowed a couple tools and was able to fix the problem all by myself. We were able to finish our ride and it was great!
Last night the boys were working with Mike so the girls and I headed out for a ride. We decided to try the legacy parkway trail. Not sure how far we went but followed the trail to 500 S. and then headed home. It was awesome! I am sore, but it feels good. My goal is to be able to ride the whole legacy trail and back by the end of the summer.

The 5 of us on our "first" ride.

Jenna & I, doesn't it look fun!

These 3 just wanted to go fast and far.