Soccer Finale!

The Pizza!
The Siblings!
Playtime!
The Trophies!
Taylin and her trophy!

Tonight was Taylin's soccer finale, ending with a pizza party at the park! The girls had a fun time being able to play together without the coach always pulling them apart to practice their drills. Surprisingly, all the girls ended up with trophies. I would have thought that was the highlight of the night, however, I was mistaken. The ice cream sandwiches won the hearts of everyone! It was a fun season, and amazingly we made it through! I started out not knowing if this was something we would do again for Taylin, but by the end of the season she still likes it and wants to do it again next year! Taylin's final stats: she played every game and even had one goal! (Mom and Dad were really proud of that one).

A Day in Daddy's Shoes

Rayna quite amused us a few mornings ago, by waking up happy and ready to go way before the rest of the family. But its always nice to wake up to her happy smile and playful mood. This morning she thought it was a great idea to try to walk around in Dad's shoes. The picture is hilarious to me, hope it amuses you!

Taylin's First Day of Preschool!

So, I'm a little behind, but I thought I would up date you on the things I missed. Taylin had her first day of preschool last week, and she absolutely loved it! I thought she might be a little scared or nervous, but she couldn't wait for us to go! She is just going on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours each day, but she gets to bring her lunch and eat it there, and boy does that make her feel like a big kid! When we first got there, Daniel and I were trying to help her get settled in (show her where to put her backpack and her lunch, where her cubbie is) and all she kept asking is "When are you going to leave?" My little one is ready to fly from the nest! It's kinda sad. But on the positive side, Rayna sure enjoyed her time alone with mom.

Ready to go to school!I'm on my way!Entering her first day of preschool.Enough Mom, leave already!

Lake Mary

My crazy Dad!


"I'm the big sister, Rayna."

Last night we had a fun time BBQing out at Lake Mary with our friends, the Lundgrens. The kids had a fun time getting in the water and playing with the rocks! I realized last night, we definitely have some redneck characteristics about our family, I'm sure you'll notice them right away!

The water looks so inviting.I'll just throw some rocks in.

Oh, what the heck, lets all get in!

Rayna and Sammy really got in.

In the still of the moment.

Blackberries!

Today was a perfect day! The girls and I went down to Oak Creek Canyon with my parents to pick the wild blackberries that are in season. I am definetly a nature girl, I thrive in the outdoors. Picking blackberries, then taking a break to swim in the creek and eat lunch, and then picking some more blackberries, just makes a perfect day for me. The weather was great. The overcast made it cool and we only got a few sprinkles. It was the perfect gift from God to help relieve my stress from our chaotic life right now. There is something about being in His beauty that helps me to take a deep breath and just enjoy the moment. The girls had a great time picking (but mainly eating) the blackberries too! Taylin was the big sister today and helping Rayna find the ripe ones. We did all leave with plently of scratches up and down our arms and legs (didn't think about the thorns when we were getting dressed this morning), but we also left with a lot more blackberries than I expected!

"Did I eat something?"

Playing in the water with Grandma

Taylin's not so sure about the cold water

Grandpa's taking a break

My snuggler!

Just can't seem to stay clean!

Blackberry speckled nose

The loot we brought home!

Girly Day!

Today was an interesting change of events. It definitely did not go as I had planned. Early this morning I got a wake up call from the hospital saying that I didn't need to come in and they were putting me on standby (in other words, there weren't very many patients and I was to remain on call in case there became more). So, I was a little bummed, because we could use the money, but I decided to make it a positive day with my girls. Since I planned on not being there at all, I would spend the time with them doing what they want. And you guessed it, they wanted to do girly stuff! So, we played hair, dress up, did our nails, and played make-up! Taylin definitely loved putting Mommy's real make up on! The real thing is by far better than pretend!

Rayna's 1st set of french braids!

Taylin wanted flowers in her hair.Taylin's new haircut (we're still working on evening it out!)Taylin's glamor shot.Rayna's glamor shot. (Those big pouty eyes!)We love painted toes!Fingernails painted, too!