Favorite Sunday of the Year

Honestly and truly, can there be any better Sunday than the Primary program? This was actually Crew's second primary program. Since he was a nursery dropout Crew is finishing his second time around as a sunbeam. Anyway, I seriously love it. Last year he sang so loud but not quite in tune so I was crying laughing so hard. This year, Crew's intonation has really improved and he sang his little heart out right in pitch with all the other kids. Primary music is amazing. It is so simple and pure and I seriously cry in almost every song because of the sweet message those little voices are singing. Crew did an awesome job on his line and all in all it was a fantastic meeting. Oh, and another reason I love the primary program, Graham sat still and listened nearly the entire meeting. Amazing!
Crew wanted his scriptures in the pictures because they needed them for the song "Scripture Power" Seriously, I love primary songs!

I swear he thinks of these poses himself

Oh my sweet little Graham. He absolutely adores Crew and want to do and be all that Crew is. Every morning he cries "no mommy!" "Crew!" when we get close to Crew's preschool. It is pretty sad. He just loves his brother and is getting so big himself.

And for the most part Crew lives up to all the hype Graham gives him. Sweet brother and getting so independent. Love these boys!

Go Dino-Mites!

Don't let this pose fool you... he is a force on the soccer field but may have his mother's talent for picture posing;)

So much fun. We love soccer!

Sea World- Gotta love it

Animals are so fascinating, especially the kind they keep at SeaWorld. The boys and I got passes recently and are loving it. Here are a couple pics from our visits.

Graham's favorite is Shamu but if you ask him it sounds more like "bacaboo" Another perk of SeaWorld is meeting up with Maren and the boys. Doesn't Graham just look in heaven! Looking forward to many more visits. Let us know if you are in town and want to join us!

Words of Encouragement

Tonight I have been looking up quotes and articles in preparation for a fireside Matt and I are doing next Sunday. While scouring LDS.org I came across this quote from Sis. Hinckley. It does not really pertain to our subject but I loved it so much I thought I would share it. Sometimes it is nice to gets some unexpected words of encouragement.

"It is the mothers of young children I would like to address first. These are golden years for you These are years the you will probably do the most important work of your lives. Don't wish away your years of caring for small children. Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans. This is a time of great opportunity for you to build the kingdom. When you teach children to love their Heavenly Father, you have done one of the greatest things you will ever do..." - Sis. Hinckley

Toasty Arizona

A few weeks ago I took the boys home to Arizona for a week. The main reason for our visit was to see Christian, who has been in China all summer, and meet his "special friend." But we also packed in a fantastic week of fun despite the super hot temperatures. The best part about going home in the summer, sparkling warm water in the swimming pool. A super big treat!

Grandma and grandpa were even jumping off the diving board. That is really rare and made it all the more fun!

This picture is out of order, but this is Crew going down the 3-story waterslide during our stay at the Hyatt.
Of course we had to take some family pictures.

By the way, we loved Kim

Of course there was the yellow suitcase (prizes from inside)

Lots of jumping on the tramp

Slipping and sliding

And perhaps the best part of the week, our little stay-cation at the Hyatt in Scottsdale

Grandma and her guards

A throw-back tradition that night of fries and milkshakes at Johnny Rocket's

Are you noticing all the weaponry?

Matt and Cam flew over Saturday for a day at Sunsplash and then it was time to drive home on Sunday. It was such a fun week and a fantastic way to end the summer. Thanks mom and dad and welcome back to the U.S. Christian!

Back to School

Crew wrapping up his third week of being back to school and LOVES it. He goes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings for three hours of pure bliss! Graham on the other hand is not as big a fan. Mom is so boring compared to Crew:)