What a couple of weeks !!

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. The death of Dave's Mom two weeks ago started the week long decision making process. The family decided to have the funeral the following Saturday. Dave drove to Salt Lake on Wednesday and I stayed home with the kids until Friday. I promised the kids that we would go to the zoo. This was a bribe to be good on the airplane ride from St George to Salt Lake. Amazing what bribes can do. They were great. Randy, Janelle, Brinton, and Holland met us at Hogle Zoo. The kids had so much fun watching the animals. I am not sure what the difference was but they were all awake and active (the animals not the kids). The kids were so eager to watch them. Ryder got so excited at seeing the elephants it made us all laugh. We had just watch Madagascar 2 last week. The new exhibit was about Madagascar. The kids thought this was so cool and started looking the the animals by name.

Dave & Ryder watching the elephants.

Rylee & Brinton watching the elephants. The elephant was trying to rip apart a tree post.

Rylee, Reganne, Brinton, and Ryder

Conservation Carousel...Janelle and Reganne

Rylee & Reganne at the elephant habitat. They wanted to bad to sit on his trunk. There were too many people waiting in line. I told Reganne if the elephant sneezed on her she could get the elephant flu and turn into an elephant. She thought that would be cool.

On Saturday they had the funeral for Grandma Waters. There was a lot of family there. I was so worried that my kids would knock over the flowers or the urn. I was a nervous wreck before it was over.

Uncle Mike with his kids Jennifer & Christopher. They came from Ohio for the funeral. It was great to see them. It has almost been a year since they were last out to visit.

We had the kids all sing I Am A Child Of God. I was trying to lead and play the top hand. Reganne stepped in to lead for me. They did a great job without much practice.

Here are all the grandkids together. I couldn't miss the opportunity to snap a picture. They are all growing up so quickly.

Afterwards they had a nice family dinner at the church. Then it was off to Brandon's house to let the kids play and run off steam. Ryder had been watching the older boys play video games. When they weren't looking he quickly sat down and started to play. It must be a boy thing.

Dressing Ourselves

I have been working with the girls on getting dressed by themselves. Rylee of course can and does get dressed by herself. Reganne still wants mom to help her or if she moves slow enough mom will dress her. Ryder decided that it takes mom to long to get him ready. He wanted to try to dress himself for church. This is the child that cries if you take his clothes off. So he just wanted to add another layer. He is very good at putting his shoes on and most of the time they are on the right feet.

That is my sweater.

I think this is how you start

Houston, we have a problem. I can't this over my head.

Reganne decided this week that she needed to wear sunglasses to school. Then everyone needed glasses. Ryder broke one nice pair so out came the cheap party glasses. Ryder of course had to match Rylee with her pink ones. Reganne had to get her pose just right for the picture. We were then off to daycare / summer camp. The glasses didn't survive. Ryder arrived with both lenses missing. Reganne was missing one. Rylee took them off because they hurt her eyes.
So much for fashion or eye safety.

Friday afternoon Dave's mom was rushed the hospital after suffering a major heartattack. They quickly did surgery and found two blockages. She was then placed on life support. The doctors then told the family the next 12 hours would determine if should would survive or not. Saturday there was very little improvement. They decided as a family to turn off the life support. She passed away within 4 minutes. Dave flew to Salt Lake City to be with his dad, brothers, and sister. We are expecting the funeral to be later this week.

Nay Dean Stewart Waters

October 29, 1933 - June 13, 2009

We Love You Grandma

Backyard Campout

This week has been full of activity. Dave planned a backyard campout with the kids for their day off with dad. They were so excited to sleep outside in the tent. They could hardly wait for it to get dark. We decided to try and make smores with them. It wouldn't be camping unless you have a treat.

What campout wouldn't complete without an air mattress to sleep on.

Let's try a sword fight with these cool swords or roasting sticks.

Here they all are roasting their marshmallows. My job was to have the cracker and chocolate ready for them.

YUM, YUM, YUM....Marshmellow goo all over our faces.

Ryder loved to separate them and then eat. Reganne shoved it all in her mouth and then slowly savored it. Rylee ate it really dainty trying to keep clean. They only ate one each and were ready to play again.

Thursday, we were invited to a summer barbeque party with Families Supportin Adoption. This was a group we belonged too during our adoption adventures. Each year they invite everyone back for fun, food, and conversation. This year it was held at a new park Sienna Hills Park in Washington. Our kids love the water and couldn't wait to get wet. There weren't as many people this year, but the kids made up for it. They had alot of fun and made new friends.

Saturday, our social butterfly Reganne had another birthday party. This week it was a slip and slide part with makeovers thrown in. Rylee, Ryder, and I were off to the library and the rec center to play. Rylee loves to go to the library and look at the books. Ryder loves to run around and make as much noise as possible. We only stayed long enough to get new books and then it was off to play in the water. The splash pad was down for repairs. So the shallow side of the pool is where they ended up. We were able to meet Filipe & Sione participants from this last season of Biggest Losser. They are doing a Boot Camp for Life at the rec center this coming week. It was great to seem them and knowing how much they have accomplished. It was nice to see that they are really working towards their goal of helping their community.

Time to get geared up for another fun filled week. The weather has been extremely nice in the high 80's to low 90's. Who could ask for better!

Schools Out and Summer is Here

The last two weeks have been very busy. Filled with so much that needed to be done and enjoyed. The last day of school was May 22nd. Rylee will officially move to second grade next year. Her teacher will be Mrs. McBride. This was the only teacher she knew about. She was so excited to hear that she would be her teacher. Her report card had all high marks with glowing praises from her teacher. She also received her certificate for 100% attendance. We are so proud of her this year and how she has excelled.

Also, on May 22nd was Reganne's teacher Ms. Shanna's last day. She is moving to SLC so her husband can start law school. She had planned a going away party so the kids would understand when she said goodbye. It didn't stop the tears from her, the kids, or the parents.

Lucky for us it was a holiday weekend. We spent our Memorial Weekend with Randy & Janelle helping them with their new yard. It rained, rained, and even more rain. They were able to get the basics done. Randy is a good study and now has it under control.

Summer camp started Tuesday. Rylee was so excited to go and be with her friends. She thought it was great to see old friends and hopes to make a few new friends this summer. Reganne is so happy that she is there and looks forward each day to playing with her.


With so much activity it was not surprising that I walked in and found the kids like this. Rylee was so proud of herself that she put Ryder to sleep. She promptly asked when she could babysit and be the boss. My reply is she still has a couple of years. Ok, she said. I like telling them what to do. I am not sure if the others like it as well.

Along with summer fun comes summer heat....I need to do better and remember my camera.

First Grade Talent Show

Were has the school year gone? Thursday was Rylee's First Grade Talent Show. Each child was asked to share their talent with all first graders and their families. Rylee and her friends didn't want to participate. They were scared of getting up in front and showing off. No amount of talking on my part could change her mind. She finally decided on sharing a picture that she had drawn. She was convinced that she wouldn't have to talk. Surprise!! Mrs. Torgerson had her go up and show her picture and say her name. She did it and was all smiles afterwards. They started out with singing a summer song all together. These kids have really grown up over the past 9 months.

Rylee and her class singing "The Summer Song"

Rylee & Seriah

Rylee showing her talent of drawing.

Afterwards we all went back to their classroom for cookies & lemon water. The kids served the parents first and finally they each were able to eat a cookie. They each had a portfolio of writing and projects for the year. Again, I am amazed at how much she has learned and progressed this year. We are so proud of her!! She has also had another year of 100% attendance.

Rylee & Her Picture

When Is My Birthday?

A new week and another birthday party to attend. Reganne received another birthday invitation and of course she had to go. Gayla was her best friend. Everyone its seems is having a birthday except her. When is my birthday? She asks at least a couple of times a day. My first response is October 4th. Second response 180 sleeps. Third response a long time. Fourth reponse never if you don't quite asking. Luck for us there are two other girls in her class that have birthdays in the same week as hers. They are now planning their birthday parties.

This party was so different than last weeks. It was all girly with face painting, a real live clown that did fun balloon animals, and baby kitties. Reganne loved the clown, broke her balloon, and played with the kittens. She quickly informed me that she wasn't allergic anymore and that she would be fine. Only Daddy & Ryder were allergic. Daddy yes, Ryder the verdict is unknown since he hasn't been around many cats. To bad for Reganne she is still allergic, but hand washing and benodryl takes care of her. The clown also painted their faces with flowers. Reganne refused to wash her face, until bath time. Her allergy didn't kick in as bad because she was so worried about her flower that she wouldn't touch her face.

Reganne, her flower, and balloon (pink of course)

Not much fun stuff this week. The weather is warming up and we broke down and turned on the air conditioning. The past 5 days have been over 95 degrees by 6:00 pm. No breeze only gusts of wind that blows everything around including dust. So with the doors open it looks like I haven't cleaned in at least a month. So we close everything up during the day and open then doors at night to get the fresh air.

Yeah!!! Summer is here or at least for this week.

Finally A Quiet Week....

Or so I thought. This was a week for new schedules and challenges. Dave has changed jobs and is now working for IHC with the DRMC Foundation as the Assistant Manger of Retail Operations. He is working at the DRMC Thrift and Gift Store. So life as we have known it is now changing. His schedule is Tuesday thru Friday 10:30 to 7:00 and Saturday 8:30 to 5:00. Monday's are off and he staying home with the kids. They loved it!! He is also taking Rylee to school along with a couple of kids from the neighborhood. They are in heaven riding in the Monster Truck and being dropped off at the front doors of the school so all of their friends can see them.

I guess the only quiet part of the week is that I didn't get many pictures taken. Reganne had a birthday party at Pirate Island Pizza. It was way too dark to take any pictures. Image Pirates of the Caribbean plus pizza. Rylee hated it and wouldn't stay. Ryder wanted down to run. Then it was off to a play date with friends Phoebe & Robin. Their family pets are tortoises & snakes. They had 5 or 6 of them. They were able to play and feed them strawberries. Of course they didn't want to come home. They had to much fun.

Ryder loves his sisters and more imporantly he loves their stuff. Whenever I turn around he is stealing their shoes, helmets, and toys. He loves to drag the stuff out and make a mess. Before I realized it was him making the messes. I would yell at the girls to pick their stuff up and put it away. They would tell me that they had put it away. So I watched for a while and little brother was busted. Apologies were made. Now we are trying to get him to leave the stuff alone. So far not much luck. Dave has a problem with the pink shoes he loves to wear. I told him they match the pink helmet. He will then get on his fire truck and ride around the house.