Allyson's Brithday

Allyson is my very favorite sister-in-law (and I'm allowed to say that since she is my only one... for now) and I am so thankful for her. What luck I have that Shane's only brother married such a great gal that I get along with so well. Thanks for doing that for me, Jay :)

And happy 26th birthday, Allyson!

Along with other great gifts, Allyson got this awesome Disney piano book from Carole.

After presents, we played ping pong in the back yard.

And the boys threw the football around. I tried to take pictures but it's really hard to take good pictures of someone throwing a ball around. SO, here are my two favorite not-so good-but-pretty-awesome pictures.

 

 

 And here are a couple okay pictures :)

And here is my precious little puppy dog girl

And here she is with her uncle, Jay.  He put this hat on her and she was totally content with it there for quite a while before she reached up to finally take it off. BTW, Jay is such a good uncle. He absolutely LOVES to play with Kenzie. And she loves to play with him too.

She's Leaving Home

Emma left us on Sunday to live in Idaho (with Katie and her family) for the school year. Not passing up the chance to spend a couple more days with her, Shane, Kenzie, and I made a trip to Independence last weekend. We had a really nice time staying up late playing cards, watching Lord of the Rings, and swimming at the Lone Pine pool. I am going to miss Emma so much. She is such a good sister and friend. I love spending time with her. And what a wonderful auntie she is too! Makenzie just loves her. Who wouldn't love an auntie who loves to play with her nieces so much? Now I have to stop being selfish and give the other nieces the opportunity to spend time with Emma. I miss her so much already and I can't wait until the school year is over!

Our little cuddle-bug. Kenzie really like's snuggling with Andrew. It's so cute!

Every time Emma played the piano, Kenzie was quick to join her with Kenzie's own beautiful harmony. Emma, of course, was so good to her and (in the middle of her practise session) would pick Kenzie up and let her play with her.

I guess playing the piano can be quite exhausting.

Emma even managed to continue playing songs with Makenzie right there in the middle pounding on the keys. She is such a talented girl!

Andrew has a bow tag for a deer this season. He went out Saturday morning but had no luck. I'm sure he'll get one before the end of the season.

The handsome hunter.

On our way home from the pool there were beautiful sunbeams shining on the valley. Shane took this beautiful picture.

We all went to church in Mammoth on Sunday. Dad was assigned to speak at their branch so we joined him in the beautiful mountains. We had a picnic at the park afterwards.

We are a happy family!

After our picnic, Emma and Mom headed for Idaho and the rest of us made our way back to Independence.

Saying good-bye was very hard...

And many tears were shed.

Mom and Dad's house is going to feel much different next time we go to visit. Emma, you are going to be sorely missed. We love you and miss you so much!



Lip-Smackin Good

Lately, Kenzie has been smacking her lips when she wants to eat and after each bite of food she has. It is so adorable!

The Best Two Years

I have been married to my best friend for two years today! I seriously fall more and more in love with Shane every day, and I think that is exactly how marriage should be. I am so thankful for my husband and for the good husband, father, and person that he is. How I love this man!

Shane brought me home the most beautiful bouquet of lily's after work, today. I love the smell of lily's! There lovely fragrance fills our whole apartment.

I decided that I would set up our date this year and wanted it to be a surprise for Shane. In case you didn't know, Shane loves horses. He has never really been around them but he thinks they are the most beautiful animal and he reminds me of it every time we see one. He would like to own one or two someday if we can ever afford it. Sooooo... I took him to a ranch that our friend, Blake, suggested and we went horseback riding. He was overjoyed. Our instructer was a fourteen year old girl who was very personable and knowledgable. She took us on a beautiful, scenic, hour long jaunt. When we got back to the ranch, she took us into the arena and taught us how to trot and canter. Shane really got the hang of it but i almost fell off a couple of times. It really was a fun day. I love you Shane! I can't wait to see what the future years bring to us!

Country Roads

Makenzie and I went to Independence a couple weeks ago to watch Emma show her turkey's and lamb for FFA. It was so fun and Emma did such a good job!

Emma and Briana

Ethan showing his lamb

I love Bishop, CA!

I had to take a picture of these cute pigs cuddling together.

Purple mountains majesty! The sunset was so beautiful that night and it gave the mountains the most stunning shade of purple. I wish I could have captured the color better.

Emma showing her lamb

Emma's lamb gave her a really hard time. It jumped all over but Emma did a great job of keeping calm and regaining control over her lamb each time. Out of 15 people, Emma got 2nd place for her lamb and 5th place for showmanship even thought. The judge said he would have placed her in the top three if her lamb hadn't been so jumpy. He was very complementive on her showmanship skills. Go Emma!

Some kids were practising their roping skills in between shows.

This little boy was so cute and was an exceptional roper.

This is Emma's friend, Jacob. He is a true blue cowboy.

Kenzie waving :)

Shane came up Friday night and we had a little birthday celebration for him on Saturday. He is 26 now.