Daughters

I am so glad that I have a daughter! Since Bridget has been born I've had a few instances where I realize that I actually have a daughter; and it just makes me smile. This may seem silly, but let me try to explain...

First of all, I am the only girl in my family. I grew up with four brothers and my mom is also the only girl in her family. Daughters, on both sides of my family, are few in number.

Back in May I was busy with my studio's dance recital. One evening during dress rehearsal I was sitting in the auditorium exhausted when I realized that in just a few years Miss Bridget could be one of those adorable little dancers in her first dance recital. I really almost started to cry.

A few weeks later Richard and I were at the Bountiful Temple (where we were married). There were multiple brides there that day and I found myself thinking back to our wedding day. Then, once again I realized, that one day Bridget will be getting married and I get to share that experience with her.

Daughters are just so special; don't get me wrong, I'm definitely glad we have Marshall and I would love to add more boys to our family. But, there is something special about a mother-daughter relationship. I'm so glad that I have my mom and I love spending time with her. I am just so happy that I have a daughter of my own!

Fun With Uncles

My kids, especially Marshall, sure had a great time in Utah with their uncles. Thanks Danny, Kevin, and Jordan for keeping these kiddos entertained and laughing!

Remember These Two?

They are getting married!!!

That's right! Danny got home from his mission on June 17. They went ring shopping on June 25. Danny proposed on July 1. They are getting married on August 12!

The best part about all of this is (besides the fact that they are actually getting married and Stacie is just great) is that Stacie already had called the temple and scheduled their wedding before Danny even got home! We've actually had August 12 on our calendar for weeks and we even bought our plane tickets to fly out to Utah even before Danny got home!

Ah, the love! So, so exciting. Congratulations Danny and Stacie; we love you guys!

Blue vs. Red

Tonight I was getting Marshall dressed in his pajamas which he had picked out all by himself. His pajamas are mostly red and he was telling me that he likes the color red. Of course Richard overheard this conversation and came in and told Marshall that we shouldn't like red and that blue is the better color. Below is Marshall's response, word for word:

"Relax. Relax Richard. Don't cry about it like I do!"

Richard and I looked at each other and just started laughing.

An Outing For Marshall

While we were in Utah we left Bridget with my mom for a morning so Richard and I could take Marshall on an outing. I think he definitely was in need of some one-on-one time with us and we hope he enjoyed himself.

We decided to ride the Frontrunner (the train that will eventually run from Ogden to Provo). We got on the train in Farmington and rode to downtown Salt Lake. Marshall was SO excited!


We had bought him this backpack just the day before. He fell in love with it and insisted that he take it on the train. As a side note, the last few days he has put this on and has informed me that he is going to high school. What?!



Our original plan was to get off the train and walk to the Salt Lake Temple. Marshall loves to visit that temple and Richard has never been there with him. However, we didn't realize that the train stop was so far west and we had about seven blocks to walk. This wouldn't have been a problem if 1) it wasn't so hot and 2) if we had a stroller. So, our pace was slow, and after two blocks of walking Marshall was done.

So Richard picked him up and we made it to the Gateway where we stopped for lunch. Marshall had a grand time playing on the toys.


After lunch we stopped in Fanzz (Richard can't be in a mall in Utah without visiting at least one sports store; he must check out all BYU apparel.) While Richard was browsing Marshall picked up this BYU flag and started running around the store singing the Cougar Fight Song. It was hilarious.

After he finished singing Marshall put the flag back and picked up a University of Utah flag and once again started singing the Cougar Fight Song. Richard almost had a conniption fit and quickly put an end to it. :)

Anyway, after that we made our way back to the train and enjoyed our ride back to Farmington. It was a fun morning out and I sure am grateful for this almost always adorable two-year-old.

He's Still Got It

Marshall took a short hiatus from his daily basketball practice. After Bridget was born he showed limited interest in it and then we had our one month vacation in Utah. But, his love for basketball has finally returned! Our first morning back he asked me to position his two basketball hoops at both ends of the living room. After I got them exactly where he wanted them he said, "This is how Jimmer Fredette plays". What a smart boy. :) He then had me turn on the basketball highlight videos and he spent a good portion of his morning playing basketball in the living room. So, enjoy watching these videos, this kid has talent!

My Running Buddies

We are back in the great state of Wisconsin and I am back to running! I started running while we were in Utah and while I had plenty of family to watch my kids. :) The first day I ran I thought I was going to die, my lungs were burning! But, it got better and better each time and today I successfully pushed two kids and ran about two miles.

Anyway, here are my running buddies for the summer: Marshall, Bridget, and this amazing double jogger I have been dreaming of for years! Well, maybe not for years, but for quite some time.

Thanks to gift money I had been saving, Amazon textbook buy-backs, and in-laws we were able to get this beauty. Today was the first time I've used it and I loved it! It is so easy to steer and both Marshall and Bridget did great. Marshall was especially excited because "it is like Nolan and Luke's stroller".

Anyway, a great morning run and I look forward to many more with these running buddies.