Ethan's Baptism

Ethan was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 27, 2008. He was very excited about his special day. Ethan was baptized by his Grandpa Weeks. His Grandma and Primary teacher, Sister Knight both gave talks and his sister Jade sang the song "When I am Baptized" I am very proud of my son for making this important decision and thankful to everyone that came out to support Ethan's special day!

Bel Air Barracudas

Today the kids had a swim meet at the YMCA in Phoenix.  I had the day off so we started our day with swim team practice in the morning.  Sarah and I and the kids grabbed a bite to eat at Rumba Cafe and then drove to the anthem water park where the kids swam for about 4 hours.  We then left the water park and headed down town for their swim meet.  So for the kids, it was a long day of swimming, but amazingly they were happy all day!  

Jade waiting for the Butterfly Relay to begin. 

Ethan finishing the Freestyle Race

I guess my pictures aren't in order, this is Ethan starting the freestyle race. 

Jade after her backstroke!  

Dance Recital

Jade and Mom at her first dance recital.  Jade was a natural on stage.  I swear the girl has no stage fright at all, in fact it seems like she is in her element when she is up there performing.  I was so proud of her!  Congratulations Jade.

The theme of her performance was the four seasons.  She is the tall one in the middle.  Jade was very graceful in all her moves.  Her teacher mentioned that she is one of the most well behaved of her students and is always paying attention and listening well.  

Scout Camp

When Ethan turns eight he will officially be in scouts, however the cub scout troop invited Ethan to join them at Scout camp this year.  I attended the first day with him as one of the leaders.  We did everything from BB gun shooting, to Archery to Swimming to Tug of War to playing soccer under the sprinklers.  I think the boys enjoyed the water balloon fight the most!  I filled up all their water balloons at the tap while they went to war with the other dens, however I was not exempt from getting wet, when one of the leaders came over and dumped a huge bucket of water over my head from behind...I totally didn't see that coming.  

Tug of War

At the BB Gun Range

Playing the Marble Game with Lincoln Francom

After a long day in the Hot Sun!

New Look

I was up for a change and this is the outcome. I know....pretty drastic, but for an Arizona summer I think it is perfect and easy. I was trying to achieve the Katie Holmes new look and I think Kristie did a pretty good job!


 

Twilight

On my way home from Utah after Women's Conference at BYU my flight had been delayed.  I inadvertently packed my book so i went to the airport bookstore to buy a new book to read.  Christy had raved about Twilight so I thought I would see what it was about.  She was right...what an awesome read!  I haven't been able to put the book down, in fact Saturday I read 12 hours straight.  I am hooked.  Right now I am half way through the 2nd book "New Moon"  

BYU Women's Conference

Wendi encouraged me to attend BYU Women's conference this year.  She attends every year and loves it.  I invited Mom to join me and we had an amazing two days!  The messages were great and I came home feeling spiritually energized.  I think I will make it a tradition and will invite my sisters and sister in laws to join in the fun!  During the last session I ran into an old friend from High School Emily Jacob who is now married and has 6 kids.  Wow!  Great to see you Emily.  

Hibiscus

Jade on Sunday with a Hibiscus in her ear!   

Enchanted Island

Family Picnic

Philip cooked up some mean hamburgers

Sierra giving dad a kiss!

Melissa, Colleen and Karen

Jade and Sierra 

Ethan playing guitar hero on the Wii.  

Rock Climbing

Jade wanted to try her hand at Rock Climbing, so after the Pinewood Derby we set off to the Anthem Community Center so Jade could scale the wall.  Not bad for her first try.

Pinewood Derby - 3rd Place

Ethan's First Pinewood Derby!  Tyson and Ethan worked for a couple weeks to design the ultimate driving machine.  Ethan placed 3rd in the overall race.   Way to go Ethan!  

Spring Break 2008

The kids and I traveled to Rocky Point Mexcio for Spring Break.  We enjoyed 4 fun filled days on the beach.  The weather was a bit chilly on the first day, but that didn't seem to stop the kids from playing at the beach.  Jade had a fun time getting her hair braided which she has kept in for two weeks now.  

Easter Eggs for Family Night

For family night the kids decorated easter eggs.  Jade did tie dyed ones with glitter and Ethan created star wars characters.  Jade wanted to keep her eggs "forever" until mom described what a rotten egg smells like.   

The infamous Yoda Egg!

Jade's 5th Birthday

Princess Jade's 5th Birthday Party was filled with little princesses.  Fourteen to be exact, all dressed up for the party.  Each princess visited the six stations to become a princess.  They made a crown, received their own magic wand, put on perfume, got lip gloss and a compact mirror, had their portrait taken in the thrown and received some delicious candy jewelry. Then it was on to the Royal feast.  Complete with ribbon sandwiches, fruit kabobs, jello jiggler jewels, and palace punch.  The girls had a wonderful time!