Labor Day

We had a great Labor Day weekend. I love three day weekends, although they seem to go by faster than regular two day weekends.

Saturday we finally got a substantial amount of rain. It cooled temps down enough to where we could be outside for more than ten minutes. We spent most of the day outside riding bikes, playing with sidewalk chalk and eating popsicles.

On Labor Day we met up with some Dental School friends to have a BBQ. The house had a really great pool with water slide. Danielle spent the first half of the time contemplating whether she had the guts to go down it. After a little peer pressure she gave it a try. She then spent the rest of the time going down the slide.

Here is Danielle assessing whether or not it is worth the risk.

Here is Danielle conquering her fear.

And again...

Date Night

So Dan and I were finally able to go out for our 9th Anniversary. He was in Utah working during our actual Anniversary, so we found a babysitter for Danielle and Rayce and were off (Avie went with us).
I know this may not sound like a big deal to most of you, but when you have three kids you just don't go out that much, or maybe I should say, WE just don't go out that much. So, to be able to go out and just be alone for a while, was absolutely amazing!!
We went to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant called Barrio Cafe. This was through the advice of Dan's Dean's Wife, Judy. Very good recommendation. It was a little pricier than we usually do, but, so worth it! They prepare your guacamole table side, how cool is that! I had the fish tacos, and Dan had enchiladas, YUM! It's not your traditional Mexican food, but very, very cool. Linsey gives it two thumbs up.

After dinner we went shopping for jeans, and were actually able to try on for as long as we wanted, so lovely. I can't remember the last time trying on clothes without children yelling and screaming to go look at toys. Avie only did a tiny bit of yelling...for her binky, not to go check out the toy section. I felt like we were out forever, but we were done by ten, and both exhausted! So funny we were so looking forward to going out and were done by ten. It was still a great night. Cheers!

Happy Half Birthday

My baby is already six months old! I'm not sure where these last few months have gone, but it feels like they have flown by. Avie Jo is different from my other babies. She is not a tummy sleeper like the last two have been, she prefers to sleep on her side. She is not a big fan of the swing, but is loving her new bouncer.

She also really loves her Bumbo (as do I!). And when she wants to nap, you had better get her down fast!

Her newest "trick" is getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth. She hasn't quite figured out to move her hands yet, so she just ends up face planting. She is strong and tenacious like Rayce, and then very sweet like Danielle. We love having her a part of our family, she is amazing! I'm sure the next six months will come and go just as fast as the last.

Big Girl

Today was Danielle's first day of second grade! She looked adorable, and soooo grown-up. I can't believe she is almost eight.

She had a great day, other than her new shoes giving her blisters. She loves her new teacher Mrs. Abraham, and she thinks she will have a great year! I think so too! We love you Danielle!

A Look Back

Today Dan and I have been married nine years! What a nine years it has been. I love him so much, I am grateful to say that he is truly my best friend in the world, and I can't imagine life without him!

Our wedding day!

Mexico

Look how young we look (it's because we were young.)

Vegas

Hawaii

More Mexico

Awww, before kids...

Here's to the next nine years!

And Then There Was Flu...

We have been happily in Utah for six weeks, well happily for about five weeks. About a week ago we all came down with the flu. Not, the stomach flu, but running nose, cough, achy muscles flu. The kids all breezed through it, but, Dan and I were completely out of commission. I can't remember ever feeling that bad. That lasted about three days, then I was blessed to feel better for a day or so before getting the stomach flu. No, I'm not joking, although it seemed like a sick joke at the time. At first I thought I had food poisoning until a couple days later when Avie started throwing up. Five month old babies should not be able to get the flu, she was completely miserable! Thankfully, we are all doing much better, and hopefully we'll have no more late night vomits any time soon.

Up until we all got sick we have been pretty busy. We were able to go up to Idaho and visit a wheat farm that has been in Dan's family for a long time.

The kids rode on tractors and 4 wheelers, and had a ball. I think it may have been the highlight of Raycey's short life so far. Danielle was determined to be bored, but I think she actually ended up having a lot of fun. Maybe I'm odd, but I think wheat fields are so beautiful.

We have also been doing some swimming. It felt pretty cool compared to what we are getting used to in AZ.

We've also had quite a few family get together's. My mom's side has a 24th of July breakfast up Provo Canyon.

My kids were the only two in the family to both fall in the Provo River! I think there should be some sort of award for that. It's probably called the negligent parent award!

In case anyone was wondering, yes, Dan finally took his boards and he just found out he passed!!!

The 4th and More

So we have been in Utah now for about two and a half weeks, and we are really having a great time. I'm not just saying this because it's a hundred and fifteen degrees in AZ.
Dan is still studying for the boards and is going to take them next Wednesday the 22nd. In between studying we have been having a lot of fun. I couldn't have asked for a better summer so far.

For the fourth of July we went to the annual Keith Family Party at the Orem City Park. As always, there was a lot of great food, football, and plenty to do for the kids. Danielle wanted to paint her nails red for the fourth, so of course, Rayce wanted his painted as well.

So, they both sported pretty red painted nails for the day.

The kids loved the water fight at the party. Rayce couldn't believe he was being allowed to throw water ballons at his sister. We were also able to see family and friends we haven't seen since our move, most hadn't met Avie yet.
Aside from the party on the fourth we have been able to spend some time up in Sugarhouse, with some of our close friends. We went to our old ward's campout (although with our last experience camping we just ended up staying for dinner and not actually camping.)

The kids at the Children's Museum at the Gateway.
(Who says a girl can't climb a rock wall in a skirt?)

Avie meets Cousin Brinley

This isn't an especially great picture, but I had to showcase Dan wearing his "U" hat to any event with my BYU loving family. (Go Utes!)

My dear friend Michelle

Avie is almost five months old! I get the feeling she is missing her bed, mostly because she hasn't been sleeping so good. Her and I are able to catch a few Z's here and there.

I'm sure the summer will be over before we know it. Danielle starts school on August the 17th, but in the meantime we will continue to try and enjoy ourselves and our family for the short time we have left.