Canadian Cousins

The "Cool Girls 2!"

Growing up we always had a lot of fun at Grandma's with our cousins. This summer we had that wonderful privilege as we spent time up in Canada with Grandma and Grandpa. With my brother living just around the block and my sister coming to camp out for a week, we got to know all of our Canadian cousins. There is Emma, Tody, Brady and Ave, also Briggs or "mom, that guy who takes his shorts and shirt off and is naked :) (sorry Becs), Ester, your Livie, Oaks, Aunt Becs, Emma's mom, Emma's Dad, Uncle Al, Aunt Ang, Grandma and Grandpa with the bad knee. We went swimming, played at the park, diving board, road bikes, sleepovers, Magrath Days, hiking, throwing rocks, more swimming, playing doll house, Rock-Paper-Scissors, fireworks, mashed potatoes and milk gravy and did I mention swimming?! These cousins along with our Provo cousins (you'll always be Provo as there is no way of going down there without thinking of them!) have a special place in my heart! Maybe it was all the babysitting I did as I was only 13 when Avery was born. They are really great cousins to my little ones and put up with a lot of tagging along and fit throwing!

One very funny story as I can not forget is one day after swimming with Cody, Emma and Brady we all went up to 'The Store' to pick a treat. Well, Bella picks her usual Cheetos and we went to Grandma's basement to relax. Bella was laying on Brady's lap and unlce Al came down to say hi to the kids and he turned to Bella to say Hi and give her a hug. Well, Bella is quite shy some moments and as Al tried to talk to her she closed her eyes as if she were alseep and couldn't see him, however she continued to put her cheesie little fingers in her Cheetos bag to help herself to some more 'treats'. Classic Bella.

They talk about their cousins all the time! Bella is always on her phone to Emma and Ave and we do her hair like Emma's, dress like Emma, and even dance like Emma. As I write she is even talking to Emma on her phone, "Hi Emma, ya my ning ning." When I asked Tristan who his best friend was he answered, "Cody". The other day I asked Tristan where he wanted to serve his mission he told me, "Canada, so I can visit Grandpa and Grandma, Cody and Brady."

We have great cousins! We love and miss you so much!

Bella the Ballerina!

With her big brother starting his new school there is no way little sister was going to be out shined! Miss B started her dance class with her friend Macey. They learn tap and ballet and let me tell you how darling these little sweeties are! Dressed in her tights, tutu and tap shoes she was so ready to dance! This little class brings out her personality in a fun way! She loves being a ballerina like Emma and Ave!

First Day of School!

"First day of School! First day of school!" I felt very much like Marlin, the clown fish, on Finding Nemo last week as my little Nemo started his first day of preschool. He was so excited, I on the other hand was full of emotions (mostly due to the expecting baby on the way) nerviousness mostly, with the thought of letting my sweet little baby going all by himself. The night before Blake gave Tristan and Bella each a Father's Blessing and what a special experiance that was. My children actually sat still and reverent and when Tristan was done, Bella jumped off the couch and said, "My turn!"

The next morning we started off with a bowl of oatmeal and some sugar and with Tristan's new school shirt and Bella's new dance outfit we were all ready to go. Tristan was so excited for school and was so polite saying, "Thanks for breakfast mom!" and "I love you so much mom!" followed by a big hug and wet kiss! He sang all the way to school, "First day of school, first day of schoo!" When we reached the school he didn't even hold Mom's hand, he just ran as fast as he could to his class. He is my little stud and I am so excited for what is to come this year.