Hike

Going for a hike is pretty much always a good idea. It is a mood elevator :) This hike was no exception. We took the Bonneville Shoreline Trail up behind the University and enjoyed spectacular views! Thanks for the hike and good company, and for taking a photo of me, hubby (As the family photographer I usually don't make it in to many photos)!

Tired girls sometimes need a lift from a big, strong adult

Mini me, and me!

Avril took this photo... wow!  :)

the view...

more views...

Top of the world...

McKel school pics

Unfortunately I do not remember when these pictures were taken. It took me awhile to get them scanned, and I didn't save the date. They were taken at her preschool.  I do know that she is age 4 in them :)  She is such a special sweetheart girl and I love that we are getting to see her more nurturing, loving side lately.  She has a beautiful heart and can also be the wild tomboy-ish girl at times.  We just love this amazing little one.

Love you McKel!!

Piano Recital and Baby Shower

Avril is quite the natural on the piano. I got to watch her perform at her piano recital, and it was a mom-beaming-with-pride kind of moment.  We curled her hair and she wore her favorite special dress for the occasion.  Such a beautiful day!

Avril and McKel, in front of our apartment, ready to go to the piano recital

A video clip of Avril playing her recital piece

Avril's friend Ella is on the far left and her teacher, Michelle Chestnut, is on the far right.  They got Gerber daisies for the excellent work!

3 beautiful girls!

Pretty piano girls!

I do not remember the girl's name on the right...

...And...next we were off to a baby shower for Mike's little bro, Brenton.  It was not the typical baby shower, since males and kids were invited as well.  It was more of a friendly gathering with food and presents.  The girls loved the huge backyard to play in.

My handsome husband

As long as the dogs are behind bars the girls are all about playing with them...

Yummy watermelon and hot dogs!

Avril making friends with a canine :)

Avril Graduates from Kindergarten!!!

Avril's kindergarten graduation day has arrived.  It's a bittersweet moment for me.  I'm happy to see the sweet girl that Avril is becoming and sad that she is growing up too quickly for me!  My first baby has already finished her first school year.  She is just so beautiful inside and out, and I am beaming with pride.  Avril was so happy to see me there, and wore her favorite dress.  She looks so cute in her little graduation cap!  She loved kindergarten, and will never forget her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Buxton.  Mrs. Buxton said that Avril's hugs were the highlight of each day for her. :) 

I love how Avril waves to me with a ginormous grin as she walks in...

First Grade, here I come!

Pretty little Avril girl

I tried to get a shot of Avril's friend Ella as well...

Singing time!

Avril's graduating class sings for us :)

And later that day...
we hopped on the Trax and took the train to a fun firefighter event downtown:

The girls always love to ride the train!

Love that genuine smile...

And a shot of my blue-eyed beauty, sipping on her capri sun.  I try to always be prepared with snacks and drinks!

mommy and McKel

Sitting in the old fire truck... it was hot!

A fireman directs McKel where to go for the obstacle course

And she is off!

Up she climbs!  No challenge for this girl!

Avril also joins in the obstacle course.  Here she is using her monstrous muscles to carry a fireman hose!

No sweat!

On to the next obstacle!

McKel crawls through the treacherous tunnel!

She is out safely!

Time to save a life!  A dummy life, but still...

Avril makes it to the end!!  Way to go!

Matthew and Sara joined us, and tried out the bicycle course.  Matthew even got a free helmet!

Off on his rocket bike!

Back at the Trax Station, the girls climb a pole and hang on for dear life...

When is that train getting here??

An eventful day!  Time to go home and EAT!!

So Proud of Avril!!

Indian Hills has a program called the Excellent Eagle Award.  The kids have to choose from a variety of goals and accomplish these throughout the year.  Avril started the school year late, so it was quite an accomplishment for her to have achieved the Excellent Eagle Award.  Some of the things she had to do included memorizing her address and phone number, tying her shoes, writing a list of 100 words, counting to 100, learning a series of math arithmetic problems, doing a service project, etc.  She is one smart girl, and I am one proud mom!  I got to see her receive her award at a special ceremony.  Way to go, Avril!!

She is such a joy

A pretty smile for the camera...

Avril walking back after receiving her Excellent Eagle Award

Avril with her water bottle and medal

I am so truly proud of Avril.  She is always so determined to do her best and she just loves to learn.  She is such a delightful child and I couldn't be a prouder mom.  Love you, Avril.

Zoo with the Triplets

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Aunt Trish invited us to go to the Hogle Zoo with Parker, Edison, and George.  We rarely turn down an opportunity for the zoo!  So here we are, on another zoo adventure...

The girls love to climb the fake animals.  Its almost as fun as seeing the real ones...

McKel climbs atop the lioness' head

Avril also atop a lion's head

McKel and Parker touching the giant wet ball!

Hi there Mr. Giraffe!

The lions were relaxing right up against the window.  Massive and beautiful animals!

Avril escorts George around the park

Avril, George, Parker, and McKel, all holding hands.  So cute!

A little fun ring around the rosy!

this ball is just so fun to touch!

Goodbye to all the zoo animals...until next time!