Our House- from the ground UP!

We have moved a lot- and we have lived in many different homes.  In the past 8 1/2 years (since Claire's birth)- we have been in our own home for a little over 3 of those years.  We had a rental home in Canada, lived in two separate rentals in Ireland and one here in Cary, NC.  They have been good houses.  We have been safe and protected- but there is something about having your own home.  So in December- we started the process of building a home and we HOPE that this will be ours for a very, very VERY LONG time.

 

 

We think it is beautiful. (I need to take an updated picture with landscaping...)

We closed on June 6th.  We have moved all of our stuff.  We have cleaned out the rental.  At some point- everything will been in the proper place.  It is great.  We are so very blessed.

Happy Father's Day!

Danny told the kids that he wanted MADE gifts for Father's Day- not anything from the store.  A few complied.

Madi wrapped up books that she loved- ones from our own collection.

(Can you see how excited she was when he was opening this one?)

Emmy made him a cute picture frame

Claire made a great treat container and card

Shelby was super creative with a golf set and original painting

The big kids gave him a picture of the shirt they bought him (he loves Pawn Stars)

and I just gave him all my love (and a hammer).

Em's first Dance Recital

Emery had her dance recital at the Bond Park Ampitheater.  Outside.  4:30 in the afternoon.  HOT.  But Em did great.

Miss Emery

With her sweet sister who bought her flowers.

and with Miss Makall- her friend and fellow dancer.  You girls were great!!!

Love this face

What else can I say?

Memorial Day at the Beach

We went to N. Topsail Beach with 7 other families from our ward.  It was great.

We hope to make it an annual tradition.

Mantis Boy

Jake's Science Class learned all about the Praying Mantis.  Then- they had the opportunity to take them home.  (I had to pick them up at school- they weren't allowed on the bus.)

Jake and his 6 Mantis friends. 

They are now eating bugs in our backyard.  Thanks guys- eat a whole bunch of mosquitoes please.

Kailey and the end of Middle School

Finishing 8th grade is a big deal.  Kailey needed a new dress for the dance.  Her mother went shopping with her.  She ate at 5 guys...

We bought a cute dress.

She went to eat with a couple of friends before the dance

Kailey and Hannah

Then they had the awards assembly...

Kailey looked REALLY excited...

The first class of 8th graders at Mills Park Middle School.

Next stop- Panther Creek High School-  Hooray for the Class of 2015!

Emery's TK Graduation

Emery finished her year at Transitional Kindergarten at Genesis United Preschool.  She LOVED it.  There were 12 students and all great friends.

Emery with her two biggest fans.

and her teachers- Miss Vicky and Miss Sue.

We're totally ready for the Kindergarten adventure to begin!

Mother's Day

As I was in Idaho with my own mother on Mother's Day- Kailey sent me a picture of the kids so I could be with them virtually.

I LOVE this picture.

They still need me- at least occasionally.  Note Jake's shirt and Emery and Madi's hair.  I am thankful to be their mom.  Kailey also sent me the audio clip of the Primary kids singing.  Of course I cried.

NGR 2011

It was so great to be with my sisters and mom for the weekend.  Fun, fun memories.  For example-

 For the first time ever, we took our mom shopping. (Can you even believe that!?  Mom has always sewn her own lovely clothes...)  We bought her a few outfits and it was so great!

The 5k of course (see other post...)

MOVIES- Susan found a great old Rock Hudson one...

Time together and lots of talking...

Then the wrestling- 

Karen picks up Susan and throws her on the couch- 

Susan attempts to get Karen

And continues to try (notice Karen laughing...)

If only I had this on video- pictures do not do it justice...

But the memories will live on.  So thankful for three amazing sisters.  Besides my husband they are my very best friends.  Hope my own daughters will feel this way about each other someday.  AND then there are my parents... I am truly so very blessed.