Enjoying Summer

Malia is FULL OF IT!!  Lately she dresses up
and primps in front of the mirror a lot.  She is
becoming vain, and it's really cute...for now.

Had a blast at the derby. Derby's really are so fun. We love
watching cars crash into each other, especially since you
are normally supposed to avoid that.  Riley was a big fan!

Malia had fun too.  She like the pink cars.  Believe it or not
there were a couple.  It was fun to get out with just Riley and
Malia.  Gracie was with Kelsey and Ryan.

The best round, by far, was the trucks!

Went up the canyon with all the friends in the neighborhood.
There were a lot of people!  Facebook really is a good way to
get the word out.  Had so much fun.

Our neighbor, who happens to be the bishop, brought up a couple
horses for the kids to ride.  Malia was SO excited.  I don't think
she's ever been on a horse, but she loved it!

Gracie turned 1 month August 15th.  And this looks
like a smile.  She actually is starting to smile.  Love
these two little girls.

Well we don't have a bear rug but a pink blanket will do for the
traditional naked-baby-on-belly shot.  She wouldn't tuck her
knees under..she insisted on having her tush in the air!  Oh
and notice her mullet.  I love that mullet.

After her showers, she has crazy clown hair.

Riley's first day of 3rd grade!  Oh my gosh I love this kid so
much.  And heaven knows I sometimes worry myself sick,
probably for no reason.  I am writing this while he is in school,
and I hope he had a good first day.  I'm sure he did!  And
notice Malia's ears...giant clip-ons.  VAIN!!!

It looks like he's doing the "Talk to the hand" snub, but
actually they are doing a high five.  This is the principal.
Each new school year, the kids walk up a red carpet with
music playing and her standing at the end.  Cool!  

Oh he's so cute.  I was the only mom in there taking
pictures, demanding hugs, and kissing cheeks.  Poor Riley!

Riley's Birthday!

Riley turned 8 this month!  Crazy.  I hope he had a good birthday...

we went pretty low key for the party end of things because we'd just 

had Gracie...but I think he had a great time and I KNOW he scored

some awesome presents.

First present of the day...from Malia, who was just as surprised.

I thought this was so cute!

Riley and Malia got to sleep over at my Mom and Daniel's on his
Birthday, so we thought we'd get a picture while we dropped
them off.  Look at the garden! They have been working so
hard on it.  And I don't know why Malia is pulling that face.
Oh, and Daniel LOVES Gracie...he held her a LOT!

Wanted to remember how cute the back of Gracie's head is,
and how creepy my mom is.

So his party was the next day, on a Friday, so that Ben could be
there.  It was a success!  We did it at the park so there was no
craziness at my house.  The only bad part was when they started
playing hide and seek....it was hard to keep track of them!
I was constantly doing a headcount.

Super man cake...thank you walmart!!!

The decor.....thank you Walmart!!!  Seriously I usually hate
going to Walmart...it's so crowded and just grumpy.  But that
store does have it's place.

Malia felt it appropriate to get a pic of her in front of Riley's stuff.

Getting ready to blow out candles!  And that is my mom in
the back, holding the little orange blob which is Gracie.

Riley got some awesome presents.  I think he loved
every single one of them this year.  Thanks friends!

Got a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Cook.  First picture
of them with all three of our kids.  Fridge worthy for sure!

Another fridge worthy picture!  And this was the night before my
Dad had surgery to remove his kidney, which had a large cancerous
growth on it.  Hopefully removing the kidney takes care of it, and he
won't have to undergo chemo or radiation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY!!!