9.5 years

Happiest half birthday to this young man. Last night we were looking at posts that I have done of each individual boy. Tay was amazed at how much older he looks now. I completely agree. He loved seeing his chubbier cheeks from only a few years ago and he also thinks he looks better with his hair short. :)

I love how easily he smiles, the sparkle in his eyes, and the kindness in his heart. We are loving watching this boy turn into a young man. 

His food requests for the day: crepes for breakfast, lasagna for dinner, and lemon cheesecake for dessert. And the boys played and played and played. It was a good day.

we love daddy - love the 'bos'

For some reason, this Father's day we were not on top of it. Saturday was a crazy day and we just were not prepared with a lovely breakfast and lots of gifts and treats and cards. Lucky for us (not really, but sort of) Justin had meetings in the morning before church and then had to stay after to do tithing. As soon as the boys and I pulled into the driveway we ran inside and got out the paper and markers and got to work. 

I was so proud of them, they really took their time on these cards and were so thoughtful. Then we thought about what we had in our home that daddy loves. I love that the boys know their dad - a can of squirt, a peach, and some chocolate. 

When Justin came home and saw how much love the boys have for him, I realized I didn't need to stress about not spending lots of money on him. He just loved the affection and admiration we have for him.

One of my favorites...the little note made from cheez-its that Levi spent FOREVER on. He went through each cracker to find the letters he needed, in the end he couldn't find a Y.  

moab 2015

This is one of our favorite places to be. The red rock against the blue sky and the fluffy white clouds has got to be one of my favorite sights. Moab holds a beauty that I have come to appreciate greatly. We haven't been for a few years and several of us were so ready to go. Even though this time of year the heat is already pretty unbearable, we took a risk and went the second week in June. Lucky for us, it couldn't have been more perfect. 

We enjoyed sun, rain, lizards, sand, hikes, nature, campfires, a bike ride, rain puddles, but most importantly family time away from the everyday. (plus we got to have Grandpa Morris with us!)

Plenty of pictures below >>

 :: The boys were so excited about writing up their own packing list, so for family planning night they got to work. I absolutely love these! (taylor and levi) ::

:: and probably my most favorite picture ::

mid 30s

Back at the beginning of June we celebrated daddy's birthday. He has officially entered his mid-30s. He is never one to make a big deal on the number, but he says it is kind of weird to be entering the last half of his 30s. 

Obviously our four boys absolutely adore him. Corbin has so many of his mannerisms, Taylor has inherited his artistic and creative abilities, Levi and Daddy are fearless roller-coaster buddies, and Rudger is a HUGE fan of his daddy. 

I don't leave the home in the evening often, but when I do...as I am walking out the door I can hear all five boys yell..."now it's time to PARTAAAAY!!!" I probably should be offended, but secretly I love it.

We could not do life without this man!

getting back

This summer it has been hard for me to sit down and document. I miss documenting the everyday on here. 

Today while driving home from piano lessons with the boys, we realized that we only have a month left until school starts again. This summer has been good, so I can't complain. I feel like we have found the balance between laziness and fun activities, but it still puts a lump throat to know that it is coming to a close.

So before I lose some of our summer memories, we are going to get them on this little blog soon. 

One of the best things this summer...Rudger has pretty much potty trained himself!