Playin' at the Park

I love the park! Especially with three rambunctious boys who love to climb, play in the dirt, run around and basically explode. They love to go to any park and the just run and run and always take good naps for me.

They always make me nervous however, because they don't seem to think "this might break my neck if I do it." That is why I am there I guess.

Hunter seems more to wander around then anything. He just goes from toy to toy trying them all out.

Lincoln is fearless! He will do and try anything!

Palmer is more cautious and actually listens when I say something could hurt him.

They all love anything that bounces!

My kids are some of the friendliest kids ever. I am not sure how I feel about it. They love to make friends, but they go up to grown ups and say "Hi my name is..." We really do talk about stranger danger.

Hunter likes the little slides.

Mrs. Utah Pictures

I did the Mrs. Utah United States pageant in order to get myself going on my non-profit organization "Project Lemonade." I thought that it would spark a fire under Josh and I to do the things that we had been wanting to do for a long time. I never could have imagined actually winning this. I had the most wonderful experience, and that was before I even got the crown.

Our amazing directors Ruth and Alicia.




Opening number



On stage question. I was petrified for this part of the competition. It turned out okay though.

It was fun to have Josh escort me for the evening gown section.

Evening Gown.

This is during intermission. I just remember being so exhausted. I felt so good about the night.

Top 5 awaiting the results.

I won the "Evening Gown Award."

All of the wonderful people who came to support me.


Can you see the look of total disbelief on my face!?

My cute moms.


My cute Josh was so supportive!



I can't believe I actually won! This night was so amazing.

Big Time Fun at the Winder Pool

So today I thought-I have taken so many pictures lately, surely I don't have to have my camera everywhere I go (okay and the battery had run out and I couldn't find the spare or charger). But luckily my friend Andrea had her camera, or I would have missed all of these choice pictures! Lincoln insisted on going off the diving board. Andrea just dropped him into the water and her son helped him up. He was done after doing it once, maybe we'll work on that one.

Of course if Lincoln was going to go off the diving board, Palmer couldn't not go, he ran up to the diving board and Andrea did the same thing. He also was done after one turn.

Andrea and I have been friends since forever. I think that it has been 18 years (met in 7th grade). A lot of my memories of school include her in them. I love that our boys can play together now that we are both mothers of 3 boys. It was so fun to be with them today!

At one point Palmer stuck his diving stick into his goggles by his ear. I think he was trying to snorkle. I have no idea why he did that, but he was positive that is what it was supposed to do.

Andrea's boys are amazing swimmers, they had all of the gear. Hunter insisted that he have goggles too. A mother is always prepared. Andrea actually let all three of the boys borrow some. Even though I'm not sure their heads ever went under the water, they wore them for at least an hour.

The other object of interest today was the diving sticks. My kids insisted on putting them in their mouths...sorry Andrea. They looked like they were carrying around flutes. Kids are so funny!

The two Lincolns together. Andrea and I both had babies within 6 months. We both named them Lincoln. I think the boys were a little confused at all the Lincolns being thrown around.

Palmer playing his flute...or whatever he was using it for at this point.

Hunter's favorite part was the basket ball. There was a floaty net and Andrea's sweet boys kept getting the balls for him to throw. They were so good with my kids. Andrea thank you for having us!!

FHE at Temple Square

Palmer's first experience with a meter. I have come to understand a bit of how confusing this huge world is to a 4 year old. He asks questions about everything. Basic concepts are confusing to him. He also wants to know why everything does what it does. He has asked me some really deep questions. Random thoughts from a meter.

I love how green and beautiful everything is in this part of town.

The grounds at Temple Square are one of my favorite places to be. I love the special feeling that is always there. Everyone is so friendly and nice. Lincoln got a bloody nose tonight and two of the gardening crew bent over backwards to help us.

One of my very favorite parts of temple square.

Our kids were obsessed with all of the water. We went to every fountain there was. I really never had realized how many fountains there are around here!

Another thing I love about temple square is the art. I always feel the spirit so strong when we visit. As we visited tonight all of the Y.W. trips, my wedding day, other weddings I have been a part of, random dates to see the lights came flooding back to my memory.

Josh and the boys in front of yet another fountain. The battery on my camera had really had it at this point and I had to keep turning it off and on to get some juice.

This was the last picture of the night. I was amazed that my camera took it with all of the work the previous picture took. It was meant to be. This captures a small bit of the feeling of Temple Square.