Sister Sleepovers

This summer has been filled with lots of sister sleepovers. It usually starts out with them both in their own beds and then Preslyn coming out of her room to ask if she can sleep with Demarie on the top bunk. I love sitting outside their bedroom door and listening to them talk at night. It brings back so many memories of sharing a room with Mishel and Milisa and then later Milin. It's funny how many of my childhood memories take place after the lights went out.... I hope Demarie and Preslyn remember these moments someday too!

Simmons School Carnival

This is a little out of order, but I found these pictures and realized I forgot to blog about the Simmons School Carnival! In May, Demarie's school had a carnival on a Saturday and I volunteered to dress up like a clown and tie balloon animals. They had a great turn out and every one had a great time.

The kids liked playing the carnival games and got lots of prizes!

Enjoying some good carnival food! Makes me hungry for nachos right now!

Sister Get-a-way!

In April, I met all of my sisters and sister-in-laws in St. George for a girl weekend get-a-way (except Daisy, we missed you!). We were able to do sealings at the temple, which was a neat experience. It was nice to spend time with everyone and the trip really made me appreciate family and the importance of not taking them for granted. I love each of my sisters and sister-in-laws and am blessed to have them be a part of my life!

My birthday surprise!

By birthday surprise: A rocking bench for my front porch. Thank you Aaron!!!

(Demarie was the photographer!)

Tenting in the Backyard!

In July, we set up the tent outside and went "camping". When we pulled it out, Demarie said, "Wow! I didn't know we had a tent!!!" I think it's time we got it out a little more often! We didn't get much sleep, but we had a great time!

Preslyn, Demarie, and Broyden. Can you see the extension chord in the grass running from the tent? I'm embarrassed to admit it, but Aaron went to the store and bought a fan for the night. I know what you are thinking... Marlaina had to have a fan in order to agree to sleep out in a hot tent in the middle of July. However, I do want to make it clear that it not the case! I am not the baby in the family, but I'm sure you can guess who is... and he's bigger than all of us!

Tangled Up in too Much Birthday!!!

Demarie turned 7 years old in April! Time is just going by so fast! Demarie has changed our lives forever! We couldn't ask for a sweeter, more imaginative daughter. We are always amazed at all her creations. She is only seven and has written 2 different chapter book series along with other amazing books, her own line of "Us Girl Dolls" (paper knock-offs of American Girl dolls) complete with a magazine and catalog, and her own Polly Pocket dollhouse with furniture and other accessories. She is a wonderful sister to Preslyn and Broyden and is constantly teaching them something new. We love her so much!!!

Birthday dinner request: PIZZA!!!!

Demarie requested a "Tangled" birthday cake. This was my attempt...
House topper molded out of rice krispy treats!

Flowers and vines... didn't the tower in the movie lean to the right? Uh, yeah, it did! I swear it did! Otherwise I wouldn't have made this one lean so much:)

Demarie had a great time celebrating with her friends and family. Pictured: Emma Kalina, Bailey Stirling, Riley Mecham, Kylie Boyd

Remembering Easter

Sheldon, Stacey, Mylie, Tyler

Easter Sunday morning... it was a little bright. Can you tell by the expression on Demarie's face?

ward Easter egg hunt. Aren't they adorable???

k, I know it is pretty pathetic that it is august and i am barely posting about EASTER! it is my goal to get all caught up in the next few days. i probably should just not waste my time and start anew, but there is too much stuff that i don't want to forget about...

like our fun visit from uncle sheldon, aunt stacey, and cousins mylee and tyler. it was so much fun to have them stay with us before they moved to iowa.

we had so much fun! if only they decided to move to vegas...!

Easter morning. the Easter Bunny hid way too many eggs and the kids had so much fun running around house searching for them. I enjoyed eating their candy later:)