"Let's Shoot Daddy!"

We bought a family set of Nerf guns for Christmas and Persy and I love to hide out and ambush Gabe. There have been many battles waged in our home the last couple of months and this is one of Persy's favorite family activities. I just wish she wouldn't keep saying, "Let's shoot daddy," outside of the home. People are going to wonder what we're up to!

Take a Hike

Best part about living in Utah? We are just minutes away from mountain paradise. Hiking season came a little late this year because we had a cold, wet Spring, but now we are heading into the mountains nearly every week.
We let Persy do some of her own hiking, and despite falling and looking like she had just completed a Tough Mudder, she could not be happier.

Bedtime Shenanigans

"The moon is up, it's getting late, let's get ready to celebrate! It's Pajama Time!"



This darling little girl gets so funny and hyper right before bedtime. Could she get any cuter? I think this little stay up late ploy is ingenious. The above picture was taken after we went to a late night movie in the park. Gabe taught her to sing, "I wanna rock and roll all night, and party every day." She was jumping on the bed and belting it until nearly midnight and we were all laughing our heads off. (Normal bedtime is 7:00 p.m. but with a late afternoon nap she is a party queen.)

3 Years

Dear Daughter,

Could it really be just 3 years ago that we met? Something tells me that we've known each other much longer. I am thankful every day that you came to our family and answered the tears and prayers of many long years. Happy Birthday my adventurous, loving, intelligent little girl! You are incredible and I watch in wonder as you grow with each year.

Mixed Reviews

Lights on Temple Square got mixed reviews from Persy this year. She loved going inside the visitor's center to see the giant statue of Christ, but she was cold and a little cranky for the outdoor portion. Classic grumpiness! :)

Remember When . . . .

Last night Gabe and I went to a Bees game with Persephone. I look at this photo from last year and can't believe how far she's come. We were feeling hesitant about taking her, since her bedtime is around 7:00 p.m. and she's turned into a rather wiggly child. I'm so glad we did though, because we had a blast as a family. The whole night Persy was clapping her hands, dancing to the music, and making friends with other fans in the stadium. She eagerly smacked her lips when Gabe shared "Dippin' Dots," and seemed to enjoy all the people watching.

The highlight of the night was the fireworks display. We really didn't think Persy would make it until the end of the game, but were so surprised by her pleasant behavior. She was absolutely mesmerized by the fireworks. She watched wide-eyed and then would clap her hands and look at us to make sure we weren't missing the spectacle. She kept reaching her hands out the try and grab the fireworks out of the sky. I know that all children do cute things like that, and our experience as parents is not completely unique, but that doesn't change the fact that when Gabe and I experience these things with Persy we are just delighted. We both feel like we're experiencing life again for the first time. I knhow that someday this pigtailed little cutie will pack her bags, and head off for college. Gabe and I will go back to having adventures on our own, but I know that the moments we are having today will be the ones that will start us talking about "Remember when. . . ."

Here are some recent pictures of our summer activities:

Shark Reef Aquarium