I know it has been a while...

As most of you all know we moved to Alabama. Huntsville area way up north. We live about 10 miles from the Tennessee border. And are loving it here. We ventured out this past week to the botanical gardens twice and to the space and rocket center. We had so much fun! the kids really loved the little ride thing that shot them up into the air. I think Dallin will definately be a roller coaster rider. he was smiling so big. Gretchen loved it too but she was a little more cautious than Dallin. We love our new ward and house. But we do miss the Family in tifton tons. The first two weeks we were here Dallin cried himself to sleep just about everynight saying "Grandmom, Grandaddy" over and over. It was enough to break my heart but I kind of wanted to cry my self saying the same thing. I miss them so much and I am eternally thankful for the well mannered little boy they have raised that I call my son. I am so thankful for them opening their heart and making room for me, and loving me through all my faults and short comings. I am also thankful for all the love and help that Nana and Papa have given us. I miss the comfort of knowing people and seeing people I know where ever I went, but I am enjoying many things about here too. I love having my own kitchen, if only I could learn that i am not cooking for the whole compound and make smaller portions of stuff. I am excited for the new adventures and growing that we are all doing by having to be by ourselves without any family, and it makes me appreciate the time we have with them all the more. Anyway life is good and we feel so blessed to be able to grow, but just want you to know that we miss you and love you all.

why yes that is a boy sleeping on the steps

So I have found Dallin sleeping on these steps 4 times now. I worry that he is going to turn over and roll to the bottom, but he sure seems to like sleeping there. I just hope he stays still and doesnt move too much.

oh to be young again

Remember when you were young and didn't have a care in the world except for who had control of the water hose. I have really enjoyed all the fun the kids have had and watching them play together and do all the fun little things like water fights, catching lightning bugs and catching frogs. It really is the fun simple moments that make memories. I love that our house has a big front porch and we spend quite a bit of time on it.

getting ready for church

Okay so as you can tell the only one trilled with getting thier picture taken is Dallin. I took these a few weeks ago right before we left for church, and they all were mad and didnt want their picture taken. I couldnt get pitures of Gretchen or Randy but you win some you lose some. I am amaze at how grown my girls are getting. I have had one of those weeks where I am wondering where the time has gone. I took Estella to get some shoes this week and she is waering a size nine. yes you read it right a 9. I still think it must just be the type of she she got or something and then I took her to get some shorts and she is officially in adult sizes. the amzing thing is they fit and as much as I hate to admit that she is growing up I am glad to finally find some clothes that fit her. she looks so cute and grown up and I am think I might have to start locking her in the basement. The good thing is she is so shy about boys and freaks out about it, But Amelia, miss sassy herself is all about boys and has a handful of boyfrinds already so I am afraid she is going to be like her mom and be a flirt big time so please pray for me or her or both...

homemade granola

Gretchen and Dallin had a great time "Helping" me make granola. They were both great taste testers and I couldn't have asked for better help. Gretchen started getting all sassy when she realized I was taking pictures of her. She is such a mess, but I am glad she is my mess. I feel like I did pretty good at the granola. the first batch was a little more chewy but I guess that is what happens when you dont read ALL the directions and you cook like paula dean and just trow a whole sick of butter in the bowl and dont even realize it was suppose to be less than that till it is already in the over, but dont worry David found a way to force himself to eat it. I made another round of the homemade Granola yesterday to send with Randy to scout camp. He left this afternoon and will be gone for a week so I had to load him down with granola and cookies. I hope he has a good week and learns alot.

swimming with cousins

One of the best parts about our move is that we now only live under an hour and a half from my sister Carla and her family. we have made several trips to her house to go visit and swim. It is so much fun to see the cousins play together, and of course I love seeing sister! Dallin is getting us all wet with his water gun and the older kids had a ball swimming. Uncle Danny gave dallin a car and he wouldnt let it go, but he was so wiped out from all the fun!

pickin strawberries

Amelia and her class went on a field trip to a strawberry farm. We got to ride a tractor and tour the farm, and she got to jump and goplay around on the big inflatable slides. then we got to pick strawberries. She seemed to enjoy herself. it sure was hot that day. That is a picture of her teacher Mrs. Cottle talking to her in the jump thing. She was a wonderful teacher! I am so glad amelia got her this year!