Virtual Nesting

I'm "nesting" this week.  Most of my household projects are complete, which leads me to other organizational projects like cleaning out my email inbox (which I haven't done in YEARS) and updating the blog--- "Virtual Nesting" I've decided to call it.  This is the perfect time for projects like this since my parents took our 3 oldest to Lake Tahoe for a week to enjoy views like this:

and this. . .

and do FUN things like this. . .

and this. . .

and this. . .

Meanwhile I'm at home with Trent, working on projects and laughing at how I STILL end up with 9 extra kids at our house when Scott comes home from work in the evening.

June has been a busy month for us-- full of FUN summer activities.  Here is what we've been up to:

In addition to her summer dance technique classes, Sierra attended a hip hop workshop.  Here she is at the final performance:

She is the cutest gangster I've ever seen!

The kids also got in a session of swim lessons before they left on their trip 

Speaking of swimming, Scott competed in the Park City Triathlon a couple of weeks ago and swam in FRIGID water.  This was his first Olympic distance Tri and despite the freezing water, and a VERY hilly bike course (it is Park City) he still rocked it and came in 4th in his age group! :)

The kids made signs to cheer Dad on while we waited

Here they are modeling the T-shirts we made with iron-on letters.  The front says "Swim, Bike, Run"

And the back says "My Dad 'Tri's"

Waiting. . .

He finished earlier than I anticipated, but we were all there to cheer for him!

In Utah you have to be 5 to play t-ball, which means that Grant, once again, is NOT old enough to play.  We did find a program for 4-year-olds that teaches baseball skills to children and a parent. So, we signed up Scott and Grant.  He LOVED it!  Twice a week for a month, Scott would get off work early and take Grant to baseball practice.  The only thing Grant loves more in this world than playing baseball is playing baseball WITH DAD!  It was a wonderful bonding time for them. 

Gooooooooooo. . . .

. . . .Pirates!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At their last session, they played a "real game" and were each given a certificate AND a medal!

More summer activities (and a new addition to the family) to come in July! We'll keep you posted!

Maternity

A couple months ago I told Scott that I wanted to have some professional maternity pictures taken.  We have been married for 9 1/2 years and I've spent over 3 1/2 of those years pregnant (and another 4 years nursing babies, but that's a different story. . .).  While I usually shy away from the camera during those pregnant months, I really wanted some pictures to document my maternity in general (not necessarily just THIS pregnancy).  So, I contacted a friend of mine who is a fantastic photographer and asked her if she'd be willing to take some pictures for me.  She was totally awesome-- made me feel completely comfortable and beautiful.  I knew I wanted Scott in some pictures, but last minute I decided to bring the kids along too and am so glad they were there.  It was a great experience for us all!

Poor Trent, he still has no clue what's going on.  He still occasionally lifts up my shirt asking "Ball?"  (Apparently he thinks I'm hiding a LARGE ball under my shirt and I'm not sharing with him)  When I tell him that there is a baby in there he looks at me, shakes his head and laughs.  We'll see how funny it is in a couple weeks when I bring home a baby brother from the hospital NOT a bouncy ball.  

I have been so blessed to experience pregnancy FIVE times.  And am very thankful for my amazing husband and beautiful children!  THANK YOU, Maleen, for capturing so perfectly my maternity.