4th of July

All of the little girls...

Youngest to oldest.....hmm, guess that makes me old!

Squirming during pictures.

The guys, a little blurry...

This is the first time in about 6 yrs that we've spent the fourth with all of my family. Unfortunately my parents were absent because of a last minute trip to CA to be with my Grandma during open heart surgery. ( She is doing well now, thank goodness). It's always so much fun for me to get together with my siblings because we all get along pretty good...and I always end up laughing. There is,of course, a little drama with the cousins, but there's tears by the end of the day when it comes time to leave. No one ever wants to go home. Needless to say, I would really love to spend more time with my family doing absolutely nothing, but life doesn't provide those opportunities as often as we like...that's why these are always special moments for me.

Mortimer Family Reunion

Larin...the next American Idol!

The Chicken dance courtesy of Amber, Emilee and Keisha

Stand-up comedy...good thing there were no tomatoes to throw!

Violin duet by Emilee and Sharee...they sounded great!

Background singers...apparently not doing their job.

Delon always likes to have the mic in his hand...just like the remote.

Jake's funny face

I think Delon enjoyed being on stage...

Yes, that's Larin fully clothed...Larin, Larin.

How'd that feel? Little cold?

Jake and Gracie braved the freezing water...I preferred to watch.

Rock Creek Girls Camp in Ashton, ID was the location. Beautiful place... unfortunately the weekend we went it was also wet and chilly. And you can't forget about the mosquitos...we still have evidence of the mosquitos at our house 2 1/2 weeks later. But everything pretty much went off without a hitch. There was good conversation, great s'mores and wonderful family. I often dread family reunions because of all the work it entails, but I know in the end it's worth the memories and relationships. Delon's sister Sharee and her husband Kary were in charge this year and did a great job. I do have to say other than the amateur hour of entertainment, I loved watching those brave enough, swim in water that probably hit a toasty 45 - 50 degrees. Oh the things we do when we're surrounded by betting family members and constant dares! We had a great time and I'm so grateful that my kids love to be with their cousins! 'Till next year!

Sleepytime

Fell asleep after playing games on Nick jr.

Doesn't he look peaceful?

Jake has never had a problem with falling asleep...just falling asleep in his bed.

Summer

Hanging out with friends and cousin Zach...

Goofin' off

Apparently they were pretending these were lasers they had to make their way through...whatever works.

There is never enough to do for my kids to stay busy during the summer....luckily every once in a while they enjoy the simple things.

Soccer Season

Riley and his good soccer buddy, Titan.

During the last game...hard to get a smile out of him, he was so tired!

Free Powerade for everyone!

Smithfield Tigers

Riley's team and coaches....Reese Thatcher and JD Hammons

The three oldest all played soccer this Spring. Although they all played well and had fun, it seemed Riley was really enjoying it the most. He had great coaches too that helped them to really understand the game. Riley improved a lot. His team was undefeated, so the coaches felt it would be rewarding for them to play in the Kohls Cup. So on May 30th, Delon and I headed down to Hyrum for the tournament. They lost their first game, but won the three after that....(yes, it was a LONG day). They all had so much fun and it was great to see how they competed against other teams in the valley. Great Job Riley!! (Notice Riley is sporting his mohawk).

Riley made some great friends this year in soccer. I love this time of year when the kids start to do more outdoors. There are some good memories made!

Bad to the Bone

The boys all needed haircuts and I told them we were shaving their heads. (Much easier than actually having to do their hair, especially during the summer). Riley protested right away and said he wanted a mohawk. Right....well, since Riley was having his soccer tournament the next day, I told them they could keep their mohawk Sat. only,  then we would shave their heads before church. Being as Jake feels the need to do everything the boys do, I styled (not cut) his hair into a Mohawk. He thought he was pretty tough. Amazing what a new haircut can do for your attitude!

Haydn's B-day

New shoes...he may like shoes as much as I do!

Cheese balls from Grandma

Watching Haydn open his presents

Honestly, out of everything Haydn received, I believe this was one of his favorite. A mini whoopee cushion!

Jake loved the basketball pillow...too bad it's not for him.

Nine years old!!

Waiting for cake

Blowing out "the" candle. I'm all for fire safety. :)

Haydn turned 9 on May 19th. It's always hard for me to believe that my kids are the ages they are sometimes. Often it feels like it was just yesterday they were born. I'm trying to hold onto some of these moments because I know all too soon they will be gone. 

Haydn is my silent but deadly one...of course by that I mean he may not seem very outgoing, but he loves to learn and is very smart. He's always reading, asking questions, creating and does things every day that surprise me. We love you Haydn!!

(As you can tell, these were obviously taken before the haircut...with the shadow behind his head looks huge!)