last half of July 2015

Hailey graduated from her online preschool program, called the upstart program.  They asked each child when they came in if they wanted a giant clap and cheering from the crowd or a quiet clap.  Hailey and her cousin Emma both picked the quiet clap.  Hailey wasn't too sure about being in front of everyone.

If you have a child going into preschool anytime soon, sign them up for this program!  It's amazing!

Afterwards, we went to Farr's ice cream to celebrate.  Abigail was with us also, since I had to take her to an activity, so she got ice cream too.  

The kids love the horses around 25th street, so once a year we have to wander around and take pictures with a few.  They also love treats, so we got donuts from Beyond Glazed... so good.

We celebrated the 24th by driving down to Salt Lake and looking at a new car for Ben.  We can't go to Salt Lake without the kids wanting to go to Temple Square and eating at the Lion House.  Sadly it was closed, so we had to settle for the food court at the mall.  The kids liked the mall, but they really just wanted to climb on the rocks.  Which I realized you weren't supposed to do til after I took the picture.

 For the record... we do let Ike out of the stroller on occasion.  

The Wedding

Blake and April were sealed in the Bountiful Temple on July 18th 2015 for time and all eternity.  This was also the first time that my husband, my parents, my siblings, and their spouses have all been in the temple together at the same time.  It was pretty amazing... saying my parents were happy is a big understatement.  I love going to sealings, it's such a great reminder of the importance of marriage and family.

While we were waiting for the bride and groom to come out...

I think it was around this point that Jed and Ben told me that I could/should quit taking pictures... if you see them, give them the stink eye.  Seriously, because you can't have too many pictures. 

How sweet is this couple

After the ceremony all of us (minus Blake and April) went to eat at Five Guys.  Then we went and picked up our kids from Larry and Sharla (aren't they the best?!)

They had their reception at the LDS church on Jefferson and 21st.  It's a really old, beautiful church... and my parents just recently served an inner-city mission there.

 My two most favorite photos are... this one of my girls  

 and this one of my boys.

All the kids explored the 'secret' passageways and ran wild.  I really didn't see Hailey for most of the time.  I would occassionally see her run past the dessert table.  When we were all packed up in the car ready to go, Hailey was missing.  Ben walked through the almost empty church looking and found her in the kitchen chatting with April's sister.

 As a person who rarely takes selfies, I decided this was a special occassion and it was acceptable.

 The girls got to catch a bouquet.  Since Abigail is at least a foot taller than the other ones, she caught it.  She treasures her bouquet and she made a special spot on her dresser for it.

The reception, or party as the kids called it, was so much fun.  April's family did an awesome job.  

My kids love Aunt April and we're so glad she picked Blake.

 We love you guys!