Ballet

Layla is in Heaven! She loves going to Ballet. I wasn't completely honest about her age. It is for 3 and 4 year olds. I justified it by thinking she turns three during the class. I miss calculated she doesn't... ohh well. She does really well. It is so nice for her to have something to go to.
Here are some updates on Layla.
-Since June she has been able to sing all of, "How Great Thou Art" it might be the cutest thing ever. Watch out Carrie Underwood
-She has been completely potty trained for a few months now!
-She can spell her name
-She LOVES kitty cats (if Layla wakes up and is meowing we know this means she is in a good mood) we also love kitty cats
-She is an expert scooter rider
-She is a total Daddy's girl

Arghhh

Liam insisted I take this picture. It was pretty funny when he saw the Jack Sparrow hat he put it on and immediately made this pose. I just love my little pirate!
I haven't done updates about the kids for a while. Here are some of Liams latest.
-Pirates are slightly being taken over by lego's
-He is the happiest kid I know
-He loves doing homework
-He takes great care of his little sister
-He is very talented at drawing and any art project. He makes stuff on his own daily
-He loves to eat healthy

Personality

This little girl has the strongest little spirit I have seen in anyone! Any one who has spent longer then a day with her understands. Sugar and Spice! 

Welcome Home Aprillll

The Twins, Ohhh How I Love These Two

It seems more often then we would like we are reminded of the harsh realities of this life. One of the harshest being the way people can treat others. Some people lie, make choices that will not only harm them but break the hearts of those around them. You can't avoid people like this, I have noticed that they come and go through out your life. On the other end, those effected by others choices also have a choice, to do what is right and move on or get sucked down the deceiving path of sin. I admire those who stand up for what is right. I know it is not easy. One of my favorite scriptures lately has been D&C 58:2-3 it reads, "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come here after, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation."
Over these past few months, I came to realize what a dark and evil place some people are in. However, I have seen just the opposite much more. Most people are good, charitable, compassionate, kind and are trying to do what is right. These are the people who know how to reach out to those in need, who have the strength to stand up for what is right. I am surrounded by these wonderful people. One of the strongest being my sister April. I have watched her throughout her life serve others, stand up for what is right, she is a strong and righteous woman. A great strength to many.She is optimistic and has the ability to smile at any situation. She knows how to make others laugh and to top it off, she is an amazing cook and beautiful :) I love my sister.
Two of my dear friends Karen and Brooke helped me throw a Surprise House Warming Party for my sister. She got everything she would possibly need to start her new life. It was amazing as I watched all of these wonderful neighbors, friends, and family many of which didn't even know April, donate and help her and those darling little twins. I know we have a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us, I know he is doing everything possible to make this transition as easy as possible for April's little family. I heard in a talk at church as disciples of Christ we are truly His hands here on this earth. The wonderful people who donated to this cause are perfect example of this. It was amazing to watch as the people and gifts rolled in. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who helped. It is an experience that will stay with me through out my life. I can never thank you enough.
April thank you for your example. You are amazing. I know it is much harder to be on the other end of service, the receiver. You have always been the giver. Which is why I made it a surprise :) I love you!

Her exact words to my Mom who was in the car, "What the heck is this?" We all were standing on the front porch waving to her as she pulled up. She thought my Mom and I were taking her to a brunch :)

Love you sis!

It's a little blurry but our front room was FILLED!

April seeing all her stuff :)



All the Colorado girls :)  We LOVE the Neilsen Girls.



Sundance

One of the many perks of living in Utah is Sundance which is about 30 minutes from our home. We spent Saturday up there. It is beautiful, it reminds me of Colorado (but not nearly as busy), the kids loved it. We rode the ski lift up and went walking. I could spend all day every day in a setting like this with our little family. Moments like these make the challenges of parenthood disappear. See you again Sundance :)

Sleep Layla Sleep

Is this really all it takes. We will be mowing our lawn year round. This is Josh's new ride. I think it is worth more then his car...

Temple FHE

We try to make it to the Temple and walk around the grounds every once in a while. This is the first time we have done it where Layla really understands. It was so darling. Liam always appreciates it. He understands so much at such a young age. Layla ran around smiling saying she had never been here before. The highlight of the evening is that it was pretty warm out and started to rain. The kids loved walking in the rain around the temple. It made it that much more memorable.

Don't be Jealous

Sorry about the window. I didn't want them to know I was watching. Liam and Layla on the back porch eating fresh pick garden goodness.

Some times I can't even grasp how lucky I am to have the life I have. This picture pretty much sums it up. There are moments or days where I know I don't have as much gratitude or patience as I wish. This picture makes me realize how much being a full time Mommy is worth it. Not always easy but it is so rewarding. These two make me want to do better and be better. Ohhh how I love them.

Frontier Day 2011



Angry Birds addiction. These two were meant to be cousins.



Got to have some dunk ball in the reunion



 I love this family!



Lucky Grand kids!

The Orginals

Making Mommy Proud

This is the life

This picture sums up why I love Wyoming and the Haws family. Wonderful people in a wonderful place :)

After the air show driving with cousins... I promis Liam liked it.

Creepy? I am going with Funny

Exhausted

I am sure Frontier Days and Cheyenne is a wonderful secret no one knows about. That place is AWSOME. To top it off we got to spend a lot of time with Josh's side of the family. I always say this but it really is a honor to be a Perriton. Love you all and that includes Wyoming :)

Proud To Be An American

I have decided, the 4th of July is by far the best holiday. It celebrates such a wonderful gift, freedom. How blessed we are to live somewhere safe, free, beautiful, and to have amazing people who are willing to put their life on the line to fight for what is right. God Bless America!

How Do You not Hug this little girl ALL THE TIME?

Monkey in the Middle. I think Josh has a bit of an Advantage

This is why Denise is everyone's favorite. These kids LOVE her!

My Two Favorite Girls

I love this dress my neighbor made

Had to have Watermelon

Samantha and Zyda, the two people my kids always talk about

The twins. So perfect. I love these two like my own.

The best part of the night, Fire Works!

This 4th of July is one I will never forget. It was magical. We had some of our closes family and friends over for a BBQ. The weather was perfect. It sprinkled and we all sat under the canopy as we watched our cheap fire works. The best part was all the aerial (they are now legal) fireworks going off all around us. It was perfect. Not to mention we had peanut butter M&M's. Layla LOVED it and Liam loved playing with his best friends and cousins.