it's a new day

prepare yourselves for a shock -- today was joseph's first day in the nursery at church. i know it's hard to believe this little boy is already a strapping 18 months old. crazy . . .





mr. handsome poses (unwillingly) for a few photos outside before church. (ain't he cute???)

chris started to walk him into the room, and joseph flipped out. i couldn't believe he knew what was happening, but he did, and he was not having it. chris had to drag him in.

joseph was quite clingy at first, but very soon chris and i were able to sneak out, and he was fine. crisis averted -- for now -- and he seemed to have fun.

goofing off after church, getting his clothes changed. i'm nuts about this kid.

random snapshots

just a few photos of stuff we've been doing . . .

helping dad wash the van.



the volkswagon show, with bradley as cameraman.

i love tub photos -- can't resist these bathing beauties.

independence day

i'm almost a month late, but what can i say? here are some photos from the fourth of july celebrations that mel and i took the kids to -- yes, chris was working stadium of fire. i never see him on that day.

i decided to give up my usual desire to sleep in on my birthday to take the kids to the provo freedom festival parade. i'm glad we went because i want the kids to realize independence day is special and not just another day . . . but in all honesty it was rough.



a little flag waving . . .



the kids liked the floats, like this cool eagle.



only in provo will you see this -- all the missionaries on parade.

i was admittedly grumpy, but my tough exterior was obliterated by the war veterans. my heart was touched as i watched these men who had so valiantly served our country.

lindsey was so cute waving to the girls dressed as disney princesses.

that night we went up the hill in orem to watch the fireworks over the stadium. before we got out, mel gave the kids a history lesson, which was pretty cool. we did our best all day to teach them about the meaning behind this special holiday.

all set up for fireworks, with popcorn and everything.

joseph was so cute and funny playing footsies in the cupholder of my chair. he was cracking himself up big time.

overall a fun day, full of patriotism and pride. i was tired, but i'm glad we participated in the day's events, and i'm thankful for this great country in which i am so blessed to live.