Something new

We got a new toy...



...and we are loving it! Same bad composition, same lack of photography skill, much better pictures. I'm motivated...now what do I do?

What's in a name

Contrary to what people believe, I was not born around Christmas. I was born in March. But I was named after a dear friend of my parents, Holly Sanders. I love it. How great to be named after someone.

Since Brian and I have been married, we have met several Julies. We've never met one we didn't like. Two of these girls, Julie S. and Julie R. became some of our best and dearest friends. So when our third child ended up being a girl, we knew we would name her Julie after them. I love calling Julie by name because it always reminds me of my other, now-living-far-away, friends.

I just write this today because Julie R. is celebrating a birthday. Happy Birthday! We love you so much and miss you tons. You seriously made us better people, and I am grateful that we know you. My little Julie is so lucky to have such a great name...and it is thanks to you. Have a great one!

10 Years Ago...

10 years ago today, Brian and I got married. It was, miraculously, a gorgeous day with no rain at all. We were married in Idaho...and the weather is far from perfect, even in the summer. Nearly every other day in June that year it rained. I was so nervous because our reception was in my parent's backyard. But, it was a perfect day.

We had a wedding cake and a groom's cake. This picture is of the groom's cake...I wish I had just made it my wedding cake. No flour; just eggs, butter, and chocolate. An intensely dark, rich, perfect dessert. I loved it. I also loved the purple pansies on top. They are so beautiful.

What a great day. I love you Brian!

Samanta's Talent Show

This past Friday, Samantha's elementary school put on a talent show. It was very cute and there are some very talented kids around here.

Samantha wanted to sing Popular from the musical Wicked. She and a friend got together and sang it very well. It was super cute. I'm trying to figure out the video thing again so if you care, you can watch it. :)

Horses

My children have an intense obsession with horses...especially my girls. Samantha has loved horses for as long as she could walk, and has pretended to be a horse more than a girl. Now, apparently, Julie has the same fascination. She rode the ponies at the stake fun fair twice and only stopped because Brian and I were sick of waiting in line. She has not quit talking about her rides since.

Could she be any happier? It was probably the greatest day of her life. We can't wait til next year so she can ride again.

Jedi Training

Landon had his 5th birthday the end of May. We decided to have a Star Wars birthday party. We invited his little friends over to the Jedi Training at our house. After getting his own light saber and Jedi cloak, each boy was ready to attempt the training.

The boys had to save Princess Leia, which they did by popping balloons (one of which had a picture of the princess in it). Afterward, they used water balloons to destroy the Death Star. Yes, the next picture is the Death Star, and I drew it myself. Not bad for an artistically challenged girl. :)

The final challenge was fighting Darth Vader. Each boy had his turn to fight, and they all performed excellently. It was awesome.

Then we opened presents and ate cake and ice cream. Landon wanted an X-wing fighter cake. (What?!!) Thank goodness for google and the internet...I found 1 example as a starting point. It turned out pretty good, I think. Landon knew what it was at least.
The party was super fun and seemed to be a big hit with all the boys. Good times.