my built-in babysitter

Julia has probably logged 10 hours this weekend babysitting for me. I love it!

Glamorous Rachel

golf 101 for little girls

You must first make sure you have adequate golf balls ...

(preferably pink and/or sparkly)

then you play your round using only the best of golf etiquette...

you quietly celebrate your fabulous putts...

...and always clean your clubs when you are finished.

Jack's First Haircut

Jack took his first haircut very seriously. Doesn't he look so grown up?

It's TESSA Week!

This week has been all about Tessa. Julia is at girls camp and Rachel and Grace have gone to spend the week with Grandpa Steve. We have been enjoying Tessa and Jack all week. Tessa has slept in each of her sister's beds, made flower headbands, made chocolate milkshakes with whipped cream and sprinkes, had a tennis lesson and went swimming. Today we decided to take Tessa in to get her picture taken. Being the 4th girl, she has never had a professional picture taken by herself. She did awsome!

boating girls

the big tubers

the little tubers

Flirty Rachel

Rachel learned to flirt this week. Good job Rachel! Although who wouldn't flirt with a boy as cute as Braxton!

Wakeboarders

Julia and Rachel LOVE to wakeboard and came a long ways this year. Rachel can cross in and out of the wake and Julia can get a little air.

Lake Powell 2009

Our trip to Lake Powell was a blast as usual! Jack came along so the week was a little bit stressful but worth it!

Grace is Yucky!

"Do you think this toenail looks a little bit long? ... don't worry, I'll fix it."

Birthday Girl!

Tessa turns 5 this week! She is such a sweet girl. John calls her the "mini-Joelle" because she is just like me. If someone leaves a cupboard door open or something out of place it will drive her nuts ... just like me. She likes things just so ... just like me. Her preschool teacher told me that she loves the days when Tessa is there because she will make sure all the toys are in the proper bins. She is my little helper that will stick by my side until a project is done even when all the other sisters are long gone. Tessa is a smarty pants too! She has been reading for a long time and is an expert colorer - not a mark outside the lines ever! For her birthday she wanted hot dogs on the grill and chocolate cake. Grandma Jeane made her famous Coke Cake and even put money in it. Jack helped out with the unwrapping and Grace helped out with the big words on the birthday cards. Happy Birthday Tessa!

enjoying summer vacation

It is SO nice to be able to relax at the pool with my book and know that Julia is responsible enough to look after the kids!