Layton's Shadow!!

It is so fun to watch my two boys together. It is defiantely different with Syd gone all day, and it has been so fun to see the change with the boys already. Jackson follows Layton around doing whatever he is doing. Layton likes to pretend to be a dog quite often at our house and now Jackson does it too!! It is soo Cute watching the little guy crawl around and stick out his tongue and pant. One thing that hasn't changed is how Jackson LOVES to tackle his big brother, and Layton still screams every time. I know I'm terrible but I can't help but laugh. Layton has always loved playing ball and Jackson likes to join right in. Notice though we still have a sisters influence, Jackson is doing a slam dunk in high heels.

My Little Girl is Growing Up

Today was Syd's 1st day of Kindergarten. This day has come so fast and my heart is overwhelmed with emotions today. First of all I am heartbroken. Kindergarten is all day here, which breaks my heart to have my little girl gone all day. It just seems so long.
Secondly, I feel so blessed! I feel so blessed to have the gospel in my life. Not only does it give me perspective on days like this,to know that letting go and letting Syd make choices on her own and learn is an important eternal lesson, but I am so grateful for the direction the gospel has given me in teaching her what she needs to know to enter the world without me. I know I have not been perfect and there are things I would do differently, but I gave her the best I could. I am also grateful this day for the peace I have felt sending Syd to school. I am grateful to know that this is right for her and she will be okay.
Thirdly I am happy for the time I can take with my boys, and the time they will have together to play.

Last Day of Swimming Lessons

I hestitated to put Syd in swimming lessons. I was worried because she started out this summer and all of her life really terrified of getting her face in the water. It was always a battle washing her hair because she was so worried about water getting in her eyes. However all that has changed! My first clue that this was going to be great was after her first day she decided she now wants to be a swim teacher when she grows up. It must have been pretty darn good, because for the past year Sydney wanted to grow up to be a store person, not the person that works in the store but the person that buys things. Anyway, she now swims underwater, will hold her breath underwater,and learned to float, and do the front and back stroke. All in just 2 weeks of swim lessons. She now loves the water!!

Our Projects!

We have been finally getting some projects done around the house. We really don't like the brick on our fireplace (or house for that matter), but did not want the painted brick look so we thought we would try and stain it to keep a natural look. We finished it on Friday night. It went better than I thought, and now I think we will do the rest of the house. Tyler is going to make a new mantle and crown molding for the fireplace which I think will complete the look.
























































Then on Saturday morning we started putting new siding on our house. We just got one area above the garage done, but we got it up and all painted. We are trying to just work on one section at a time and complete it before moving on to the next. It looks so much better. I like the fresh new look of it. The only thing we did not finish is the painting the trim, I haven't decided on a color yet. So we only have to use all our spare time for the rest of the summer and we'll have it done!!

It's always fun when Grandpa and Grandma Come!

Tyler's parents just made a trip out to see us. They could only stay 4 days but it was so nice to spend time with them. Friday morning when Layton woke up and saw Grandpa, he immediatley found his bat and handed Grandpa the ball. He was ready to play. Syndey loved painting nails with Grandma and watching Grandma put her make up on do here hair. We went swimming on base and met Tyler for lunch. He had his blues on that day, he usually wears his camo to work and so I had to take a picture, I think he looks so good in his blues. On Saturday Tyler and his Dad had to check out the local gun shop and took the boys with them and us girls went to the mall. Grandma was so nice and let Syndey pick out a new outfit for school. Of course she picked out a Hanna Montana shirt. On Sunday we just took it easy played a few games and went for a walk. Monday the kids swam in the yard while Grandma and I watched,Tyler and Grandpa were investigating Tyler's latest project of putting new siding up on the house, then we went bowling, and took his Dad in to tak a look at his eyes. Tyler's parents also watched the kids a couple mornings so we could go running together, which was so nice! It was so much fun to have them here with us and can't wait to see them and all our family again!

Sherrie's Visit

My sister Sherrie came to visit. It was fun to see her and her family. The kids especially loved playing with their cousins. We did about everything ther is to do in Enid and then we went and spent a few days in Edmond (right outside OK city)nad went to the 4th celebrations there. Sherrie did a much better job pf jornaling the trip and taking pics so if you'd like a full report check out her blog.

finally posting pics from Utah trip