Uncle Brock - Our Hero!

Since this week is the week of Independence Day, I thought it would be appropriate to honor the modern day American hero in our family - Amy's husband Brock. Just recently Brock left on his THIRD tour of duty in Iraq. (He claims that he is going to do "Public Relations" for the military , we think that that is a cover for the fact that he is really more like James Bond, or maybe Maxwell Smart) For as long as we have known Brock he has spent his time shuttling between being home with his family and friends in Utah and his military obligations at training bases around the country and in the Middle East. We have seen what a sacrifice he and his family make so that he can serve our country, and we are thankful and humbled that he and millions of others do this, without complaining, for our benefit.





Right before Brock shipped out, we were able to spend an afternoon with him at our place. It was great to hang out and catch up with him. Emily has decided that Uncle Brock is her favorite, and she spent the afternoon bringing him new stories to read to her, which he gladly did. We will all miss him this year, and we pray that he and all the other men and women serving our country will return safely.



So, this Independence Day, when the flag comes by, I will think of all those who have sacrificed for that flag, and particularly, of Brock and his family, who are offering their sacrifice right now.

Emily turns TWO!

Yes it's true. My baby girl is not a baby anymore. Emmy turned the ripe old age of two today. The last two years have flown by. Our sweet little angel arrived two years ago after 2 1/2 years of trying and not succeeding to have a third child. She truly is an answer to our prayers.
She is definitely all personality! I think if it was possible she would have arrived yelling, "Tah Dah!" She loves to play with her sisters and help take care of her baby brother. Her favorite things to do are reading books, going for walks in the stroller and most of all...watching "The Little Einsteins!" So of course we had a "Little Einstein" themed birthday party.




















Emmy had a great day. She got clothes and books from her grandmas, grandpas and cousins, and a big toy "Rocket" from Mom and Dad.
We love our little girl so much! Happy birthday Sweetheart!

Summer Here We Come!

The girls are FINALLY out of school! The end of the year was filled with field trips, music concerts, ice cream and pizza parties, and all of the fun things kids get to do in the final count down until summer. I was able to get a few pictures of these events so here they are:















Julianne in her "Songs of Frienship" concert and with her teacher Mrs. Jones.




















The little kids and I got to join Becky at the park for her end of the year field trip. Becky and her teacher Ms. Brockman.

Father's Day

Although I'm a little late, I just wanted to wish all you Daddies a Happy Father's Day!
Here are some pictures of one of my favorite Fathers. (I Love you Sweetie!)

"May I have this Dance?"

"Tah Dah!"

Father's day started out pretty well yesterday. The kids helped me make waffles for breakfast, Joe seemed to like the shirt and tie we got him. (A big plus since I've never had the courage to surprise him with anything like that before.) And everyone had a great day at church.
Then on our way to have dinner with Padilla's Julianne threw up all over the car! Since I don't do well cleaning up those kinds of messes with out making a mess of my own, (if you get my drift) Joe had to do most of it. "Happy Father's Day!" right? We sent the kids into the house while we cleaned the car. At this point we just figured Julianne's problem was just a little car sickness until.... we walk in to Padilla's and find Emmy throwing up all over the floor! So my poor husband takes a big sigh and starts cleaning up throw-up for the second time in a matter of about 5 min.
It was quite an afternoon. Oh well, that's true fatherhood right? And my sweet husband didn't even complain.
Thankfully everyone is doing just fine today.

Wacky Weather Week

We've lived in Virginia for almost three years now. I realize that doesn't make us experts on what typical June weather should be but I think those of you who who live near us would agree that the weather has been a little "wacky" lately. For those of you who don't live here let me explain.
A few weeks ago we had a series of pretty exciting thunderstorms with tornado warnings all over the state. Now, we have had tornado warnings before but this time it was serious enough that the girl's school was locked down and all the students were taken down to the tornado shelter in the basement. We had horizontal rain, lightning, and power outages all around us. Joe was stuck in D.C. because fallen trees were blocking the train tracks. Needless to say it was pretty wild. However, the storm didn't last too long, and although the girls were a little emotional when I finally was able to pick them up from school, everyone eventually made it home safely. Then two days later we had another severe weather warning, only this time it was for record heat! We decided to head down to the pool here in out apartment complex and spent the afternoon there. We had a great time. The water felt great after suffering in super humid-100 degree weather all day.

Vacation, Graduation, and then...Frustration

As most of you know Joe graduated from Georgetown Law School a few weeks ago. Yahoo!!!!!!
His family came out and we took a little trip up to Pennsylvania the week leading up to commencement. First we went to Valley Forge then we went to Philadelphia. We saw the Mint, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. We did some shopping, ate Philly cheese steaks and had a great visit with Grammy, Grandpa, Jon and Bethie.

Joe and the girls posing like George Washington .


Joe and Dallin in front of a huge monument at Valley Forge.

Jen, Rebecca and Julianne next to The Liberty Bell.

Becky, JJ and Dallin in front of Independence Hall

Chillin' in Philly

After hangin' out with family all week it was time for graduation. Honestly I think it was kind of a surreal experience for all of us. Finishing school seemed so far away for so long. I will never forget the flood of emotion I felt when they started to play the Graduation March and I saw Joe walk in the room with all the other graduates. Definitely a highlight in both of our lives.

Joe and his parents Graduation Day!

Unfortunately the day after graduation was kind of anti-climactic. Joe got up, packed up his back pack and headed off to bar prep class. He is such a trooper. He is in class all day, gets home just in time for dinner and then studies until bed. It's going to be a tough couple of months until the bar exam. I wish I could help him a little more through this process but I think we both get some consolation in the fact that it will all be over soon.

Playing Catch up

I know, I know it' been forever since we've updated our blog! I've decided that instead of nagging Joe to update it I should figure out how to do it myself.

So here goes...

A lot has happened since March. Spring break and Easter came and went. Dallin has almost doubled in size, figured out how to roll over and cut two teeth (at the same time). Emily's vocabulary has grown from putting a few words together to speaking in complete sentences. Becky and JJ are enjoying the nice weather, (which means they get to play outside at recess) and can't wait to start swimming this summer. Joe made it through his last semester of Law School!!!!!!

MY THREE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS! (ha ha ha)

Becky had an allergic reaction during recess the other day. Needless to say it was not a good day.
Emily after her afternoon beauty sleep. Julianne after losing her two front teeth.

Everyone in their Easter clothes.

I've never known a child who loves books as much as Emmy does.



"What's up, Dude!"





The girls doing Saturday chores.
"Wax on, Wax off."

Turn Up Your Speakers, and Feel the Spirit

I would like to bear my testimony:

video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2923576947562145957&q=Magic+Happens+