Rodeo fans

The little girls and I went to the Rodeo at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden. Not sure why or how it happened but Rodeos became my guilty pleasure. I am a trauma nurse and rodoes are a trauma nightmare but I can't stay away. Ellie has come a long way with rodeos. When she was 3 or 4 I took her to the big Days of 47 rodeo and she was crying and yelling at the cowboys to stop hurting the calfs the entire time. Everyone sitting around us was wondering why on Earth I would take an animal rights activist child to the rodeo. Brin gets worried about the bull riders and sometimes has good reason to. Last night one of the cowboys got knocked out when he was thrown from the bull. Yikes! But we still go to rodeos. We love cotton candy and popcorn and dusty seats. But this is not to say I would EVER let a child of mine participate in any rodeo event....just so we are clear.

No more brace face

Kyla got her braces off after 2 and a half long years (and thousands of dollars). She has a beautiful smile. She now has a glitter retainer that she will wear forever (unless she wants to do what I am doing and get braces for the second time!!)

Valentines Day 2009

I gave each of my valentines a sack full of Valentine goodies. Brin got a new dress, Kyla new shirt and Ellie a game. Each of them got lip gloss (it's a family thing!!) We made these cute and yummy lollipop cookies. The girls took valentines around to their friends house with some cookies. On Sunday we had our special Valentine dinner by candle light. I heart my girlies!!

RAD kids

Ellie's class at school was involved in a program that teaches self defense. The program helps to prepare kids for different situations and how to be safe. I love the idea of this class. She is a great kid and it was fun for Brin and I to go watch her RAD kid program graduation.....and you thought I was just calling my kids RAD...which they are!!

Swimming Party

Ellie invited her friends to a swimming party. We went to Clearfield Aquatic Center. It is an indoor pool with a water slide and small lazy river. After swimming for a while we went to Ligori's Pizza for dinner. Today was actually Elle's REAL birthday. Happy birthday girl!! We love your guts and hope you had a fun week! (To round out the week we had the cousins over for dessert on Sunday).

Ellie's birthday dinner

This year Ellie chose to try a new place for her birthday dinner. She usually likes the Mayan but wanted to eat at Tipanyaki this year. It was yummy. It was Ellie's first time to eat there. She loved to watch our chef. He made onion volcanos and flipped shrimp at everyone around the table to catch in their mouth. Kyla went 2 for 2....what does that say about her big mouth :). We had a great time and loved the food. Ellie even got a birthday serenade from the table and dessert.

Ellie gets her ears pierced

Sorry for the brief commercial...now back to Ellie's Birthday week. Next after much waiting and anticipating, she got her ears pierced. She was nervous after her big sis got through telling her how it would feel--but she did great. Now she is the proud owner of holes in her ears!! She is now awaiting the day she can actually change the earrings and wear some of the cute pairs she got for her b-day.