Memorial Week-end

Since my mom was diagnosed with cancer it really put things into perspective. We've had more trips to Salt Lake and have tried to do more things to make memories with my kids and the other two grandkids on the Linkenhoker side. You just realize that this life is precious and we often take it for granted. 

Our original plan was to head up to Redfish, where I would be running a 5k, but that, like most of our other plans, changed. We decided we needed to be in Salt Lake and so that is what we did. We asked my mom what she wanted to do and she wanted to take the kids to some parks and let them play and experience them. Here are just a few of the many pictures we took. 

This little lake in Daybreak was awesome. We totally should have packed their swimming suits. Not like it mattered much. They didn't mind getting their clothes wet. 

We enjoyed playing at the different parks and the kids loved going to new places. It was a fun weekend and we're grateful we were able to spend it with my mom.

Happy 4th Birthday, Samantha!

On Wednesday Sam turned 4!

We love love our Sam and all that she adds to our family! She was such a great sport with her birthday! We watched kids during the day and then had a baseball game for Drew after school. We rushed home to eat dinner and eat her birthday cupcakes. 

Since Vaughn was out of town and our life was crazy, she got this sad excuse for a birthday cake. I know it looks awful and I know it doesn't even begin to show how much I love her, but it was honestly the best I could do with the time and energy that I had. It makes me sad to see how pathetic it was!!

She didn't seem to mind too much, so that made me feel a teeny tiny bit ok with the poor excuse of a cake!!

While we ate dinner and cupcakes, we had Vaughn on FaceTime! He was working on homework in Idaho Falls and so it helped us feel like he was there with us...if only a little bit!

I took the following pictures of Sam and Vaughn during their conversation. It warms my heart to see her so happy talking with her dad! She is a HUGE daddy's girl!!

Sam is truly a loving person! 

She is so sweet and most of the time tender with her little brother! 

Sam has been doing so well with her speaking. She is using such big words and pronouncing them better and better every day! She truly has made leaps and bounds with improvement! 

We are so happy that we can have her sweet spirit in our home and see her learn and grow! Our family would definitely not be the same without her!

Book Worm, Baseball and a Sick Boy

Drew has been reading up a storm. He has started reading the Harry Potter books and has become captivated by them! Vaughn and I told him that he couldn't see the movies until he read the books, and he has loved it! When we watch the movies he tells us exactly who people are and what is going to happen! It has been so fun for our family!

He is finishing up baseball and I couldn't be happier! He is on a really good team and the coach likes to practice a lot, but it is hard with Vaughn being away. 

Tays has been so sick. Not sure what is going on, but it has felt like he's been sick a lot lately.

I am loving that he is letting me hold him and cuddle with him!! I will take it whenever I can get it!!

Sam's Pre-Birthday Birthday Party

Since we were all together in Salt Lake the weekend before Sam's birthday we decided to celebrate it so Vaughn and my family could be there. Sam was so excited!

We thought that she would be the most excited about this dress, but she wasn't. She probably needs some friends to come over and play dress up with her. 

Can you see Mason??

Not sure why Mason ALWAYS has to hanging, climbing or getting dirty. 

He is definitely all boy!

The kids always have to play in the front yard and with the hose when they are at my mom's. It is just something they have to do. 

Sam aka Elphaba. 

This is the 2nd time she has covered herself in green! Such a funny girl!

Sam opening her new awesome purple scooter from Uncle Ron, Heaven and Weston. She was so excited to have one of her own!!