Cooper's famous :)

Check this out for some vitally important, scientific reading, with witty quotes from a cute guy I know: http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/18559/on-hitting-a-basketball-with-a-golf-club

That hard truth about life

Jell: I wish daddy didn't have to go to work.
Mom: Me too, but somebody has to make some money so we can live.
Jell: Yeah, daddy says he has to make money so we can go to DISNEYLAND!!!
Mom: Someday. For right now, he's making money so we can pay the bills. Not as fun, I know. But did you know that to get to use the water to take a bath, that costs money. And to get the power to turn the lights on, that costs money. And to have the garbage man come and take away our garbage, that costs money.
Jell: NO WAY! How could that be? (giggle giggle giggle) Even the garbage man costs money? How come?
Mom: Well it's his job. He needs to make money doing his job too.
Jell: Wow.
Mom: I know, huh? It's too bad all that doesn't just magically appear for free. That would be cool.
Jell: Yeah. Ha. The garbage man costs money (shaking her head as if to say, unbelievable!).

Lovin' Summer Vacation

Just got back from Bend, where daddy had a city management conference to go to in hopes of learning lots and networking more. While he wore work clothes and sat in classes from 8 until 5, we had this kind of a trip:Poor daddy. He's a good sport. I definitely think we got the better end of the deal. Luckily he was able to spend one day playing with us when the conference was over. I was a slacker and didn't take more pictures but we had a blast with Nana, Bopa, Ninnie, and Grandma and Grandpa Smith. Hooray for vacation!

Happy Birthday USA!

Sadly, there was no fireworks show to go to in The Dalles, nor any parade for the girls to ride their bikes in and we even missed the ward party. But that didn't keep us from doing a little of our own firework show (although ask Coop how fun it was to try to light the fireworks in the crazy wind!). And we had company, which made it even more fun! Coop's mission companion, and his wife and girls came to visit. Before they got here, my girls were worried about whether or not their girls liked to play with dress-ups. Fortunately they did, so they were all best friends! Here's a few pics of our celebration:The spectators

Our girls reactions crack me up:

Wahoo! Finally got a sparkler lit!

And when the dads ran out of fireworks to light, they started burning all the boxes. There's something about boys and matches. They just can't resist.

The next day we went to our super cool park and let the girls run until they couldn't anymore! So fun to watch their little heads bouncing around. And since the dads were there to be on kid duty, us moms and their baby enjoyed relaxing on a blanket in the shade, providing water breaks whenever someone slowed down enough to take a drink. Cute girls!

Thanks so much for coming! We had a blast - hope to get together again sometime soon!

The Lion King

So I don't have much time to describe our incredible experience so this is basically what I have to say about it: If you ever get the chance to go see Broadway's The Lion King production, don't hesitate for a second! Splurge and bring your kids. It is the most awesome visual experience, they will love every second!! Our girls were gasping, laughing till they fell over, jumping up and down with excitement and asking endless questions throughout the whole thing (it was a really good thing we were kinda isolated up on the side balcony ... we didn't have to worry so much about them staying quiet). It was so awesome to just watch their little wide-eyed faces! Love, love, loved it!!!!Thank you so so much mom and dad for such an incredible gift!!!