Summer Time

We had a great summer this year.  We left the heat in Arizona and went to California to visit family.  Tyler's dad turned 60 this year, so went to celebrate with them.  We had a great weekend of hangin' with the family, playing in the waves, digging for sand crabs, and a beach bonfire with hot dogs and smores.

baby showers, swimming, and dinners with everyone.  

Happy 60th Birthday Dad, We love you and thank you for a wonderful weekend and beautiful pictures!!

Then we went down to my parents.

Disneyland, here we come...

July 3-4th Celebration, Fireworks, fun with Grandma and Grandpa

Then we met up with Uncle Tyler, Grandma&Grandpa, Troy&Nellie, Courtney, and their kids.  We went to Newport pier and played around on the rides, took a boat ride around the Island.  Went to Cafe Rio for dinner, then went over to Balboa Island and got Ice cream.  We walked around the island and saw all the patriotic homes all decorated not to mention the beautiful scenery. 

Four little cousins all 4 years old!

The kids on the boat looking at the seals

I love this picture!!  God Bless America!

Happy Birthday

What I love about being a dad

For me, Father's Day has been a time for reflection. I've had an opportunity today to think about why I love being a dad. Here's the short list:

• I think the best part about being a dad to my 3 boys is their mother. She's absolutely amazing, the love of my life, super hot, and she makes me better every day.
• I love playing "tickle monster" with my boys.
• I love it when they beat me at something (usually its a game on the Wii) and I get to see their confidence rise.
• I love playing catch.
• I love when they tell me they love me (unprompted).
• I love camping with my boys.
• I love seeing Jill's wonderful qualities come out in the boys.
• I cringe when my qualities come out and I know what they're going to do next (usually it's not a good idea, but I can't blame them, they get it from me).
• I love watching them learn.
• I enjoy one-on-one time with each of my boys.
• I love when Ashton gives me a hug - he squeezes tight.
• I love watching Kaden be creative - with legos, drawing, just about anything.
• I love Spencer's passion for sports. He gets into sports WAY more than I ever have.
• I love watching their faith and their testimonies grow.
• I love watching them explore.
• I love hearing them pray. Lately Ashton prays for everything and everyone. It's so cute.
• I love when they make the right choices - especially when its hard.
• I love when they cuddle up next to me when we're watching a movie.
• I love watching them fight over postcards when I get back from a trip.
• I love them no matter what.

I am so grateful on this Father's Day for my family. I couldn't ask for a more amazing wife and better children. I am a blessed man. Happy on Father's Day.

At Preschool Ashton answered questions about his daddy and here is what he said.  This was part of his Father's day gift...

Spencer's 10

My oldest boy is 10 years old today!!  Where has the time gone.  I could not possibly be old enough to have a ten year old.  That means I am getting OLD!  I still remember the day he was born like it was yesterday.  Kissing those precious soft cheeks just seconds after he entered this world.  Leaving our Father in Heaven, knowing he is trusting me and Tyler to raise this spirit in righteousness and love.  Wow, what an honor!  We have seen it as truly that.  Spencer is a special spirit, a strong spirit, who earnestly tries to do what is right.   He chooses to honor his parents and his Heavenly Father.  I love the moments when he doesn't know I'm watching, but he chooses  the right anyway.  I will find him in the early morning or late at night reading his scriptures or on his knees saying his prayers, or helping a brother in time of need.  It just melts my heart...he is just SO good!  Of course he has his moments of arguing with his brothers, or not wanting to do what is asked of him, but at the end of the day he choose to follow his Father in Heaven.  After all he is just a child, My Child and I love him to pieces and could not be more proud!!

We took Spencer and his friend to BJ's for dinner and then we were off to the batting cage!!

The boys of course wanted in on the action

Then we came back for cake and ice cream

Happy Birthday Spencer!!