We're Back at School!

I am a little behind, but school started last week for McCall. She was THRILLED! We set out clothes the night before, made her lunch, and got everything ready. The whole neighborhood walks to school together. It is a lot of fun. McKinley loves it to because it is a big social event for her every morning and afternoon!

McKinley trying on McCall's school bag.

McCall and her friend Ali. They have the same teacher. They are standing outside of their door to class.

Goodbye my sweet little girl. It was hard to walk away and leave her. Luckily she was so excited that it helped. I don't know what I would have done if she were nerveous or sad.
She loves school and is having a great time!

Scottie is getting MARRIED!!!

Yes it is true, Scott and Jayne are finally getting married. He popped the question last night and we are all thrilled! The girls will be in absolute wedding bliss over the whole thing. They haven't set an exact date, but it looks like it will happen in October over fall break. YEAH!!!

Mike is a ROCKSTAR!!!

Mike is a proud finisher to the Utah Half Triathlon. He is a total winner in our book. This particular triathlon is a half ironman; which means that he swims almost 1 1/2 miles, Bikes 56 miles, and runs 13 miles (a half marathon).

This is the second year that Mike has done this and he beat his last years time by 10 minutes. Yeah!!!!


The girls running out to meet him. They were able to run him in through the finish line.


Finish Line...


Our family minus spencer. We decided to leave him home with Grandma Kaye.

Grandma Dunn and Katie joined in the fun. They really added to our little cheering section. Mike was very excited to have them come and watch!

She's Having a BABY!!!

My sister Ashley flew in town and surprised us all. SHE"S HAVING A BABY. We are sooo excited... She is almost 41/2 months pregnant and had such a cute round belly. The baby is going to be born in January. Which of course makes McKinley very happy. Ash and Josh are not going to find out if it is a boy or a girl, so it is going to be a surprise for everyone!
This weekend we were trying to think of names for the baby and McKinley thought that it would be great to call the baby Kinners after her. She said that it would work for a boy or a girl. I don't think that Ashley will take the advice!
Anyways we can't wait to have a little one around and a cousin on the Swallow side!

Happy 4th of JULY!

I am sooo sorry that we don't have any pictures. We have lost our camera charger and our battery is dead. So we just took video.
We had a FABULOUS fourth of July. It started with our usual Millcreek parade. Amber, Tony, Cassandra and Katie joined in the fun. This was the first year that my kids were spectators and not actually in the parade. They thought that it was great because of the onslaught of candy thrown their way. I think that this was due to the very diligent cheering done from McKinley. She cheered when there was nothing to cheer! After the parade we went to the pancake breakfast, that didn't let us down, and then a stop for snowcones, and then we finally headed home for some rest. That afternoon we went to our favorite pool (the murray pool) that has the greatest kids area and an awesome waterslide. It was fun because we walked in and sat right next to some of Amy and Ken's friends. It was great to hang out and catch up...
Upon returning home, playing in our own little pool, and having a fantastic steak BBQ we got ready for the evening festivities.
Mike set up the driveway for a fireworks spectacular. He dug a fire pit in the dirt patch next to the driveway, which was tons of fun. We had some neighbors come down for the party. Everyone roasted tons of smores, played, and chated. The kids all had a blast and it was especially fun for all of the moms (kristen brought her week old baby, and Joni brought her 2 week old baby). We were having such a good time that the festivities didn't even end until 10:45 p.m. oops.... That is REALLY unheard of at the Dunn house. I don't think that my kids have ever stayed up that late. The best part of the whole night was that Spencer went to bed at 6:30 and slept through the whole thing.
I hope that everyone had a great 4th of July! It is one of my FAVORITE holidays!

A very SAD morning...

This little guy had a very sad morning... But everything is looking up. He had to get tubes put in his ears today. He has had constant ear infections since last fall, and mom was very ready for tubes. You can only take so many sleepless nights.
Well after an early morning (we had to be to the hospital around 6:00 a.m.), with no food at all since last night, we made it. Spencer did great during surgery. The surgeon told us that there was LOTS of fluid in his ears. It had even turned to a gelatin form because it had been in there for so long. He struggled waking up and wanting to eat. So after letting him have a little too much juice and water, he threw up all over me about 5 different times.
We have survived and are on the mend!

P.S. McCall lost her other front tooth. She is toothless just in time for family pictures next week!

What a stud!!!

McCall LOVES her bike. She loves riding it everywhere. Lately she has been begging grandma Kaye to go on bike rides with her. So they have taken a few together. Well this morning Grandma called McCall and asked her if she wanted to go riding (and of course she was thrilled). When McCall got home she ran in and showed me her new duds that grandpa had bought her. They looked so cute. She has such muscular legs, that it was funny to see her running around in little bike shorts. Grandpa doesn't cut corners, he got her the real Pearl Izumi brand of bike clothes. Her little shorts even have the padding in them. The best part of all is that they match Grandma Kayes! Oh how she can't wait to go riding again tomorrow!

McCall showing off her new clothes. This picture shows the three pockets on the back of her bike shirt. She informed me that it is for carrying snacks, treats, water, or all kinds of things. I can't wait to see what finds its way into her pockets!

Posing by her bike. Oh to be six again...
(sorry for the fuzzy picts) my camera is dying a slow death!

It's been awhile...

Sorry that it has been so long since I have updated. We have been really busy. Summer is HERE! The kids are out of school, and swim lessons, play groups etc. have started. These are some pictures of McKinley's ballet performance. She was a clown and looked adorable. We went to her performance the night before we went to California. (sorry no california pics yet, I haven't had time to download them) But we had a great trip swimming in grandma and papa's pool, hanging out at the beach, and playing with our cousins!

McKinley got to wear make-up. In our house that is the best thing about a performance. She has killer eyelashes. I wish mine were as long as hers!


Our little family. Spencer wouldn't cooperate for the photo. But here we are!!!

Mother's Day...

It is all because of these three little ones that I get to celebrate Mother's Day! They are so fun and such great kids! It is also becuase of these kids that it is 8:15 on Mother's Day morning and I am sitting at my computer with time to blog. Mike had to work last night so he won't be home for a bit. The kids of course were up at 6:30 a.m. McCall was really sweet and wanted me to "sleep-in" Well her intentions were sweet, but that didn't go over too well. She wanted Spencer to come into her room so that she could watch him. Well the second that he realized that he was going to be trapped in a room with his slightly overbearing sisters he screamed and screamed. So that didn't work to well. McCall also wanted to wait for dad to get home so that they could make me breakfast in bed. Well when you are up at 6:30 waiting until after 9:00 for breakfast is just not an option. So I went to the kitchen and made myself a scrumptious Mother's Day breakfast. Hootenanny Pancakes, fresh fruit, and fresh orange juice (O.K. so that wasn't so fresh, but anything but crystal light in our house tastes like freshly squeezed oranges). So needless to say that the dishes are done, the kids are already fighting, changed a poopy diaper, the day has officially begun. I did decide to keep my bed unmade for Mike to make for me. Hopefully he will be home soon so I can pass the little ones over to him. I hope that everyone has a fabulous Mother's Day!!!

I was at the store Friday with Katie trying to get my mom something for Mother's Day, when what beholds my eyes but this great pan. Can I say Happy Mother's Day to myself! This was on the clearance table for $27.00. What a bargain. I love it! I even had to make spaghetti last night so that I could use it! (you know you are sick when you even like to wash it) The only thing that I would change is its color, but it is still stunning. I also picked myself up a 16 quart stock pot in cherry red. It is soooo cute. This was on clearance for $12.00. I set it on my stove and realized how much I am going to enjoy all of my canning this summer with my new red pot! I can just imagine all of the stewed tomatoes, homemade salsa, spaghetti sauce, Oh the possibilities are endless!

Now I need to go and get some cleaning done and get the kids dresses ironed etc. Have a great day!

Beans, Beans, Beans...

So I have had ENOUGH of beans! I had to teach a provident living class on beans from your food storage. Our family has had beans at least 4-5 times a week over the past 1 1/2 months. I even have a very stained crock-pot to prove it. Who knew that multiple soakings and cooking of beans could stain porcelain. There are also some huge repercussions to cooking that many beans... Can you say digestive distress (that is the nice term that we use). Needless to say we are all thrilled that we no longer need to have so many beans. And through it all I have found some great recipes to use. Mike keeps saying that he won't even know when an emergency hits because he will be eating exactly the same (not true). We will in the meantime be stockpiling at our house large quantities of: Beano, Pepto Bismal, and any other anti-diarrheal medications...

Oh what a week!

We have had a great week. On Monday night we went to McCall's kindergarten program. It was soooo well done. Every kid had speaking parts and knew the words to all of the songs. They had props, music, dancing, etc. Everything that a great program needs. (also it only lasted about 35-40 minutes) McCall was front and center, and one of the biggest hams in the show. It was so funny. Mike got part of it on video, if I were really good I would know how to post it...but I'm not!
Also Spencer...My lazy little guy, who has only taken a few steps (but only when he had to). He woke up yesterday and just decided to walk. It was pretty funny...and he is getting more used to cruising.

McCall's Ballet Recital...

McCall performed in her first real ballet on Thursday night. She was soooo excited. Her ballet studio put on the production of Snow White. The performance was up at the U at Kingsbury Hall. It is a huge stage and an amazing building. I thought that she would be nerveous, but she said that she wasn't at all. This I was glad of. She was a bubble in the Cottage scene. Her part was so cute. She said afterwards that she was very proud of herself. I would post pictures of her, but there was no flash photography allowed. The studio took photo's that they will post, so I will see if I can attach some when they do.
This was a great night! Grandma and Grandpa came and Grandma Midge also. She was thrilled to have them there. Grandpa even brought her a bouquet of flowers. It was a lot of fun.

McCall doing a serious pose. And like always, one big highlight of the night was that she got to wear make-up.

We Love our McCall!!!

McKinley's School Program...

McKinley had her "spring sing" last night. She was sooo excited, and loved her special night. She was so happy that the whole family was going to come and watch her. She did a great job and sung her heart out!

Sorry for the fuzzy photo. My camera wouldn't work well with the school lighting. Here she is with her class.

McKinley with one of her teachers named Miss Christine. She loves school!

Prayers for Ava...

Our sweet little niece Ava went in for open heart surgery AGAIN. In her 2 1/2 years she has had way to many surgeries. But it sounds like all went well so far.
WE LOVE YOU AVA!!!

McCall is now "6"

My beautiful McCall has turned six years old. I can't believe it.
We have a "friends" party every other year. This was the year for her party. She wanted to do a cooking party which turned out to be a hit. The kids decorated aprons, had chef hats, made homemade pizzas, and decorated cupcakes. McCall was just thrilled!

Sorry the photo's are a little fuzzy. Here is our adorable group of girls.

We love pizza...

Some even got creative. It was a great day!

HAPPY EASTER!

We have had a great Easter. Mike was on a 24 hour shift, so we were not able to start the festivities until 9:00 a.m. so for kids who get up EARLY it felt like forever. Grandma, Grandpa, and Christopher are in town for Spencer's birthday. They came over this morning and we did a fun easter hunt. Then we had a nice brunch, went to church. We had a wonderful church meeting with great speakers and fantastic music (the marshall/sorensens really pulled through)
After church we had everyone (including G&G Maycock, and Katie & Brittney) up for dinner. It was a busy day, but a lot of fun.

The girls with their hunting treasures. The girls were thrilled because they had pink "high school musical" bags as their Easter bags. The great thing about them was the amount of stuff that they held.

Girls Ready for Church!

Spencer looking spiffy in his new duds. He had a great day.
We hope that you all had a great Easter day. We feel so blessed!

Happy Birthday To my little Guy! (tomorrow)

I can't believe that my sweet baby boy is turning ONE tomorrow. He is such a fun little boy and we feel so blessed to have him. I thought I would post a couple photos of a year ago. You wouldn't believe by looking at him that he had such a rough start!

Spencer in the NICU... Notice the lovely fish artwork that McCall made for his bed.

How can you resist such a face.

Birthday Boy!

McCall

Wow it has been awhile... I do have a few photos that I will upload soon. But I wanted to jot down a funny story about McCall that happened today. We were getting ready for school and I was getting her hair done. Like usual there are a few tears. I sprayed her hair with water from the spray bottle so I could start spraying. She burst into tears and percedes to tell me how bad it is to get the water on her skin from the spray bottle. Then she gets very emotional and can barely talk and says "mom it is just the worstest thing ever, it is even worse than elephants in our house."
This totally caught me off guard and I had to chuckle. I hope everyone is having a beautiful spring. We are LOVING ours. Pictures will be soon!

The Performance... wow!

So the girls love to put on mini performances for Mike and I. Yesterday they wanted to do one. They have some play make-up and usually like to put a little on. (the usual places such as their eyes etc.) Well to our stunning surprise, this is how they came out to perform. McKinley did not have a part of her face that wasn't covered with blue or white eye shawdow. She was very proud of her interpretive make-up. Needless to say the performance was a Hit!

Our "beautiful" McKinley...

A Full Day of LOVE...

So when did Valentine's Day become so much work?
I know that I do it to myself, but I just love Valentine's Day. We started out the morning bright and early with a special heart waffle breakfast. The kids think that special breakfasts are awesome! I guess anything beats a bowl of cold cereal.


Lunch was Heart egg sandwiches. They have been begging me for egg sandwiches for the past week. They worked out perfect.

We had a special dinner. Not a romantic evening, but very fun none the less. By the time we had all of our special meals, made all of our school valentines, passed out friends and neighbor treats, I was exhausted. But our family loves Valentines!!!

Spencer was my sweet little valentine. He is always up for anything and is such a sweet little boy. Next year he will be all about the food and treats like the girls. On to the next holiday...

Happy Birthday Ashley...yesterday

Yesterday was my amazing sister Ashley's Birthday!!! We hope that she had a great day in the Big Apple. We can't wait to see you!

The PERFECT Day!

Saturday was a SKI day. Which means that my awesome husband took the kids for me again and gave me a bit of freedom. It was the most beautiful day ever. The snow was absolutely incredible. We went as girls from our ward and had a blast. I have not skied much since I have had kids and I realized how much I really LOVE to ski. So much of my elementary, Jr. High, and High School experience was hitting the slopes every weekend. The only trouble is, now I can't get it out of my blood. I keep thinking to myself "when can I get back up there and go again?" We are planning another Saturday in a few weeks, but I think that at least I might take McCall up one afternoon soon just to be up in the fresh beautiful mountains.

This One's For AMIE...

So I am a Sugar Cookie Nut. I absolutely love them! I am always looking for the perfect cookie and there is none in my opinion that is better than Great Harvest on 2300 East. Now not all locations of Great Harvest sugar cookies are equal. But because they only offer these divine cookies a few times a year, i have been in search of a great recipe. This one is pretty darn GOOD. Amie, You must try!

1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 Cup Butter softened
1/2 tsp. Almond extract
1 Egg
2 1/2 Cups Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Cream of Tarter

Mix together, cover, and refridgerate for 3 hours. Roll out thick (they don't puff up much but they are incredibly soft) Bake at 375 for 7-8 minutes. I took them out of the oven even before they browned. Once cooled and frosted they were delicious!

McKinley with her plate that she decorated. She went a little heavy on the sprinkles. I had to practically rip the shaker from her hand. I think that she would have used them all.

McCall with her decorated cookies. It was a fun after school activity/snack!

I decided to toss this picture in for Katie. She bought McCall these skinny jeans. This picture does not do them justice. They looked SOOO cute on her and fit perfectly. Thanks Aunt Katie!

A day at Ballet...

McCall's ballet studio has a parents day, where we come and see what they are learning. McCall was very excited. They just started using the "bar."
The girls did a creative dance where they could do their own choreography. It was very sweet to watch. They all did such a good job.

McCall's ballet class. She loves the girls in her class and her teacher Miss Stacy.