Karlee is 9!!

I can't believe a whole year has passed since her baptism! Karlee is growing up into such a beautiful girl and we had a great time celebrating her big day! When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday she literally told me that she wanted a hula hoop and a six-pack of root beer. Who am I to argue? So, we had planned to go as a family to Trafalga to celebrate and decided we would bring her best friend, Makayla, with us. Karlee chose for us to go to Applebees for lunch and then we headed out to Trafalga!


Lucky for us, the summer weather has held out for a little longer than usual. Trafalga was warm and not very crowded...perfect! After a couple of rides we hit the bumper cars and got completely soaked...so then we hit the miniature golf course to dry off!






After a sweet game of golf and a little rock climbing we decided to head home for presents and cake. Karlee got an outfit and homemade blanket from Grandma GiGi and a perfect best friends necklace from Makayla...and of course, a hula hoop and rootbeer from Mom and Dad. It was a great day and a great start to being 9!!

Introducing...

Well, I'd like to introduce you to the soon-to-be newest member of the Nemrow family. This is Kyle...as you can see, the kids are already making him feel like family! We are so excited that Brooke and Kyle are finally officially engaged! We are all glad that Kyle is just as unique as the rest of us and think he will make a fabulous addition to the family! Congratulations guys!


Also, this is how I found Rylee dressed the other day...her "fashionista" ways always surprise me! I love this kid!


Tonight Karlee had a cheerleading fundraiser dinner...it was their first chance to perform their competition routine for an audience. She was so nervous because her best friend, Makayla, and her family were coming...Grandma and Grandpa Clark came...and Brooke & Kyle were all there to support her. We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many people we love! She did a fabulous job and made us all proud! I wish I had more photos...but the place was packed! Thank you so much to those of you who could come...it really meant a lot to us!

Bub's First Day of Preschool!

Today is Spencer's first day of preschool and he was SO excited! I guess I am lucky because all of my kids are pretty independent and love to go to pre-school...they don't miss me a bit! He was happy to wear his favorite "Dino Bites" shirt and new shoes and carry this bag (which is almost as big as he is!). He is there now...I can't wait to hear all about it when he gets home!

Lake Powell 2010!

Lake Powell is simply one of my favorite spots...something about that lake makes your forget about everything at home and simply enjoy and relax. The Clarks invited us to come on the houseboat for the Labor Day weekend and we were so excited! Besides the boat breaking down (I don't believe I have ever been to Lake Powell and had a fully functioning boat the entire time)...we enjoyed every minute! We parked the houseboat on this great little beach, we hiked and explored, jumped cliffs, swam (and swam and swam), cruised around on a rental boat(which we lovingly called "McDonalds" because of it's yellow and red motif), soaked up the sun, ate (and ate and ate), and just hung out with some of the people we love most. Another favorite activity on these trips is sleeping under the millions of stars...even though the wind was a bit crazy at times, it kept the sky clear for nighttime viewing. What a way to spend the weekend!








The tatoo contest was a highlight of the trip! Candice's lovely roses growing up her stomach, Jim's dinosaur on his neck ("So redneck!"), Jake and Sean's assortment of tats...good times!

Audree's First Day of Kindergarten!!

Wow! 3 kids in school...I always knew it was supposed to happen, but I am not sure I believed it ever would. Spencer was sad that she was leaving, but he took a nap that lasted almost the whole time she was gone (just as I had planned, perfection!). Audree rode the bus with 7 girls on our block and there were 5 other girls her age getting on at 2 other stops...there are a LOT of little friends around here for her! Aren't they adorable? Anyways, she came home on the bus with Karlee and Rylee (who took very good care of their little sister...picking her up from her class and holding her hand the whole time) and Audree loved every minute. She has been telling us all about the games, rules and school tour ever since she got home! I love this kid and I think she's going to make a great Kindergartner!

We made this backpack for Audree to take to school...when I was painting her name on it, I had it looking great and then as I was finishing up...I totally stuck my hand in it and smeared it. It was a great opportunity to teach Audree about "happy mistakes"...we just smeared the silver name all over to make sparkles and re-did the name in purple over it. She is such a perfectionist, but she was very excited to learn that you could have "happy mistakes"...I think it turned out alright in the end!