Twice a year Halley's dance studio has a private convention where they fly in professional dancers for 3 days. We were so excited when we saw the faculty for this summer! If you are a fan of 'So You Think You Can Dance' you should recognize 3 of the names. Travis Wall and Sabra Johnson are the runner-up and winner of their seasons, Kameron Bink was a top 10 finalist last year. Needless to say, Halley is on cloud nine! She already told me not to let her forget her camera. Last year we went and played while she was dancing, this year I might be a stalker.

There is one contest I can win, hands down. I have the best Dad ever. Now, I know there a lot of great dad's out there...but mine is the best. I'd put him up against anyone, and sorry, but I'd win. Well, I guess he would win.

He is the best Grandpa, just ask my kids. He is so attentive, compassionate, loving and supportive of all of his grandchildren. He rarely misses Bridger's game days, he attends all of Halley's recitals, and he never gets to leave my house (or anywhere else) without Gage. My kids adore this man.
He never turns down an opportunity to serve. He will help anyone out with anything he can. He always puts others before himself. He will pretend he has to stay 3 hours late at work so he can help me out by bringing Halley home from dance. I didn't think it was possible to respect him more than I do, but after watching him, so lovingly, care for his aging parents, my admiration for him has multiplied. He is hard working, quiet and unassuming. He never seeks for praise and is actually quite uncomfortable when he receives it. He is my hero.
He has such a big, soft, kind heart--it's immeasurable! I am so thankful for the example he is to me. I am even more thankful for the wonderful example he is to my children. I keep hoping that one day, when I grow up, I'll be more like him. I'm so proud to call him my Dad. We love you Grandpa Steve!

This is modified from the 4 layer cake she wanted. I know it's a big deal to turn 13, but it's not a wedding!

We celebrated at Canyon View Park. The weather was perfect! The kids loved climbing the trees and playing whiffle ball.


I L-O-V-E this girl! She is such an important part of our family and we adore her!

I can't believe how fast she is growing up! I REALLY can't believe she's a teenager today! We love this girl so much, here are some of the things we love about her...

* She is so helpful. If you ask her to do something, she doesn't complain, she just gets the job done.

* She is the BEST big sister. She treats her brothers like they are her best friends. She goes to most of Bridger's games and is Gage's best buddy.

* She is very well rounded. She likes so many different activities. She isn't too girly or too tom-boy. She can out shoot, out camp, out run anyone--but she'll look dang good doing it! She guts the fish for all the boys at Spirit Lake, but at home has more shoes, clothes, jewelry, nail polish, etc than the mall!

* She is very driven. When she sets her mind to something, she gives it 100%.

* She is such a good girl and always tries to do the right thing.

* I love that she loves her hair. If there is one thing she wouldn't want to change about herself, it is the color of her hair.

* She loves to hang-out with her Grandma and Grandpa. She'll end up at their house for days at a time!

* She brings such a great energy to our family. We are so happy she's one of us!

We love you Halley! Happy Birthday!

This is the BEST commercial!! Click here to watch it. If it doesn't start playing, click the pause button twice on the TV.

This is where my heart is. We love and miss these guys soooooooooo much!! I couldn't be more thankful that baby Kendyl is here, full term and healthy, if she was my own daughter! Isn't she beautiful?! I just had to put these on here so I could show her off. And look how big my Shae is! Tears!