Back Yard!!!

Well we finally completed our back yard! We, (I) thought that it would only take a week or so, and that we would be able to do it way back in May, right after we moved in. But as it turns out, our tax refund (that was paying for it) took longer to get here than planned, then Adam had to read and study how to build a whole sprinkler system, and then install it. We had so many rocks that had to be removed, and trenches to dig, and then we had water pressure problems to figure out, and then. . . well let's just say it was a much bigger project than we (especially I) thought.
Adam worked so hard whenever he got the chance. Right as we got going into this project, things got really busy for him at work as well. He worked a lot of late nights, and there just didn't seem to be much time for this back yard project. But he persevered and trudged through it, and now we have the most beautiful grass!!!
I can't believe how much better it makes us feel. We used to look outside and see nothing but the death of the desert. But now it's green and comforting and I swear it even makes the temperature seem cooler. I am so proud of Adam for all his hard work. He really had to do the whole thing almost all by himself. I would have burned out.
But the most fun thing is, to see how happy and proud Adam is of his job and all the work he put into it. He had it so organized, and color coded and working perfectly. He went from not knowing anything at all about this, to Mr. Plumber, landscape expert. It is such a huge accomplishment for him, and he beams with pride. He loves to just look at it, from the patio, the window, the back door, everywhere. It is very fun to see him so happy and pleased with himself. Great Job Babe! We love our new yard!!!



Adam's color code.


This is one of the sweet Elders who helped us lay sod.

The kids thought that the sprinklers were so much fun. They are having a hard time knowing that they have to stay off the grass for a few weeks to let it take root.

TADAH!!! All done!!! Sooooo Pretty!!!

White Sands

These are some pictures of our family when we went to White Sands in New Mexico. It was sooooo much fun!!! We went in the evening and caught the sunset. It was absolutely beautiful!

We've put off going, and I'm so glad we finally went. The kids were alive with excited energy, it was like Christmas. We borrowed some disc-sleds and we rode down the dunes like it was snow. The girls loved it!

But I don't think anyone had more fun than AJ. He ran all over, starting sand fights, climbing up and down the dunes and laughing his head off.


This is Adam jumping off the dune. Good distance babe!

I am sorry that we didn't go when Mom and Dad were here. It was totally worth the 2 hour drive. The kids keep asking when we're going to go again, and I have to say that I am looking forward to it myself!

110 Degrees

So it has been in the hundreds for like a month now here in El Paso. Being from Utah, we have seen high temps before, but not this consistantly. WOW it's hot here!!! So in order to make my family as comfortable as possible, we run the cooler ALL day (which Adam loves LOL) and eat lots of popsicles, and watermelon, and shaved AJ's head!!! He looks like a little cancer patient. Thought that some of you might enjoy seeing his new due.


Before:

In the process of:

After:
These pictures don't do it justice. He lost so much hair! I couldn't believe how thick his hair was. He looks so much like a boy now instead of my baby. It's all good though, I'll have a new one in 16 weeks 6 days!

Two and Two

Well it's official, we are having a boy! We found out yesterday. We were debating for a long time about whether or not to find out, and keep it a surprise. Originally the idea was for us all to be surprised. (It was Adam's idea). But he doesn't have to carry the baby. I love knowing who is inside me, and so with some gentle persuasions, and a few tears, (just kidding) we scheduled the ultrasound. We are very excited to even things out in our family. Adam was the only boy for what seemed like forever; even the dog was a girl. Anyway, everything looks healthy and he's sound as a dollar. Just wanted to let you all know. We are thrilled!

Lost Tooth

The other day Gabby was watching out the window for Adam to come home from work. While awaiting his arrival, she tripped and hit her mouth on the end table in our living room. She got a bloody nose, knocked out her front tooth and swallowed it . The screaming lasted for a while, but when she finally calmed down and realized what had happened, she was very excited that the Tooth Fairy would be visiting her that night. Lydia has been very anxious to start loosing her own teeth and so greatly encouraged the celebrating of the lost tooth. Gabby loved all the attention. She now is very happy about the lost tooth, and tells every person that we come in contact with. She says "hey, remember that I have a loose tooth?" Then we have to explain what happened, and tell her that her tooth is not loose, but "lost".

Swimming Pool????

Here in El Paso, there is almost nothing but sand. As far as the eye can see, there is sand. The home we bought does not have a finished back yard, and we haven't quite gotten around to doing it ourselves. (we will as soon as our tax refund arrives). In the meantime, the kids are dying to play in their pool!!! But with all the sand and dirt, we haven't allowed them to play in the pool to save ourselves, (mostly me) a huge muddy mess to clean up. However, the other day we discovered them in their bathing suits, in the yard, with the cooler full of water, "swimming". It's not a big cooler and there was not much room for them, but they had the time of their lives.
(cute side story): We heard the girls arguing and so Adam went out to see what all the fuss was about. When he got there, he heard the girls saying a prayer together to help them be nice to each other, so that they wouldn't have to get out of their "pool". How cute is that?

Baby # 4 On it's Way!!!

We are pleased announce that baby number four is up and coming! We are excited to be expecting this new addition to our family. The girls keep telling me that they want another sister. Gabby asks me every five minutes "you have a baby girl in there?" Now that we have at least one of each, Adam and I could care less as long as it's healthy. In fact, Adam has decided that we will not find out what this one is until it is born. We did that with Lydia, and it was fine then. But we found out with the other two, and now I think the suspense might kill me. However, it does make the delivery room a lot more intense and so I will look forward to that.

We are finally settled in El Paso, and got our computer up and running yesterday, so now I can resume blogging and email, (and still trying to figure out what all the fuss is about facebook and twittering). Come on, do we really need more forms of communication to complicate our world? Anyway, we would love to hear from all y'all and catch up. I feel like we've been out of the loop for sooooo long.