Swimming!!

A couple Saturdays ago, we went swimming at Scott and Valerie's.  No surprise. This time, however was special because Kristen and Nolan were in town and everyone came over for some yummy food. I ate WAY too much of the amazing guacamole but it was worth it.

Just before we went to swim, Hailey had her LAST t-ball game of the year and she did so great.  Carmen, Val and Kristen all came to watch and cheer her on.  Once again, she's nothing but muscle.

Addy, of course, is Hailey's biggest fan.

She NEVER complains about going to one of Hailey's events or games.

The girls LOVE when their cousins come to town to visit.

Hailey absolutely LOVES to be thrown as high as possible into the water.

After, she always comes out of the water yelling "AGAIN!"

We are so grateful that we have great family and a pool. Great combination.

Blessed Week

The week after the 4th was an EXTREMELY special week for our family. We all got to be part of some pretty special moments with our little nephew Benson and his mommy and daddy, Carmen and Ben.  Benson became part of our family in January of this year. It was a special time and a very exciting time, but this week has been the week to look forward to since the day he was born.  Carmen and Ben were able to legaly finalize their adoption of Benson and I was blessed enough to go to the courthouse with them and witness the very moment that he was proclaimed 'theirs' by Judge McDade. It was emotional and so great to hear Carmen's response to "what has having Benson as part of your family meant to you?" (not word for word)

A few days later, we were able to be part of an even more exciting event.  Carmen and Ben were blessed to be able to have Benson SEALED to them in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.  

This was such a special day.  That morning, I had a conversation with Hailey and Addy about why we were going to the temple that day. It was a great chat with my two sweet girls. 

When they brought Benson into the Sealing Room, he was a little shy at first but once he sat next to his mommy and daddy, he was just filled with joy and happiness. He could not have been sent to more perfect parents.

(I stole these pictures from Carmen's blog)

I stole these pictures from my sister in law Jess.  K, I actually asked this time, but either way, I did not take them. :-)

Through Carmen, I've been able to meet some pretty cool girls. 

Some of them are Twilighters that I get to hang out with at the movies. :-)

The Johnson Sister-in-laws

(the coolest sister in laws EVER)

The next day, we got to attend the blessing of Little Man Benson.

Carmen and Ben had us all over to their house after for some yummy food!

I had to post this picture just because I was impressed with Addy's picture taking ability. All the girls wanted some oatmeal after a long (fun) day.

Again, we are SO happy to have little Benson a part of Carmen and Ben's eternal family and also a part of ours.  He is such a sweet boy and will always have a special place in this family.

Welcome Benson! 

We love you!

Independance Day 2012

Be prepared for a ton of pictures.

Here are a few shots from the family pictures that were taken with my mom's camera.

My sweet little hip-attachment.

Hailey and her buddy. She is always SO excited to see Gavin.

A little catching up.

Addy scanning the crowd of family and not so sure about it.

I'm WAY behind on posts. It's been a little crazy around here.  

This year was pretty special for the 4th of July.  My entire family was here in Utah County celebrating together. Matt and Kristy had a beautiful house they rented in Draper and invited us all to come have a BBQ and hang out on the day of the 4th. Nate was the only one working that day, but since he works in Draper, it was a quick drive to the festivities for him. 

After family pictures that morning, we all went to the house and snacked ALL day long and had a BBQ that evening.  My Grandpa Luke was able to join us for this holiday. He rode the train from Modesto, California to be with us.  My aunt Barbara and my cousin Carl was able to be with us as well.

Summer and Kristy chowing down on some salsa.

Hanging out.. watching YouTube videos

Me and my Nater.

My brother, Chad designed some t-shirts that we all wore. It's pretty much my favorite t-shirt now.

Jenna took a time-out with Addy and Marley. Addy had a rough time with so many people around, but it was a lot of fun.  It was nice to just hang out and visit with people I don't see often.

It doesn't surprise me that this is where I found Hailey... up a tree.

The backyard was full of things for the kids to do and this is where they stayed the majority of the day.

This is my dad with my Grandpa and my Aunt Barbara.  She lives in Eagle Mountain and it's sad to say that I rarely see her. I need to change that.

My cousin Carl and I.

My brothers and I with Carl.

Damon, Carl, Chad, Matt, Jared

 My Aunt Barbara

Cute Macey and Jared

Me and my girls.. even though Hailey looks like I'm annoyingly in her space.

My mom brought these GIANT sparklers that all of us thought FOR SURE would send someone to the Emergency Room.

My beautiful Hailey.

Jared & Jenna and their family

My brother being his usual crazy self.. and Nate playing on his phone.. typical.

Jenna and Macy

All in all, it was a really fun day. The kids all really loved playing together and the adults loved being able to just hang out and catch up.