Lake Tahoe

We went to Erik's Heaven on Earth last weekend.

We had a grand time just relaxing.

We hiked to Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay.

(for those of you that know Hunter, I'm very impressed with this!)

We saw some giant Sequoia trees.

Mckinley helped us read the map so we could get back up.

A view of Emerald bay.

We decided to take the kids fishing.

and by fishing I mean going to a stocked pond where the fish practically jump out of the water into your nets.

Hunter caught a fish pretty quickly.

He was more excited about clocking it over the head than he was to catch it.

Mckinley "helped" Erik catch this large trout.

We spent a day on the beach. Everyone enjoyed it!!

Turns out I suck at posting or even committing to a 30 day photo challenge. Life is just busy. 3 kids are really kicking my butt. I don't know how I find time in my day to do anything. I feel like all I do is referee. On the random chance I do get a free minute, it's spent trying to clean the house. I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. Rewards and punishments that worked for Hunter don't have an effect on Mckinley. She has an explosive temper that can be set off at the drop of a hat, and they last for a long time. I'm talking at points for half an hour. It gets embarrassing when we're in public. I'm still trying to figure out how to parent her. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can do the baby phase, I can do boys, but MAN girls are drama. I hope I wasn't like that for my mom, but I'm sure I was.

Don't get me wrong. I love my kids. I wouldn't trade being a stay at home mom for anything. A second income would be amazing!! and that's something I do think about. But my kids will benefit from me being there for them. I would love to go to work after they are a little bit older, but for now I know this is where I need to be.

Bassi Falls

While my parents were here, we took a day and drove almost to Tahoe.

There was a gorgeous waterfall with a pretty easy hike.

We had a blast! I think we'll go back again.

Solids

Madelynn started grabbing my fork while I was eating and so we knew that it was time for some cereal.

She was so excited to try something new.

First bite . . .

Not so sure . . .

I think I like this stuff!!

She's LOVED her solids since. She just can't get enough.

Happy Birfday, dear forKinley. . .

That's how this little miss sings "Happy Birthday"

We had an amazing birthday party for the princess.

She woke up to decorations.

And this HUGE gift!

(it was a great way to fill our dining room!)

They still play on this everyday!

She opened all her presents.

My children are SO spoiled.
Our play room is full and we don't have room for more!

(yet somehow we do)

She wanted orange juice and applesauce for her breakfast.

Later that night she got cake and ice cream.

A Minnie Mouse party was her choice.

Happy Birthday Princess!!

Happy 4th!

This year we spent our 235th birthday of our nation up from

sunrise until almost the next sunrise.

The kids got matching outfits from Grandma.

We went to a ward breakfast and then to see some family about an hour away.

We visited and played games, but it was HOT. I wasn't really in a picture taking mood, so that's why we don't have any.

I did make a dessert for that night.

I was really excited to show it off. It only took 4 hours . . .

I also made an Erik friendly dessert.

The fireworks were amazing, and it finally cooled off.

We didn't get home until after midnight, and Erik had to work the next day.

Photography Challenge

One of my friends is doing a 30 Day photography challenge.

I decided that I wanted to do it too.

I know I'm not the best photographer, but I'm hoping this challenge will help me be more creative.

Day 1

Self-Portrait