Ash in town!

We haven't had many lake days so happy Ash came in town so we could hit the waves!
Pure joy!

Playing fresbie on the jet skis!
Got it!

Justin did land this! Perfect if he kept the rope!
Leaving with the sunset! Best time on the lake!
Chris gets the last ski of the day! xo

Shade Parade

Happiness lies in our own back yard!

Criss Crossing with Moto X

It was fun to all go watch the boys race, but made for a crazy day! Watching riders, and watching out for kids riding pit bikes with very little knowledge, and then watching out for our little people - wild day!

Justin and Todd ride in the same class

Abby has never seen Todd race before so was a bit anxious even before it started. It is an overwhelming site to see so many riders line up at the start knowing they will each fight for the hole shot with fixed determination.
After all this madness, Todd gets the holeshot
#228
and is first into the gate!
woo hoo & whew!

Justin's strategy is to hang back until the dust settles! Suits me!

Steve's turn at the start!
Blowing kisses to his fans!

Andy's turn - Todd and Justin coaching on the pitfalls of the track
Andy is #150 leading the pack!







We lost the van keys in the weeds, but found treasures of bluebonnets in our search

Playing Catch Up

Blogs can be the best when you stay on top of it, and the worst when you get behind! I've got six weeks to catch up on, so here we go! xo

Happy Birthday Heathy Jane Pinkers

A mother NEVER forgets the birth day of her child! This was a particularly fun day because we expected to have a 3rd boy, and what a surprise! We had prepared ourselves life would be just fine if we had all boys (a defense mechanism), but you don't know, what you don't know!

Our world changed May 1, 1983 as we watched you curl your dainty pinky finger within minutes, and immediately knew girls ARE different than boys! You gave us quite the shakedown and tirelessly worked to carve the feminine path in our very boy dominate household. It has never been a dull moment!

This picture is a favorite and expresses the joy we felt at your birth. The boys were so eager to embrace and share their life with you and are giving you the low-down on our family. This has remained true through the years as they've continued to wrap protective brother arms around you and willing to run blocker if needed.


Fun Heather facts (in random order): shopping queen and lucky charm for bargains * confident unique Heather style * brave * science & spelling bee nerd and insatiable book reader * fashion designer * random sense of humor that doesn't disappoint * thoughtful gift giver (and always on time) * apple genius * faces adversity with grace * likes strawberries and snickers * learning tennis so she can wear a cute tennis skirt * always wanted a pony * makes her momma proud!

My delivery due date was Mother's Day of that year. You were early, but a fitting day to remind my biggest joy in life is to be a mother and it wouldn't be possible without you, Andy, Todd and Ashley! (dad is in that equation too!)


We are so grateful for our family and can't imagine a life without Heather Jane!
Happy Birthday and much love your way! xo

Birthday Season!

Heather came home Thursday night for her birthday, and it turned out to be a weekend full of celebrations! Chris turned the big 3-0 (sorry no pics of this) on Thursday, it was also Todd and Abby's 6th anniversary, Heather's bday was Friday, and Steve on Sunday. That, and we blessed baby Gavin on Sunday in the middle of it all! Whew!
The peanut gallery curious if she can blow out all those candles in one puff (which she did!)
Heather's cake is Grasshopper Pie [Blue Bell, of course!] and Steve requested homemade German Chocolate Cake

It takes a team to light 58 candles! Steve has ALWAYS blown out all his candles with one puff, but Todd added an extra challenge this year ~ note 4 candles N-S-E-W on the side! Can he do it?

Awww ... the side challenge took him out!

Happy Birthday to Heather, Steve and Chris and Happy Anniversary Todd and Abby! Big weekend! Thanks Heather for coming home to play! I feel the need to apologize for the insanity as I always think it will settle down, but maybe this is our new norm!

There is no education like adversity!

If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
~Thomas Edison~

Quackin up!

The circle of love!

When our family was sealed in the temple apx ten years ago, we lingered together in the sealing room, huddled in a circle. We felt the power of being eternally sealed and did not want to break our circle, knowing our family would soon be branching off in different directions with boys on missions, college and all things that scatter a growing family. We stayed linked together and committed no matter the miles between us, the power of the family circle seal, will fortify us as we face individual challenges with an eternal perspective and together we can conquer all!

I love circles, hugs, polka dots and round dinner tables that include everyone! Now the circle had power and significance in a new way to our family, and through the years, it's been a cliche, "feel the power of the circle" slogan that offers a nitro burst of energy. It sustains and comforts during the stretching times of our lives.

So it's particularly touching when we gather as a family and encircle arms of love to bless a new baby or offer a blessing of health. This weekend we were blessed to gather in gratitude that our family circle has grown to include new baby Gavin, and witness his first blessing.

The power of the circle! xo