Disneyland!

We spent five days at Disneyland and California Adventure and had tons of fun!

Fourth of July Fun

Getting ready for the church parade...look at those serious faces.

Nathan had the time of his life
Victory!

"Snorties"

Sarah and Grandpa

"You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative
and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could
and should do for themselves."
~ William Boetcker

Camping at Hume Lake

In an attempt to be more "outdoorsy", I decided that we should go on a family campout. So last Friday we decided to be brave and go camping with all the kiddos. Hume Lake was recommended to us, so we decided to give it a try. As soon as we pulled up to the campsite, I knew I hadn't packed warm enough clothes for myself and the kids. It does, in fact, make a difference being 5000 feet above sea level. We spent a very chilly night, and between Ryan and I probably got about three hours of sleep, but it was fun. The lake was beautiful!Yes, even in the wilderness I'm very concerned about dental hygiene.

Fun in the Hot Weather

One of those delightful and rare occasions when they are getting along angelically:

ABC's

The Prom

On Saturday, Ryan (my brother, obviously not my husband) went to the prom. He looked very handsome!

10 Things I Like About Summer

Like my mother, I dread the heat of Fresno summers. In an effort to psych myself up for the upcoming heat, I have decided to think positively. So, after great effort, I have compiled a list of ten things I like about the summer:

10. Melon (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, etc.)
9. Ice cream
8. 4th of July
7. Flip-flops
6. The idea of running through the sprinklers with my boys
5. Ice cold drinks from Sonic during Happy Hour (if they still do that....I'm sensing a trend with the edible items here.......)
4. A long growing season, I've been told, as we've never had much success in gardening. Our fingers are crossed for this year, though!
3. Barbeques
2. Cold(er) showers
1. Only that many more months until cool weather in the fall!!

I'm going to tag my mom and see if she can dig down and come up with ten items. :)

The Yard

Here are some pictures of the progress of our yard, by request from Mom Budge:

Touching the Temple

"During one year, the Primary organization conducted an effort to have the children become better acquainted with the holy temples of God. This frequently entailed a visit to the temple grounds. The laughter of small children, the joy of unfettered youth, and the exuberance of energy displayed by them gladdened the heart of this observer. As a loving teacher guided a boy or girl to the large door of the Salt Lake Temple and the little one reached out and up to touch the temple, I could almost see the Master welcoming the little children to His side and could almost hear His comforting words: 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.'"
~President Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Peace"

"Even our young children have been encouraged to visit the temple grounds and touch the temple. President Thomas S. Monson once counseled, 'As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us.'"
~ Elder Gary E. Stevenson, "Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples"


On Saturday, our ward had a Primary Activity at the Fresno, California temple. Each child was able to touch the temple. What a special day!

Easter Fun

Coloring eggs with Chris and Sonya

Sarah with Aunt Lu
Nathan finding eggs

Our handiwork

Grant's first time dyeing eggs

Dad and Nathan

The Transformation of the Backyard

From this:

To this:

The "lawn fairies" (Jason and Leslie McOmber, Ryan Hansen, and Jared Leonard) came a couple Saturdays ago and helped us lay sod! What wonderful family and friends, and what a difference!

Three Months Old

Here are some pictures of Sarah in a cute outfit from Grandma Budge:

Cute Tongue
Smiley Girl

Some comforting (and humorous) words from Brigham Young...

“I might say something with regard to the hard times. You know that I have told you that if any one was afraid of starving to death, let him leave, and go where there is plenty. I do not apprehend the least danger of starving, for until we eat up the last mule, from the tip of the ear to the end of the fly whipper, I am not afraid of starving to death. There are many people who cannot now get employment, but the spring is going to open upon us soon, and we are not going to suffer any more than what is for our good.”

Mmmmmm....mule........

I love how Brigham Young doesn't mince words.

Ready for Church

Here is a picture we took before church the other day. Grant is wearing some new threads.

What happens when your kids get ahold of the camera...

So the other day I caught Grant sheepishly holding the camera in his room. While I was looking through the pictures later, I found these....

This one of Nathan is actually pretty good.

Nathan Turns Two

The Baseball Cake
The Birthday Boy

So excited!