July Random

And here's my usual end-of-month random pictures. This kid loves to just sit and look outside. 

They love looking at each other in the car.

Super fly.

Daddy's idea of funny.

My little artist.

Boys will be boys. Stockton and Calvin.

Hello, hello!

Vegas Part 2

As Craig pointed out on our way to Las Vegas, we never really go down to the Strip or do anything more than swim... Lol. So I promised him this time we would! We went to a buffet at the Bellagio, and then walked over to Caesar's Palace after watching the Bellagio fountains. It was beautiful weather, and it was so fun to just spend time with this handsome man that I married. We had a great time. 

And of course, we swam. Brooklyn had more fun than ever, I think, because she learned that with her new puddle jumper she can swim by herself. So she was jumping in and swimming without any help! It was fantastic. Stockton liked it a lot too, although he was pretty cautious.

Surprisingly, Brooklyn slept really well on a mat at the foot of our bed. We don't usually share a room with her, but we had to so Stock could have his own. And it went really, really well. Hooray! I always love visiting my home!

Welcome, Baby Reverie!

I am so, so excited to announce the arrival of Reverie! She is such a treasure to us, and I'm so glad she's here! We got to go down to Vegas and meet her. She was born on July 16. Such a sweet little baby! Matt and Jen are thrilled to have her, and it warms my heart to see these new parents with an extra sparkle in their eyes (possibly from lack of sleep... just kidding). She is going to be a blessing to our family, and I love her so much already. Here she is with her cousin Brooklyn (who adores her!).

Our baby... Lol.

Our actual baby. Gosh I love that face!

Brooklyn on the way down. She loves her new headphones to watch shows in the car. This face makes me laugh.

 And here she is playing the cello with Grandma Hanks. This was her favorite activity (besides swimming), and every time Mom got her cello out Brooklyn was right there to "help"! My mom is the best.

Shootin' Vids of the Kids

Here's some pictures of my little cuties. I missed them when I was at camp!

We finally got these pictures up once we took a family picture for our mantle last month. Now my picture wall is complete! Love it!

And this poor girl has been sick with the flu, throwing up all day and night. Poor baby. :*(

Girls Camp

Well, I was lucky enough to be able to go to Girls Camp this year! It was a blast. It was a stake camp this year, so I didn't have to plan too much of it, and I just got to go and hang out with the girls. It was AWESOME. We had so much fun together, and I got to know they girls and leaders so well. We had a color war, horseback riding, archery, swimming, hiking... It was so cool. I have lots of fun pictures! Here are just a couple of our adventures. 

I love these girls so much! So much that I will push aside my dislike of nature and sleep in a tent for a week (on a cot, thanks to Heddie!). They are all so amazing and I look forward to many more fun experiences!

On a side note, girls camp was very emotional for me because we didn't have phones, and Matt and Jen were in the hospital having their baby! There were some complications and she was in labor for 2 days I was there, and I kept having to go to the empty cafeteria to call from their landline to see how everyone was doing. Lots of tears, prayers, and stress. It was hard to be away when I felt like they needed support, but Miss Reverie is healthy and happy and with us now!

Climb Every Mountain

As part of our dating experience, Craig and I decided to go rock climbing! It was so fun, except I am soooo out of shape. I was so sore after just the first climb. And needless to say, I didn't get very far. We had a great time though. This is as outdoorsy as I get, folks. Love my husby!

My game face.

Everyone else did really well, though. They did awesome!

Here's Craig at the top!

And here's a random video of the kids. I like these. This is Stockton's new favorite game!

8 Months

Happy 8 months to this guy! He is a busy, busy boy. As you can see, he drools a lot. In fact, it is his favorite thing to do. He loves to walk around (with our help), and loves his sister. I love his big smiles and chubby cheeks! Also, his crawling is pretty hilarious. He crawls normally on the carpet, but goes up on his feet when he gets to the tile. Picky picky... See video. 

Our Flag Was Still There

I know I've said it before, but my family is the best. I love getting together with my siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. It's so much fun! As we celebrated the 4th of July this year, I was yet again reminded of how important family is. Here is Stock at the Novak swim party.

And here are some of my kids with their lovely cousins. I love these girls so much!

I am so grateful to celebrate our country's liberty. Freedom is such a beautiful thing, something I too often take for granted. As I watched the fireworks this year, I was taken in by how grandiose they are. I've never been a fan of fireworks, but Brooklyn was running around screaming and laughing, and as we watched them on our driveway, she gave me a new appreciation. They are big, loud, colorful and exciting. I thought about those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom, and the excitement and joy they must have felt when we won our independence. That's why this holiday is awesome.