I'm from Spanish Fork, formerly a small town.
In some ways, they're still behind the times. There's no Wal-mart, no decent grocery store besides Macey's, no Target...
Anyway, they've got this great splash pad at a place we used to call North Park. I went there with Mandy in June, but FINALLY got my photos onto my computer.

Ella and Z think about getting wet...

After Z had his fill of flirting with water, we went to the nearby (well-shaded) playground.

Sisters are the best!

I have a lot of pictures to post and thought a summary would be the best way to get them on here.

Bryce has loved preschool so far. Back on the 5th Cameron and I got to present his VIP (which happens in honor of the child's birthday). It was so fun to help our youngest child feel special by talking about him and telling his classmates the things he enjoys to do. He loved handing out a special treat to his preschool friends. When you are the VIP you also get to take the class book home. Bryce looked through it over and over again. It contains a profile on each student and has pictures of things they've done in class up to that time. He took pictures of the book with my camera.

The morning of the 9th we had a long photo session with my parents and siblings and families. I'm really excited to see them when they're done. The kids loved being with their cousins and crazy uncles. After the photos Cameron and Dane had to take off for Dane's soccer game.

Dane thoroughly enjoyed soccer again this year. He gets kind of goofy, not very focused, but the kid has fun!

After the soccer games, Dane had the very special opportunity to go to the BYU game with his dad. I painted the Y insignia on his cheeks and after than, Bryce and Ella wanted in on the face painting.

This is a butterfly...sort of. I think my skills are a bit rusty. Bryce just wanted two lightning bolts on his cheeks.Cam reported that Dane enjoyed the football game (it probably helped that they won), but it's still a bit long for him. He crashed on the way home. It was a long day. While they were at the game, Ella and Bryce and I went to Toy Story 3 at the dollar movie. I had an awesome time watching them watch and I cried again.

A week ago, Bryce and I took a trip to Gardener Village with Angie and Sophie. As Buzz Lightyear he was a CELEBRITY! Every little boy 2 and older were whispering excitely to their mothers as he passed. I told him that any time he heard someone say 'Buzz Lightyear' that he should wave. My son was his own parade. One mother even had her child shake hands with Bryce and got her son's photo with him. The kid was in awe.

Bryce ATE IT UP!

Sophie and Bryce helped their mommies with the Witch Scavenger Hunt that would yield a prize at the end of a 25 cent cookie.
Bryce took a bunch of odd pictures, but this one turned out all right.He insisted on this final one.This past week we watched our final soccer games of the season.

I think Bryce was relieved it was all over.

This week has been an excellent one spiritually for me. I feel so full of gratitude. I am generally more at ease and I'm definitely happier. It's wonderful to see your own efforts pay off and the blessings that come.

Speaking of blessings, yesterday Zealand came to visit. He brought my mom with him. He's at one of those stranger anxiety stages and doesn't much like us, but Ella began playing the piano for him and it really settled him down and he started to babble and crawl around. (He's 10 months now)

At the end, though, Cam wanted to hold him (he's been very wary of his uncle lately). You can see how nervous he is, but he didn't cry.

I hope your Halloween preparations go well. I need to get started on Cameron's. Lots to do!

Hope your Fathers had a good one yesterday!

Zealand with Uncle Ryan

We spent Saturday afternoon with my family and Sunday with Cam's. Cam got BBQ tools from us and a big list of suggestions from the kids of what he could do with each of them on their own.

My mother, Mandy, Kyler and Zealand (my nephews) came to see us on Sunday. We love our family so much! Kyler and Zealand are a special treat. And so was Zealand's laugh, I got a great video, but it was too long for blogger. After three hours downloading time, I had to let it go.

My little sister is visiting for a few days with my little Zealand baby and I am telling you, I do not have the arms to carry that munchkin around. I have become a wimp in the baby carrying department. I am so out of practice.

I don't have the same ability to entertain either. He's been here nearly 24 hours and I've only made him laugh in the last hour. Just once. I feel like hanging my head in shame.

However, as I'm not planning on doing any full-time baby-ing. I won't worry about it and happily hand him back to his mother when I run out of energy. :)

I'll have to get some pics taken of him today.

One another note, THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your birthday wishes everyone. I got phone calls and texts, emails and comments throughout the day. It helped take away those turning-34 blues away. Thank you for the presents...you know who you are!

My in-laws bought me SEVEN pots of herbs for my new garden/greenhouse window. I'm very excited about them. They smell amazing!

I got some wonderful things from Cameron. He sure picks out great stuff. I'm especially glad to have my deep fryer. We had french fries for dinner.

Birthday cake!!!

My sister rocks...with moon rocks. Grandma Cindy wanted to take the grandkids to the Clark Planetarium to see Space Pirates. In the interm, I hung out with my little sis and (mostly) sleeping Zealand.

The kids loved the movie and had a great time together.

Bryce with the shot I know you've all had with your kids...

Ella and Addy Later, at the food court...

We went in the evening and it was a late bedtime but sometimes Cousin Time is worth it. The kids, at least, slept soundly through the night.

Hey Howdy Hey!
It's a Stringham Easter Pictorial

Lining up...someone shout GO already! We have Easter egg hunting at my aunt Jone's each year.

Lots of fun!

And Zealand made it to town (just the night before. This all happened before my previous post) and he brought my sister with him!

Confession time.

I have never, ever colored eggs with my children.

Thanks Mom!

My wonderful nephew

My sweet niece More painting. Bryce loved it!
More Pokemon cards? Seriously?

A truly wonderful weekend! We loved conference and crepes for breakfast on Sunday cannot be beat. We spent Sunday evening with Cam's parents and his sister's family.

Kelly, I'd still like a copy of that pic of us! Thanks!