Tyler's Blessing

This last week we had Tyler's blessing at church and it was a very special event. He wore the same outfit as his brother, which was handmade by Grandma Hanchett. While I was dressing him Dallin was in the room getting ready for church. Dallin has lately become very aware of his style and likes to dress to impress. Also, he has been Tyler's most protective brother since birth. Our conversation went as follows...

Dal: "Why does Tyler have to dress like a girl when he goes to church?"
Me: "He's not dressed like a girl, this is a blessing outfit. In fact, it's the same one you wore when you were blessed in church."
Dal: "When did I start dressing like a boy?"
Me: "What do you mean?"
Dal: "When did I start wearing normal clothes?"
Me: "You only wear your blessing outfit on the day you are blessed."
Dal: "So he doesn't have to wear that ever again?"
Me: "No Dallin"
Dal: "Can I dress Tyler for church next week?"
Me: "Why, are you a little worried?"
Dal: Smiles...no comment!


The blessing was given by Michael and was beautiful.


I adore this little guy...


so do his three big brothers!

Blake's "Cool Tricks"

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Catching Crawfish With Cousins

One of our favorite things to do in the summer time is head to Castlewood Canyon in search of crawfish. We frequent this spot and have learn many tricks of the trade. This week we had cousins visiting and decided to venture out. It was a success! In all, we caught 60 crawfish and even took our adventures one step further by taking some home, cooking them up, and eating them.

A Mountain Retreat

We went on a little get-a-way with our good friends, the Berards. It was so nice to spend some time in the mountains exploring, fishing, playing games, and enjoying their company. The cabin we stayed at was within walking distance to this old gold mine. One afternoon we hiked to it. The boys were convinced if they looked hard enough they would find fortunes left behind. They did, indeed, find a few shimmering stones and filled their pockets full.

We also went fishing. Caleb caught the only fish of the day. I love how proud he is showing off his prized catch.

Blake would have been content throwing rocks in the stream that ran through the property. We spent hours one afternoon doing just that. In the end, Blake ended up taking a surprize dip.

We had a great time!

Guess who is turning two

A Trip to The Los Angeles Fire Dept.

Another highlight of our trip to California was our trip to the fire department where Uncle Steve works. He gave us the grand tour and VIP treatment. We were able to ride around town in the fire engine, run the sirens, honk the horns, climb in and explore the firetruck, spray the water hose, and even slide down the firefighters slide. It was a very fun and eventful evening. The boys couldn't get enough and haven't stopped talking about it since. Thanks again Uncle Steve!












In the station lot, the boys spotted a basketball hoop and started to play a little. I smile every time I look at the last picture of Blake shooting. He must have shot the ball 25+ times. Even after the older boys had called it quits, Blake continued to shoot. He didn't have bad form, but his height was restrictive. Even so, I truly believe he thought the ball would reach the hoop each time he shot it. Finally, when we were called in for dinner, I persuaded him to put the ball away. That boy defines determination and that photo defines him. I love it!



The boys thought the firefighter slide was the coolest. They tried it again and again with increased speed every time. The slide runs from the firefighters bedroom down to where the engines are kept so they can head out quickly. When this was explained to Caleb, he tried to convince me that getting ready for school would be much easier for him if I'd help install a similar slide system in our house. I told him maybe in the future, but for now the stairs will do.

A day at the beach

We had the most wonderful day at the beach. After arriving and walking around for a short period we came across a beach full of seals basking in the sun. The boys enjoyed watching the seals and birds for a while, but were soon ready to move on.

As we continued on our walk we noticed a crowd gathering and asked what they were looking at. It was a seal in labor. She was ready to deliver any minute. We waited, and watched, and ultimately witnessed the birth of this baby seal. It was amazing to see and definitely one of the highlights of our trip.



During our wait, I entertained myself by taking photos of my boys against the wall. They were not as entertained as I by this. However, they willingly participated for my sake. Witnessing the birth of a seal and the cooperation of my three boys for a photo shoot made for two miraculous events in one day.