Sweeter 17

Our bright and early wake up on the birthday morning was a success. Look at how comfy she is! Rise and Shine beautiful.

 Teesh wasn't able to join us worked called. Growing up puts a cramp in celebrating as an entire family some days.

 Miss Ada being a little difficult

 Bria is such a kind hearted little girl. She went to the store, used her own money and purchased favorite items for Sierra. Pack of gum, Dr. Pepper drinks and a card. Precious moment.

 Malia was kind enough to watch the little girls while I took Sierra to get her gift. She wanted a piercing in her upper ear cartilage. Sierra was very thorough in her research and found an upstanding joint to do the work. I was very impressed with the facility and how professional they were. In the state of Utah, under the age of 18, no piercings without parental consent. I had to bring her birth certificate and photo ID proving I was her mother. Sierra are you nervous?

 James, the piercer, used a needle instead of a gun. Guns shatter the cartilage making the area hurt for months. Sierra said it hurt a bit but not bad. A few days later she reported no pain what so ever.

Sierra is a girl after my own heart, brownies instead of cake. Yummy! 

Happy Birthday Sierra, Magera. We are so thankful you are in our family. You add spice to our life. Love you forever and always.

24th Celebration

Corby took Teesh, Malia, Bria and Ada for some good ole fashion fishing in the wee hours on this glorious holiday.
Sierra was working and I stayed home to create this fabulous spread. I made hamburger patties, potato salad, jello jigglers, deviled eggs and prep work for a variety of smores for later.

Grandma was down for some other obligation so she swung by and joined us for the BBQ and firework show.

Teesh had to work at Seven Peaks so after a quick dinner she was gone. Sierra invited Rod to come hang out for the evening. While we waited for Teesh to return we enjoyed some of the fireworks Dad had bought for our entertainment.

Malia had her good friend Courtney come over for smores and fireworks

Finally, the sun went down, Teesh returned, and the rest of the evening could begin including the huge 'o bon fire

Grandma Ellis made us these fantastic hot dog sticks with a even cooler bag. We have used them for countless years but someone borrowed them and we haven't seen them since. Tonight's sticks were compliments from our near by tree branches. Not exactly perfect  but it got the job done.

Sparklers?

Corby usually views fireworks as a huge waste of money, so sparklers with a few small other items is our extent but Corby went all out this year. We had the show for the neighborhood.

I think this is such a sweet picture. Teesh lovingly helping Ada, light her firework. Sisters, awe!

Another successful holiday. So grateful for time spent with family and friends! Life is good.

Swim Lessons

Every year the topic of swim lessons comes up. Every year I am usually disappointed with the progress that my girls have made. This year I thought what about private lessons. After some research, we found a young girl named Aubrey Miller. She agreed to teach the girls together for a very reasonable price. The girls had  6 lessons lasting 45 minutes. I was really happy with the progress my girls were able to make. Both can float on their backs, jump off diving board and turn to float on their backs and they have improved with their diving skills.

Bria's diving has come an incredible distance. She doesn't jump in feet first anymore. Such a classic shot!

after swimming slurpees always hit the spot. Sierra's hair cracks me up. It was really cute but the angle or something made me laugh.

We loved swim lessons so much, we are doing another session mid August. Yay for summer.