I'm so glad...

What would we do without fathers??? They are such an integral part in our family. Corby works so hard for us. I am forever grateful that his hard work has always allowed me to stay home and be with our girls. When we first married, the plan was I would teach school until he graduated. I got preggers with Teesh 7 months into marriage. We continued with our plan to have me work until graduation and have a sitter for Teesh. Before I even left the hospital after having Teesh placed in my arms I told Corby I can't leave her,  we have got to find a way for me to stay home. Corby didn't miss a beat and said we will find a way. 

 Some years we really spoil this father of ours but this year was more simple(boring and practical) and he got some new shirts. His works requires professional dress and we have made due with his "less than professional" wardrobe but this year, several hundred dollars later, we made an upgrade. I think he's worth the upgrade, don't you?

We love you Corby. Thanks for always being available for each of us. Thanks for being your quirky self and make us laugh. Thanks for leading our family out in righteousness and for supporting us not only financially but emotionally as well. We are pretty lucky to call you ours.

Celebrating 6 years

I can't believe it has been 6 years since this special miracle joined our family. She is a little spit fire Miss Ada Rae but that's one of the many reasons we love her so much. She insisted for her gifts that we get clothes for her babies. When we got the preemie size I explained to her how she was so little at birth even preemie clothes fell off her. She always asks when she sees a baby, "was I that small?" Sweetie being 4lbs 8oz there are not a lot of babies you see that even come close to the tiny peanut you were. It was touch and go in the NICU for a time but your strong spirit pulled you through and I will forever be grateful. Happy Birthday Miss Ada Rae

 Apparently Bria is a little camera shy

 Ada insisted on this cold cereal for breakfast with cinnamon rolls. 

 That evening to celebrate our cutie, we headed to pizza but our fave place had closed down. So we went to the closest restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings. Sierra suggested it and Ada was sold on the idea. 

 Ada was sang too and got a groovey hat to wear, best day ever folks

 On the way out, some transformation occurred. Can you recognize who is who?

 Back at the house we finished the lovely evening with a dinosaur/elephant cake, compliments of yours truly. Think I should begin a cake decorating business? I would be loaded!

 Ada chose to get her ears pierced for her gift. We went to Iris Piercing and they did it with a needle. So much better than a gun. Less cartilage damage and recovery is so much quicker.

 After her piercing,  the mall was requested to ride these awesome motorized animals. There are lots of animals to choose from and the girls and dad had a blast cruising the mall for an hour.

As we were leaving the mall the splash pad was on so of course we had to play and there were snocones being sold, who can pass those delicious things up. You only turn 6 once so we made the most of it. 

 Titatium studs

Grandma Hansen gave Ada an umbrella

We are so grateful you chose our family little one. It's bittersweet each birthday we celebrate. We love seeing you grow and develop and yet we want you as our "little" forever.

Happy Birthday Ada!!

Sierra's Graduation

 Sierra received this from her YW's leaders. A temple sugar cookie, a poem and temple slippers

Sierra knew exactly who she wanted to take her photos and who would create her invites. I think they turned out Ahh..mazing. That girl has style.

 Sierra's graduation was held at the Energy Solutions Center. It was crazy busy with there being graduations starting at 12 pm and going every 2 hours. Highlands ceremony began at 4 but we couldn't get inside the building until 3;45 as the 2 o'clock graduation was still finishing up. It provided us lots of photo sessions. Enjoy!

 Check out all the colorful cords and stoles this girl earned. I am telling ya she is pretty amazing.

 Had to get a shot with her phone, It is her BFF, next to Roddie Roo

 Sure do miss Teesh on special days like today. She is serving a mission in the Philippines

 Grandpa and Grandma Ellis made the long trip to celebrate Sierra. Sure does mean a lot for family to support our Sierra

 Sierra and Gannon. 

 She is famous! Her name ran across the Jumbo Tron

 Grandma Hansen also made the trip, like I said so grateful for family that supports

 Let's begin this special occasion

 Sierra is hugging our principal in this photo. Half way through her senior year our principal was promoted to a district position. It is special because our principal is also our stake president. I am not sure Sierra thought that was so special but President Schulte is an amazing leader. He is incredible with the youth.

Being congratulated by the faculty of Highland. So many great instructors that have helped shape Sierra and who she is. So grateful!

 Sierra's best friend since 2nd grade receiving her diploma.. Good job Sylvia. Love you so much.

 President Schulte is Sylvia's daddy.

 Nikita

 Gabby

 SBO

 Mark, our SBO President, was Sierra's first kiss in 9th grade. AWE...so presh

 After the ceremony, we grabbed our little nuggets, also known as, Bria and Ada and we headed to Texas Roadhouse. The rest of the valley chose that location as well so we had to wait for a bit but that's OK, It was fun interacting and enjoying each other.

 Those rolls though.....and honey butter

 Kalyssa Barnes joined us for dinner. Kalyssa and Sierra met when they were 18 months old.

 So so proud of you Sierra Jane. Graduating from High School is just the beginning of the adventure called life. I have no doubt you will make the most out of everyday. We love you!!!