Move over mom, Aunt Rachel's in town

I have been replaced. My sister, Rachel, came a-visitin' from Japan. It has been a highly anticipated event in the life of Ainsley (and all of us of course, but especially Ainsley). Rachel has the honor of sharing a room with Ainlsey while she is at our house. Ainsley has done nothing but eat, sleep and breath all things Rachel. I couldn't read her a story last night...that was Rachel's job. I couldn't cuddle with her and talk, that was Rachel's job. In the morning, Rachel was the one who got to rise early with Ainsley (one job I was happy to give up at "5:44" in the morning). Then the bomb dropped for poor mommy, it was Rachel who had to match with Ainsley today. She couldn't have cared less if I walked out the door buck naked. I don't think she would have even cared if I walked out the door at all, as long as her new favorite girl was with her. I really don't mind, to be honest. I love that she loves my sister as much as I do. Just wanted to publicly than Rach for taking over my spot for the week. Now I know how Blake feels. Love ya, Lacher!

Gamma Phi!

On the July 3rd I got to see Wende for a split second (it seemed like). She was up from Arizona for the holiday and we managed to get together some Sharmeans. It was great to see Wende, and everyone else as well, even if I did have to rush off. Above is Stacy, Lil Amber, Wende, me and big Amber.

Here is our posterity (plus the little one floating around in lil Amber's tummy.)

Ainsley's insights

Ainsley was tagged by her cousin Abby to answer these questions. Here you go, Abs!

What does mommy always say to you?

"I love you very much."

What makes mommy happy?

"When I clean up my room"

What makes mommy sad?

"When I get hurt."

How does mommy make you laugh?

"Tickles me"

What was mommy like when she was little?

"Cute!"

How old is mom?

"33?"

How tall is mommy?

"6 inches."

What does mommy like to do?

"Keep the house clean."

What is something mommy doesn't like to do?

"Mess up the whole house."

What does mommy do for a job?

"Watch us, am I correct?"

What is mom's favorite food?

"Tacos"

What do mommy and Ainsley like to do together?

"Go shopping at the mall."

How do you know mom loves you?

"Cause when I was a baby, I was so cute. And when I got a little older, I grew cuter and cuter."

Ainsley tags Kennedy, Bryson and Casey

Before and After

For some reason I can't get some of my pictures to upload. Frustrating. Anyhoo, here are some pics that I was able to get uploaded. Here is a picture of some of the stairs Blake and his dad worked on. We also put laminate down on the upstair hallway.



Here is an after picture of the lower living room. We painted the room and put new carpet down. We still need to get curtains up and some crown moulding, nut for the most part it is done. Below is a picture of the living room before.





We also had central air put in and finally, as of last night finished our bathroom. We had the shower and floor retiled, put in a new vanity and toilet and painted the walls. We also put white shutters up on the window. Now what's the next project? Oh, I've got my ideas, no matter how many times Blake rolls his eyes.

They're hicks, Rita

We went to a family reunion in Blackfoot. It was at Blake's Uncle and Aunts house. They had a horse in the back that Tyler fell in love with. He kept going back and petting his nose.

They had fun activities for the kids like hula hooping...

Tyler met a second cousin named Taylor. They hit it off right away and played together all day long. Either Taylor is short or Tyler is tall because Taylor turns 5 in September and Tyler is 3 1/2.

Ainsley found some trees to climb with her cousins.

Bubble blowing was another fun thing for the kids. Blake's uncle had a homemade potato launcher that thankfully only worked once. It was really loud and cared the kids a bit.

Zoo-licious

We got a zoo pass this year instead of a Cherry Hill pass so here is our first membership visit. The kids discovered the playground they have there. We spent about an hour there alone.

My little hatchling.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures i have taken of the kids. They wanted to do silly faces and thi was one of the results. I think it will be a classic.

Backyard Fun

Well, we got a trampoline off of KSl in hopes that our kids will actually want to stay home and play. It has been a huge hit and the kids really love it. We got it set up in time for our niece's birthday party. It was fun to watch all the little cousins jumping and giggling.

Ainsley and Bryson had a lot of fun playing together and being the "big kids" on the trampoline.

Tyler and Abby being silly during "little kids" time.

Peek-a-boo birthday girl!

Yummy cupcakes, Aunt Shar.

Look who has a great smile. Joe is soooooo stinkin' cute.