Raise your hand if you're SIX!

That's right - the day we have been anticipating all year has arrived -Audrey FINALLY turned six. All year long, she has talked about this blessed day - how she would spend it, what she would wear, who she would invite, what they would say about her in primary (they always do this really cute intro for each kid) and of course she discussed - at length- what she would get. Well, I daresay I think it lived up to her dreams (I can see it now . . . she will insist on a year long engagement just so she can plan the perfect wedding and/or she will become a party planner - how proud I will be).

For Audrey, one day of birthday is simply not enough, oh no, everybody knows that a birthday for a princess must be DRAGGGGGED out. Yesterday (July 26) was her actual birthday so we had a mild celebration for her at home. I made her favorite dinner - chicken cordon bleu with cream sauce. We had cake and by the time we served it, Grandma and Grandpa Rhoads had dropped in to wish her highness the best on this glorious day! Aunt Stephanie and her three princess also dropped in (they however graced us with their presence all night as they were visiting from a faraway land).

Today, we invited all of Audrey's royal cousins to a birthday bash at the ever-so-delightful Chucky-E-Cheese, yes where a "kid can truly be a kid" (that's right, because when kid's are not at said institution, they are being overworked at home doing their chores and studies all day - what would we ever do without Chuck-E-Cheese -parish the thought!) However, the adults did enjoy talking as the kids ran wild in the joint - we stayed there for four hours (we really showed them - talk about sticking it to the man). The royal cousins finished with a grand total of 1793 tickets! Well done!

Thank you to all who helped us celebrate our little princess's sixth birthday! We are so lucky to have Audrey in our lives - I truly believe she is one of a kind and anybody who knows her, would have to agree. She is simply a delight - if you could capture a small star in the universe, bring it down to earth and change it into a little person, you would have Audrey. She is right there with me getting ready in the mornings (yes, she loves, loves, LOVES to put on makeup). She tries on my scarves, hat's, jewelry and shoes and she can apply her lipstick perfectly without looking in a mirror. Meanwhile, Jane just looks at Audrey with a blank stare on her face as if to say "Where in the world did you come from? Am I supposed to act like that too?"

Oh heavens. . . .Well, one birthday down, only two more to go in the next few weeks - I can't wait!

How proud! Well done Jackson!

Even Will came for the party - I believe it was his first visit to Chucky-E-Cheese - I'm sorry Will - I hope we haven't ruined you forever.

Thanks for coming Mom and Dad - I was glad BYU could spare you for a few moments this afternoon.
Before my Dad showed up, poor Nathan was surrounded by women.

I love this little girl to death but either she is not very photogenic or she just doesn't like me (and who would believe the second part of that statement anyways) - I told her to smile like 10 times. I think she thought I was taking her mug shot.
Yummy Cookie!

Ahh - Jane and Grandma Dicksy - soooo cute - I think she wants to spend the night Grandma . . .

Audrey insisted she wanted a pony cake - so buy some Costco cupcakes, buy a pony figurine and vala - a pony cake!

Audrey's first glance at her birthday present.
"Watch out Lance Armstrong - here I come. . .I'm wearing my lucky red shoes and daisy in my hair. Hope you like lookin' at my back 'cause that's all your gonna see!"

Sorry - This is all your getting right now!

FREEDOM!

It is a new month and probably one of my favorites. I love fireworks and I love to see the American flag flying high. I am so grateful to live in America and it is truly the greatest country in the world. (Every time I hit the sev' for a big gulp - I realize just how good we have it) Last night we went to the Stadium of Fire in Provo. The Jonas brothers preformed and the crowd was wild. Even Nathan and I were rockin' it out. I knew most of their songs (thanks to the Disney channel being on 24/7) but was bummed they didn't preform one of my personal favorites Pizza Girl. If you don't know the song - then I feel bad for you. The fireworks were spectacular and even baby Jane had a great time. She was really good. Audrey did not like all the walking we had to do but she made it. Good job babe.

This week has been a busy one trying to keep the kids happy and occupied. We went to the Zoo (that place is just CRAZY in the summer). We bought Audrey new under ware (who knew that would bring such delight to her life for days!?), took Buzz the vet to get annual vaccinations, bought a fire pit and had a hot dog roast with most the kids in the neighborhood and Nathan took Audrey to "UP" for a daddy-daughter date while Jackson went boating with his friend Ethan. Now Jackson wants to get a boat sooo badly. Too bad Jacks - I just don't think it's in the cards for us, but if you sit on an inner tube at the pool and tie a rope around it - I'd be happy to pull you around really fast! See - I can be accommodating.

This is a quick skirt I made Audrey this week - I think it turned out really cute.

Just another photo of baby Jane's cute face!

Nothin' like kids and fire. So fun . . .

Just a random photo of Jane at the pool - her favorite thing to do when we are there is of course stuff her face.


Kids at the zoo - oh look - they're not fighting - hurry up and take a picture!

Snowflakes in July - two days ago Audrey and her friends wanted to make snowflakes. I guess they miss the snow. I personally am glad for the warm weather. Summertime is my favorite time!

Jackson on the lake with his friend Ethan. Thanks Kamille for taking these great photos! I love them. What a stud Jackson!