Hot Summer Fun

This summer my kids have spent the most time in our garage. In our cul-de-sac neighborhood it seems that most moms are willing to let their kids play outside unsupervised if they stay outside within sight. In the summer that means either in the heat riding bikes or hiding underneath Beth's tree (the biggest one on the block), that is until they found my garage. I agreed one day to let them bring their Barbies outside and my garage hasn't been the same since. That half of the garage used to house Bryan's brother's car but since they returned to Utah and claimed the car, open play space. This week it's PollyPocketVille, last weed Build-A-Bear Land.

We have also played a lot dress-ups this summer. We have a lot so it's easy to do. Yesterday we had a theater day with 2 friends over and did "Three Little Pigs", "Three Billy Goats Gruff" and "Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo..." They had a blast. Here's Aaron in his first dress-up outfit, Emily as Tinkerbell (the flying fairy), Ashley as Swan Lake (the swimming fairy).

Emily's 5th Birthday

For Emily's 5th birthday we had 7 kids over for a water party. Every game and activity included squirting Bryan, which the kids loved! Emily said her favorite part was musical towels and Ashley said her favorite was eating cupcakes (which she didn't eat, but just ate the candy off the top). We were so glad to have family there to help out!For her birthday Emily asked for a sandbox and that is what she got. It's underneath part of the clubhouse/swingset in our backyard. As I swept all the sand off the bathroom floor I wondered if having sand inside the house should inspire me to give up sweeping altogether.

The other thing Emily wanted for her birthday was breakfast in bed. It was her first time and she loved it! Her requests were waffles, fruit and chocolate milk. Also, last week she found out from the dentist she has a loose tooth on the bottom right.

Aaron's Blessing

We had Aaron blessed in church last Sunday the 19th. Bryan's parents flew in from Houston, Bryan's brothers had just moved back to Provo from Texas, his grandparents and sister Stephanie's family came and my brother Garrett stayed after working at EFY. We had a house full of love and good food. In Aaron's blessing he was blessed with a sunny disposition and an even temperment. After all of the drama from the girls, we are excited about a child who will add some calm to the mix.

June Days

Our first family outing was to a park for Family Night. Teeter-totter fun.
The girls made Bryan ties for Fathers Day. Proud daddy wore them to church and looked so handsome!

Presenting... baby Aaron Bryan Hanks

We had our little boy on Friday June 5th at 7:02 a.m. Labor started around 11 p.m. on Thurs with contractions 10 minutes apart, at 4:30 a.m. we left for the birth center. I labored in the tub for an hour, then on a birth ball and then had him laying on my side in bed after 13 minutes of pushing. He had the cord wrapped around his neck twice yet was fine once he got out. He weighed 6 lbs 13 oz and was 20." We got home Friday afternoon with mom and baby doing great!

We had my dad come up for 6 days and now have my mom until the end of June. We are so blessed with family, friends and neighbors who all show so much love and support as we celebrate and welcome our newest addition.

The girls had one rough day of transition but are doing so great. Ashley especially is such a little mom- helping with diapers, getting clothes, etc. The girls started swimming lessons and will go for the month of June. On Sunday Emily learned how to put her hair into a pony-tail all by herself. Tonight Ashley learned how to spit toothpaste instead of swallowing it. We are having a great causes to celebrate!

Preschool Graduation

Joyschool Preschool Graduation happened Thursday night.  The girls looked great in their caps and sang beautiful 3 songs.  

Bryan taught Joyschool one day.  Here he is reading to the kids.   Emily drew a picture of a fire-ant- complete with jaws, eyeball, legs, body and bottom.  Here is me 37 weeks pregnant.  Ashley and I colored a picture of a family in a house.  

The countdown is less than 2 weeks- we love you baby!  

Front Yard Flowers

Emily took these pictures of the flowers that are in our front yard.  We did not plant them, just get to enjoy them every spring and summer.  We also are growing strawberries and Emily has eaten 20+ berries so far.  Emily says, "I love plants!"