I'm Back!

We are back from our trip to Utah. It was a none stop whirl wind trying to see everyone and do everything in Utah that we miss. Brace yourself for some upcoming Utah posts. But before I get to that, I better wrap up the month of May.

Here is my little artist working away.

I was encouraging her creativity with music and some beauty {my orchids that have now since died...someones husband didn't water them while I was away.} The princess gown must have helped too, her painting turned out amazing. I think this is her best one to date.

Caden always gets in on our fun too. He is pretty much member of our family as well as his, and when he is not around our house feels a little bit empty and looks a lot cleaner. Ha ha.

Wow, CHECK IT OUT! Caden smiled for my camera!!!! He is a happy kid, but this is an first I think, or maybe I was doing something wacky and just don't remember.

I think Lydia just might be as baby hungry as I am. This is Dylan Hinckley. Shannon, his Mom is directing, writing and producing a multi-stake production with the youth of Oklahoma and while she was off at rehearsal we got to play with this chub all day.

I have recently been cast as part of the backstage costume crew, along with my friend, I will be helping with the main actors costume changes. I am excited to help out! I love stuff like this!

Tornado season has come and gone. Hooray. We counted our blessings that we were not affected, others were not so lucky. I won't forget the story displayed on the news of the woman who lost one of her children, a toddler, while in the bathtub he flew right out of her arms and was not found for a few days. Many people lost their homes and belongings and the clean up is still going on and will continue for a quite a while I presume.

A customer came into the Tyson's work the following day and he had been in one of the tornadoes, literally, it picked him right up and flew him into his garage wall, twice. He is lucky to be alive. I can't imagine!!! He showed Tyson all of his wounds. He lost his garage and half his home....and the first thing he needed to take care of the next day was getting new glasses. That is where Tyson came in doing his eye testing.

Were we scared in the tub? Not scared necessarily, but I had an uneasy feeling all day long as we tracked the storms, read updates and listened to the weather men on the news. You do what you can to stay safe and then keep an ongoing prayer in your heart.

I will forever detest the sound of the tornado sirens, they are a blessing as they warn us and help keep people safe, but the sounds of them still brings with it a slight pit in my stomach, even for a split second each Saturday afternoon at noon.

It was Elder Ortiz' Birthday and he came for dinner the day after. He luckily let us know, he must know me well enough now to know I'd be upset if he hadn't aaaaand I made him this cake.

We have sure enjoyed having him in our ward and our home. He is a fantastic missionary. He joined the church when we turned 18 and he is pretty hard core.

Lydia's buddy Samuel turned THREE! In fact, his Mom told us that when she asked Samuel what he wanted to do for his birthday he replied, "Play with Lyyaah." We had to attend for sure and fulfill his birthday wish. :)

It was a train party at the park and the main attraction just happened to make an appearance! Choo choo!

We spent an afternoon/evening with Dawn & Barry Goepfert and her family in OKC. We went to an art festival and after looking around at all the booths in the HOT heat of the day we found a shade tent, chairs and a mister. So we sat, visited and were slightly sprayed by cool water as we people watched. It was delightful.

My girl has been a climber since the day she could walk. She was able to do this steep wall with no problem. I am in awe of what her little body can do.

We've since said farewell to the local playgrounds. The heat of summer is upon us in full force, and it's too miserable to be outside for long periods of time unless you are near water. It was heavenly to escape to Utah and be in a cooler climate. As of now we counting are blessings for an a.c. that works like a charm, 3 ceiling fans and a pool nearby. I love summer time!