Monday, July 14, 2008

Road Trip!



I got a crazy idea to drive to Utah this summer. We didn't have a lot going on so we had oodles of time to cross the country. I talked Camille Phillips and Annie Cash to caravan. Annie's husband, Justin, came as well. When we stopped for breakfast at McDonalds it looked like 1 guy, 3 wives, and nine kids... Texas to Utah... FLDS?

Usually, Aubrey and Lauren sat in my van-- the "Fairies", and the "Transformers" went in Camille's van. The girls played with a roll of tin foil for hours. Zach and Abby each threw up, but what would a trip be without a little vomit.

Note the junk in my car. If we were in a wreck, no one would get hurt because there was so much wedged around the kids. Better than bubble wrapping them!
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Sunday, July 6, 2008

Sweet Abigail







Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl. It's hard to let her grow up. She is such a snuggle bunny and lovey girl. There is something so dainty and girlie about her. Maybe it's her creamy skin or her blond curls. Maybe it's her high, sing-songy voice. She likes to stay up with mom and dad, cuddling and flirting until she falls asleep. Abby is a Daddy's girl, greeting him with hugs and kisses each time he comes home from work and sometimes stewing and pouting because Daddy is gone. She is extremely observant and wants to do everything the big kids do. Her favorite spot in the house is on the kitchen counter so she can watch everyone. Her brothers and sister have realized that Abby copies everything they do and say so they try to use manners and share. Good job, guys!

She received a Cabbage Patch swim baby and a Tinkerbell sleeping bag and tent. All of the other kids have sleeping bags so now she can sleep downstairs with them. When anyone mentions swimming, she runs to get her swimsuit, her "mermaid pants" (swim diaper) and the sunscreen. She likes to sing "Popcorn Popping" and a version of "I am a Child of God" that includes parts of "I am Like a Star". Abby loves all junk food and likes to sign "cracker" and "candy" in an attempt to look extra cute and up her chances of getting what she wants. It usually works.

Abby you are soooo loved by your mom and dad and family!
Abigail's middle name is Helen, named after my Grandma Voorhees. Abby and Grandma are both sweet natured. Abby should be honored to carry her name.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy Independence Day!



How amazing is this holiday! We got to watch fireworks on the 3rd of July-- one whole day before the 4th of July! Then we went to the ward pancake breakfast and the Coppell parade. (I had forgotten how hot it gets in Texas) The kids have grocery bags to collect all of the goods that came our way. We ended the day with more fireworks. I bought all of my favorites at a roadside stand in East Texas: Grand Flower Blooms, Snakes, Cones, and sparklers. The children thought that these fireworks were just as amazing as the Coppell ones!


We spent the rest of the day at the Houghton's swimming, eating, swimming, and swimming a bit more.