Brittany's Baptism

Today was a special day for our family, and especially Brittany. She was baptized today. We are so proud of her decision to be baptized, to follow the example of our Savior and become a member of His church. The baptism was wonderful, and we were so blessed to have so many family and friends there to share it with us.
Brittany and her Dad!

Mom and Dad could not have been prouder of her 'little' (growing up so quickly) girl.

Paige and Caroline were almost as excited as Brittany, for her baptism.

Grandma and Grandpa Simpson

Mam-maw and Pap-paw would not have missed Brittany's Big Day for anything!

Even Uncle Justin got to come out, Brittany was so excited.

Cousins and Best Friends, these girls are so lucky!

Brittany chose to wear the same dress that I was baptized in when I was 8. That makes a mom feel very special. Thank you Brittany.

Art City Days Parade

Last week was Art City Days, and we love it. The carnival (except all the scummy carny rats, that find their way to Springville every year-yuck!), fireworks, scones :), hot air balloons, kids craft festival, and of course the parade. But what we LOVE the most is living in a small (yet growing quickly) town and the true sense of community that we have with our friends and neighbors. (this city girl has changed her ways). We were actually in the parade this year. Brent's company had an awesome float, and we drove the truck by default. Brent's dad was going to drive, but he had a brief hospital stay that kept him sidelined. Brittany, Paige, Taylor, Isaiah and Presleigh walked along side the float passing out candy, fliers, and the biggest hit was the water bottles. They all did a great job. Caroline got to help 'daddy drive', not really but we had to convince her so we could contain her. What a fun day!

Getting their instructions. Ready to go!

Smokey came and saw us while we waited for the parade to start.

Family Photo Op! there was an actually water fall (just not going yet). The float was AWESOME!

Goodbye to Zoey

We inherited some goldfish, from centerpieces at a nephews wedding reception. As you can tell Brittany became very attached. Much to some of our dismay, the goldfish nearly lasted a week. When we came home to find Zoey sideways on the water, Brittany was distraught. After much consoling we decide to have a small memorial for the fish in the bathroom. All of us cramped in our half bath, you can imagine, Brittany sobbing and Brent and I trying to control our other emotions:) Down the toilet they went! Brittany was so emotional because as she put it, "Zoey was the only pet Dad will ever let us have", and she's probably right. Brent and I had to excuse ourselves to our room to release our own emotions, we couldn't control our snickers any longer. When we composed ourselves and returned to the bathroom, we found this "headstone" on the toilet. It's hard to lose a goldfish, especially when it's the only pet you will ever have. Definitely an event to remember in our household.

A Mother's Bliss

No fighting, no screaming, no crying, no drama, a beautiful sight! Wishing all of the mommies out there some 'summertime bliss', even if it only lasts 15 minutes (like this session did). Hey, be grateful for whatever you get!

What time is it? SUMMERTIME!

In true 'High School Musical' fashion, we had a end of the school year party. 20 girls in the backyard for water fun, pizza, and High School Musical music jammin', you can imagine the fun!
Brittany and friends!

Paige and Emma in charge of 'soaking'.

Caroline and Avery, playing with the big girls.

As for all of us parents, especially Mommies--School's out, heaven help us all!