"That was the awesomest thing that ever happened!"

On Monday, for FHE we took the kids out for a little hike at our nearby Saunders Springs Nature Preservation. We had a blast! Upon arriving I sprayed the kids and Dallas down with bug spray and then we headed for the nearby trail. This trail, like all the others, had several stairs leading down to the springs below.


The girls with their butterfly nets.


We stopped to take a family picture on the stairs.






It was a beautiful hike...not too hot or humid the weather was perfect! We were even fortunate enough to spot a beaver eight feet away. As we quietly watched the beaver munch on the nearby grass and swim away Sadie excitedly said, "That was the awesomest thing that ever happened!" Dallas and I looked at each other and smiled.



After walking around a little more we decided it was time to head back up. The kids were such troopers! Sadie and Sophie pretty much ran up the stairs while Ammon sat comfortably in Dallas' arms. Sariah...walked up all the stairs with no help!


We had such a fun time with the kids. I am so thankful we live in such a green and forest filled state, it really is breathtaking!

Matching Sunday Dresses

These adorable matching dresses are a gift from Grandma K! We received them yesterday as well, but I wanted to wait till today to take a picture of the girls wearing them.

Thank you Grandma, we sure love our brand new dresses!
Love Sadie, Sophie, and Sariah

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On another note... Dallas and I were in charge of Sharing Time today in Primary, our lesson was on Faith. The children and I did a skit on Mary Fielding Smith and her trek to the Salt Lake Valley while Dallas presented the analogy of the seed in Alma 32. Much was learned on our part. Such great faith was demonstrated over and over again by Mary and her family. I hope I can follow in these footsteps.

Especially for Auntie LaLa

Today, we received a package in the mail from Auntie LaLa! The girls received the "High School Musical 2" soundtrack CD and were way excited! So, I instantly plopped the CD into my laptop for a listen; this was the reaction I got from Sophie! While Sadie sat reading the lyrics Sophie began shaking her booty for the camera to "Hey Batter, Batter Swing"!



LaLa,

Thanks for the CD and the movies. We miss being able to see you everyday! Love you!

The Gilmore's

Sadie's Creation

Sadie is always creating. Today she constructed a bird feeder out of a box! Sister Whitehead, our neighbor, kindly offered her some bird seed for her new creation! It now proudly hangs from our clothes line! Love you Sadie

The Father of Our Home

Since Dallas blogged so beautifully on my birthday, about me, I too want to blog about him.

Dallas captured my heart that day at the playground behind the Primary School Housing in Kayenta, AZ. Having just returned from his mission in Southeast, Asia, I fell completely in love with him and jumped at the opportunity to be his girlfriend. We dated for three whole months, two of which were spent far apart...he was in Provo, UT attending BYU and I was home taking extension courses from CEU. Dallas faithfully drove the six hour commute about every weekend to be by my side before he proposed one October night by the front door of my parents home. Instantly I answered, "yes" and we were married three months later in the Mesa, AZ Temple for time and all eternity.

We've been married nine and a half years, have moved ten times, bought and sold a home, lived in three states and have parented three beautiful daughters and one blessed son! Dallas has grown immensely as a Father. He amazes me each day with his strength and wisdom. His willingness to do what the Lord would have him do is what draws me closer to him.

Dallas is a devoted father to our children, he selflessly places their needs and mine above his own. He means the world to our children and to me, he is my world! I love you.

Raining Cats and Dogs

Today...it is raining like crazy! Thunderstorms, lightning, fog and humidity included! Actually it's rained at least twice a week since we've been here in KY! On another note... Darcie gave birth to her first born son! I don't know the name, but I will be sure to find out soon! It's always exciting when a child is born.

Lately we've just been trying to make it through these hot, humid and most of the time rainy summer days. It's been hard keeping the girls busy these past few week, it's been especially hard with Ammon, he's been teething so he's had it pretty rough. Usually we spend the ENTIRE morning getting ready and then walk over to the Elementary School down the street for Free Summer Lunch.

Dallas joined a softball league and is scheduled to play Wednesday's and Thursday's, but has only played two games due to the weather! I feel bad...he bought new gear and everything that goes along with it! I hope the weather allows him to play more. Besides softball he's been taking combative courses and is loving it! He comes home sore, but he is doing great!

I look forward to when Dallas gets home in the evening; he relieves me of my present state of crabbiness and helps me to laugh and enjoy life! It's hard being away from "home." I miss my extended family and long to be able to see them again! If it weren't for Dallas I would be a complete mess, he brings out the best in me and helps me to cope with being so far away! He is my best friend and I love him to pieces!

Slip n' Slide

The girls had a fun time playing on their new slip n' slide. Sadie and Sophie slid down fearlessly while Sariah needed a little moral support on the way down, so I held her hands. I think Dallas took some pretty good pictures of the kids getting wet in the hot sun while I stood on the side lines with Ammon!


Special Birthday Memories
I wanted to include these sweet birthday memories: I woke up to a dozen roses and a silly card from Dallas, Sadie made me lunch (Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich), Dallas made dinner and assisted the girls with my cake!

Birthday Wishes

Today is June 4th and it is my lovely wife's birthday. I decided to write on her blog and tell those of you who read it a little bit about this wonderful woman.

This is her 10th birthday that we are spending together after 9 1/2 years of marriage. She was only 19 when we got married and I am sure many people thought she was too young. I have to admit I could only think about how much I loved her and not her age. I guess you could say I was being extremely selfish and not thinking about what lay ahead in her future. When we started dating she had just been accepted to BYU as a transferring student from CEU. I can remember her excitement about being accepted, as it was one of her long time dreams to attend school and graduate from BYU. Needless to say that she hasn't fulfilled that dream yet. It is hard to say if she would've graduated if I didn't come into her life. Sometimes I think about the experiences she could've had as a single student. She could've made a lot interesting friends and dated more (I was only the 2nd guy she dated). She could've taken advantage of the travel opportunities offered to many students at BYU and seen many different parts of the world. She could've joined the Living Legends and danced around the world (another dream lost). I am sure I could list many more. Instead of focusing on the things BJ could've done, let me write about the things she has done.

She has put her own life aside to give birth to four beautiful children. As their mother she cares for them each and every day. Not all of those days are good ones, as all those with children know how they can be. She has made many wonderful friends who love and respect her for who she is. She stuck by me at BYU even when I changed my major multiple times and lengthened our stay. She waited patiently until I finally chose a career path and supported me when it lead to the Army. She became a single parent twice when I was away for training for several months. I know it will happen again when I get deployed. She continues to be faithful servant of Jesus Christ and a stalwart member of our faith. There are many other things she does each day to make the live of those around her easier, and I am sure there will be many more things she will do in her life that will be amazing.

To my Wife,

BJ, you first captured my heart your Junior year of high school before I left on my mission to South East Asia. For some reason when you came out in your beautiful black homecoming dress during half time at the basket ball game, my heart melted. It wasn't until I returned home from my mission and saw you again that I remembered that day and my heart melted once again. Before we were married I had traveled to many different places in the world and met many wonderful people from all cultures. I was going to be a returning student at a prestigious university. Many people would say I had a lot going for me and a very bright future. I want you to know that my life didn't really start until that day we were sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and it continues to be the only life I have ever wanted. I know our marriage has been full of bumps and bruises, but we have stuck through them for almost 10 years and I know we will stick through the ones to come. I dream of the many wonderful moments we will share with each other, our children, and our grandchildren. You are my best friend, my wife, and mother to my children, but most of all you are the one that has all my love forever.
Happy Birthday!

Love ,
Dallas

The Patton Museum's 60th Anniversary Celebration

This Saturday we took the kids to the Patton Museum, which is located here on Post, for a little army culture experience! The Museum was celebrating it's 60th Anniversary, which included live reenactments of WWI and WWII, tank displays, camps that depicted different war era's, and food! The girls had a blast climbing in and out of tanks while Dallas enjoyed taking pictures of them doing so! He had them pose for a couple...as you will see!

















Walking through the German camp was a little eerie...especially after watching "The Boy In The Striped Pajamas!" I think what made it extremely eerie was the fact that there were men dressed up in German Uniforms patrolling the area while others did everyday tasks, such as giving a haircut to another soldier. SCARY





There was an area set up for the horses...I think I put a damper on that...due to the fact that I am a little scared of horses myself! Dallas on the other hand is not afraid of anything...needless to say he is in the Army! Anyways, because I mentioned a few concerns about the girls being so close to the horses they too became a little frightened...well except Sariah of course!








Overall I thought the Museum Celebration was exciting and interesting! I don't know much about the Army so I thought this visit was very educational! It brings me a little piece of mind to know what Dallas will be in charge of and working with; I write a little because no matter how much I know, I will always be concerned for Dallas' safety and well being when away at war! Love you Dallas!