Banana Bread Anyone?

If I even mention banana bread, cookies, or brownies at my house the kids come running. This is quite frequent with the sweet tooth I have. They want to help pour in all the ingredients and watch the mixer stir it all up. Of course, their favorite part is licking the bowl and spoon. I took these pictures of Caden the other day as he was licking every last drip. Lexi was napping, otherwise she would have been right there next to him. He loves his picture taken, can you tell?

Memories

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Since this is our family blog, feel free to leave a memory about any of the four of us.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. :)

Swim lessons...08!

The kids just finished up their swim lessons for this year. Lexi is doing very well and has become quite brave in the water. She has learned a lot and is comfortable jumping in and swimming a short distance by herself. She's taken 3 sessions for a total of six weeks this summer and still wants to do more. Lexi is our social butterfly. She loves to make new friends in each of her classes! Caden also did one session of parent/tot. We had lots of fun! If you've seen Caden around water then you know how much he loved his lessons. He is really a natural. The other parents in the class kept asking me how I got him to be so comfortable with the water. All I could say was that he's loved water since day 1. He already goes through the motions of hands and kicks and holds his breath to dive down and retrieve a dive stick. It really even surprises me. It was nice for Dad and Mom to get wet too...a much better way to endure the 110 degree heat!

Lexi & her friend Rylee. They had fun being in the same class.

Look who's two!

It's hard to believe Caden is already two. We celebrated his birthday on sunday with family and Caden had such a great time. He was excited the whole time. He knew exactly what was going on. He blew out the candles all by himself and had no problem opening each gift by himself. He cheered and had a big smile after each gift and was sure to give everyone there a big hug afterwards. Thanks to everyone that celebrated our little guy's big day!

These are some of my favorite things about Caden at two years old:

• He wakes up each morning with a big smile on his face! It makes it awfully hard to ever be in a bad mood.
• For being so young (and a boy!) he has such an opinion on what he wants to wear each day. He'll pick out his shorts and knows exactly what shirt and shoes he wants to wear with them.
• He loves the water! We go swimming at least 3 times a week (in addition to swim lessons) because he loves it! He jumps in, dunks his head and loves to look around underwater. He's quite the little fish.
• He loves his big sister and wants to be like her in so many ways. Lexi takes her book of Mormon to church each week and when Caden sees that she has hers he has to carry his too. He loves to play with her and is a great sharer (most of the time).
• He has a soft side to him...which I just love. If he goes in time out, he will always say sorry and give the person a big hug. He is sincere and really does care about others.
• My favorite time is when I put Caden to sleep. He is my cuddle bug. He will lay his blanket on my shoulder, exactly how he wants it (with no wrinkles) and then lays on my shoulder while I sing him songs. His favorite right now is "when Daddy comes home." I cherish this because I'm sure it won't last too long. Daddy loves this time too.
• One of Clint's favorite moments is when he comes home each day. Caden hears the garage door open and immediately runs to the door yelling, "Daddy, Daddy." He opens the door, runs out and meets Daddy in his car to give him a big hug. He has the best times with his Dad and can't wait for him to be home!

Fun for the Fourth!

For the fourth our friend's invited us to their cabin in Pine. We had such a good time. There were 10 adults and 7 kids. We had fun enjoying the cooler weather by being outside and playing wiffle ball, four square, riding our bikes and playing on the swing set. On the 4th we went into Payson and watched fireworks there. The kids thought that was neat. We also had fun staying up playing games and chatting. It was tons of fun and we hope to do it again!

Clint helping Caden hit the ball.

Lexi on the swing!

Clint trying for that home run!

Jessica, Aspyn & Lexi

Enjoying the cooler weather.

Clint and I waiting for the fireworks!

Stacy, Kristen, Nanette, Jessica, Farrah

Caden, Brilee, Lexi, Kolby

American Idol!

Last night we went to the American Idols concert. I was very stoked because I'm a huge idol fan. Clint and I had a really good time. We both felt like both David Archeletta and David Cook were hands down better than the rest. They both did an awesome job. We wished the majority of the concert would have just been them, but it was fun to see the rest of the top ten. Can someone tell me how Ramielle made it in the top ten though? Seriously. David Cook is a natural on stage and can definitely rock out, which we loved! Clint thinks I have a litttle crush. Archeletta has an amazing voice, it's hard to believe he's only 17. It was tons of fun. Thanks to Clint's parent's who got us tickets.