Good News

Gary (Brads brother) and Tara (his wife) came up for the fourth of July Weekend to visit with everyone. Friday night we went up in the canyon and had a picnic (pre fourth celebration) and played some games. We were wrapping up the night activities when Gary announced he had some "firecrackers" to use up. So we gather around the table and everyone got one of these cute firecrackers Tara made.........

We counted to 3 and pulled on the ends and Starburst candies came flying out of the firecrackers and the kids went wild collecting them. Then one person read the paper, another saw the picture and we all went crazy! It was a very fun way to announce they were having a baby! Congratulations Gary and Tara. We love you!

Manti Miracle Pageant

Last week we went to Manti to see the Miracle Pageant that is performed on the hill by the temple. It is the story of Joseph Smith finding the golden plates, the first vision, pioneers crossing the planes, and some stories from the book of mormon. It didn't start until 9:30pm so we didn't know how well the kids would do. Corbin lasted 30 minutes and was out by 10 and Ava was doing good, but fell asleep a little after Corbin. Alyssa and Addison did good and stayed awake the whole time, but didn't quite understand what was going on in the pageant at times. All in All we all had a great time. The kids met Brigham Yound, Joseph Smith, Angel Moroni, Samuel the Lamanite (two of them) and one of the preachers. They were like celebrities to the kids it was fun. The guy who played Joseph Smith signed their pictures of Jesus for them with his autograph it was cute.

Happy Anniversary

Yesterday we celebrated our 8th year of marriage. We had a wonderful normal day at the Fears home and at work and then Brad and I went to the movies. Thanks for some great years Brad, can't wait for more to come. Love ya babe!

Manti Temple

Here are a few shots I got of the Temple while we were there last week. It is such a beautiful Temple and location you are just in awe every time you see it. The last picture is the temple in the dark when it is lit up at the end of the pageant....so pretty.

Bowling with the Family

two nights while Brad's parents were in town last week we went bowling. The first night Julie and I were defeated by the kids team! Yes we will admit we had a bad night, something was off, we think it was the lane that was angled wrong. So we had a re-match the following night, we didn't start off well again so we asked for bumpers, but I guess there is an age limit (12) to have those so we had to do it on our own. Julie and I were able to beat those little munchkins this time. Brad and everyone else did great both nights they didn't have our problem! It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

A group of us went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House last week. It is so neat to go through the temple with your kids so they have a chance to see inside before it is dedicated. We all had a great time through the tour and the kids especially liked the cookies and water after the tour! This temple is West of the Jordan River Temple in the hills West of the I-15. Angel Moroni got struck by lightning a couple of weeks ago because there is nothig big around this temple. We have really enjoyed the opportunity to go through this temple and the Draper temple in such close times to each other.

the backyard garden

The lot behind our house is our neighbors down the street. He has such a beautiful garden growing its been nice to see it blooming this spring. Its a nice view from the backyard. The Iris' finally bloomed, they were everywhere, so pretty. dark purple, light purple and purple and white ones.

The Start of Summer

Hot days, Late nights, friends over to play.....The Summer has begun.

Ava, Addison, Alyssa, Corbin, & Tanner on the Trampoline!

Kids playing play-doh

Alyssa and Addy playing water games

Corbin getting the girls with a water gun. What a boy/brother.

Ava Turns 2

We had a fun Birthday Party for Miss Ava on Sunday with her cousins and aunts and uncles. She enjoyed opening her gifts (light spinner, princess ball, care bear coloring book, bracelets made by her two favorite girls (Alyssa and Addy), a music triangle and M&M's and an old fashion Jack in the Box. Brad practiced with Ava teaching her to blow out her candles. All morning she went around the house blowing on things.
Happy Birthday Ava!!!!

Camping

We went camping with some friends on memorial day weekend. It was a lot of fun, the kids had fun hiking and exploring, fishing, playing in their fort they built out of fire wood, being monkeys in the trees, helped find rocks to build a fire ring, and most of all eating yummy food by the campfire! It did rain most of the weekend, but we still had an enjoyable time.

Meet Tripp

This past weekend Brad informed me what I could give him for fathers day......another dog! He has been looking at other dogs for awhile to get a playmate for Sam. He really likes this look of schnauzers and so he found one. The kids love him and well they are both growing on me, though I still can't believe I have two dogs! Most of all Brad is in heaven with his two dogs and is having a great time with them.

Meet Sam

So I know you all probably thought this was the last thing in the world to see on our blog, but yes we got a dog! We have survived 1 week so far and things are going good. Brad doesn't have problems with his allergies and he has been such a great dog. He is 3 months old and is a mini schnauzer. Sam doesnt' shed hardly at all and is supposed to be a "hypoallergenic" dog. He will only get to be about 15 pounds. He is such a love though, loves to play with kids a lot and is a great snuggler. He is already potty trained and sleeps through the night in his kennel. Alyssa is in heaven and Ava is back and forth loving him one moment and being in competition with the same size around the house. Sam likes to take her shoes and she lets him know that thats not ok in her own little way. Corbin likes to run laps aroung the yard with him for exercize for both of them.

What we have been up to

We got some playground equipment from Brad's sister for a future project. One afternoon I built this "slide" for them to do something one afternoon. It was a little high for Ava, but she did well climbing and sliding like the big kids.

Brad found an ad at the grocery store for a bearded dragon a few weeks ago....and now we have her at our house! Our two beardies died a little over a year ago so it has been fun for the kids to play with another one again. We named her Izzy.

Uncle Brad gave all the boys (Spencer, Cody, Garrett, & Tanner) haircuts the other night. They all sure look real handsome now! You are so good brad.

Oh my cute miss Ava. She does so many cute things during the day I can't keep up. This is one of her moments. She walks into the kitchen with her bag filled up and her hat on ready to go somewhere, anywhere. its actually all Alyssa's stuff but that makes it more fun for her of course.

Slip N. Slide Fun

Its finally warm enough to get the water fun out. Julie gave us this fun water slide for the kids to play with this summer. They had a blast. It took some time to get used to the water and how to slide, but they did it.

A reason to celebrate....

We couldn't find a babysitter for dinner for Brad's Birthday so the kids and I surprised him by bringing home dinner from one of his favorite places PF Changs. The kids had a great time decorating the kitchen and getting ready for him when he got home.

Happy Birthday Bradley

Brad's sister and mom made their special boy and brother two cakes for his birthday. Chocolate Upside Cake and Refrigerator Cake. They couldn't decide which one to make so they made him both. Now that is love! Brad got some fun gifts from the kids (funny teeth, articles of faith magnets, minky blanket) It was nice to celebrate with everyone and his mom.