My Utah Trip

Cliff and my dad met me at the SLC airport. I still wish I could have been there to greet Cliff when he got off the plane.

My family. We are all so grown up! Four married sisters with kids, and now a returned missionary brother.

I took a trip to Utah (by myself!) this past weekend for my brother Cliff's mission homecoming. Even though it was a short trip, I had lots of fun seeing family. Cliff gave a great talk. Good luck at BYU this fall! And a big thanks to Joel for watching the kids over the weekend!

Haircuts

I was feeling ambitious today, and decided to cut both the kid's hair. I think they turned out pretty good.

In more exciting news, Julianna now does #2 on the potty!

In the most exciting news, my brother Cliff got home from his mission on Tuesday! I get to fly to Utah (by myself) this weekend to see him and more family.

Big Updates

Three significant things have happened this week that have been miracles.

1. I decided to fight my HUGE red-light camera ticket in court yesterday. Because the officer who issued the ticket (using the camera?) didn't show up to court, I get my whole $456 back. SO glad I went in and took the time.

2. Today I was an advocate for Julianna at a meeting put on by the area board for developmental disabilities--in attendance was the new Director for the Inland Regional Center (the IRC has denied Julianna year after year even though she's diagnosed with autism). The new director wanted to hear firsthand from parents their concerns. I emailed the person in charge of the meeting and after hearing my story, she wanted me to be one of the key speakers at the meeting and share my story. We'll see if Julianna will finally get help! The IRC services help more at home, which is something I've needed for years now.

3. And here's the BIG one--drum roll--Julianna can now go #1 IN THE TOILET! We decided to hire outside help for a few sessions (and only had to do this because the IRC isn't helping us--big reason why I spoke at the meeting) and toward the end of the last session, we had a miracle! She did it! We are so happy for her. HUGE burden lifted from me, even though this really is the beginning of another long road to finalize it, but for her to do this makes me so glad we paid for the extra potty help.

So those are my updates!

Wild Animal Park

Camping trip--Doheny State Beach

"We're happy we have a swing in the house, Mommy!"

That's is what Julianna keeps telling me, now that the swing is fixed again (this time for good!) Tonight she even told me to take a picture of her while she was swinging. (Blake is mad that he can't swing by himself like Julianna.)




Here she is before getting on the bus on the last day of ESY (Extended School Year). In 4 short weeks she will be in first grade, going to school ALL DAY! What will I do?

Fourth of July Video

We just downloaded PhotoStory and decided to use it to make a video of our 4th of July weekend. I hope you like it!

(Song in background: "Bike" by Pink Floyd)