Going Private

I've really wanted to avoid going private, but due to "un-wanted eyes" viewing my blog, I'm taking the plunge.  There are just some people I don't want to share my life with.  Please leave me your email address if you want to keep reading.

Tagen's Blessing

We had a special family meeting on Saturday to bless Tagen.  Between Brad's and my families, we had close to 60 people gather to support us and Tagen.  It was a beautiful blessing and the Spirit was strong.  Tagen's beautiful dress was made by my mom.  She does fabulous work.  We really appreciate all the love and support we receive from our families.  

Tagen Elizabeth Morris

4th of July Festivities...

We thoroughly enjoyed all of our 4th of July celebrations this year.  We were able to catch some fireworks with good friends on Friday, and spend Saturday with family in Hyrum.  Here's some memories that were made...

Olivia, Paige and Meg trying to light their sparklers.

Olivia learned a valuable lesson right after this... Don't touch a HOT sparkler!

Tagen was completely mesmerized.

Just waiting for the fireworks to start...

Tagen LOVED the fireworks. They didn't scare her at all.

These cuties were so much fun to watch

Olivia waving her flag during the Hyrum parade. 

She's a picture of patriotism.

My other little patriot with her flag.

Olivia and some of her cousins waiting for candy...

My parents met us out at the parade. 

It was fun to have them there too.

Olivia dancing to some passing music

I forgot sunscreen for Tagen, so she had to wear a toga of sorts.  

She still looks adorable if you ask me...

Olivia playing in the water at Aunt Jill's house.

Aunt Jill teaching Olivia how to go down the water slide

Olivia after she went down. She wasn't too sure about 

it at first, but eventually went down again and again.

Brad showing us all that "middle-aged adults" can still get 'er done!

Brad feeling his "middle age-ness" after the water slide.  

Seriously, he looked good going down the slide.

Olivia trying to get warm in the sun... no, she's not "laying out."

Isn't she beautiful?!

This is what a late night-early morning-day full of parade-sun-waterslides-cousins-and -food will do to a three year old!!! 

Olivia sings...

Olivia loves music and she loves to sing.  She has recently been singing "I Am A Child of God" over and over while playing.  I get a laugh each time she sings it because her version is a little bit different from the one in the Hymn book.  Here's her version...

"I am a child of God and so my parents are great.  Help me to find the truth so I can learn to live with Him one day."  and when she gets to the chorus, it goes something like this...  "Lead me, guide me, walk beside to eat.   Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do to live Him someday."

I'm not ready to tell her any different because I'm sure when she hits the teenage years, she might not think her "parents are great."  I'm going to enjoy this while it lasts. 

House of The Lord

We had the chance to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house last Friday.  What a neat experience.  We decided to take both girls and enjoy the experience as a family.  The Spirit was so strong through out the temple.  It's beautiful inside and out.  Olivia LOVED being able to finally go INSIDE a temple.  The lines were long, but worth it.  As an added surprise, when we got done with the tour and went into the refreshment tent, we saw Elder L. Tom Perry there.  We really enjoyed ourselves.

Long lines are hard for little kids.  Good thing they have 

entertainment along the way... rocks and bushes to explore.

This little jewel did fantastic.  

Made it through the WHOLE 2 1/2 hour tour and only cried once.

Of course, that one time would be in the sealing room... the only time I really really

really needed her to be quiet while the couple there was talking to us.

Lamp posts make good entertainers also... 

especially when one can run around them in circles. 

It was nice and cool by the fountains.  

Olivia liked putting her hands in the water.

Aren't they cute?  Olivia is a big daddy's girl!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this baby! and those cheeks...  !!!

Just chilling...

We all had a great experience and I'm sure it's one that won't be forgotten.  It has really made an impact on Olivia.  She's asked me a couple times, "Mom, can we go to Heavenly Father's house again?"  My answer?... "One day you will, Olivia... one day."

Happy Birthday America!!!

Happy 4th of July!  

I love this holiday.  I love celebrating this amazing country that we live in.  I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with the opportunity to live in the United States of America.  May we always remember Him in this country and never lose sight of His hand in our many blessings and freedoms.  I'm grateful to those past and present who have done so much to make sure my freedoms are secure and mine.  May God bless them and their families.

May your day be filled with festivities, food, family, fireworks, fun and freedom!

Douglas Reunion 2009

Last weekend we had the opportunity to go to my family reunion.  We went to my uncle's 

property up in Idaho by Bear Lake and we had a BLAST!  Here's a few pictures of our weekend.

We took a little drive on Saturday morning.  This is how beautiful the country is up there.. 

 I want to go back and build a cabin up this road.  Wouldn't this be an amazing driveway?

Everything is sooo green and wet up there.  

We found this little waterfall on our drive.

On Saturday afternoon, we all headed down to Bear Lake.  

Here' s our little family photo.

My view from the back of the jeep while I was feeding Tagen.  Perfect, isn't it?

Olivia has been asking to go the beach for months.  

She's in heaven playing in the sand and water.

Tagen's first experience with a lake, swimming suit and sand.  

Look at those legs!  So cute and chubby!

Brad keeping Tagen asleep while I made breakfast.  

She did AMAZING while camping.  What a little trooper.

Papa and Olivia coloring together.  

She completely adores him... all the grandkids do.

Olivia enjoying her watermelon.  

I think this is the quintessential picture of summertime fun!

We really enjoyed the weekend and love spending time with family... But, after 3 days of sleeping in a tent, using an outhouse, smelling like a campfire, not having running water, and showering in bug spray, it was REALLY nice to come home and shower.