ew.

last july i looked like this... i know, doesn't help that i am standing next to such a cutie (my trainer from my mission).  while the girls' early arrival was totally unexpected and scary, i must say, i do not miss those sweltering summer days with not one, but two internal heaters... our hot day today reminded me of that...

p.s. my sweet husband swears he doesn't remember me this chubby--what blinding love!

independence weekend...

... beware the picture overload... but know that it could have been worse:)
we had such a fun time celebrating the 4th. provo has its freedom festival every year, which is one of the best in the nation, so there was plenty to do and see. on thursday the girls and i headed to a local park that they "turned into" ellis island. it was such a neat little experience. grandma perk (jordan's mom) took all of the grand kids on the this little tour that explained the promises the immigrants were to make in order to become a u.s. citizen. at the end of the little tour, we all took citizenship tests. i passed mine with flying colors--thank you fourth grade u.s. history! then we took the oath. it was all very well done.

grandma giving the tour around the flags...

our lady liberties with aunt jana...and as an aside can i just say i love the girls in these little stretchy shorts-- they make their legs look like little sausage links...mmm..

on friday a part of historic provo set up what they called "colonial days." they had people dressed up, displaying their wood work, paintings etc. the girls also scored some adorable little clothespin dolls which they, of course, thought were delicious.avery gagging herself with her dolltilly giving hers the once over before she sinks her gums into it

mr. and mrs. lincolnsome amazing sidewalk chalk drawings...yes, sidewalk chalk.that night we had a family potluck dinner at grandma and grandpa stutz's farm, set off some fireworks (compliments of the very fun aunt jana), and had a campfire with s'mores. it was a great way to spend the evening.the girls didn't let the fun of the evening throw off their sleeping schedule, they know what's good for them:)
on the 4th we ate breakfast down at the farm, attended our niece christina's baptism, and just hung out the rest of the afternoon. it was such a beautiful day for taking pictures, so we did:)
did i mention that grandma and grandpa's farm is just divine? this is their lovely grapevine tunnel...

avery perched...
and tilly too!

these close up shots of the girls' holiday garb are for my sister lindsey...

i love tilly's nonchalant look here...
and, these really have nothing to do with the weekend, but we just love these close ups of the girlies...


tilly looking into the sun
avers.

tilly
avery the goober. she was being so funny that day... whenever she would turn and see me she just got this cheesy grin on her face. we just love these girls, and look forward to celebrating many more 4ths to come!

twenty-six...

"yeah, i'm twenty-six-- so what?"

so, my birthday was last sunday, but we partied all weekend really. it was terrific! to kick things off, my adorable visiting teacher, who has plans to become a pastry chef (lucky me, right?!) made me this darling little cake.not only was it cute, but completely delicious. we had been snacking on it the week leading up to the event itself.
on thursday there was a knock at the door... and wouldn't you know it, those sweet little girls of mine each sent me a bouquet of these lovely peruvian lillies. they know just what i like:)on saturday we made plans to go to the new oquirrh mountain temple open house. it was a beautiful experience, made even better by gorgeous weather and heavenly girls. we are so blessed to have so many temples nearby!that afternoon we went to red robin and shared my free birthday burger. it was yummy, and just the right amount of food. when we returned home, jordan put himself in sole charge of the girls so that i could take a nap-- it was much needed, and appreciated! jordan also surprised me with this:to be honest, i wasn't sure that i should keep it-- because i already have a perfectly good digital camera. but friends and family quickly convinced me that it will be a great tool in documenting our family history-- so i think i'll keep it:) that evening, jordan's brother and his wife watched the girls so that we could go to dinner and a movie. we went to this great brazilian bbq house (and re-learned the meaning of the term gluttony), and then went to a 7pm showing of "up." it was such a fun day. thank you nate and jai for watching the rug rats!
on sunday, jordan's family had us over to celebrate. yummy food and tons of family-- it doesn't get much better than that.
avery agrees... just look at her eyeing uncle ben's cake...
cute nieces and nephews playing in grandma and grandpa's sand box



avery tugging on uncle nate's beard-- she and tilly have this guy wrapped around their little fingers

i absolutely love these pictures of cousin kisses...


pure delight.
mommy and avery in the shade...

little tilly with dad.

yes indeed, it has been a great start to my 26th year. thanks again to all those who sent birthday wishes my way and made it memorable!

we just love this guy...

google kind, loving, faithful, hard-working, good-humored, generous, very handsome, very smart, and a little bit nerdy, and this guy just may pop up. it takes a special guy to put up with three girls who can all be a little demanding at times:) we love you jordan, and we are so happy to have you as the father of our family! happy father's day!

love,
your girls

baby giggles...

is there anything sweeter?

tilly's love affair with ketchup...