Father's Day 2009

Brit in his MY DAD ROCKS shirt. Pretty much sums it all up!

Craig with all the kids at the end of the day!

Craig and kids before we were all ready for church. Brit had just gotten out of the bath.

Breakfast is served!!!

Father's Day was exciting as always. This year it was a bit different because Craig had High Council Meeting at 6:00 am. So the traditional breakfast in bed had to be changed a little. We waited for him to get home and he was served, chocolate covered strawberries, and cinnamon biscuts, and milk. Mainly because he had already eaten at 5:30 am his favorite sausage, egg & cheese crossiant. So we had to come up with something fast. I think he liked it. It was odd for the kids to serve him in his office with his suit on. But who cares, it was fun anyway. We gave him his presents and let him eat as we all got ready for church. He got some fun gifts, he got a dutch oven (&lid lifter), all the ingredients for cobbler, a Pleasant Grove Vikings t-shirt for football season, and a strawberry cheesecake another one of his favorites. I think he enjoyed his gifts. The best thing about the day is that he was able to come to our ward. (with his High Council calling he attends a different ward in our stake every week so we don't get to go to church with him.) It was great to have him with us. We enjoyed the day with family, eating a delish dinner of chicken cordon bleu. Can't go wrong with that. Brit showed how much he loves his dad by wearing a onesie that said MY DAD ROCKS on it. He looked so cute.

Craig is an amazing Father! I love how he is such a great example to all of us. He loves his children so much and they love him. Both Craig and I have been blessed with wonderful Father's also. I couldn't ask for better men in my life. Happy Father's Day to all of them. I love you all!

Strawberry Days Parade

Saturday we ventured out to the Pleasant Grove Strawberry Days Parade. I thought we were so lucky to have nice cool weather, but wasn't thrilled with the rain. LOTS OF RAIN! The rain came off and on through the parade. We got wet, but we survived. The boys were asked to walk in the parade with their football teams. It was fun to call out their names and cheer for them as they came by. They were definately the cutest ones out there!!! Brit, Libby and I enjoyed the parade watching the royalty floats, the marching bands, and the other random floats. We got so much candy and other coupons & stuff. Craig was at the cabin and he missed out on all the fun. I told myself that next year we are going to make Strawberry Days a big deal. There are so many fun activities all week long that I have never taken time to attend. Next year, we will be attending. I love living in Pleasant Grove, it is a great city and from now on Strawberry Days is a high priority. I am sure it will be tons of fun!

Here's Zach, just as another boy walked right in front of him...he was so cute!

My cute football player!

It wouldn't be a Utah parade with out Rodeo Queens!

Some Fire Fighters with the flag at the first of the parade.
I love the hush that comes over the crowd as the flag approaches. It makes me tear up every time.

Here are the darling parade spectators!

Brit wasn't too sure about the parade...all the sirens at the beginning didn't go over to well, but he was a trooper even with the down pours.

45 Years Together!!!

Harold & Susanne Peterson ** July 13, 1964

Last Saturday my cute parents celebrated thier 45 year anniversary. As the day fastly approached us children tried to think of something we could do to make it meaningful...we came up with a few ideas and finally decided on a couple. My sister Cari made an amazing movie using a ton of fun family photos put to music. Which of course was a hit! Then each of us came up with reasons why we loved Grammy & Papa (Mom & Dad). Having all the grandkids and in-laws do one reason and us children do 3 reasons...we came up with 45 Resons Why We Love Grammy & Papa! I think this was something they loved. Each person took thier turn telling their reason...some were funny, some were serious. There were many laughs and many more tears shed and it was something that I will never forget. Of course they know they are loved but hearing specific reasons why is something amazing to hear.

I must say that I have the greatest parents ever!!! They have had 45 wonderful years together, I am sure some days haven't been bliss, but they have come through those times closer & stronger. They have raised 5 children to be loving, kind, successful & hey pretty darn cool! They now have 20 grandchildren who adore them. It is always a great day when we all get to be together, laugh together & cry together. I love my parents so much and my brother and sisters are my best friends. I hope that I can raise my children to be best friends.

My mom surprised my dad with having his wedding ring that was ripped off his finger at work early in their marriage (like months after married) repaired. I thought it was a very thoughtful gift. I think Dad liked it also!

I captured this cute photo of my parents...this is one that I will always cherish! The love that they have for each other is priceless!

Miss Veenker 2009

Lexi, Afton, Hailey, Mya, Liberty, Brooklynn, & McKinsey

Miss Veenker 2009

(sorry some of the photos are blurry!!)
This is something that the Veenker Girls wait all year for. Over the weekend the big event was held. My sister in law Jen came up with the idea to have a Miss Veenker Pageant after we all attended the Miss Pleasant Grove pageant last year. Amazingly, last year she did this all by herself. She held it at her home with the 7 Veenker nieces. Well, this year she asked for help, which I hope took some of the pressure off of her. The girls found out the date and were busy making thier preparations for the big night. They don't take this lightly...this is serious to them. The pageant consists of the following events: Talent, Swimwear, Pajamas, & Evening Gown. After a few weeks of planning and finding just the right talent, clothing and swim suit the girls were ready.
Liberty's Miss Veenker wardrobe all laid out and ready to go.

Liberty getting her makeup done by Wendy

Jen making the finishing touches on Liberty's hair.

We gathered at Grandma Veenker's house at 3:00 pm to get the girls ready...Jen & I doing hair and Wendy doing the girls make up. After everyone was all dolled up, the pageant started. This year we had darling pajamas, various talents like piano & violin playing, dancing, poem reciting, gymnastics routine, and singing. Swimwear was next and everyone of the girls looked darling of course, then the evening gowns...lovely. Then came the judging...the moms who attended came up with awards that described each girl. All the girls recieved an award, a Miss Veenker sash, and flowers. It was so much fun. I loved being a part of it this year. I can't imagine Jen doing this all by herself last year. That had to have been very crazy for her. Liberty in the swimwear competition.

Liberty singing for her talent...she sang "Fly To Your Heart" from Tinkerbell movie.
She did awesome!!!
Here she is in her pink silky pajamas and slippers, she looked so cute!

Liberty striking a pose in her evening gown, she was so graceful!

After the awards, we ate dinner, and headed over to Lexi's dance recital and then back to Grandma's house for a fun night of movies, treats and finally sleep. We woke up to to a wonderful breakfast and all headed home. It was such a great night. The girls all got along so well, and it was fun to have a girl sleepover! Jen is moving to Ohio in August, and we decided to make sure we have Miss Veenker 2010 while she is in town. The talk was to hold it at the cabin next year. Which would be really fun. Thanks Jen for such a great time and all your hard work.

All the girls getting ready for dinner! Noodles, Alfredo Sauce, Salad, Bread & Watermelon.

Check out the photos of our fun night!

Each of the girls got awards that described them!

McKinsey: "Sensationally Spunky" Award

Hailey: "Shimmer & Shine" Award

Brooklynn: "Smiling Chic" Award

Lexi: "Sweetest Curves and Waves" Award

Liberty: "Fashionably Fancy" Award
Afton: "Prettiest Poser" Award
(Afton has the best poses of the night...she really got into it!)
Mya: "Perfectly Poised" Award
Can't wait until next year!!! Thanks Jen for starting a GREAT tradition!!!

Someone is NINE!!!

Zach the day before his 9th b-day! Isn't he cute!

Zach had a birthday last week. He turned nine! Zach is such a funny boy, not a day goes by that he doesn't catch me off guard and says something to crack me up. He is very sensitive, loving & active. This year his b-day was pretty low key, which was nice. He had to finish off his last requirement for his Wolf badge which was planning out and helping with meals for a day...so he got to choose everything we ate on his b-day. He helped and finished his Wolf just in time! He chose his favorites like Chocolate Chip Waffles & bacon for breakfast, Grilled Cheese sandwiches & Chips for lunch & Meatballs and Rice for dinner.

Zach covering he already sweet chocolate chip waffle with maple syrup....YUM!

He got a visit from Grammy & Papa & a phone call from Grandma. He had a fun day! All he wanted for his birthday was a rip stick. He asked everyone to help with his rip stick fund! Well, after all was said and done he was able to go to Walmart 2 days after his big day and pick it up! He was so excited I couldn't believe it. After we bought it and were on our way home he was holding it in the back seat and I hear him say...

"SHE'S MY LADY, AND I PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON HER"

(a quote from the movie Surf's Up)

Zach & his Lady!

I started to laugh and couldn't stop. I wish I would have had my camera to take a photo of him in the car...he could hardly contain himself. By the time we got home he had it out of its package and riding it all over the driveway. He was in hog heaven. He has even been kind enough to let his brother and sister ride on it. Which they are pretty jealous...they want one also.

He rode like this for hours the first day he got it!

Zach asked for Mint Brownies instead of cake. After his game we sang Happy Birthday to him and he made a wish and blew out the candles. Well, me being a forgetful mom...I forgot to buy candles and all we had at home was a #3 candle. So we made do with that and he was a good sport about it. At least there was something to blow out. I need to be better about that. But over all he had a great day!

Zach with his mint brownies & #3 candle...like I said he is an easy going kid!

So Happy Ninth Birthday Zach!!! We love you very much!

Zach sound asleep after a fun eventful birthday...all wrapped up in the the quilt Grammy made him. Love you Zach!

Cabin Sweet Cabin

Look at how cute this kid looks in his own baby helmet!!! Brit's first trip to the cabin!
He loved the 4 wheelers, and the helmet, until it had to be taken off.

We took a trip down to the cabin this weekend along with Craig's parents. It was so nice up there. I have hesitation about going there during the winter (just cause snow isn't my fav)...but in the summer I really enjoy it. This was Brit's first time at the cabin and well as cute as he was...man it messed up any type of schedule (which he really isn't on one) that he had. He could tell he wasn't at home. But we had a great time. It was a quick trip but fun filled. The boys helped cut a fallen tree up, and burned a lot of it. That was a BIG fire, if I do say so myself. The meadow was filled with smoke! We watched Forever Strong after dark and if you haven't seen this movie it's a must see. We woke up ate, went fishing, rode the 4 wheelers, played horse shoes and just enjoyed being at the cabin. Then we came home!!! Good times! Check out the photos...

Liberty got sick while we were there, but here she is setting the table for breakfast.

Craig busy making breakfast for everyone

Zach and I with helmet heads!

Caleb giving me the thumbs up that he is going to take the lead.

Liberty and I taking a break from our ride to check out Fairview Lake...so pretty.

Craig taking Brit on his first 4 wheeler ride...both look so cute in their helmets.

Caleb and Grandpa playing horse shoes...Grandpa won. I loved watching them playing and talking to each other. Great quality time together.

Brit and I hanging out in the cabin

While Caleb was eating some string cheese Brit couldn't stop watching him. Here is Brit trying to sneak a bite!!! Love it!

Another great trip to the cabin the first of many this summer! FUN TIMES!!

Oh, What Do You Do In The Summertime?

I love summer! I remember as a kid looking forward to summer and nothing has changed now that I am the mom! I love the relaxed feel of summer days even when we have a million things to do. I love that it stays light longer into the night. I love waking up to the bright beautiful mornings. Birds singing constantly out the window...AHHH! I love it!

What do you do in the summertime????

Do you read a good book?

Caleb reading Harry Potter 6

Liberty reading Junie B Jones

Zach reading a Star Wars comic book

I am encouraging reading this summer. I took the kids to the library on Monday and they got to pick out books and so far (I know it has only been a week) they have spent time reading everyday! YEAH!!!

Do you lay on the grass with your brother and chat?

I wish I could have heard what they were talking about!

I am so glad that I captured this photo. There is something about the quiet, simple moments between siblings that I love. I was sitting in the front room feeding Brit and looked out and saw this. Lib and Zach are great friends they enjoy just being together.

Do you play in the water?

Zach climbing up the slide...which was against the rules!

Liberty going down head first!

Caleb jumping on the tramp to help dry off.

Grandma Veenker had a fun summer kick off party with the cousins. We had a fun time splashing in the water, sliding down the waterslide and eating a yummy lunch together. Just enjoying the sun!

This is only the first week of summer...I can't wait to see what else it has in store for us!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime when all the world is green???

Is that what you do? So do I!!! (Gotta love this primary song!)

Have a wonderful summer! Enjoy it!