Mr. Pitcher

Austin has worked really hard this season to prove his awesome pitching skills!! I love the look of determination on his face!! (Not to mention the pretty flag flying in the background.)

The perfect baseball stance!

Sunday, May 18th - Caleb's blessing

I cannot even begin to describe how strong the spirit was in our home during Caleb's blessing. I was overcome with emotion, as I reflected back upon the past 5 months, and the journey that we have taken to get to this joyous occasion. We were surrounded by our dear, sweet families, and Brother Tim Frank, a member of the Bishopric. Shaun gave him a beautiful blessing, and he didn't even make a peep. It was a very special and memorable day. Thanks to our families in sharing this beautfiul day with us.

Due to the fact that Caleb is such a chunk, we had to do a little improvising on his blessing outfit. I was planning on using Austin's, and discovered (way too late), that it was way too small, and wouldn't work. So, we decided to use this cute little linen button-up shirt and shorts, (a baby gift straight from Mexico, from one of the girls on Shaun's team). Thank goodness it fit perfect and even allowed a little breathing room. Whoosh!!

Uncle Kevin, Aunt Marcy, and Caleb having a good laugh!!

Bring on the spring projects!!

So, we finished the basement just in time for the baby to get here, and then we (o.k., mostly Shaun) decides that we should tear up the yard and start over. So, he took a day off work, rented a sod cutter, cut grass, had top soil, sand, fill dirt, and blocks for a retaining wall, delivered all in one day!! (Can you say ambitious, or crazy, one of the two??) The kids had lots of fun HELPING out with all of the many jobs that day.


Wait!! How did Syd. and Alivia get to Hawaii
without us? Hee, Hee!! This sand really made
us long for the beautiful tropic beaches.

What a little cutie!! All of this shoveling and work, and still is just as happy as ever. He has been wanting to do this for the past couple of years, and is very anxious to carry out the design that he drew up!! It will be lots of fun when it's done. You're all invited over for a pool party!!

ALL SMILES!!

Caleb is such a happy guy!! He is always full of smiles, and giggles at any given moment. We were in the car the other day, and Braden simply looked over at him, and said, "What are you doing in there?", and he started laughing. There is nothing like hearing that little baby giggle. It melts my heart. I want to record it and just listen to it over and over.

Field Trip to Hill Air Force Base

Austin and Grandpa standing in front of the plane that he works on.

Austin was lucky enough to go to "Hill Air Force Base" for his field trip this year. As many of you know, Grandpa Koos works there, and took the morning off to show us around. Austin was so excited to spend time with him, and told all of his friends how cool it was that we were going to his work. Later that night, he mentioned how fun it was to be with Grandpa, and said how much fun he had with him. Thank you Jim, for being the best Grandpa in the world, and for taking time out of your busy day to spend with us. We love you!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Grandma and Grandpa with the Koos kids

Mom and me

Isn't this a darling picture of my mom and dad?

Mom and Caleb

This was truly an extra special Mother's Day for me!! I thank Heavenly Father every day for my many, many blessings, most especially, my beautiful baby Caleb. I know I say this often, but my heart is so full of gratitude every day for all that I have. I am so grateful for my strong, healthy, energetic, vivacious children, and for the opportunity that I have to be their mother.

Mother's Day always makes me feel so grateful for my dear, sweet mom and for Katie, my wonderful mother-in-law. For those of you who may not know, my mom was in a severe car accident ten years ago, and was hurt very bad. She has made a miraculous recovery, and never ceases to amaze our family with her neverending zest for life. She is an amazing, giving, caring, and kind person, who blesses all of those who come in contact with her. Mother's Day brought upon a whole new meaning after my mom's accident, and I truly feel so blessed to have her in my life. She was such a strength to me during Caleb's birth, and I can't ever thank her enough for all that she does for me. I love you so much mom!

I am so grateful for Katie, and for the amazing example that she is to me! She has always treated me like her own daughter, and for that I am so thankful! She is such an amazing, sharing, sweet, and wonderful person who devotes her life to her children and grandchildren! She is always there for us, and does so much for our family. I love you Katie!

Happy "be-lated" Mother's Day to all of the dear, sweet women in my life! I appreciate your wonderful examples!!

Cousin Craziness

Landon, Austin, and Dallin cheering for Braden!

These cute kids just can't ever seem to get enough of each other!! Every time we get together they beg to go over to each other's house and play. We always laugh and say that it doesn't matter how many hours they spend together, they always want more! So, I told them if they would look at the camera and smile their best smiles, I would let them play. (Don't you just love bribery?)

Soccer Saturday's

Dad and Braden

Shaun has had such a great time coaching Braden's soccer team this year. We've been a little busy trying juggle baseball and soccer, but it's been lots of fun! Braden has become quite the little soccer player, and always checks to make sure that we are all watching when he makes a goal. Go Blue Dragons!!

Flippin' Fun

Sydney and Austin doing syncronized backflips!
Way to catch some air, Syd!!
Aunt Natalie is going to show them how it's really done.

The Tullis's invited us over last Sunday to hang out and play. We had such a wonderful time visiting and enjoying all of Aunt Natalie's yummy cookies!! (choc. chip, butterscotch, craisin, mint....just to name a few). She is such a fabulous, creative cook, and always makes going over to her house extra special!! Thanks for being such a wonderful sister and aunt! We love you!

Shelby, Shelby, Shelby.......

What would we do without Shelby? (Well, I can think of a lot of things!! Just kidding!!) She truly is Braden's very best friend. He loves her so much, and gives her lots of extra attention and kisses every morning before he starts the day.

SURPRISE!! Happy 30th Kev.

The Burk's, Koos, and Upp families celebrating!
Sydney showing her birthday spirit!!

Yes, it's hard to believe that my sweet, little, "baby" brother just turned the big 30 on April 24th. (Now, that makes me feel really old!) His darling wife, Marcy, threw him the most amazing SURPRISE party ever. You should have seen the look on his face when he walked into the restaurant to see his whole family there singing "Happy Birthday!" to him. It was TONS of fun, and filled with a big surprise for us as well. Shortly after Kev opened his presents, he announced to us that Marcy would be starting a new job in Nov. Then he went onto to tell us that her new job was going to be a mom!! CONGRATULATIONS!! We are so happy for them, and cannot wait to see this beautiful baby due to be here on Dec. 4th!! Yea!! I can't wait to return all of the babysitting favors. We LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!