I am back and waaay behind (again)

I am back and have pictures from Texas that I need to post. I am also way behind on a ton of stuff. I am organizing my pics today and hopefully I will be able to post by tomorrow. Check back soon.

and away I go.....

Okay, so tomorrow morning (Thursday) I am off to Lubbock, Texas! I am a little nervous though because I am leaving Nate and the kids at home.  Nate has never had the kids by himself for more than a few hours, let alone four days!!!  My oldest brother Chad is graduating from Texas Tech with his doctorate, so we officially have another Dr. Graff in the family!  I am flying down with my sisters and my parents.  Not only will I be out of town but Nate's parents are also out of town, so Nate actually has to go totally solo!  I know that he can do it and that it will be good for him.  I think it's me and that I don't know what I will do without my kids for that long.  I love them and haven't been away from them for longer than an overnight trip to grandma's and grandpa's or when just one of them goes on a trip.  Hopefully I will be able to survive:) I am definitely excited to see Texas and see my brother graduate!! I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments.  So if you are in the neighborhood check on Nate and make sure that he is still alive (and not tied up:))  I love you guys and will miss you every moment that I am without you.  Take care of dad!!!

Dusting off old skills

Okay, so I will be the first to admit that my sewing machine hasn't been broken in much since I bought a new one five years ago.  I decided it was about time I wiped the dust off the cover and began to rebuild that fragile relationship.  Brynlei has been growing like a little weed lately and she grows out of a lot of her dresses due to the rapid growth in her height.  So when I found a cute tutorial on the internet for bandana dresses I decided that for as cheap as they are to make that even if I failed miserably then I wouldn't be out much.  Well here is my attempt at making them.  I had fun sewing these two dresses and they seriously only took me about 35 minutes each.  She loves them and keeps telling me she needs more.  Now, I just need to make matching bows.   I do think they turned out cuter than I thought they would and now I am excited to start sewing more fun things!!! 

Another Basketball Camp...

Last week July 27th-30th Karter attended yet another basketball camp for the summer.  This one was the Think Swish Shooting Camp.  He has really grown a love for basketball this year and loves to learn new skills and to attend these camps.  He is improving so much.  Good job Karter!!!

Nature Camp-Brekken

Brekken Tonaquint Nature Camp-  Tweetie Bird- July 6th-9th

Brekken has watched Traevn attend nature camp for the past two years and begged to go this year, so we signed him up.  He loved it.  He had so much fun learning about bugs, reptiles, ducks, etc.  His tribe was called The Dragon Warriors and the Princess.  He enjoyed all the fun games and activities that he participated in and he can't wait to go again next year!!!

Swimming Lessons @ SHAC June 29th-July 9th

Once again I am behind at posting....

The kids took swimming lessons once again this year at Sand Hollow.  They love going to swim lessons.  Swim lessons are a must in our family because we spend so much time at the pool, river, etc.   They all passed their classes and did so well.  Seriously, sometimes I wonder if I gave birth to fish.  They love swimming and have greatly improved from last year.   We are so proud of each of you and can't wait to swim some more!!!!

SiX tHiNgS aBoUt BrEkKeN

So I know that this is just a little bit late but lets just pretend that this post was posted on Brekken's actual birthday:)  

Six things we ♥ about Brekken:

-Brekken is our little sunshine, literally!!  When I found out I was pregnant with Brekken I was a little scared.  I had just had my first miscarriage one month before (at 12.5 weeks) and was still trying to cope with the loss of the baby.  I wasn't planning on becoming pregnant so soon after the miscarriage but Brekken (and my Heavenly Father) knew I needed him then at that point in my life.  I have always called Brekken my sunshine after my storm.  He has always had the ability to make me smile or laugh on even my very worst days.  Without fail he always knows when I need a pick-me-up, on days when my self worth has been low, without even knowing, Brekken will walk in and tell me how much he loves me, how beautiful I am, or just let me know that I matter.   

-Brekken has the talent and determination to be his best at everything he tries whether it is in sports, friendships, school, etc.  He has an inner drive to try his hardest!!!  He isn't afraid to try new things.  He has improved so much in everything that he has done this year.  

-He is a little (sometimes a lot) mischievous.  He is also the biggest goof ball!

-He loves his family unconditionally, especially his brothers and sister (he is often times their biggest advocate).  

-He loves to make new friends.  Whenever we go places Brekken can always make a friend, or two, or three before we leave.  He also loves to be with his cousins and is always telling them, "You know that cousins can be friends."

-He has an enormous heart and isn't afraid to let others know how he feels!!

We love you Brekken so much!!! We are forever grateful that you came into our lives when you did.  You light up our lives in more ways than you will ever know.  

Love, 

Mom & Dad