5th Annual Apple Fest 5k/10k

Another year has zoomed by and I'm happy to announce the 5th Annual Apple Fest on Saturday, September 15 in Fillmore, UT.  We look forward to this every year and we are so excited for another fun event.  In past years, we've had activities on Friday and Saturday.  This year Apple Fest will just be held on Saturday beginning with the 5k/10k at 8:00 am (registration at: www.applefest.us).  You'll want to arrive early to see the hot air balloon launch.  Following the race, participants and spectators can feast on an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast {Breakfast is included for the racers; $5 for spectators and others}.

You'll want to stick around for other Apple Fest activities including: Apple pressing, hay wagon rides, zip line and concessions.  At 4:00 pm we'll be firing up the grill for the very popular dutch oven dinner (tickets for dinner can be purchased at: www.applefest.us). Also back by popular demand is live entertainment performed by the local band, Switchback.

We feel so grateful for the wonderful support for Apple Fest the past few years.  This is an open event and ALL are invited to attend. We look forward to another fun and successful year. See you there!!!

All proceeds from Apple Fest will benefit the Kate Rosenvall Foundation, which helps families with sick or terminally ill children.

So This is What 1-Year-Old Looks Like....

My sister-in-law, Kirstin {kirstinroper.com}, snapped these fabulous photos while we were in Utah.  LOVE them!!

They Say it's Your Birthday!!!

 The BIG day has arrived!  Since we already {kinda} celebrated Merek's birthday on Sunday, today he had a fun time opening up gifts from Grandma & Grandpa Roper, Grandma and & Grandpa Rosenvall, Mom & Dad and Mia.

 The highlight for Merek was definitely the smash cake {or in other words......smashing the cake}!

 Can you tell he's a little excited?

 Loves from his sissy.

 He had more fun digging his feet into it.

 Can you tell?

 He definitely did a number to the cake.....

 .....with a little help from his sister! WOW!

  Happy Birthday Mr. Man!!

Pre-Birthday Celebration!

How is it that my baby is turning 1-year-old already?  This is so cliche to say, but it really just seems like  yesterday that Merek graced us with his presence.  Our lives have been so blessed having him in our family.  He is such a sweet, happy-go-lucky, chill baby boy.  When I had my ultrasound and found out that we would be having a boy, we were ecstatic! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine having a little boy {following 2 sweet girls} would be as much fun as it is.  Feeling so blessed.  Happy birthday to my handsome lover dover doo doo!

We celebrated his birthday a little early today with some of our friends.  

Cutest little 1-year-old! 

 Merek had some really good helpers to help him open his presents.

  Tyler & Wynnie

 McCall & Mia...besties

 Cute little Lyv & Ryn

 The Stolks

 Kaitlyn & Mia

 The Stinson's

 Debbie Deb & Parker Face

Happy 6th Birthday Kate!!

My heart is so full today as I reflect upon this special day.  Six years ago, our lives changed forever.  I often think about what our lives would be like if Kate was still with us.  Would we be preparing to send her to kindergarten?  What would she look like?  Would she still have a lot of health issues? I miss her more now than the day we said goodbye.  Although the sting of missing her is not as intense, there is not a day that goes by that I don't long to snuggle with her, kiss her and love on her.  I have no doubt in my mind where she is; that she is doing marvelous work.  She is ours.  We will see her again.  I am so grateful for this knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.  Having Kate has made me a better {imperfect} person.  I desire to be a better mother, a better wife, daughter and friend.  I am grateful to be a mom.  There truly is no greater calling.  I look forward to seeing Kate again, but until then.....we will celebrate! 

Every year on Kate's birthday, we make a cake.  This year Mia made the request to make a "castle" cake.  I have to laugh because she LOVES watching YouTube clips of baking shows {she's a girl after her mother's heart}.  She found a tutorial on how to make a castle cake and so we gave it a whirl.

Cute little Mia Stewart!!

The finished product!!

My cute little family

Every year we let off balloons; 1 balloon for each year she would be.  We were unable to let off balloons this year due to a worldwide helium shortage.  I know....it sounds silly, but it's true.  We went to who knows how many places to see if we could get some helium balloons with no such luck.

Strawberry Pickin'

We feel so spoiled to have such yummy produce fields right in our back yard.  Today we spent the day with some friends at the strawberry fields picking out our very own strawberries.  I'm so intrigued by the technique they use to harvest the berries.  They actually use a unique and inventive Hydroponic system that makes it easy and fun for picking.  The kids were each given a pair of scissors and a bucket and were let loose.  They (we) all had a ball.

{Mia and Mason}

{Mia & Mallory}

{Mason & Mia showing off their strawberries}

{Bethanie, Mason & Cole}

{Sherry & Mallory}

{Merek reaping the rewards of all the hard labor}

{Monkey Mason}

Preschool Swim Party

Mia's last day of preschool was spent at a pool party at Miss Michelle's house.  What a fun way to end the school year.

{Hannah, Bailee & Mia}

{London, Mia & Hannah}

Summer Has Begun

Mia began her first session of swim lessons this summer.  Her teacher, Miss Cheryl, is fabulous. I am amazed at the progress she has made from last year.  She absolutely loves the water and can now swim on her own.  Here's to LOTS of pool time this summer!