Swimming Success

In the past we have spent a large portion of our summer at various pools near our home. However, with temperatures being what they are and having a new born we decided to make this summer one for improving swimming skills (for Ryley and Kadyn) and learning to swim (for Thatcher and Haley). I did my homework and found a great facility with an indoor pool and private swim teachers. They receive a total of twelve lessons and after having completed just two I can't believe the changes and improvements they have each shown already. There is something exciting about watching your child develop an important skill. With four good swimmers we will definitely be able to hit the water parks in future summers. Now we just need to work on their height deficiency so they'll be allowed to enjoy the slides!

Nauvoo Pageant

We recently realized how close we are now living to Nauvoo, IL. For anyone not affiliated with our religion, this area holds significant meaning to our church's history. Each July they have a pageant that explains the many events which took place here. We were fully aware that with a six week old and two year old we weren't attending under the most convenient of circumstances, however, we also could not allow the opportunity to pass us by. On Saturday afternoon we headed up and decided to just make it a one day trip, knowing we can return a few months from now to enjoy the area when it's no longer crowded and busy. It was a wonderful experience for all of us but I believe Ryley and Kadyn enjoyed it the most. They are a perfect age not only to appreciated a musical but to understand some of our church's history and the bitter/sweet events that took place in that area nearly two hundred years ago. We are so grateful for the many individuals that made such great sacrifices for all those coming after them.

Fabulous Five

Thatcher turned the big five a few days ago. He planned a fantastic day that was fun for the whole family. We began at the Incredible Pizza Place where they played and ate to their hearts desire. Once home we made pizzas, opened presents, and had cake and ice cream. The girls came up with a great idea to buy five small gifts and planned a very impressive scavenger hunt with multiple clues just for Thatch. It turned out so great we've decided to make it a sibling tradition. Since he chose to have a family party he made out like a bandit in the presents department. The kids have spent the past six days playing non stop lego's and baseball. (Video below) Thatcher is so much fun to have in a home filled with girls. He brings spunk and excitement, a touch of mischief, and his smile can instantly melt your heart. Happy 5th Birthday. We love you pal!

The Fourth's Festivities

We chose to divide and conquered this holiday since Azure and a heat index of 101 don't exactly mesh. On July 4th the eldest four and I headed to a small suburb of St. Louis. We found a street where the town parade was scheduled to end and sat ourselves down for a fun time. They had great bands, beautiful horses, and amazing floats. They even handed out candy and flags. It just happens that directly across the street they were also having their annual fair complete with food, rides, and entertainment. When the parade ended I decided instead of fighting crowds and traffic we would play for a bit and allow everyone to empty the area. The idea worked perfectly and the kiddos had a blast. That evening we headed toward the arch in hopes of being lucky enough to catch some fireworks. At the exact moment Steven reached the bridge the fireworks began. We continued back and forth over the bridge for the next thirty minutes while they put on one of the best displays we have ever seen.

The next day some new friends introduced us to the Botanical Garden's. They were absolutely gorgeous, and we only made it through a few exhibits. While July temperatures here are quite toasty it was still an enjoyable experience thanks to the random fountains they've placed throughout so that kids can cool off. With various days being free we can take our time, enjoy a few hours, and plan a trip back for the following week. It's perfect!

The arch is illuminated to the left.

Azure's Blessing

We had the opportunity to bless little Azure last Sunday and to have Mom and Dad Ballard here visiting completed the entire weekend. It was a special day for our family and one we have had the gift of experiencing four times prior. I sat there thinking about our children's previous blessings and the one Azure had just received. I looked at all five of these awesome children that Steven and I have been given the great privilege of raising upon this earth and was overwhelmed with deep gratitude to Heavenly Father. Parenting is an awesome, incredible gift, with everyone involved learning and growing together. It's an all encompassing experience that's both wonderfully amazing, and yet, offers moments that challenge you and build faith. To define it perfectly, there's NO better job in the world!

New Beginnings

We have arrived and are settling into our new home nicely. After two weeks we have already enjoyed many of the wonderful places that St. Louis has to offer...including Costco! The three posts below are pictures from various activities we have checked out thus far. There is still tons to do and lots to see in the short year we have, thus, a Ballard bucket list may be an important necessity. For now we are loving our time here and can't wait for all that still lies ahead.

Grant's Farm

My favorite part of this day was when Thatcher turned to me and said, "Man, this Grant farmer was really nice to let us come play with all his animals!" I had to agree. :)