SURPRISE!!!

Last Friday we threw a surprise 80th birthday party for my Grandpa Olsen. They were on their way home from Star Valley. They live in St. George so they were in town for a few days. My grandpa's birthday isn't for another month and a half but, we weren't sure when they would be back up. Time is of the essence! We only decided a week ago to throw this party, so we didn't have much time to plan. My parents made up some way to get them into the church as we all hid in the Relief Society room. They definitely were surprised! We had pictures of my grandpa on a table along with a slide-show that Rob and Emily spent too many hours working on. That was playing on a laptop so everyone could see. My grandpa had told my grandma that he didn't want any parties for his birthday, but I think he really enjoyed himself and was glad to see everyone. The girls all helped him blow out the candles on his cake and Stella even sat on his lap! That was a big gesture for her and he bragged about it later to my grandma. Tristan was so excited when everyone sang "Happy Birthday" and afterwards was walking around saying happy birthday n his own Tristan language. It gets me excited for his next birthday seeing how much he loved my grandpa's party. Eighty years is quite the milestone and one that should be celebrated! I love my grandpa so much and I was glad to be a part of this day.

And The Award Goes To....

It's times like these that I LOVE being a part of this family. Not only do we have impromptu pajama parties on Christmas Eve, but we make up our own Olympic Awards. Last Sunday my mom had dinner at her house. She had decided that since she was "so into the Olympics" this year that she would make a big Chinese dinner from scratch. The night before Rob, Emily and I had decided how funny it would be to make up some awards to present to everyone the next day. Well, after dinner Rob and I hid in the t.v. room and waited for Emily to Que the music. When we heard the Olympic song we marched into the living room. Everyone had a look of confusion on their faces. Rob had a torch in one hand (a flashlight with homemade flames around it) and a little American flag in the other. I was behind him holding the awards. Everyone received a silver medal (aluminum and ribbon) for something they either excelled at, were interested in, or had tried and failed miserably at (volleyball for my mom in the last case). Everyone was a good sport, except for Bill who looked embarrassed to have such a strange wife and wouldn't even come up to get his medal. My mom loved it and thought it was the perfect way to end her dinner. That was our goal! And so, that was the first official Robbins Summer Olympics Ceremony.

Family Bike Ride

We have been enjoying taking some bike rides this summer. Here the kids are in tow. Poor Bill is the lucky one that gets to lug them around. They love it when he pumps the peddles and makes them jolt back and forth. That always seems to get them laughing pretty hard! I love Tristan's hand on Stella's leg.

Our Little Artist

I love this picture of T-Boy! He looks so happy! He and Stella have stopped watching so much t.v. now that it's been moved to the basement and have gotten in touch with their inner artist. He is his sister's little shadow. They play so well together. It makes a mother proud!

Potty Pride

After only a year and a half of potty training, we finally have done it! Aside from wearing a pull-up at bedtime, our little Stella has mastered going on the potty during the day. This is the moment I have been looking forward to for quite some time now. We are such proud parents. However, I think we will still be giving her treats til she is 16. Oh well, whatever works I guess! Sorry this picture is so blurry, my camera was not cooperating for me this morning. Stella is pretty proud of herself. She is getting to be such a big girl.

Dylan's Blessing

Last Fast Sunday Rob had the opportunity to bless my adorable little nephew, Dylan. He gave him such a beautiful blessing and he and Emily both bore their testimonies, which I really enjoyed hearing. Afterwards, we all headed back to the Smith residence for yummy snacks (which always taste better on fast Sunday) and visiting. I love seeing my sister and brother-in-law as parents and are so happy it's finally their turn! They deserve all the blessings that come with being a parent! We love them and are glad to have Dylan in our little family!

Camping at Strawberry

A couple of weeks ago we went camping at Strawberry. We were crazy enough to give camping another try! Luckily, this time we didn't have any breakdowns (on my side or Tristan's)! The kids had a lot of fun and were pretty well behaved the whole weekend. They enjoyed playing in the dirt and making a mess of themselves. Isn't that what you're suppose to do? Make a mess?? We attempted a few fishing trips, but didn't have any success. Each time we got out there and got our fishing lines ready to go, the wind would pick up and the water got choppy. Overall we had a good time and loved getting away for even just a few days! We love to be in the mountains and wish we could do it more often. At least Bill got in some target practice for hunting and I didn't have to do my home duties for a few days.