Great Product for New Parents!

DISCLAIMER: Reiko would like it to be known that she in no way contributed to this post.

So I decided to start my Christmas wish list early after I saw this great new product! Let me know what y'all think.

Mike Miller Volleyball Classic

Well, Bryan had the opportunity to play in the Mike Miller Volleyball classic with Jared Klepko yesterday. It is the first outdoor tournament and competitive volleyball he has played since last summer. They played in the Open division and had a good time. They were teamed up with two other guys from Memphis. Ari and I enjoyed the nice cool weather with no humidity. Ari stole some of the attention from her daddy. Everyone thought she was just the cutest thing ever.

Ari's Future Husband

Cara and I keep telling Hudson and Ari that they will one day find each other and get married. Cara took these cute pictures of the two babies.
Hudson trying to be cute while Ari wants nothing to do with him, typical girl thing.

So Cara brought over a disk with a bunch of pictures of our family from the past two years. And I thought I would post some of them. Bryan and I have really enjoyed our time here in the South and are sad that it is coming to an end. We have made so many great friendships and memories and hope that they will last.

Our friends the Ketchers spoke in church on Sunday kind of as their farewell address. They are also moving in a couple of weeks to begin John's externships. John made the comment during his talk that he will always be able to look at their son Evan and remember the great times they had here in Southaven. Bryan and I feel the same way when we look at Ari.

We came to Southaven only planning on staying a couple months and it turned into two years. We have both grown so much mentally, spiritually, and actually physically (we do live in the most obese state). Hope you enjoy the photos. Thank you Cara for always being on the ball having your camera with you.

I believe Jen's Birthday Party

Bryan and me at the Memphis in May Music Fest (It rains every year, you would think they would change the date)

Katie, Me, and Cara at the Haunted Corn Maze

Kash, Josh, and Bryan working on a project in the dark

I love this picture, I think it was taken the Fall we arrived in Southaven. We sure miss those elders.

Cara, Margaret, and Me outside the Fedex Forum after a Grizzly Game

The Sullengers and us at the Coke Factory in Atlanta. I am sure going to miss our vacations together. We can't let distance stop us from vacationing together.

Don't you love those Fall colors? Thank you Kash for always taking great pictures for us.

Help! Addiction Problem!

So we have an addiction problem at our home. The addiction is Guitar Hero World Tour. We played it when we went to Utah last time, and when we got back we knew it wouldn't be long before we purchased it. We ended up being able to purchase it sooner than we thought thanks to the Collins letting us know that Amazon had discounted it by $100.00. We couldn't pass it up with that discount. We have been playing it every chance we can. We have also tried to recruit people to play with us. There have been some late nights at our house and some babies staying up late.

It's Soooo Hot!

Well, it has been so hot this summer and the only way to deal with it is by going swimming. The Anderson's have been so nice to allow us to use their pool while they are on vacation. We are so thankful for their generosity. I have also decided that if you are going to have a pool,then a salt water pool is the way to go. Here are some pictures of us swimming.

Oh, yesterday Bryan decided Ari needed to go under the water. We will post the video as soon as I figure out how to do that. Until then enjoy the faces she makes.
This is Ari coming up from the water.

And this is infamous dunking in action.
Ari under the waterfall

Ari's buddy Hudson

Ari's buddy Evan

Ari's buddy Morgan

Ari and Daddy

Wicked!

Bryan and I were able to go and see Wicked this past week. Can I tell you it was so awesome. This is the first time we have left Ari for this long of a period. Thank you Lisa. I have been singing the songs all week. The actors were fantastic. They have so much energy. If you get the chance to see it Bryan and I recommend going. Bryan and I have decided we are going to make it a custom to go to the theater at least once a year. The Wizard of Oz is the next show we want to see.

Kirari Grace's Baby Blessing

From Drop Box

While we were in Utah Bryan was able to bless Kirari with the most beautiful blessing ever. He blessed her with many great things. I am excited to see what is in store with this little angel of ours. Ari knew this was her day and she was the princess for sure. We want to thank everyone who was able to be a part of Ari's special day. Thank you Auntie Rayann for making such a beautiful dress.

4th of July Celebration

I know I am a week behind, but here are some pictures from our 4th of July weekend. We started our weekend off by visiting the Memphis Zoo. A ward member was nice enough to share some free passes she had with us. Thank you Toni!

That afternoon we went swimming at another ward members pool. It was so hot that it felt really good to cool off in the pool.

On Saturday we hung out at the house doing random project and then went over to another ward members home for a 4th of July celebration. We were able to play some volleyball and go swimming. Thank you Ross' for hosting such a great party.

For fireworks we headed over to Germantown to meet up with the Klepkos. Germantown has the best firework show ever. Ari even enjoyed watching the show.

It's Official

So it is official that my daughter is a thumb sucker. I have been fighting her on putting her hand in her mouth, but at last I have given in. She doesn't have a favorite thumb, she is willing to use either one as long as she gets her thumb in her mouth. She even tries to put it in her mouth while nursing or eating a bottle. I can't even blame this on Bryan (he wasn't a thumb sucker). She really is my daughter.

Pink Palace

Last weekend we headed off to the Pink Palace with our free membership. The Pink Palace for the last two summers has offered a two month free pass for the summer. We didn't take advantage of it last summer, but decided that it would be nice to have this year. This is a picture of the family and the next one is Bryan trying to feed our daughter to the dinosaur.

Blueberry Picking

A couple weekends ago we went picking blueberries with some friends. It was a lot of fun, but was it hot. Our blueberries didn't last long. We had a crumble cake, pancakes, fresh berries, shakes, and my favorite pie with home-made pie filling.

Jump-A-Roo

Ari loves her jump-a-roo. I know it is kinda hard to tell. Whenever we go to take her picture she stares at the camera.

Ari in her bumbo seat. Not sure how much longer she will be able to use the chair. Her legs sometimes get stuck in the chair.

Smiling Baby

Our cute smiling Baby is growing up so quickly. We are amazed how quickly she changes.

Utah/Colorado Vacation

So if you are not family you probably don't want to read on because I have a ton to update.
Ari with her Great Grandma Yamashita. This is where Ari gets her Japanese heritage from and why we gave her a Japanese name.

Ari with her Great Grandma Smith

So we have been sold on Guitar Hero World Tour. Kindra knew the songs better than the guys. We actually bought this game this week for the Wii. Family you better bring your "A" game, I am going to practice so I actually might not fail. I am laughing with you. :o) Soni thank you for having a party at your home.

Auntie Kate with Ari

Uncle Josh and soon to be Auntie Christina. We are so excited for the two of you.

What would a vacation be without a zoo trip be. If anyone knows me I love the zoo. I controlled myself this time and didn't take a picture of every animal we saw. Just one animal named Jackson. :o)

So the whole reason for our trip out to Utah and Colorado was to spend time with Granpa and Grandma Great Allred. Grandpa Allred is 94 years old and is as quick as a whip. He is legally blind, but you couldn't tell because he moves quite well. He amazes me with how much energy he still has. He would stay up late and play board games with us and then get up earlier than some of us in the morning, namely me. He was so cute with Ari. He would put her on his lap and bounce her while singing to her.

Upon request here are the rest of the pictures from the pool party. Thanks mom for allowing us to go swimming after hours.