Murphy Family Reunion

We had our first Murphy Reunion this summer. It was the first time we were all together in a little over 4 years! It was great!

Our reunion was held here in Cedar City. My in-laws graciously allowed us to use their home and the Thorley Mountain. We had fun with all kinds of activities. We played games, held a family competition, hiked, and explored the mountain on four-wheelers and dirt bikes. There are some things that will be unforgettable. One being our Tie-die shirts!

We all made a shirt. Aren't they great?! Some people will never wear them again, but my kids loved it and have worn their shirts several times since.

Another unforgettable event was our friendly family competition. We split into three teams and competed in five different events. The most memorable event: Cheese Head! One member from each team had to wear a shower cap with shaving cream all over it. Then all other teammates threw cheese puffs at their head. Whichever team could land the most cheese puffs on their teammates head in one minute, won! It was a blast!

Something memorable for at least me and all the kiddos was the fun crafts and activities my awesome, big sister Vanessa planned. The kids made personalized binoculars and went on a nature hunt. They made balloon animals, painted rocks, did bubbles, and more.

One last thing that was unforgettable was the devotionals we had every night. Family unity can be found in many ways, but one of the most moving ways for me is when we can all connect spiritually. When we participate in spiritual discussion our spirits are unified, relationships, and testimonies are strengthened.

Twinners!

I am grateful for family. I am grateful for my family.

Hannah is Two!

Our sweet Hannah Jo turned 2 on July 25th! She has grown so much in 2 years. I will never forget her dramatic, quick entrance into this world. She was eager to be here in our family and we are sure grateful for the blessing she has been. She is our little peacemaker (most of the time). She likes to help people be happy. She shares well, especially for a 2-year-old. This is a fun age for me to observe and strive to parent. It is a hard stage, but fun. I can remember each of my kids learning their autonomy around this age. Hannah is definitely trying to figure this out as well. 

Some of Hannah's favorite foods are strawberries, watermelon, Raisin Bran cereal, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, scrambled eggs, pasta, green beans, and corn.

Things Hannah likes to do: 

-Play pretend with dolls and stuffed animals

-Read books

-Color

-Leggos or blocks

-Brush her teeth

-Be with her family

We sure love our sweet Hannah! Happy Birthday!

Bed head :)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Almost got it this year! We had to help her blow out the candle.

Hannah's 2-year Stats:

Weight - 27 lbs, 53%

Height - 35.5 in, 87%

Head - 19.25 in, 84%

A Hiking We Will Go!

Due to some complicated and trying circumstances... David's cousin Billy and his sweet family was forced to stay with us for another week. Though the circumstances weren't ideal, we had a lot of fun. We were grateful for the opportunity to be with them and serve them in their time of need. We kind of adopted their youngest daughter for a few days. Evelyn and her became best friends! One day while they were here we went on a great hike. It is called Hidden Haven, and the name describes it perfectly.

Independence Day 2015

This year's 4th of July was much different than our last two. We were actually with family!!! David's Aunt and all her kids came to us! We love the Blair's! Aunt Martha is an amazing lady and her husband Uncle Hughey is pretty awesome too. We enjoyed our time with them and the other family that made it for the fun as well. David's Uncle Adam and Aunt Sally came with their kids and another of David's cousins and his wife was able to join the fun as well. It was great to see so much family!

The kids enjoyed playing with all their second cousins. They would play for hours before checking in with us. It is always good to see them play so well with other kids.

On the 4th, we had the opportunity to ride in the Cedar City Independence Day Parade. The Blair's have connections with the fire department here so we got to ride on top of a fire truck!

After the parade we went up to the Thorley Mountain and relaxed there for a little. We took the kids on four-wheeler rides and explored before heading down for evening festivities.

David's cousin Ricky (the oldest of Martha & Hughey) bought tons of fun fireworks for the kids to enjoy while most of the adults went to watch a large firework production put on by the local fire department.

Ummm... I'm not so sure about this...

Bad photo on me :(... cut off his hand and firework. But he is still cute :).

I'll try again if I must...