Lake Powell 2010

Last summer Brian's parents got a houseboat for all of the fam-to go and celebrate Karen's 60th birthday!! We had a great time! We played games, ate, played in the sand, played volleyball, cliff jumped, ate, swam, wakeboarded, tubed, ate, rode the water weenie, fell off the water weenie, attempted to pull our big bums back on the water weenie, failed and had to be dragged back on by Brian and his brothers (OK so that was just me-but I promise it is HARD to get back on that thing!) And did I mention EAT!! Gee I wonder why I couldn't pull my big bum back on the water weenie!! The kids loved it-Aspen's favorite part was the slide on the back of the boat-on one of her many rides down she yelled "BEST VACATION EVER!" (that became our theme for the rest of the trip) She couldn't get enough of that slide! The kids loved swimming in the water-I would just sit on the beach, saok in the sun and watch my kids little heads bob in the water. I think they spent about 8-9 hours submerged in water and sand! The loved it--we all did--Thanks Hugh and Karen!!

Bear Lake 2010

In July we went to Bear Lake with my family. We stay in a condo and they have a lot of fun things to do at the complex, not to mention the lake! We swim, play on the playground, do crafts, go for our nightly ice cream or Raspberry shake run, play bocci ball and EAT!! We had a great time, the weather was a little cooler this year and it made our time at the beach shortened. When we have gone before we stayed at the beach the whole day, but this year the cold water Bear Lake is known for was just too cold, with the cold weather. But, that didn't stop us from having a great time! We look forward to next time!!

Porter wasn't quite sure what he thought of the boat ride!

Tis the Season!

And so it begins!! Hunting season is offically here!! Brian has already been Elk bow hunting and coyote hunting. The deer hunt is just around the corner. So, this is pretty much what we will be doing every weekend until spring! When Brian came home last night from coyote hunting he was VERY excited and said "I am feeling the fever again!" He can't wait to go again, and again! I asked him when he DOESN'T "feel the fever".

Summer nights

This summer we took the kids to the drive in a couple of times. They loved it! And best of all it is WAY cheaper than going to the theatre. We loaded the back of the truck up with blankets, pillows and camping pads. We really enjoyed our fun family time and will be doing it again many times next year!

Zoo, June 2010

I know that none of you really care what we did clear back in June, but this blog serves as my family journal, so I am going to attempt to get it updated.


Back in June I took the kids to Salt Lake, we try to do this every summer, and hit some of the fun things to do around there, things that we miss. And of course one of those is the ZOO!! The closest Zoo to us is in Boise, and I have been once, compared to Hogle Zoo it is very sad to say the least! This year Aunt Melinda came to have fun with us at the Zoo (and really to help me!) we also had Aunt Trisha, Colton, Sydnee, and Haylee come with us! The kids were so excited to have their cousins with them! We hit the Elephant show, saw the baby elephant, watched the bird show, rode the train and carousel, and pretty much hit EVERY animal in between!! As always we had a great time. Aspen and Cloton were our tour guides, they carried the Zoo maps all over and would direct us where to go next, it was pretty cute.





The Penguins were one of our favorites, we watched them for a very long time, and I could only get pictures of the back of the kids heads. The penguins would line up and jump in the water swim around really fast and crazy then all jump back out, shake off their bodies, then line up again and do it again-it was pretty cute! Thanks for your help Melinda!! (side note: when Porter saw this picture he said-"Look Mom it's me and you!" I was pretty excited-Melinda is 6 years younger than me!!!)

Waiting for the bird show-see Colton's map, planning our next stop!

These pictures are really blurry-they were moving and I couldn't get a good pic!

Riding a Tiger!!

A day of firsts!

September 7 th was a big day around our house, Aspen and Brylee started school! Aspen started first grade! All Day Long!! She leaves on the bus at 7:30 then gets home at about 3:40! She was very excited and had no problem getting up so early. Brylee started pre-school the same day and she was just as excited! (I think they were both tired of spending everyday with me!) Aspen wanted me to drive her to school the first day so, we all loaded up and headed in. Aspen's school starts at 8:20 and Brylee starts at 9 am. So, we were able to hit both of them one after the other, then it was just Porter and me!! Brylee only goes to school twice a week for two hours-and I think we both wish it was more, she really enjoys it and I have enjoyed spending a little one on one time with Porter.

Everyone ready to go!

Our big first grader!

I just had to take this because her hair is getting so long I can't believe it!

On our way!!

Aspen in her class!

Brylee in her class, this is the best smile I could get!

And then there was one!!!!

That night Aspen lost her first tooth! It had been really loose and she was having a hard time eating and talking with it, but she refused to let us pull it. We had tied a string to it a couple nights earlier and it slipped off when we tied it to the door. So, she finally decided to let us try again, because it was hurting her. So, I tied some floss around it, but when I went to tie it to the door she changed her mind and put her hands around her mouth and started saying "No, never mind!" So, I just pulled on the floss, and it came out! But, she was so busy throwing fit she didn't even know it was out! She was very excited after that! And the best part of course was the tooth fairy came that night!! She couldn't believe she actually came!! Now, Brylee and Porter are constantly asking me if their teeth are loose.

We have had a REALLY busy summer and done so many fun things, but I decided to wait to catch up on those things later, I just needed to start somewhere!!

Asperino's Birthday!!

Waaay back in June, this girl turned 6!!!!! Instead of a friend party she wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese's. The closest one to us is in Boise--about 1 hour and 45 minutes away! So, she invited her friend Lily and we made a day trip out of it. We all had a great time! Pizza-not so great. Hours of entertainment--great!

I had food in my mouth! but Brian doesn't care he takes the pic anyways!

Just in case you are wondering--no Brylee's hair will NOT stay out of her face!!

This boy needs a horse!!!!

Birthday number 6 a success!! Happy Birthday Aspen-We love you!!!

One down 12 to go!!!

Aspen made it through her first year of school! She graduated from kindergarten with flying colors! She had a great first year, and is soo excited for first grade-all day long!! Aspen had a wonderful teacher, and I am constantly amazed with all that she has learned from her (now if I can just make sure I don't mess it all up) and Aspen made a lot of great friends, everyday she would come home and tell me about someone else she met! For their graduation they did a cute little program and got diploma's. (my pic's are a little blurry, after the program I realized there was a finger print on my lense-duh)Our little graduate!

Comparing diploma's with her friends!

Aspen and Mrs. Fitzgerald

Singing in her program.

Aspen, we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Don't ever forget what an amazing daughter of God you are. We love you and enjoy being your parents! Mom and Dad