So why is it....

So why is it that on that last day of summer vacation the kids decide that it's not so bad to all play together. Boys and girl. All playing the SAME THING. Without yelling, screaming and or hitting. Wow. Wish they could have figured that out 2 months ago. Tomorrow the boys go back to school and I'm back to entertaining a 4 year old. Pooper.

The Last Fling of Summer

A few weeks ago, Ryan had a business trip up north so we decided to tag along. Anytime we can stay in a hotel, the kids consider it a vacation. So what the hey! A final trip before school starts. We drove all the way to Spokane, Washington the first day. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised to see all the pine trees up around on the mountains. Very pretty. We stopped at the temple which was nice. I loved looking around at the gardens. One of these days I hope to have a yard with beautiful flowers in it just like they have at every temple. I tend to kill things. I guess I have a lot to learn if I have such an ambitious goal!


Next stop was Silverwood in Coeur D'Alene. An amusement park somewhat like Lagoon. The weather was perfect and we made sure to drink plenty of water. Our last vacation, some special few (me and Josh) ended up with heat exhaustion. This time around was much better. We had a good time. Well, except Kaden. He hated the rides. He whimpered and whined the whole time the ride was going. We kept him off the rest. Doesn't he look like he's having fun?

While waiting for Ryan and the other kids to get off a ride, Kaden and I went exploring. Kaden was drawn to the rocks. What a cute little guy.

After the rides, we headed over to the water park. This was the highlight. I think that everyone had a great time. Kaden mostly hung out with Dad while I chased all the other kids around. I tried to keep my hair dry. Ha. I had little kids splashing me, and worst of all was when I went down a slide with Abby. It looked safe, until we hit the bottom and got drenched. So much for the make-up and hairdo!



On the last leg of our trip, we headed to St. Maries, Idaho. It was beautiful country. We stopped at the golf course and I had to snag a few shots. Peaceful? Ah yes. What a great way to end our vacation.

July Birthdays

Our summer has been one of craziness. In addition to two birthday's we also decided to move sometime in there. Ethan's 8th birthday was day number two in the new house. It was crazy. Boxes everywhere. No wrapping paper to be seen. A mad rush by mom and dad to buy presents (although I'm not sure why I'm admitting that!) Even through the mess Ethan said that it was one of this best birthday's ever! Seriously though. How could it NOT be a great birthday when you have an ice cream cake? Yum.


Abby's birthday was a little less hectic. We had one very excited 4 year old on our hands. What a sweet little thing she is. I remember the day she was born. My only girl. I rushed out and bought everything in pink! It's a good thing that she turned out to be a girl considering the doctor was only 70% sure that she was a girl in the ultrasound. But we are thrilled to have Abby part of our family. Happy Birthday big girl.

Ethan's Baptism

Saturday, July 31, 2010 was a pretty special day around our house. Ethan decided that he wanted to be baptized. I was very proud. And surprisingly, everything went smooth that morning. With Josh's baptism, everything that could go wrong did! Nobody was throwing up this time around. I didn't forget one thing, and the program went well. What a relief. What a special boy Ethan is. We love him very much and are very happy with his decision to be baptized.

The New Do

Josh said that he wanted a Mohawk for church last Sunday. I'm a mean mom and said, um no. But Josh was told that right after church, we could spike away. Lucky for us, Aunt Amber was here and had plenty of hair product just perfect for the occasion. What a cool fellow.

Then of course Ethan wanted in on some of the action. Who could blame him? Mohawks are COOL.

And not to be left out! The biggest of the boys around our house: Grandpa. 3 of the coolest kids around town!

Boys being boys

We had a big sleepover this weekend at Grandma's and Grandpa's house. Lots of cousins, lots of noise and lots of fun. We caught the boys playing out back with the sleeping bags...turned into what? Giant boxing gloves?

And Josh is down for the count. Looks like Brandon won that round!

The Fashion Show

This afternoon I was privileged to be invited to the premier fashion show of the season. Everyone who is anyone is invited. I got front row seats. The models? Miss Abby and cousin Miss Lilian. The backstage designers? The lovely Rebekah and Julianne. And of course the comic relief, Brandon, Josh and Ethan.

Brandon the Bunny.

Josh, the cowboy extraordinaire.

And check out those fashions! The models were outstanding.

I can't wait till the next season. Good job to all involved. What a great fashion show.