cousins

oh man i found the jackpot of pictures on Jordanne's camera. this whole series just made me laugh. the goggles, the facial expressions, dirty shirtless boys. gotta love it.

the last two are my fav's.

happy birthday kaylee dear!

kaylee was born 12 years ago today........wow! i can't believe she is in middle school and young women's. she is such a good girl and we are so proud of her.

kaylee's birthday breakfast from dad, smoothie and donuts.

12 things i love about kaylee:

1. she is the best big sister. (her little brothers adore her)

2. she is a good student. she always does her best and works so hard.

3. beautiful green eyes.

4. kind heart, she is a good friend to everyone and has A LOT of friends.

5. she loves to read and is a major book worm (just like mom)

6. she is an awesome artist, another love we share.

7. even though we argue about hair, i love that she still lets me do it....

8. dedicated. she is a great example when it comes to reading her scriptures.

9. she reminds me alot of her dad. ;)

10. responsible. (great babysitter, now if she would be responsible with a clean room)

11. i love to watch her swim. she is really graceful.

12. i love that she is such a good example to her brothers and is such a good kid. she always tries to do her best and has such a strong testimoney for a 12 year old. she is amazing.

Little Learners.......FINALLY!

love this kid Will has been waiting patiently (not really) for school to start. The others kids have been going for almost 3 weeks and it has been killing him. He was so excited this morning that he actually ate breakfast (hasn't been happening around here lately). On the way there, he said "FINALLY, i get to go to MY school."

school has started......ughh!

the kids started school august 15th (6th-graders) and 16th (everyone else). this year i just wasn't ready. we had a great summer that went by too stinkin' fast. the kids got a long great (i'm not sure how we lucked out there) and played well together. i also really enjoyed my free awesome babysitter. kaylee is the best big sister. andrew started 3rd grade. so far he is doing really well. i went in last week to talk to his teacher and she asked, "has he always been this good?" "i can always count on andrew to be attentive!" way to go andrew!

kaylee started middle school (sniff, sniff) i am excited for her and terribly sad at the same time. she is really loving it so far. (am i really old enough to have a kid in middle school?) now we just need will's school to start, everyday he wants to know when he gets to go the "little learners"!

Example

Dear Grandma,
I had a great childhood. Growing up next door to you and Grandpa was so much fun. I loved you even when you spanked Josh and me for being so naughty. I loved your chocolate cake. I loved doing dishes with you. I love that one time you raced Melanie and me (and I was shocked at how fast you were.) I loved sitting with you at church and getting tickled with a pen. You taught me how to tie my shoe. You always see the best in people. I loved looking in the stands and seeing you at my basketball games. I loved when you taught me how to make your chocolate frosting. I love your hands. I love you. Thanks for being one amazing woman and example to all of us.

cutest picture ever, taken by my neice briann

Durango Mountain

will and daddy going down the alpine slides, the kids LOVED it.the bungee tramp was a hit for kaylee and andrew. andrew even got brave enough to do some flips. kaylee surprised me, this is not usually her kind of thing.

kaylee climbed the rock wall. she is pretty good at it. those long arms and legs come in pretty handy.

it was a great 4th of july weekend, thanks nannie and poppie for taking us on another great adventure.

Silverton, Colorado

we went to silverton for the 4th this year, i was a little worried how will would do, he hadn't fully recovered yet. he was a trooper and did great.

the fireworks in silverton are amazing. i would recommend going some day. you could feel them, and they echoed through the canyon. way cool.

kids are amazing both sam and will fell asleep through the show. i am not sure how they were soooo loud.

i was grateful will was able to go. i used it as motivation for him to get better. and it worked, he would take his medication and drink lots for me.