The Playmat

This playmat has been through 2 generations of kids playing.  Cars, barbies, my little ponies - whatever- have played on this little mat that my mom made a million years ago at a Relief Society activity.  I vividly remember her coloring in the houses & building with paint pens (what a neat invention!).  Over the years it has been torn but then lovingly patched up.  I'm so glad to have my kids play with it now, all thanks to my mom.

My Best Buds

These two have been the best buds a mom could have.  They go wherever I need to go, do what I need them to do and make me smile every day.  Motherhood isn't always fun, nor is it glamorous but I am deeply grateful for these two blessings.  I love you guys!

For Hire...

Isn't this why you have kids? :)

Summer Fun 2012

Here's a sampling of the things we've done to keep ourselves busy & cool this summer...

11-year old scout camp

Enjoying sno cones on a hot day

A belated bday party to Rocky Mtn. Raceways

Stephen in the Midvale Harvest Days Parade

Face Painting

...we've enjoyed parades, car shows, swimming lessons, lazing days at the pool, countless $1 movies, playing with dad, riding bikes & playgroups.

Ragnar 2012

2 vans, 12 runners

197 miles

GU's, peanut M&M's, water, chocolate milk

IPOD, confetti cannons, blow horn

sore muscles, sleep deprivation, blisters, taped ankles, sun burns

Honey Buckets, hot days, cool nights

The MOST FUN you'll ever have in 35 hours

INSANITY!!

Van 2 ready to hit the road

Van 2 Beauties

Kendra, Mindy, Lisel

Team 609

"Don't Touch the Banana"

All for the sticker!

California Vacation

I had the most wonderful opportunity to visit Greg in Monterrey, CA over Memorial Day weekend thanks to Grandma Jeanne who graciously watched the kids for us. We started in San Francisco & spent a day & a half getting wind blown all over the place. We made it to Alcatraz & spent most of our time there. We didn't realize how long it would take & it was very interesting. After San Fran we drove down Highway 1 (the scenic route) to Monterrey stopping along the way. I'll agree with the locals...it may be sunny but it's not warm. We had some nice weather but you definitely want to have a jacket handy when the coastal chill begins to blow. The Monterrey Bay Aquarium is world known & is fabulous.  I got a little used to driving around the little towns and enjoyed being pampered - no kids, working out as long as I wanted, mani/pedi & shopping, shopping, shopping. (Hey I needed to know where to really important stores were, OK!) As Monterrey may become our home, I was glad to no tonly visit but like it. 

Alcatraz - keep those jackets handy!

Fisherman's Wharf

I'll go wherever you are Greg!

Decade + 1

Stephen celebrated his 11th birthday with what seemed like a week-long event. The day before HIS big day Stephen was awarded his Arrow of Light - a big accomplishment for Cub Scouts. Now he is in the in-between scouts; no longer Cub Scouts but not yet Boy Scouts. Grandma Jeanne came to stay with the kids while I took a little trip to CA & was here to celebrate all our fun events. We helped celebrate with pancakes w/sprinkles, gifts & cake - not necessarily in that order. :) I can't believe that Stephen is 11. It didn't feel too long ago that he was my baby & now my baby is almost taller than me! We hope you have a terrificus year!

 Birthday pancakes & smiles!  Make a wish!

Arrow of Light ceremony.  So proud of you, Stephen!

My handsome boy