The "Punkin" Patch

This morning I went on a field trip with Blake's class to the pumpkin patch.  He had so much fun!

There were lots of fun things to do there while we waited for our turn on the hayride.  This cow train was super fun.

Blakey was the caboose.  Don't you love the tail!

This is his buddy Kade.

He goes to a wonderful preschool and has amazing teachers!

Conversations I never thought I would have until I had a 3 year old boy ...

• Please don't wiggle your naked bum in the dog's face.
• No weed wacking in the house.
• No rolly pollies in the kitchen.
• Please don't use your privates as a machine gun.
• Boogers are NOT snacks.
• You don't need to talk about motorcycles in every prayer.
• No, you don't need to take your shirt off to wrestle. 

That boy keeps me on my toes.  But I sure love him!

Part 2

Mylie had a great first day of school!  Her teacher is very nice, she found her friends and made new friends.  Lunchtime went well AND they get 3 recesses!  My favorite moment of the day though:



 Look at the two of them holding hands in the back of the van on the way home today.  Melts my heart!

First Day of First Grade! (part 1)

There's a pretty excited little girl at our house this morning!!

Big A - what do you think about those shoes?



Summer 2011

This summer just flew by!  I can't believe its the middle of August and school is about to start.  Here are some highlights from our summer:

Dinner at Jaker's to celebrate Craig and Kristine's 40th Anniversary!

The whole ham-damn fam!  There are pictures with Blake and Dad looking at the camera, but I love this one because I think it really captures how those two feel about each other!

Trip to Bend - meeting Elena for the first time!

"Sisters, Sisters ...."  Trip to Sisters, OR with Leslie and Karen to the quilt festival.  Delightful trip!

Jeff's D.C. Trip

Jeff's summer injury.

Time for a little fun in the sun - Eagle Park

Lake Lowell

Kickball at the family reunion

Mini-golf at the family reunion

Other highlights include:
*10 days spent in Idaho Falls with all the cousins
*Blake's first stitches (in his chin)
*Putting lots of miles on the new mini-van
*Mylie taking tennis lessons
*Jeff's stitches
*Lots of crafting
*Blake's new love of all things superhero
*Jeff biking 1000 miles
*End of summer puke fest - ok not really a highlight, but certainly memorable. 

Another great summer in the books.  I start classes Monday.  Mylie starts 1st grade on the 29th and Jeff starts his master's degree on 9/6.  Even though the school year is always busy at our house, I enjoy the routine of it.  Last semester was really tough getting into the groove of full time work, but I feel like I have a better handle on it and am hoping we have a smooth transition into the school year.  Cross your fingers for us!

Happy 40th Anniversary!

Happy 40th Anniversary to my wonderful parents!  Earlier in the month when we were all home, we were able to surprise them with an anniversary celebration.  We had such a delightful time and I was glad to be able to spend that time with them.  There are so many reasons that I love my parents.  For starters:

• They are funny (and sometimes they don't even know it).
• They are great parents, and have taught by example.
• They are hard workers.
• They take good care of their parents. 
• They are a wonderful example of a good relationship.  They always make time for each other - but also each have their own interests and they encourage each other to pursue those interests. 
• They are fabulous grandparents. 
• They instilled a strong value system in me. 
• They love me no matter what!

Without a doubt, my parents had a huge part in shaping the woman I am today (especially the good parts).  Here's to many more happy years together!

So much to blog about ...

I have so much to blog about ... 9 super days in Idaho Falls, my adorable nieces and nephews who I am head over heels in love with, my upcoming trip (like in 7.5 hours) to Sisters, Oregon, cool scenery from last week (see below), and a surprise 40th anniversary party.

But, since I don't have time at the moment to do that I will simply share two observations from today:

1. I was in the store today and walked past the ladies' underthings aisle.  Do you know what they sell?  They were seriously selling a "booty pant" - translated, some sort of panty that makes your butt bigger?  OK, I want to meet these women who actually want a BIGGER butt and are willing to fork over their cash for a "booty pant."  I have other expletives to share about this ... but my mom reads this blog, so I'll refrain.
2. Tonight, while on iTunes (preparing the fabulous Sisters Playlist) I clicked on the section "oldies."  Do you know what came up?  MUSIC FROM THE 1980s!!!!!  Are you serious?  Who considers the 80s old?  Am I old?  Is it the same people buying "booty pants?"

Sigh.