Rylie's Preschool Graduation

This little Rybug of ours finished her first year of preschool. It was such a fun experience for her. She made lots of new friends, designed lots of darling new bracelets & necklaces(such a girl) in her free time, learned lots of new letters, numbers, colors, etc. etc. Here she is with her Gramy on her big graduation day...

Rylie and her cute little goodie bucket Miss Bonnie made for her, that she clammed up and would NOT walk up there alone to get, so I carried her like a baby. Oh boy, hopefully this shyness will wear off soon. Until then, we love you just the way you are Rylie...
And the beloved Miss Bonnie. She is such a great teacher and example to us. We are so happy that Rylie will be part of her class again next year!

Great job this year in preschool Rylie.

We couldn't be more proud of you!

Blue Blankie Gets a Makeover...

Meet 'Blue Blankie'...

He was made with love by Kaden's Mimi when he was on his way here to our family, and as you can see, he has been thoroughly enjoyed... when it got to be that 'blue' had a strangulation hazard going on, that's when I stepped in and said, "Enough is enough, it is time for a makeover."
I salvaged all I could... there was sweat (at one point I thought- oh no! what have I done?!), there were tears (Kaden was thinking- oh no! what has she done?!), lots of frustration and orneriness, one last trip to the fabric store, 8 hours of labor (yes, I don't sew a lot), and Voila!! The new and improved 'Blue Blankie'!! (don't look close)

And the smile on Kaden's face as he said, "It feels just the same!!" made it all worth it! Man I love that boy, and he sure loves that blankie!

Next on the docket: The Sis's blankie!!

Oh man, it is in serious need. Stay tuned!

Soccer Man

This last year Kaden played soccer once again. He improved by leaps and bounds, and it was so much fun to watch him get into it. Kade played so tough, and was not afraid to get in there get that ball! He even took a kick off straight to the face, and didn't even flinch! (it was a good thing I missed it) Here are a few pictures of our soccer man out there doin' his thing...

Kaden and Stocko... these two have played together for the past 3 years. They have had a blast!!

And the team picture...
minus Davis (he was absent)

Thanks Johnny for coaching. It was a great year!!

Fieldtrip to the Zoo

Kaden's long awaited kindergarten "Zoo Day" field trip finally came. They had been talking about it all year, learning about animals and such. Here they are in their classroom with their sun screened faces, handmade name tags, hats, sweatshirts, and brown bag lunches. Nothing could top this like a ride on a real life school bus! En route to Utah's Hogle Zoo...

Back at the school there were clouds, and threats of rain. Once we got down there it was nothing but beautiful blue sky. Such a nice surprise.

When me, Parker, and Rylie got down there we found Kaden and his group enjoying their lunch, and sat down to join them.

Kaden and a group of his classmates and friends. They were having such a fun day!

Kaden and his good buddy Zander...

Rylie and Parker enjoying a ride in the wagon... and some Cheetos!

Kaden was doing some serious monkey business...

More monkey business...

Man I love that boy right there

This monkey was talking up a storm... I think we spent about 20 minutes watching him.

Pumba? Is that you?

Another group picture. This time with Kaden's sweet teacher Mrs. Underwood in the front. We sure did love her this year. Kaden is going to be sad to say goodbye to her.

Swinging on the Monk-mer bars...

Rylie and Parker had such a great time.

I was so glad we got to share this experience with Kade. It was so much fun to see him having such a great time with his friends from school. Oh, and the baby elephant... too cute for words. I can't believe I didn't get a picture- I guess I was too busy taking monkey pictures...

Bear Lake Getaway

Nic was at a week long training, and we were getting a little lonely. So when an invitation to the cabin presented itself, we were all over it! It was still a little chilly up there so we did a lot of nothing really. It was just what we all needed.

Parker and Austyn doin' their thing. Feet on the counter- feet on the counter- whatcha gonna do with your feet on the counter. I know, we're silly.
Parker and Kade playin' in the sand...

Peek-a-boo uncle Erik!

Koda was lovin' Chloe...

My cute parents and sister just hanging out with the puppies...

King of the mountain!

Everybody piled into the ranger for a little ride...

That is one full ranger...

We got lots of sleep

And spent lots of time with our Papa

There is just something about getting up there that makes my heart swell with love and appreciation for this beautiful world we live in. Everywhere you look there is beauty. I still wish we could move up there one of these days. Hhmmm... Nic?

Parker's 2nd Birthday

The two candles... two? Where did my baby go?

The cupcakes...

The balloons...
The 'Birthday Boy'...
The bouncy-house...

The visit from uncle Zac...

The dinner with the ladies...

The love in the air...

The 'Monk-mer bars' as he calls them...

The slippery slide...

The bouncin' cousins...

The precious new nephew...The sunset on daddy's shoulders...

The big sister who is always there for him... especially when he is unsure of the birthday candles...

The blowing out of the birthday candles... still unsure...

The singing crew...

The love and support...

The opening of the presents...

The reading of the cards...

The sun is down... and we are still partying... what a great day!

The end.