Summer Vacation

Well, we just got back from spending two and a half weeks up in Idaho. It was such a fun summer vacation! It was nice to escape the heat in Phoenix and enjoy the beautiful summer weather up in Idaho and of course we LOVED spending so much time with family.

We drove through Utah on our way up to Idaho so of course we had to stop at Cherry Hill. I have so many fun memories of Cherry Hill when I was growing up so I am determined that my kids will have those same memories. They loved it!

Four of the most handsome boys there!

This is serioulsy the sweetest little boy you will ever meet.

Tyler and Logan couldn't get enough of playing in the balls at Hamster Haven. They LOVED it!

We all got our game on with a friendly round of miniature golf.

Once we got up to Idaho we started our fourth of July weekend with the traditional neighborhood firework show.

Here's some of us lighting off some roman candles.

The fourth of July is always so much fun in Idaho Falls. We were glad we were able to be there! Here we all were anxioulsy waiting for the parade to start.


So what did we do at Grandpa's house for the next 2 weeks?

Some bubble time with Grandpa


A lot of picnics in the backyard

A whole lot of popscicles
A little bit of ice cream. Logan was really enjoying his.

Lots and Lots and Lots of time on the swings. They would stay there all day as long as someone was willing to push them.
Carson was as patient as ever with his brothers.


The boys kept wanting to go and visit Grandma up at the cemetery. They still talk about her all the time, especially Tyler. We sure do miss her. Her big headstone is getting put in in a couple of weeks, so we will have to wait until Christmas time to see it.

We all attended church at the good ol' Lincoln 2nd Ward

I love my Tyler!

A whole lot of silly times with the cousins.

A trip to Tauphaus Park

Tyler and I riding the ferris wheel

Smiling for the camera

And what would a trip to Idaho be without a cookout up at Stoddards.
Carson loved the great outdoors of Idaho

We tried to enjoy our vacation as much as possible because we knew we were coming home to some exciting new changes in the bishopric of our Phoenix ward.

Our new bishopric. That's the new bishop sitting there in the middle. Yes, Rick is the new bishop. We love the Lord and we will serve where we are called. We have some exciting and challenging times ahead of us as a family, but we are grateful for the opportunities and blessings of serving in the gospel.

Sisters Weekend

Last weekend I flew to Salt Lake for my sisters and I much anticipated annual sisters weekend. We had so much fun shopping, eating out, staying in a hotel, getting pedicures, and shopping and eating out some more. We had such a great time and one of the best parts for me was no kids! I love my kids but it was such a nice, relaxing break to be away and it was so fun to hang out with my sisters. It was a great weekend!

What better way to start off the weekend than by pampering ourselves with a pedicure. I have no idea why the little Asian lady who did our pedicures held the camera at such a weird angle but we had to get a picture because this was my sister Jill and I's very first pedicure. It was fabulous!

We spent one day up in Park City. We made quite the haul on clothes so we thought we would take a picture of all our shopping bags.

Relaxing at the hotel after a hard day of shopping and eating out. :)

My sister Jill and I eating breakfast at Temple Square

My dad was able to come down and join us the last day. It was fun to all be together and I was glad I was able to come and see everyone. I can't wait for next year!

Tyler's 5th B-Day!

I officially have a five year old! Tyler's birthday finally came and now he can quit asking me when it is. :) He couldn't wait to have a transformer themed party and he was so excited to invite a few friends from his primary class. They played games, ate cake, opened presents, and finished with a pinata. The kids partied hard and had a great time.

The whole group enjoying the cake and ice cream. Logi loved being included with the big kids. Tyler even gave him an invitation to his party.

The birthday boy right after he blew out his candles. He was asked later what he wished for and he said "that we can be a family forever". Even I was surprised by his response. I guess he does listen to us sometimes. What a stud!

Opening Presents! (Tylers favorite part)

Rick was the brave one to hold the pinata while all the hyper kids were swinging the bat. Here is Tyler getting ready to take a whack at Optimus Prime

Logi taking a turn

Tylers actual birthday was a few days later and that is when he got to open his presents from family. The night before we told him that if he wanted to open his presents in the morning that he would have to get up really early because Rick leaves for Tucson at 6am. The next day when Rick got up at 5:30am Tyler was sitting on the couch next to his presents waiting for everyone else to get up. I wonder how long he had been sitting there!

Later that night we had pizza and I made him another cake. Here is a family shot with the birthday boy on his big day. We love you Tyler!

Father/Son Campout

Rick, Tyler, and Logan finally went on the much anticipated Father and Son campout this past weekend. It had been talked about at our house for weeks and the boys were not disappointed. They had a great time out in the wilderness with dad. And I VERY MUCH ENJOYED the nice break of only having one kid to take care of while they were gone. I can't wait until Carson is old enough to go too. I think with all these boys I have, the Father and Son campout might just become one of my favorite weekends of the year!

Let the good times roll! All packed up and ready to head out. Logi wasn't too excited about this picture but he sure was excited about the flashlight. It had been attached to his hip for the whole week leading up to the campout.

Made it to the campsite! Now time to get the tent all set up and beds laid out.


Playing a friendly game of horseshoes with their buddy Andon

Tyler and Logan relaxing in the tent after dinner

All the excitement wore them out and they were still sleeping peacefully the next morning.

Life has been good at our house. Rick has been busy with school taking his comprehensive exams and I have been busy at home taking care of the boys.

Rick buzzed all three of the boys hair a couple of weeks ago. It was everyones first buzz cut. I thought they looked pretty cute.

We've been having the most perfect weather so we took advantage of it and went on a picnic




Three handsome boys



Carson has been extra tired lately. He keeps falling asleep in the strangest places.

The first was while I was feeding him his dinner. The kid fell asleep right in between bites!

Then a few days later he was just crawling around playing and the next thing I know he had konked out right on the floor. My kids never do this! It was so cute!

Poor little guy was all worn out

Rick had a break in between clients so he rushed home because the hockey playoffs were on tv. Rick loves it when his boys want to watch sports with him.

Happy Boy!

CHEESE!!!!!!!!!

These two might look innocent but I'm pretty sure they are planning some kind of trouble for that morning.

Aaahhhh! A scary, ferocious shark right out of the water

Professor Carson, or as Tyler would say, Inspector Gadget.

Three little monkeys all bathed and ready for bed!