Happy Independence Day!

What a holiday! We love the 4th of July and all of its festivities. We started out our day with the annual Ten Mile Ward Breakfast, which was delicious and full of great talks and songs. We then played at home, went to see Jay at the Farmer's Market, got in a nap (yea!), and finished up preparation for our BBQ at our house. (This is Jen and me at our BBQ.)

Each year we invite all of our friends and neighbors over for a BBQ and fireworks. This year was our best ever! We loved having the Cases bring Erin's family (this is Lex and Erin with her dad and little Cyrus). Each family brought something to share and our potluck table was packed with all the 4th of July favorites!

We had friends come from all over the area to join in on the fun! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends with which to spend our time. (This is Eric and Melissa Rafn.)

I even got to get in on the fireworks fun this year with sparklers and lighting the fireworks in the road. I even lit some flowers and threw them in the air...getting daring in my old age! =)

Here Owen and Brooklyn, our neighbor girl, are sharing some fire to make the sparklers light up. The kids enjoyed the fireworks more than ever. Zack got to be the big kid again and help Lex light the 'big ones.'

The Cases thought up this great idea: a Drinkery! They had all kinds of Italian sodas and fancy non-alcoholic drinks available to make. We had a huge line of everyone waiting to get their turn. Thanks Lex and Erin!

We hope that you all had a wonderful day enjoying your freedom in our beautiful country. We feel so thankful for all of the many blessings that we have received because of those who have gone before and made our freedom possible. Happy Independence Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to our favorite guy on earth: Daddy! Jay loves creamed honey so the kids and I went to the local farmer's market to find him some. He loved it!

Avery picked out a "With Sympathy" card from my card box. She did not know what the card said but she signed her name and drew a picture of him with chicken pox.

Zack, Owen, and Avery love their daddy and love to be with him. He is a great example of patience, love, and kindness to our children. He always takes time to be with them together and one on one. I know that they will cherish that time together always.


We love you, Daddy! Thank you for being so wonderful to us! =)

She's Home!

Our little Avery has been released from the hospital (she had pneumonia) and is home now! We are so happy to have her home and to have the boys back with us as well. Aunt Nancy was so kind to keep the boys with her while we have been at the hospital since Sunday morning. I am so thankful for family and friends that came to visit her and certainly aided in her recovery. Heavenly Father is watching over us and keeping us safe and happy.

Seriously...

...you really want to see this? I suppose I am okay with everyone laughing with me...yes, even AT me! It was my first go at it, but let it be known that I nearly beat the whole run in the end. Of course, there is no video of my accomplishment, but for now...let's just laugh at the slow girl!

By the way, Jeremy promised me some of his tree, brick, and use of his ports the next time we play Settlers for posting this video. I should have checked with Lex first to see if it would be a good trade. =)

FHE at the Bike Park

We found this great bike park on Memorial Day and went there last night for FHE with our great friends, the Browns. What a fun place to just let loose and find new biking skills!

Owen was mostly interested in finding bugs (no surprise there) and he found plenty! He eventually did ride his bike at the end and even got a bit daring.

Our princess on training wheels enjoyed the dirt trails as well while managing to stay perfectly clean. Gotta love that!

Jeremy was in biking heaven! He did plenty of stunts on his own bike but had to try out the boys' BMX bikes, too. This guy was built for biking and was very impressive.

The most impressive of all was ZACK! This kid has never been on anything like these courses had to offer and yet he quickly picked it up and even excelled. There was a professional camera man on site for fun and he asked Jay and I if he could film Zack. It was cool!



Here are a couple of videos I took with my camera. I actually have one of me on the big course, but I wrecked right at the end so I will spare you the chuckles!



If any of you ever visit Boise, let us know and we will take you here!

Avery's Preschool Graduation

Avery is not only turning five soon but has also rounded the corner from toddler to grade schooler. Avery has graduated from preschool and is heading on to Kindergarten this Fall. Just as a personal note, I can't believe that my baby is going to school. She is my last and my only girl and is so precious to me. I enjoy each day with her at home. I am glad that Kindergarten is only half day here.

Each of the kids in her class chose a holiday theme from the year and sang the song that Miss Janet taught them. It was super cute. Avery chose Valentine's Day and is actually standing on her heart here. =)

Preschool graduation had an exciting unexpected guest right at the end: a bat. Yes, it was noon with the sun shining brightly. The moms unitedly decided that he must be rabid so we all made the only dad there catch him. I don't know what was funnier, the dad chasing the crazy bat all over the patio or watching the moms run around screaming. I am proud to report that I did not scream nor did I panic. He even flew at my leg and I remained calm. Ask my mother-in-law how impressive that is for me!

Here is my Little Miss Avers with Miss Janet and the Busy Bee Preschool Class of 2009. It's on to the real world now, kiddos!

wE loVe ShErRi pArtY!

Last Friday night my friends and I had a Girl's Night Out for Sherri, our great friend who is moving to Seattle next week. We went to YoYo's for the best frozen yogurt where you make it "yo way!" We watched 13 Going On 30 all night and chatted til midnight. It was a great party and it was good just to be girly with everyone. We love you Sherri and you will be missed. Thanks for the friendship and memories. You are going to love Seattle...in the summer! (Here's a big giggle just for you!)