#2 Party

May I just add that the monster shirt he is wearing is very fitting. He is a cute monster though.

It took a whole team to try and explain to Andrew how to blow out the candles. He would blow, but never strong enough to blow any out.

Utah

In September we went to Utah for my cousins wedding. While the drive there was exhausting with 3 boys that didn't stop talking, we had a great time there. We had a good time with family and the boys and I took a trip to the Aquarium in Sandy. It was a must see. They loved it.

Such a handsome boy

I thought this picture was hilarious. Poor Andrew. Was Mallory possibly trying to get him to stand still? That's my guess.

Jelly Fish

We found a Bronco fish

Crazy fast penguins

TWO!

Andrew- Where has the time gone? Never a dull or quiet moment when you are around. I love your spunky spirit and the love you give to everyone. You have the sweetest smile that just makes my day even when I am upset with you. You also have a mischievious smile that comes out when you know you are not supposed to be doing something. Your favorite thing to do- hit, squeal a very high pitch sound, tell on your brothers when they are being mean to you. Dreaded words I heard this week, "Mom, Andrew is on the top bunk throwing everything over." You now climb up on your own, but thankfully you yell "help" when you want down. You are great at; riding super fast down the driveway and sidewalk on your Strider bike, running from me, climbing and being creative when you want to get to something you can't reach, going to bed (thank goodness for this one). You love- to dance, be sung to (even in my horrible voice), be pushed in the jogger while I run. Favorite thing to say- "Stop It," to which I reply, "No you stop it." (Good influance I know) Things I could do with out- your new wake up time of 6 a.m. You have recently learned how to count to 10 and some of the ABC song. You look just like your daddy whom I think is very handsome. We are very greatful to have you and thankful Heavenly Father sent you to us to take care of. You add a spice to our family and I am sure you will be keeping us on our toes for years to come.

Pumpkin Pickin'

We got to have Daddy home again for about a week. We headed out to pick pumpkins, eat some fried food, and play in the corn.

Nice shades. Next time I really need to remember to take my glasses off. Turned out good otherwise.

They look like they actually love each other. How nice. (For the record I have asked each of them seperately if they love the other one and they both said yes, whew. I have wondered though with all the fighting they do.

Andrew is such a fun age right now. He is old enough to understand what we are doing and loves to be in the middle of it all. He had fun hunting for a pumpkin and kept telling me "hebby punkin" (heavy pumpkin).

Nothing like getting corn in your clothes and hair.

All that fun and playing wore Braden out. Yes, that is blue gum hanging out of his mouth.

Foothills

I was tired of fighting and arguing in the house so I decided it was time to get outdoors and enjoy the foothills. I did get some resistance from Braden who said, "I don't want to hike, I want to play inside." To which I replied, "It's not a hike, it's a walk. You are going and we will have fun." If that's not convincing I don't know what is.

The walk to the Nature Center and path. No dogs allowed so we had to tie Jack up while we walked around. He was not a fan of that.

A spot for Jack to get wet and the boys to get their shoes and socks wet.

Glad this Mountain Dandilion is not at my house. I have enough small ones as it is.

A great sling shot stick Connor found and Jack thought was for him.

The peacfulness was nice while we were outside. As soon as we got back in the car it started again. At least I got a little reprieve.

CJ Strike

We do an annual camping trip with my mom and sisters family once a year. The Air Force maintains some cabins on CJ Strike and they have a small marina. We had a nice bed to sleep on and private area for the kids to play. We took some sit on top kayaks and were able to rent some paddle boards and paddle boats to play on. Due to a misfortune the boat was only in working order for a short time.

Go Daddy Go!

Happy 7th Birthday Connor

We have 3 summer birthdays so we have lots to celebrate. We had a nice family party with Connor and then he got to choose one friend to take out for a fun activity. Connor you are a bundle of energy. Your mind never stops thinking and you never lack words. You think every infomerical is the next greatest thing and we should own whatever they are selling. You are kind and giving to others and often buy your friends popcorn or treats if you have extra money. You are a sweet boy and your mom and dad love you very much.

Connor requested an ice cream cake, so DQ did it's best and they did not disappoint. Super heros are everywhere in our house so it seemed appriate that one be on the cake.

The great thing about being the brother is that of course you will eventually be able to play with your brothers birthday presents, so you get just as excited.

40, 40,40,40,40,40

The BIG 40. Rich wasn't too excited about the digits this year. Can't say I will be either when I get to that age, in a LONG time.

You can clearly see my creativity here with the candles, or lack of preparation. He got 4 candles on one side and none on the other.

I hit it good with this funny aging card

He's mine even if he is a "sexy grandpa" (as we used to say in college if he was a bit older than we were)

Andrew missed out on the big party. He would have been a grumpy party crasher so he went to bed.

Summer Outings

With Rich home this summer we did a lot of fun things. One of our fun day outings was to Crouch. We found an awesome spot to play in the river. I love being so close to the mountains.

Say cheese

The perfect spot, the perfect scenery

Going for a stroll (with the sippy cup) and Daddy

Sandcastles!!

Another one of our fun outings was to Grimes Creek. We had fun practicing skipping rocks in the river and having an afternoon picnic. The picnic was truly with ants like in the cartoons.

My goofy boys

Connor has gotten pretty good at taking pictures of Rich and I

The Master Skipper

I didn't think about bringing swimming suits and the boys all got a bit wet practicing skipping rocks

4th of July

Happy 4th of July. We are thankful for all our freedoms and love this country!

Capital Classic

Connor ran in his first race in June. The Capital Classic is a one mile race down main street to the capital building. Connor loved it. Rich ran along the course taking pictures like any good doting father would.

Connor and Blake before the race

GO!!!!

Ahh the finish line. The best part for Connor was being able to get a medal like mom and dad.

Who wouldn't want their picture with Darth Vador and the gang?