Old Friends

In our 12 (almost 13!) years of marriage we have lived in so many different places, including 4 different states. One of our most favorite spots is Price, Utah. We loved living close to my grandparents, and my parents were only an hour and a half away. Kelly's work was less than 5 minutes from our home and there was so much outdoor fun. We especially loved the people in Price. Truly some of the kindest people we have ever met! One such family is the Heaps. They were the first family we met when we moved to Price. They are always ready to have fun and took such good care of us.

They came to Denver last weekend and we had the chance to meet them for a fun night of swimming and dining (in style!). The kids were comfortable with each other right away which gave us the chance to spend a few hours visiting and catching up. It was such a fun night! Thanks Heaps!

{I just thought this was so funny! We went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner. Jacob's friend chose sunflower seeds, pickles and egg from the salad bar and Jacob chose eggs, sunflower seeds and peas. YUMMY! YUMMY!}

First Day of School

Jacob and Ryan started a new school year on Tuesday. Ryan is now in 2nd Grade and Jacob is a 4th Grader! They made me laugh on Tuesday morning when they expressed their concern for me. They were worried about what I would do all day by myself. I told them not to worry, that I was sure I could come up with a few things to keep busy (and I do have Laynie to take care of!)!

Laynie's Walking!

YEAH! We are so happy! She loves being able to keep up with the boys.

While we were in Utah, my sister took the cutest pictures of Laynie. Here are a few more:

Our Summer Vacation

We had a great, although short, summer. My favorite part was how well the boys played together. This was the first "track off" with very little fighting and even fewer requests for friends to come over. Here are a few of the other highlights of our month of vacation:

Father/Sons Campout,

fishing,

swimming,

attending the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House,

and spending time at my parent's cabin in Utah.

I had to throw this picture in because this is the typical look that Laynie gives anyone she does not know well. It is nothing against Uncle Marc, this is just how she feels about people in general!

We also celebrated Kelly's birthday at the cabin. He spent the day riding the 4-wheelers and fishing with the boys.


On the 4th of July we went to Prove to watch the hot air balloon festival

and the parade.

We also lit fireworks and went to bed early! We had such a fun time in Utah. The kids love playing with their cousins and grand parents. We are lucky that they are willing to have us visit for so long and to entertain us as well!

Jacob, the Baseball Player!

A friend of mine took these great pictures of Jacob at his baseball game on Saturday. It is amazing that she did not take one of him ducking for cover or stepping away from the ball since that is how he spends most of the game! It is understandable though. This is his first year of player pitch and he has been hit several times, very hard! He has figured out that if he walks, he still gets to make it to first base and then has a chance to run without the fear of being hit by the ball. We have bribed him with money if he would just swing the bat a couple of times during a game, but that hasn't worked. Hopefully we won't have to follow through on our latest threat to sell his new bat on Craigslist if he doesn't make good use of it.

He does look so grown up out there on the field!

We will let you know how the next few games go.

My Worst Nightmare Came True!

The following was written by Jacob:

There was a tornado in Aurora on Sunday. We were in church having Fast Sunday when brother Giles came in and said, "There is a tornado close to the church." Then our bishop said, "Go to the hall." My brother and my dad got to go see it but I didn't. It was a couple of yards away! I was freaked out. When it passed we went home early and looked at the news and Southlands Mall by our house was a wreck. Our Home Teacher took this picture out his back window:

And this is how big the hail was in our front yard:

Can you believe we survived our first tornado????????????

Last Day of School!

Today was such a bittersweet day. Both Jacob and Ryan have been blessed with the most amazing teachers. They have been patient and kind and have helped both boys to do so great this year. I don't like change, especially when things are going so well! I tried for months to talk Jacob's teacher into moving up to fourth grade, but was not successful. The only consolation is that Ryan will have her as a teacher in two years!

Jacob with Ms. Branch

Ms. Branch loves to cook with her class so I made her an apron and we gave her a Cookbook for Kids.

Jacob's Third Grade Class

Ryan with his teacher, Ms. Zilk

We made lemon cupcakes with lime frosting for Ryan's OT, Reading Specialists, and Teacher. We also gave Ms. Zilk a gift certificate to Home Goods because she just bought her first house.

After school our friend who was driving the car pool decorated her car to celebrate the last day of school.

We then went to the sprinkler park and let the kids play in the water all afternoon. Even Laynie stripped down to her onesie and had some fun playing in the water.

I can't believe we only have 5 weeks of summer and then I will have a 2nd and 4th grader!