Idaho... Way Back in July

I'm sure I had every intention of writing more about the pictures I uploaded but I uploaded these pictures back in September so my main goal now is to push the publish button and maybe write a few things here and there... Jared loves his cousins; he especially looks up to his older cousins (Jacob playing with Jared)

Below golfing with dad at the driving range

Chris wasn't too excited to go boating, he's never been a big fan but I think it's safe to say he's glad we did. I even got up on the slalom after who knows how long and it felt good:)

Jared and Scottie Tyson
Megan, Tyler, me and sleeping Miles

Spencer, Jared, and Scottie

Tyler, Ashley, Chris and Spencer

Golfing with their dad early one morning

After doing the first 9 holes we went to the driving range where we all, even me, hit some balls


Swimming at Nat-soo-pa

Nice dive;)
Hot Men!
Grandma Meservy and I think Calvin, Ashley's baby, or Miles?

Ashley off the diving board

Racing "boats", sticks


My family

Cousins having fun:)
Fireworks!

Then we went to my house for the big ones!
Chris left on the 4th and the boys and I watched the CSI fireworks with family later in the evening

Going to Idaho for a month was wonderful, besides missing my husband. After being away for so long and loving Chicago I've often wondered if I could go back. But being back made me remember the things I love about a small town and confirming the fact that nothing replaces family. It was soooo nice to be by family and see how much my kids loved being by cousins, grandparents, and Bo (Mal and Brandon's dog) made me sad we aren't closer to it all. I don't know where we'll end up but I really do love Idaho and most of all our families! Will you take us again for a whole month next year?!

Spencer is 3!

(I started this post back in October after Spencer's birthday the 22nd; I'm wondering when I'm going to get back into blogging.... Anyways on with the post!)

This boy loves birthdays. I remember back on my birthday he was constantly telling me happy birthday and wanting to sing to me. And no matter what the day or how close a birthday he'll ask me to sing happy birthday with him and when we get to the name part I let him fill it in with whoever he chooses. For all the reasons above, and more, I've been excited for his birthday. He is so fun to buy for and is so appreciative. I really struggled with what to get him this year. I wanted to get him something he wanted instead of what Jared wants. He really wants to be by Jared's side so whatever Jared's playing with he wants to play with. So what do I get? While Jared was in school a couple times I'd take him to several stores and look around and get a feel for what he'd like most. I was only sure of one thing but it was more than I wanted to spend, a train table with all the accessories and all:) From a little age he's showed more interest in trains than Jared has. And when asking him several times what he wanted he'd almost always go to trains. I almost bought a train table for the boys last Christmas but found their castles at a yard sale so took it back and saved the money. To say the least he loved it along with his brothers:)

Pancakes, whip cream and strawberries were his pick for breakfast (pictured in the background is Evan. We were lucky enough to have his family in town around his birthday:)

The day was spent playing with his toys and enjoying being home playing with his toys. For lunch we met up with Chris and did a quick visit to the zoo afterwards. Later Aunt Terri dropped by to give Spencer his gift:I thought I'd get away with not giving Spencer a birthday party but months before his birthday I knew I wasn't going to get away with not doing one. Without asking he'd make comments about when he was going to have his birthday party. The perfect solution presented itself; we switched nights for our little babysitting swap and had a little party with all those in the group. Below is the pinata I made:

Below is Audrey Fife before she broke the pinata. It didn't even make it through the round once. Last time I'd made a pinata we had to assist in breaking it.

Then Jared finished it off:

Spencer's request, Spider Man cake:

(Notice the sucker in hand)

The group watching a movie:

Happy birthday my little man. I love you!

10 Year Reunion

Ten Years already? I guess after 7 years of marriage and 3 kids it's okay to say Chris is 28 making it 10 years since he graduated high school. This is who turned up:

We drove pretty much non stop to get to the reunion. We missed the Friday night event but went to the Saturday night dinner and Sunday family lunch. All I have are pictures of the dinner.

Chris and me

Ashley and Joe Atkin, Sean Diehl, and my man:) (he went golfing with buddies that morning and got roasted!)

Joe was one of Chris' best friends in high school

They crack me up

Another friend Matt Stenshoel

I didn't get enough pictures, but despite the lack of pictures it was fun and good to catch up. I liked being from the same hometown. It wasn't awkward for me and I knew a lot of the people so it was fun for me to catch up as well. In a couple years it'll be mine.