Wow it has been awhile.... (I've been told by a few people that I need to update this..... )
I guess I just don't know what to say sometimes. Or, more likely, I just need to drag myself away from the tv at night!

Things are good! Olivia is getting her cast off tomorrow just in time for our Family Vacation to CA.... We are so excited for Disneyland, and I promise to blog and add those pics when we get back.

Today I was outside a bit this morning and I realized how much I love Fall.
The crisp air, the smell outside, the sunny but cool weather!! I LOVE it, I love that I can wear jeans and flip flops still but just add a sweatshirt if needed. Okay, So I wasn't meant for hot weather. I love the changing leaves, fall food, weather and holidays. I even love the occasional rainy day. Being warm and cozy in your house with the sound of rain outside.....
I guess I'm a Northwest girl....

The kids are doing well in school and Ethan LOVES preschool. He has such a good attitude in the mornings. He also has a little thursday playgroup with some buddies to keep him busy.
Zack is loving 5th grade - "the oldest kids at the school" He is doing great. Olivia likes her class too, but is anxious to get her cast off so she can join in with the other kids at recess and PE.
She is still taking Piano lessons, but sadly is already asking me if she can quit!!
(Long Story)

Aaron and I enjoyed our 13th Anniversary this month by going to Downtown Seattle and seeing the play "Phantom of the Opera"at the Paramount Theater. The play was good, and the music was SO fantastic, and then we went to dinner with friends after - FUN!

By the way, the pic's I added are everybody's first day of school pic.

Summer Mishap!

At least she can get around now, we just got this permanent cast today. Until now, we had a temp. splint and I had to CARRY her everywhere. Wow I'm so glad that's over.

Okay, so we didn't escape summer without a "mishap." (I just love that word. My sister Julia has lots of "mishaps" don't you jul?) ;)

Anyway, Liv broke her foot last Saturday night jumping out of a friend's truck onto the grass. It didn't even look swollen, but she couldn't walk on it without crying so I took her in. Yes, this means no Soccer Season now. She is so bummed.

Also, we are going to Disneyland soon for the first time in six years, and I REALLY hope this cast is off first!!! Crap.

It wasn't a terrible break, but it was near her growth plate and enough of a break that they want her to have the cast for 4-6 weeks! So, she will start 3rd grade with a limp and a cast. I wonder how we'll give her baths and stuff?? Any tips out there from my friends? This is our first kid break.

Poor Liv's. She was so depressed yesterday. She's doing better today, now that she can get around and has a stylish pink cast!

Rafting on the White Salmon River, Oregon

Dude!! On August 8 & 9 I went on a river rafting trip on a Class 3/4/5 river in Oregon. This was a blast!

That's me in the front right. Also, Ronda, Kira, Amber, Suzanne & Taryn. (And our guide Keenan) Hard to tell with the Helmets, etc.

Yes, that is us (above) completely "submerged" underwater being near drowned by the force of it.
There are more pics than this, but I condensed for the sake of the blog. There is one picture where we are going straight up and down about to go under the water. Crazy!

I was pretty anxious/nervous before we got there because I didn't know what to expect at all. But, once we got on the river it was so much FUN! The only real scary part was the Class 5 rapid towards the end of the ride. (the above pics) You can't really plug your nose cuz you have to hold your paddle and the boat. Needless to say, you swallow a LOT of water through your nose and choke on it after.
What a fun girl's trip that was. Next year I am totally bringing Aaron and anyone else who will join us! It's a great 1/2 day trip with gorgeous views and beautiful/cold glacier water that is a light turquoise in color - so pretty!

Sidenote: all of the handsome 20-something river guides were a perk too!
Hey, I'm only human - sorry Honey~

Cool as a Cucumber

Okay, this was DURING dinner.... I asked him to PLEASE TRY and eat a vegetable for once.
He took them and layed on the floor and did this and said, "Ahhhhh..."
I laughed so hard and asked him where he learned that and he didn't answer. I am sure it's from the endless amounts of TV he watches. Maybe "Drake and Josh"? (one of his fav's)
I mean, why eat the veggies when you can wear them? ;)

My Utah Trip

For my 34th Birthday I went down to visit my "Utah Peeps".... It was a blast!

This coming up picture is beautiful Herriman Utah where my Sister Jennifer moved 7 months ago.. Her house is up in the deserty mountains in a new subdivision. She has such a pretty house with great views!

My other Sister Julia lives in Draper. She has a brand new home as well. It is beautiful too! I spent a couple of nights at each sister's house hanging out with them and their kids...

I also saw my Grandma while I was there. Her mind is still sharp as ever, but she seemed lonely and down. It was so nice to visit with her and I was VERY sad to say goodbye knowing I may never see her again on this earth. She is doing well for now, but you never know at that age what may come. I am so greatful for all of my extended family members who take care of her needs since I am far away and can't do much to help out.



That's me "Running with Scissors" in Taipan.....Can you see the HUGE scissors??

Okay, you know how most people go to Taipan to shop and buy??? Well, I was in a funny mood and started to get the giggles looking at all of the fake plastic food they have there. So then, when I saw the GIANT outdoor pots they had, I bullied by sister's into getting inside them JUST FOR FUNSIES! I couldn't help my little immature self. Jennifer DID NOT want to do it cuz there was a sales lady nearby. I don't blame her at all, when I get into a silly mood I can get a bit wierd and don't seem to care what others may think (it's a bit of a problem).

We were all laughing so hard by the end we were attracting many stares!!

There was another picture that went along with our little taipan visit, but it's a bit too naughty for the blog....We'll just keep that one for ourselves. Too FUNNY! (It's not THAT bad mom)

It's so hard having some of my sisters far away... I'm so glad I decided to go down alone for a few days!! We shopped and danced and ate and went to the pool etc... Good times...

Thanks Jen and Jul for everything!! Love you both so very much!!

Happy Last Day of School!!!

HOORAY FOR SUMMER!

Here are some pics of my kids with their Teachers this year....

I can't believe how fast this year went!

Zachary will be in 5th grade this fall, Olivia will be in 3rd, and Ethan will be in 3day pre-school!

They are growing up fast and I Love them all SO very much!

CONGRATS on finishing the year kids - mommy is so proud........

Happy Father's Day! (A couple of Day's Late...)

I just want to express a Huge Happy Father's Day for my sweetheart Aaron!!

Also, For my Super Awesome Dad Dennis!!

Where would we be without Dads? Some may say we don't "need a man" to complete us.... I say, Guess what, I DO!

Thank you Dad for being there for me always, and Thank you Aaron for being my best friend.

I don't know what I did to deserve someone like Aaron, but he really is my perfect match in every way. We love to laugh, we both hate yard work, we love to travel, we love movies and music....etc. etc. (I could go on for a while...) We have pretty much grown up together and I cannot remember a time without him in my life!

We are just enough opposite to have some exciting differences too. I am probably making most of you want to barf, but I just am so greatful to him. I am greatful that he wanted to and joined the church, and greatful for his example of strength and selflessness. He always thinks of others before himself. And, I mean ALWAYS. What an example for me and the kids. He listens to me when I get obsessive and crazy, he makes me laugh when I'm grumpy and helps me with our kids all the time. Happy Father's day honey.....You deserve a great day!

As for my dad, I love you big guy! You are a smart, loving, hardworking firecracker of a man!

Thanks for successfully raising 5 fiesty daughters and beating cancer to still be here for us all! You are the best!

Sidenote: I am also blessed to have an AWESOMELY cool Step Father-in-law, and A SERIOUSLY wonderful Father-in-law too! Am I lucky or what??? Totally Spoiled...