Pigtails and Smiles

Evie was all smiles when I took these pictures of her with her new baby doll that we picked up at Walgreens for $4.00. Evie actually asked me to do her hair the same as her dolly (shock). I think it was the first time she didn't cry when I did her hair - maybe that's the trick!

Planting trees

It was so much fun to finally get some trees planted in our yard. We have been here for about a year and a half and started the yard from scratch, last year we put in sprinkling system and grass. So this year I was anxious to get some trees planted. I was actually missing the yardwork that comes from having full flower beds. Since these pictures I have planted many more perennials and some pansies and tulips for Spring!

1st day of school

August 24th: The first day of school for my 3 handsome boys. Stratton: Kindergarten, age 6. Andrew: 6th grade, age 11. And Haden: 8th grade, age 13. Stratton was especially excited to start Kindergarten, he is so ready. This is Andrew's last year of Elementary and he really likes his teacher and is excited for the year ahead. This is Haden's second year in Jr. High, but his first at the new Jr. High that was built right behind our house. So with the Elementary right across the street and the Jr. High behind us, the boys all walk to and from school, it's so nice!!

Cabin

Andy and Nikki Eberhardt along with their two kids, Cade and Meisha, joined us for a trip to the cabin in August. Andy was so great to bring up his Landcruiser so we were able to do some awesome 4 wheeling and exploring. It was a real highlight of the trip. We were able to see some amazing country that we hadn't seen before. The Landcruiser could go anywhere, it was a blast! We were surprised to wake up to snow on the second day, it was so cold! It being August, we were not prepared for the cold. But it didn't stop us, we bundled up and made do with what we had.

A Helping Hand

On a Saturday in August we had the opportunity to help Grandpa and Grandma Buswell with a project. Grandpa's health has been declining and he can't do the many chores his property requires. He misses working his land so much. We were happy to help clear the area behind his garden which was overgrown with weeds. It was so much fun to do this as a family and was a great opportunity to serve our dear Grandpa and Grandma. The kids all pitched in and worked really hard. After we finished we were able to go inside and visit with Grandpa and Grandma which was a real treat as always!

Stratton turns 6

Nobody likes celebrating thier Birthday more than Stratton. He looks forward to it all year. And this year was no exception. We decided to have a friend party for him at home this year. There are so many boys his age in our neighborhood and with his cousins Tyler and Austin, I knew this was going to be a major undertaking. So I came up with a very detailed party plan with lots of different activites and it went great! We had them decorate thier own cupcakes, decorate thier popcorn cones which ended up on thier heads as you can see in one of the pictures. We also went on a treasure hunt, played "take down" and dodgeball with Troy and ended the party with a movie and popcorn. Stratton is growing up so fast and is such a great little boy. He is so full of life, it's contagious. We love him so much and love the fun and happiness he brings to our family!

Lagoon

This past summer we spent a lot of time at Lagoon. The kids love it, especially Stratton, he was so daring and wasn't afraid to ride anything and everything there. I think he's somewhat of an adrenalin "junkie", and he's only 6 years old! We were so lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma Harris give our family 5 of the 6 season passes. They worked at Lagoon in May and as part of their payment were given 5 season passes which they generously gave to us! We definitely got our use out of them! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma, it was a fun summer!