Florida

I have had 4 drafts for new posts just sitting around, waiting for me to write stories and what not. However, I am not going to do that, because I honestly don't know if I will find the time. So here are pictures of our FL vacation......

Happy 23rd

And pics of my birthday and the parade that we were a part of for Pioneer day in Pocatello.....

Haircut

And pics of brandon's haircut (before, during, and after).....

Illinois

And finally, pics from way back in July of my trip to visit my parents and family out in IL......

What does warm weather call for?

When warm weather comes a knocking, there are a few things that you just have to do. First of all, it is necessary to get out of doors and enjoy the creations of God, and you don't have to look hard to find them! We went hiking this summer as a family of four... Kimball donned his tennis shoes, as well and mom and dad, and with Brandon in the handy baby carrier we set out to enjoy Mink Creek in Caribou National Forest.

Warm and sunny weather calls for a little ice-cream, so when you hear the familiar songs of the ice-cream truck dig in your wallet and couch for some extra coins... which is exactly what we did for Kimball. He enjoyed buying the cold treat with his daddy and then had an even better time enjoying it on the front stair!
Summer time brings more opportunities to spend time with family and friends, and what is better than riding a four wheeler with another 2 year old... oh the trouble these two boys get into together:)
At least if you are a kid, summer means time to play outside.... yes, in the dirt!! Growing up I used to make dirt cities with my brothers. We would create rivers, islands, and all kinds of things with old kitchen utensils, and then pour water at the top and watch as it filled up the rivers... oh I used to get a kick from that! I can't wait to make dirt cities with my kids, and as you can see, Kimball has a head start!
And last, but not least, summer time is when you just let your hair down and chill... Brandon is the KING of chilling!

Freedom Celebration

A well known tribute in song to our beloved country was written and sung by Lee Greenwood, namely "I'm Proud to be and American". I have very vivid memories from my childhood that are tied to this song. All I have to do is listen to the song and I go back, I can picture it now...

It was early evening after dinner, and I was in the backyard of our home in Elko, Nevada. I must have been around 7 years old at this time, and I loved to listen to a certain song, the same listed above. I knew the words from beginning to end and would belt them out at the top of my lungs. On this particular evening I had my headphones on, listening to my walkman while swinging on our backyard swingset. As I listened to Lee Greenwood's classic tribute to our nation, I swung as high as I could, trying to touch the clouds with the tips of my toes, belting the words:

"From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tenessee, across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea. From Detroit down to Houston, from New York to L.A, there's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say...."

I'm sure that you can finish the chorus, come on now belt it out! My young girl heart didn't realize the full extent to the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States, but my heart rejoiced nonetheless. Looking back now on the celebrations of our country that I have participated in, there are a few in particular that stick out in my mind.

When we lived in Idaho Falls, what seems like only yesterday but in reality was about 18 years ago, we would celebrate the 4th near the Snake River, at the Freedom Celebration hosted by Melaleuca. It must have been either 1990 or 1991, when I was 3 or 4. I was running around Freeman park in the pre-firework celebration on the green grass. I guess this memory is so vivid because of the excitement of the occasion, all the people, the music, and of course that familiar love for country. Whatever the reason for the vivid memory, it is etched in my mind, running free around the park on the 4th of July.

A few years later while visiting my dearest Grandmother Moore in I.F. one summer, we attended the same celebration at Freeman Park. Being a little more mature, I experienced it in a different light. I remember thinking how magical the fireworks were coreagraphed to music. When my favorite song came on, by Lee Greenwood, I just knew that we were so blessed to live where we live and to enjoy the blessed freedoms that we do. Every 4th of July celebration since then has taken on the same meaning in my heart, and I am indeed proud and grateful to be an American!

Please comment on this post and share with me your favorite 4th of July, I would love to hear about it!!!

Father's Day

This post is dedicated to my husband, Mike. The top ten unforgettable DAD moments for him (in my perspective) told through pictures, in no specific order (except for the number 1, because lets face it, that is #1!):

10. Teaching

9. Making sure that his boys get a good haircut

8. Passing on his love of Halloween and the fun we can have!

7. Taking his boys to experience new things
6. Playing on the floor with his boys

5. Just being plain silly


4. Being there when his boys get hurt or are sad
3. Passing his love of good food and cooking on to his boys
2. Making sure to cherish every moment with these two precious boys, Kimball and Brandon

1. Witnessing the birth of two precious boys...

Brandon
And Kimball

Mike, you are such a wonderful father and I love you so much more with every day, every time you hold our babies that love just grows. Thanks for showing your immense love for them and me with your hard work and dedication, your perseverance through all that comes your way in life, no matter how hard! Happy Father's Day, I hope that you enjoyed our celebrations we had this weekend, which also continued into Monday with the AWESOME steak we had for dinner followed by the beautiful hike and the warm campfire with the gooey smores. WE LOVE YOU!