4th of July

We spent the 4th in Neola, and I must admit that deep down it doesn't really seem like Independence Day without a little rodeo, community BBQ, friends, fireworks, and parade. I love it! We had a great time watching Dallin chase a bunny and chicken at the kids rodeo. Somehow he ended up with a bunny, sadly that night he escaped his box, probably best though seeing I couldn't see taking it home and asking Ross's parents if it could run loose in the back yard. All the cousins had a chance to play with him and Reed absolutely loved the little thing. Dallin even got to make ice cream with Grandma, and he thought that was pretty special! The boys love jumping on the tramp, swinging, and playing with cousins when we're in town. How great to have such a close family, Love to you all.

Our High Uintah Hike

Early July Ross and I left the kids with my Mom for a couple days so week could hike into five-point, a lake in the High Uintah Mountains. My Dad is very involved in getting the dams and spillways improved and my two sisters and brother-in-law and Dad are working at several lakes this summer. They fly everything in with large army helicopters and I have to say they have quite the set up! Our twenty mile journey was wonderful, being together and enjoying such beautiful scenery was a perfect get away. The trail was rocky but well maintained, and the wild flowers were so brilliant and plentiful, especially for July, what a wet year it has been. It was great to see my family and meet the other's they are working with. We were able to get in some fishing too, I absolutely love being in the Uintahs and it brought back so many memories, some of the happiest times of my life have been spent on a horse, by the water, or in a tent a million miles from everyone (at least that's how if feels - so peaceful).

Life in Limbo

Well since April our lives have been in limbo you could say. With the economy Ross was let go at his job - last one hired first to go, sadly it's happening to so many these days. We just recently moved back to Twin Falls, and are now staying with his parents. It has been fun to get together with friends and we're enjoying the time we get to spend together as a family while we search for the next move. Although I have to say that I am getting used to this and know that I am being spoiled by not having to take both kids to the grocery store every time I need to run errands.

Pine Flats Camping

We had a great time with the boys while camping at Pine Flats near Loman, ID. We had quite the set up, thanks to Ross for our shade. The campground was so nice with lots of pine trees and a pump for fresh water, which made washing and cooking so much more convenient. We enjoyed a couple small hikes with the boys, Ross got quite the workout while carrying Dallin in the pack, he's getting to be such a big boy. Reed was a good sport through it all, he spend time in his playpen by the fire, and locked into his car seat for meal time, the last day we really let him get dirty and he loved trying to eat all the bark and rocks he could find. Dallin loved hiking. He loved playing with the snake grass and searching for spider webs in the trees. We saw some beautiful butterflies on our walk and snapped a picture of a couple. The weather was wonderful and we so enjoyed our time at the nearby hot springs. We spent time at the Kirkham and Bonneville Hot Springs, and we'd have to say that Kirkham was the funnest for us and our kids. It took the boys a while to enjoy it, the roar of the river was an experience in itself but by the end Dallin was laughing in the waterfalls and Reed was asleep in my arms. We simply had a great time and look forward to more camping trips as the years go on.

Lindsey and Addison

Last weekend I was able to spend time with my friend Lindsey Whiting. She has been one of my best friends since the summer of our 5th grade year. I simply adore her daughter Addison, she is so stink'n cute and is at such a fun stage. We spent a few hours at her Dad's place in Boise on Sunday, the kids had so much fun playing together; we visited and ate smores, what more could you want. Nathan, Lindsey's brother came up too, when he was younger everyone called him Bud and I still do, when we arrived he told Addison to go see Aunt Jamie, it made me smile. Dallin decided to take a dip in the little pond by the fire pit too, I guess you could say it was one of those bad mom moments when I was physically there but having such a good time visiting with Linds that I let him slip in, he was fine though and wanted to go swimming when we got home. On Monday Linds, Addison, and Nathan came over and we walked to the park and had a picnic. Thanks a million for the time you spend with us, I love you tons.

Memorial Day

It was wonderful to have Ross's family with us on Memorial Day! We had dinner with Michael, Julie, Mom and Dad on Saturday and then went back to our place for good conversation and a game of cards. Sunday we all went to church and before everyone left we visited the grave site of Hilda and Tex Christiansen, Ross's Grandparents. Reed also got to open some gifts for an early b-day, so nice of everyone. Thanks for the visit, it is always so wonderful to get together with family, we love you all.

All About Reed

Reed's personality continues to shine through, and there isn't a day that passes that he isn't into a little mischief or one where he doesn't make us laugh. Reed loves to make messes and eat things he shouldn't. He is starting to say more and is frequently found saying Da Da as he crawls around the house. He also can say Ma Ma, although it's not heard often and I could swear that he said brother the other day. Tonight we were out having fun and actually snapped a picture of him standing up on his own, he'll be walking before we know it, and you'd be amazed at how fast he climbs our stairs, if only he could safely climb back down. I have a feeling he inherited his Dad's sense of humor and goofy moves.