So much to blog, So little time!

I have weeks worth of events to report, but not much time, so for Bre, and Heather, who we missed so much I will blog their visit with us. Because of Bre's great blog, we practically felt like we already knew the kids, and they aren't too shy so they made friends with the cousins pretty quickly. I wish I had been able to take a picture of them all standing together, because Peyton is Hailey's age, but almost Michayla's size. Paige weighs more than Hailey although she is closer to Andrew's age. It was just fun to get to know them. Colin and Peyton got along pretty well. Colin is always happy when there is another boy cousin around, because we have so many more girls. He will be happy when Andrew is big enough to play. It was great to see Bre and Dan and Michael too. It is much too long between visits.

Goodbye, everyone. Have a great mission Michael.

It's A Birthday Weekend

Malerie was very excited last year when AJ was born the day after her birthday. So this year we have a Birthday Weekend, Malerie turns 10 on August 9; and Andrew is 1 on August 10.

Malerie had a busy day out on her birthday with her mom. She went to Nicklecade, to a movie, out to lunch and to Build-a-Bear workshop for a new friend. Then Grandma and Grandpa took her and the rest of the family to Golden Corral for dinner.

Malerie wants a new look in her bedroom. Hopefully this will be her ceiling.

Malerie's new birthday outfit. Happy Birthday Malerie!




Andrew had a party in the park for his 1st Birthday. Mommy and daddy made sure it was special with balloons and streamers and lots of family and friends.

Grandma Barker and Trish flew up from Arizona...

And Aunt Cheryl surprised us. She came with Vance to help Jameson and Jocelyn move and came to the party with Lynae and Tyler.

The kids had fun opening the pinata...

and collecting the treats.

Andrew was having a great time. (What kid wouldn't with all that attention.)

"Let me at those presents."

Andrew had lots of fun opening presents... at least the first 3 or so, but he had lots of help opening the rest. He got lots of fun toys and cute clothes, but even at this age he really seemed to like the cash best...

Or maybe the cool scooter Grandma Barb gave him.

Todd asked Malerie to do a skit of Andrew's Firsts. This is his first airplane ride.

Then it was time for cake.

Andrew had his own cake to eat all by himself...he wasn't too sure what to do with it but after a little encouragement he went right to it.



Even in the hair. Mommy says daddy gets to bathe him tonight. Maybe daddy will need to join him.

Daddy looks so funny...and when Grandma told him how funny he looked he decided to share...


Now Grandma looks funny too.

It was a Great party. Thanks Todd and Nicole. Happy Birthday AJ!

It's a Party!

Jameson got a job in Omaha and he and Jocelyn are leaving next week, so Grandma and Grandpa wanted to give them a going-away/ Happy Birthday to Jameson party. Fine with us, we are always up for any excuse to get together. Parties in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard used to be common so it brought back many memories.


Jameson is going home but this is an adventure for Jocelyn.

Spencer, Lynae,Julianne and Tyler


Grandma or Nana


Grandpa or Papa


When do we eat?

Dinner time--You'd think it was Fast Sunday or something

Jameson and Lynae



Lynae and Tyler showing off their battle wounds from tubing at Bear Lake last week.

I don't remember when we last had a picture of just our kids.


I wonder what they are plotting?



Aunt Julie is such a good aunt,

playing Ring around the Rosie,

Duck, Duck, Goose


and just Loving the kids.

Memories:

rolling down the hill,

playing ball,

exploring the forest,

playing cards at the kitchen table.



It wouldn't be Grandpa's party without messages. There were lots, but this was our favorite. It was a fun day. We'll miss you Jameson and Jocelyn.