Kolton's baptism

Right after USU graduation we left for Idaho to be with Kurt's family. Our nephew, Kolton, was being baptised and it was the first time ever that all of the grandkids on Kurt's side would be together in one place! Kurt's grandparents, aunt Kathleen, cousin John, and John's kids also were able to come. It was really great to see everyone. I wish we were able to do it more often.

Carol with the grandkids. L-R: Logan, Kolton, Melinee, Audrik, Karli, Natasha, Draven, and DylanKurt's family: L-R: Haylee, Luke, Derek, Kurt and Teresa. Bottom: Carol and Richard.

4 generation picture: Reuel, Draven, Richard, Audrik and Kurt

The redheads: me, Carol, Teresa, Audrik and Luke

USU Graduation 2010

USU graduation was about a month ago. It was a big day for our family, both my brother, Jim, and my sister-in-law, Jen, graduated. Jim decided he didn't care to walk since he is off to vet school this Fall and figures he will walk at the end of that. Jen decided to walk and I am so glad. I love graduation. It fills me with great feelings and there is such a sense of accomplishment. I know it is a weird thing to like so much but I do.

The day before graduation we were able to watch as our friend, Jeremey, commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. It was amazing. I am so grateful that we were invited and were able to have that experience. I am so thankful for all of the men and women serving in the armed forces!

Dresden, Doug and Jen Dad (Bob), Jen and Mom (Pat)
Doug, Me, Jen and Kurt
Dresden and Audrik (they are about a month apart in age).

Of course, we had to get some pictures with the USU bull!

Good Times with Old Friends

My friend, Amanda, was baptising her baby girl, Clara Grace, in our hometown of Preston so Kurt and I drove up, dropped off the kids with my parents, and headed over to the church. It was so great to see Amanda and Katie, two of my friends from high school. It has been quite a while and it was a lot of fun to catch up.

Katie, Me and Amanda

A Little Bit of Summer

Summer seems to be taking an extra long time getting here this year, but when we get some nice weather we try to take advantage of it. In the last month we have been able to go on quite a few evening walks and we even fit in one water day.

Draven is really into picnics right now. His cousin Josh was over to for the night so they decided to have a picnic for lunch. Kurt held the hose and let the kid's do the limbo. Most of them just ducked as they ran through :). I love this picture because it is so Draven. He is always smiling but it is very rare that I capture it in a picture.
Kurt taught some of the neighbor kids the fine art of human pyramids.
Top to Bottom: Maddie Pope, Josh (D's cousin), Kaden Pope and Draven.

I finally remembered to take my camera on one of our walks. Draven and his neighborhood friend, Kaden, turned it into a photo shoot. I think I came home with over 50 pictures but they had a great time.

Draven

Kaden and Draven

Silly faces.

Maddie, Draven, and Kaden

Kurt and Audrik - what cuties :)

Happy Birthday to You!

Draven celebrated his birthday with two other kids, Ash and Abby. It was a lot of fun to get all of the neighborhood kids together to play games and eat cupcakes. We love living here and having so many wonderful families to do things with. Ash, Abby and Draven All of the kids getting ready for a relay.Draven in his birthday hat. We found these funny umbrella hats and thought they would be fun.

Our Little Guy is 5. . .

I can't believe Draven is 5. Kurt and I pulled in from Seattle at 4:00 a.m. on Draven's birthday. Needless to say, we were both a little tired! My mom was awesome and ordered a cake while we were gone since she knew I wouldn't have time to make one. During the day Kurt took Draven to pick out a brand new bike since he is outgrowing his old one. Then that night we had a little family party with cake and ice cream.

I love Seattle!

I know, I know. . . you all have heard me say it at least once, I L-O-V-E Seattle! If I could convince Kurt to move back to the Pacific Northwest I would leave tomorrow. Kurt and I were able to go for a quick weekend trip and it was worth every minute of the horrible 13 hour drive. The majority of the time was spent buying supplies and packing a shipping container for my parent's fishing lodge in Alaska but we were also able to fit in some quality friend time. We stayed in the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. Have I mentioned how much I love Westin hotels? Their Heavenly beds are, well. . . heavenly! One of the mornings there we met our good friends and old neighbors, the Apfelbeck's, at Maltby Cafe for breakfast. I swear, the Maltby Cafe has the best breakfast in the world, only to be rivaled by the Gazebo on the island of Maui. It was great, I mean really, how can you go wrong when you mix good friends and good food :). Then that night we were able to go to our first ever roller derby bout with our friends, Bob and Starla. It was not at all what I expected and was so much fun! Starla and Bob are a blast, not to mention, that Starla is the best real estate agent EVER! Last but not least, the morning we headed for home we were able to swing by my co-worker and awesome friend, Jude's house. It was so great to see where she lives (she's moved since I was last there). I love her house and the natural area that borders her property. I told her I would pack up and be ready to move in within the week :).

The view from our hotel room.

The super yummy Maltby Cafe with our friends, the Apfelbeck's.
Bob and Starla at the Key Arena in Seattle.
Check out those women. They mean business!

Starla and I messing around.