costume box

(click to enlarge)

I have decided to start Jace a costume box. One of my favorite things growing up was playing dress-ups. So, I hit the D.I. on Monday morning (which I think is the best time to go to the D.I.) and got some great hats around his size. We will keep adding to it as we find fun costumes. I don't know if he is quite old enough to get it all on his own but we have had fun playing together.

Engaged!!

My little sister is getting married! Congratulation guys!

In her own words: "Alma (Alma Jean) and I met about two and a half years ago in a french class at BYU. A year later we were in an English class at BYU and we have been friends ever since. We started seriously dating in the middle of March. Basically, one day Alma told me that he was interested in dating, I thought about it for a bit, and then said, "Ok, let's try it out." And then, as they say, the rest is history. Things have gone swimmingly, and we'll be getting married on Saturday, Dec. 20th."

Congrats!

Congratulations Alma on graduating with your B.A. in English from BYU!!

company campout

The weekend after our family reunion we had a company campout in Payson canyon. All we had to do was show up with our tents and they did all the rest. All of the food was catered and very very good. They had a movie Thursday night; golf, games and crafts Friday; and a talent show Friday night. The only problem was that Jace did not sleep well either night. He does not want covers on him and it was fairly cold both nights. Other than that we had a great time. There's something about being in the mountains and surrounded by nature that is beautiful and therapeutic.


Working on his car during craft time

Trying to escape during naptime

Jace loved playing on this scooter

island park + yellowstone

Every year we go camping for our family reunion. This year we headed to Island Park and Yellowstone. We had a great time and missed those that couldn't make it (especially Uncle Devin because he was so great with the little kids although Jacob is stepping up and trying to fill those big shoes). On Thursday the guys went golfing while the kids played and the gals relaxed. Friday we all headed to Yellowstone for a day of sightseeing. Saturday we headed home and had birthday cake at the house (we have 6 in August). Following are a few (okay maybe more than a few) pictures of our adventures.

Sam and Jace at the springs

Crystal clear water at the springs...love it!

Taking a break on our hike through Yellowstone Grand Canyon

Olivia, Brooklyn and Kylee (a Yellowstone hot pot in the background)

I loved the deep colors of the hot pots

Sam with a tiny frog the boys caught at the lake

Skipping rocks (our campsite was right on the lake)

Wyatt, Dillon, Jacob and Paden

These buffalo came right down to the cars and were too close for comfort (Sam told Grandma,"those aren't effalos, those are monsters!" and "that one doesn't look too happy.")

Taking pictures of Yellowstone Grand Canyon

My Mom and Dad at Geyser Basin

Walking through the stinky mist (made me a little nervous because the buffalo are close but we can't see them)

Jace

Taking pictures of the buffalo in the parking lot

Chilling in the parking lot

update in progress

This morning I woke up with a major head cold. Not great timing since I am supposed to go golfing this afternoon with Jared and a couple from his work and then head to Malad for some wake boarding this weekend. (It's our last weekend of summer fun before football season starts). I haven't been feeling 100% this week and the Olympics are keeping me up way too late and Jace is waking up way too early (5:30 or 6:00). I guess it all caught up with me this morning. So Jared put a movie on while I slept on the couch next to Jace. It is amazing what a couple extra hours of sleep can do for you. I'm not better but do feel like I can actually function today (and I have to function because nothing is going to keep me from wake boarding tomorrow). Since Jace woke up so early he fell asleep on the floor of his room around 9:20. So I jumped in the shower, ate some breakfast and sat down at the computer to up-date my blog. We've been having lots of fun and I have lots to post so stay tuned!

the open house

Last night was Jon and Aubrey's open house. They had it in the Wilson's backyard and it was beautiful. We all spent the day getting ready for the open house. I had a lot of fun, Jared did not. I guess we can't all be party throwers. Here are a few pics from the night.




Aunt Carrie and Talon

Aubrey's little sister


This picture is of Lisa Ashton, Aubrey and me. Lisa and Aubrey were best friends in Junior High when they lived in Illinois. Lisa and I were roomies and best friends at BYU. Kind of funny that we all know each other now.

cub scout day camp

The day after we got home we headed to Cub Scout day camp with our Webelos and the other cub scouts. We had a great time up there and came home very dirty. Jace got to participate in some of the activities with the boys (he loves when the Webelos come over for scouts).

Just hanging out watching the scouts

We made swords and I wanted to get a picture of Jace with his. Right when I went to take the picture he charged after me and before I could get the camera down hit me square on the head with his sword. It was pretty funny.

Jon + Aubrey 07.19.08

Jon (Jared's brother) and Aubrey were married in the Birmingham temple on July 19th. They had a beautiful wedding and we were so happy that we could share it with them. I didn't take a ton of pics because they had a photographer and he was taking enough for everyone. As soon as I can I will post some more. Jace looked so handsome in his red vest and tie.

Jared and Jace

The happy couple - welcome to the family Aubrey!

Atlanta Silverbacks

Jace and I flew from Mexico to Alabama for a visit with the McLaughlin's. We always enjoy spending time with them. The Friday that we were in town Jason (Jared's brother) had a home soccer game (he plays for the Atlanta Silverbacks) so we all headed to Atlanta. Before the game we enjoyed pizza at Jason and Tae's house. Jared flew in that evening, just in time to catch the game. We had a lot of fun watching Jason play and reuniting with Jared after two weeks of being apart.

Jason, Jace and Kenshi

Kenshi watching his Dad play

At the game

Jason McLaughlin, #7