The American Girl

What would a trip to Chicago be without a girls only trip downtown to the American Girl store.  After a delicious lunch with our dolls, the girls dropped them off at the "doll salon" to get their hair done while they did a little shopping.  Grandma bought everyone a souvenir, the Kit Kittredge doll.  Thanks grandma! 

The Dancing Horses

We took a little day trip to see the dancing horses.  Unfortunately Parker didn't appreciate the dancing horse so I wasn't able to get any pictures of them, but there was a "little" zoo the kids loved and I was able to grab some snapshots.  The kids were able to go and feed the deer and surprisingly they ate right out of their hands.  I think my favorite was the peacocks.  

Does the Fun ever End?

Summer just wouldn't be summer without a trip to the bowling alley and the children's museum.  I am not sure, but I think whoever was on Amy's team won.  At the children's museum they had an exhibit that had washable crayons that you could paint on your face.  We were so hoping to skim by this one, but no luck.  Our kids LOVED it of course.  I mean how could they not--finally crayons aren't just for paper!

Pump It Up Party

While Paigely and Madi were here with Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Rob and Aunt TT and Carter and Cannon came over for the baptism, we decided to rent out Pump It Up and go bouncing!  Everyone had a great time and even Aunt Amy went down the big slide.  Although, they were having a great time on the rock wall as well.  

Home Sweet Home

Parker wasted no time settling back into life. It was a very wet summer which actually translates into MUDDY summer! :)

It's Great to be Eight!

After we got back from our trip to Utah, Emma was baptized on July 26, 2008.  She was lucky because she had so many friends and family there to support her on this special occasion.  Pagely and Madi drove back with Grandma and Grandpa to spend a couple of weeks with them over the summer, so they got to be here.  Rob, Tara, Carter and Cannon were able to drove over from Ohio, both Grandma and Grandpa Jensen and Grandma and Grandpa Jeppsen were there, Aunt Amy and Aunt Haylie, as well as friends from our ward, neighborhood and even some from her school.  After the baptismal service, everyone came over to our house for a BBQ.  I think she had a memorable day and I know she was excited for this important step in her life.  We are proud of you Emma!

 

PS...Emma's invitation and program were made by Jen Crook designs (her link is under my fun stuff.  It was so easy, I just told her what I wanted and she did it for me.  Highly recommend it!

Road Trip Reflections

Our trip to Utah came to a close and we had to say goodbye to all our family and friends until next time.  We hit the road for the long haul back and in that 21 hour drive  I had a "little" time to reflect on some road trip truths.  Here they are in no particular order.....

1.  New catch phrase for I told you so, "Bon Jovi."  (I told ya I had "Livin On A Prayer," right babe?)

2.  Matt is an experienced seeder--fellow sunflower seeders know what I mean. 

3.  Thanks to Caitlyn we know mom was right:  pop cans really will cut you (really bad) if you stick your finger down in them. 

4.  We love the midwest and their fireflies...there is nothing quite like them.  

5.  I-80 has only two seasons--winter and road construction.  Arghhh.

6.  I know they are potentially hazardous, but midwest thunderstorms are an awesome sight to see. 

7.  I never before realized that at Sonic you can only get ketchup, mustard, OR mayo on your hamburger.  But considering the less than pleasurable dining experience we had, we're not quite sure where those cost savings are going.  

8.  Kids really do have a movie and junk food quota.

9.  After being in a car for so long, getting out to go into a dirty bathroom looks like a pretty good alternative to kids---one that is completely exploited.  

10. It is always fun to see friends and family, but no matter where you live there is no place like home. 

Happy Birthday, Grandma Nanny!

We got to celebrate Grandma Nanny's 91st birthday with her.  She is my great grandma, so that makes her a great-great grandma to my kids.  She is such an example of faith and endurance to us.  We love and miss you grandma!

The big 3-0

On July 14, 2008, I became an official adult--yup, the big 3-0.  We were staying up at the cabin and after a long day at pineview dam we came back for strawberry pie--my favorite--thanks honey!  I wanted to give myself a birthday present and get up on one ski just like the good ole' days, but alas, I could not.  Maybe next year....

Cabin Fever

Just for fun and so everyone could stay together, Grandma and Grandpa Jensen rented out a condo/cabin up at Pineview Dam. The kids had a blast getting to have a sleepover all together, and basically just spending time together. Activities included, but were not limited to visiting friends, boating, movies, playing in the sand, and swimming. Here are some pictures of our little stay.

Caitlyn spent most of her time just hangin out in the water and as I watched the slideshow she was a little under represented, so here is a cute video clip of her and Carter.

I Love to See the Temple

While we were in Utah, Haylie went to the Bountiful Temple for the first time.  When I was reading her facebook page she made a good observation that it was the first time all 6 of my mom and dad's kids were together in the temple.  It was a special day and we are so glad we got to share it with her.  Thanks tons to Uncle Alan and Aunt Melissa for babysitting.  :)

Mini Golf

A little mini golf with everyone finished out our visit with Matt's family.  We love getting to spend time together and miss you guys!  

Water Fight!

What's summer without a little water fight?  Aunt Jamie came over for and ended up getting in a water fight with Matt.  Actually all the kids were in on it and I am just glad I was on camera duty, so I was safe.  

Water Fountain Fun

During our trip to Utah we were able to spend a couple of days down south with Matt's family.  We got to stay with Uncle Alan, Aunt Melissa, Josh and Alli.  During our stay we went to the planetarium and to play in the water fountain.  We got to see a big 3D sea monsters movie, which might not have been the best choice, considering all the kids were really scared.  At the fountain all the kids were a little bit hesitant at first, but didn't want to leave by the end.  

Priceless

I love this picture and video of Brandon playing ball with Grandpa Blaine.  When we lived in Utah he would look forward to going to visit Grandma and Grandpa almost every Sunday.  Grandpa always told Brandon he was the best baseball player ever.  We miss you Grandma and Grandpa!