Spray and Play

For one las hurrah before everyone had to leave we took the kids to a spray and play.  It really is just like a glorified running through the sprinklers party.  But it was perfect because you didn't have to worry about anyone drowning and the kids get their swimming fix.  In fact I think we only had one little mishap; out of the blue a little girl came over and dumped a bucket of water over Parker's head.  Oops. 

Sister Jensen

My sister Haylie left for her mission right before everyone came out for the summer.  So while everyone was together we all wrote her letters.  I think she said she got the most letters in her district that week.  She is doing great and we are so proud of her!

Good Old Fashion Fun

One of my kid's favorite activity is going on a walk with Grandpa, and if they are lucky it is frog hunting season.  The funny thing about this walk is that they are coming home from a totally different direction than what they started walking.  Aparantly they got a smidge lost, or "just turned around."  :)

Parker's First Birthday

For Parker's first birthday we just had family over for a small party.  It was so fun to celebrate this day with everyone and it is amazing to see how fast he is growing up.  Don't you just wish they could stay in that cute, immobile, baby stage forever?

How old are you?

OK, so cake decorating isn't really my thing.

Before

After

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for my first truck!

Ride that buckin' broncho!

This is my favorite picture---future party animal!

Thanks Uncle Alan and Aunt Melissa---unfortunately I bleed R-E-D----Go Utes!

Here is Parker digging in to his first cake.  He loved it!  PS..Sorry about the sideways video, I couldn't figure out how to turn it, but you get the idea.

This was kinda funny....

Six Flags of F-U-N

So the kids talked us into heading over to Six Flags.  It's always a great place to be because there are great coasters for the adults ( I think Superman and the Raging Bull are close contenders for favorites) and lots of kiddie rides for the kiddos.  Grandma is always super nice to watch the little ones while the "big kids" ride some of the big rides.  Just in case anyone ever decides to venture, the Flash pass is most definitely worth the money and I just have to say you know when you are getting old when you come off a ride and think that wasn't the best idea.  I remember going to Lagoon with my Dad and begging him to take us on the Roll-O-Planes and after reluctantly accepting I could see how painful of an experience it really was for him.  I would think to myself that it really wasn't that crazy of a ride, but now I completely know how he was feeling--so sorry Dad for all those forced Roll-O-Plane rides.  :)

One night we were at Six Flags it was pouring rain.  Parker thought playing in the puddles was just as fun as any ride.  

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

What would a trip to Chicago be without a trip to Wrigley field to watch the Cubies?  The guys got all decked out in their baseball gear and went to cheer on the Cubs.  Unfortunately, I can't even remember who they were playing and I am pretty sure the Cubs lost, but it is all about the experience right?  

PS...I don't Grandpa has ever been to a Cubs game when they have won.

First Train Ride

OK, so this was suppose to be a post of Parkers first train ride, but I accidentally deleted the picture off of my camera before I downloaded to the computer---hate when that happens--dumb digital technology. So moving on here are the pictures of everyone else on that same ride. Hey I think it might have been Jaxon's and Kenadee's first train ride so I feel so much better!

Yes, Jaxon is sporting a mohawk!

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!