Happy Birthday Lindsi

Today my girl turned 29 and it doesn't seem like that long ago she was the cute little tyke in the following pictures! She was the cutest baby and as I looked at these pictures, I can definitely see Cashe!

My cute little red head at age 7 months.

Learning to crawl; look at all that hair at age 9 months. Such a cutie!

Christmas, age 4 enjoying her Teddy Ruxpin, the hottest toy that year.

Cuddling with baby sister Kristi. She was such a good big sister. Every morning before she left for kindergarten she would eat breakfast and watch Seasame Street with Kristi. Loved having my two girls!

And here is my baby today with her handsome boy!

Celebrating the grand opening of our favorite store the night before her birthday! So fun to just shop and talk and spend some time together. Love this girl!

So on Lindsi's 29th birthday, what do I love about her:

1. She has the biggest heart and is so kind to everyone.

2. She is a wonderful mother to baby Cashe; as a mom, it is such a wonderful experience to see your children become parents. I have never seen a more loving and devoted mother!

3. She loves family and is always the one to plan our extended family Christmas party. I know it would have died a long time ago if it hadn't been for Lindsi.

4. She is a loving sis to Kristi and Ben. She has such a special bond with her sister and I know they are the very best of friends.

5. She is so determined; it doesn't matter what it is, she puts her mind to it and gets it done.

6. She is a fun person to be around and makes me laugh with her funny voices.

7. She is a great listener and always gives me good advice.

8. She is a fun workout buddy!

9. She is the best daughter and I love her and am so blessed to have her in my life.

So baby, Happy Birthday and enjoy all that this year brings! We love you!!!

Happy Birthday Ben!

In honor of Ben's birthday today, I wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures of him. I can't believe my baby is 14! He is such a great young man, and I love him so much.

Kristi and Ben; can't believe that my baby girl holding

my baby boy will be holding her baby in just a few short months.

Here is Ben at about 8 months. Notice I am violating all safe sleeping rules for babies. He is on his stomach, sleeping on a stuffed animal, with a huge bumper pad all around, with a blanket over him and a stuffed animal in the corner. Yikes!

Ben loved this swing we had in the backyard; I forgot that he had the cutest chubby cheeks.

Ben almost 6 enjoying a family trip to the beach!

When Ben was about 7, he spent about 10 days with Lindsi while she was attending college in Las Vegas. They had a blast. Ben has been blessed with two of the best sisters ever!

And here is Ben at 12 jumping in the lake.


Birthday Lunch

My 14 year old boy with all his loot

Here are a few reasons we love Ben:

1. He is one of the kindest people and is such a good friend to everyone.

2. He is really smart and works hard in school.

3. He loves being an uncle and adores Cashe and can't wait for baby Diesel to get here.

4. He is a good brother to Lindsi and Kristi and he has a special relationship with each of them.

4. Even though he is 14 and it's not cool, he always hugs us and says he loves us.

5. He loves his Grandma Elfie!

6. He is so funny and makes us laugh everyday.

7. He is the best son and we are so happy to be his mom and dad.

So Ben, happy birthday! We hope you know how much we love you. You are truly a blessing in our lives.

Happy 23rd Birthday Kristi Blair

My baby girl turned 23 today, and I wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures and memories of her. It just doesn't seem like it's been 23 years since they placed that beautiful little baby into my arms. Here we are-Kristi just 20 minutes old.

Kristi at 2-she was such a cutie

Our little Ute at 3-we started our girls young knowing who to cheer for!

Kristi at 5. I think I did her hair the same for every picture until she was in middle school.

One of my absolute favorite pictures of my girl at 9! We used to tell everyone that Kristi cried every day of her life until she was almost a teen. Here is the proof; I guess she didn't want to fold the laundry. I love this picture so much I made sure it was included in her wedding video.

At here she is today! Can't believe my baby girl will soon be a momma! We celebrated her birthday with lunch and then a shopping trip to Sephora and Lola Bella! It was a fun afternoon.

Here we are-23 years later!

So what do I love about my girl?

1. She is so fun to be around and a fabulous shopper. She knows just what we should wear for important events, family pictures, vacations, just anytime.

2. She has a fun sense of humor and we laugh at just the most random things.

3. She is a great sister and would do anything for Lindsi and Ben

4. She is Cashe's favorite auntie! He loves her so much and always smiles when he sees her.

5. I can tell her anything and know that she will always give me good advice.

6. She is a wonderful wife to Jordan. They have an amazing relationship and it's been so fun to see it grow from dating to almost parenthood.

7. She is a hard worker; she does nursing school, work, and everything in between and never complains even through horrible morning sickness all summer.

8. She so cute pregnant!

9. She is just the best daughter ever and I am so blessed to be her momma. She will be a wonderful mom to her little boy!

So happy birthday my baby girl! I love you so much.

End of Summer and Fall Fun

We began August with some fun field trips. The first one was to the zoo. Even though it was a super hot day, the kids enjoyed seeing the new exhibits. It was fun to be at Cashe's first zoo trip.

Here we are ready to see the zoo.

All of us ready to see the bird show which was fantastic! The girls are excited, not sure why Braden and Ben look miserable!

A beautiful bald eagle came out at the end of the show.

Lindsi and Cashe on his first merry go round ride.

We had to get a picture of Kristi with a mama elephant Kristi and her baby Zuri.

Our next field trip was to Liberty Park. We had a great afternoon playing on the swings, riding a Ferris wheel and carousel, and eating treats.

Lindsi, Cashe and Ab enjoying some swing time.

Having a snack at the park.

My girls may be all grown up, but they couldn't resist a sweet treat from the ice cream man. I love these girls!

Ben and Ab taking a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Labor Day weekend, the kids and I headed to Swiss Days. Here we are having lunch at a great little Mexican place Nick loves. The kids loved having real soda in a bottle.

Taking a break from the heat and crowds!

My girls enjoying their homemade carmel apples.

Ben was getting a little bored, so he found some interesting hats to try on.

A few weeks after school began, ground was broken on the new middle school. Ben was one of two students who were selected to serve on the design and rebuild committee. He attended all the meetings with the architects and provided a student's idea on what the new school should have. It was a great experience for him and he was able to break the ground at the ceremony. Unfortunately, when the school is completed in 2013, Ben will have already graduated to high school, but he will know he had a part in its building.

At the end of September, it was time for us to go to the state fair with Lindsi, Nick and Cashe. Nick and Cashe in the barn before we went to see the animals. I did break Lindsi's heart when I told her the animals were sold, for well...food purposes. I think she thought they just all went to a farm somewhere....

Lindsi and Cashe with a very large ox.

Here we are at the fair. Cashe enjoyed seeing the animals and I enjoyed racing Lindsi down the big yellow slide and beating her to the finish!

Lindsi and Cashe took a mom tot swim class and I was able to go to some of the lessons. He loves the water and was a good boy at lessons even though he was the youngest swimmer!

We were able to get tickets to the Sunday morning session of conference, thanks to Ben, and we really enjoyed being there and hearing the great talks. We arrived about 90 minutes early and were able to hear the choir sing and enjoy the beauty of the conference center. Bri and I before conference started.

Jord and Kristi were able to come with us.

We had one extra ticket, so cute Abby came with us.

Here we are after conference; it was such a pretty day and I love the temple in the background.

And that ends our summer and fall. Now it is time for my kids' birthdays and the holidays. I can't wait!

Summer 2011-Part 2-July

July was a busy month, so there are tons of pictures.

Ben arrived home safe and sound from his scout camp. He earned several merit badges and had a great time.

After just one day home, he was off to scout camp # 2. Ben had the opportunity to participate in Silver Mocassin leadership camp. Ben and Scott ready to go!

Ben and his troop heading to meet the parents after camp.

I think Ben's face says it all, " I'm ready to sleep in my own bed!"

Ben receiving his Silver Mocassin beads from Scoutmaster Scott.

Ben's troop.

Scott and Ben.

On the way home, we had to stop at Dick's in Kamas so the boys could have lunch and of course a shake!

Celebrating 7-11 at 7-11 for free Slurpees with Braden and Abby.

Our ward did an evening of service and here is Ben and the other youth in the ward after working hard in Sister Fenner's yard. Our ward helped over 9 families spruce up their yards; it was a neat project and glad we could participate.

On Wednesday, July 13, we took off for our annual trip to Door County, Wisconsin. We love going here and we took my mom with us this year and had a great time. We decided to do a few new things this trip and began the trip with a tour of Lambeau Field, home of Ben's team, the Green Bay Packers! The Packers have a very interesting history, and it was really fun. If ever in Green Bay, I highly recommend the tour!

Ben sporting Aaron Roger's jersery; ready to begin tour.

The biggest cheese head of all!

Ben showing off a few of his treasures from the gift shop.

Ben chilling in one of the luxury suites. There is a 60 year waiting list for anyone wanting to buy season tickets. In fact, there are more people on the waiting list than seats in the arena, and it holds over 70,000 fans. It is the smallest NFL market, but the city loves their Pack!

Ben just inches away from the field. Wisconsin winters can be brutal and so many of the games are played in bitter cold. That was hard to fathom on a hot, humid July day!

We all became Green Bay fans that day!

Grandma celebrating her hole in one at the mini golf park.

Ben and Brian tried a few new golf courses in Door County.

I have always wanted to do a zip line and so when I found out that there was one in Door County, I was all for it. Ben was a good sport and went with me. Here we are all ready to climb and zip....

Ben went first; it was a pretty tame zip line.

Ben ready to take the leap

Here I go, and even though I am afraid of heights I LOVED IT!!!! Can't wait to zip again!

These guys were the zip line guides; really funny and the one guy in the Fitch shirt was from England and loved my Tom's shoes.

Bri and I enjoying dinner at our favorite Fish Creek Restaurants-Julies. My hair is straight not from a flat iron, but the humidity. It was some of the most humid days Wisconsin had all summer.

Bri, Ben and Grandma at Julie's

Every visit we rent bikes and bike through Pennisula State Park. Beautiful view of Green Bay. It's one of our favorite activities!

Bri showing his skill at skipping rocks.

Ben and Grandma on the beach.

Sunset dinner at Fred and Fuzzy's Waterfront Grill. Our last night in Door County.

So we headed to Green Bay anticipating our flight home, but due to severe thunderstorms in the Midwest, we spent another night on vacation. No worries, found a nice hotel with an indoor waterslide. Ben didn't mind the extra night in Green Bay!

Had some fun pool parties with my friends and their kids. My cute friend Emily came over and I just love her kids. Noah, Izzy and Cashe enjoying swim time with me.

Finally ready for braces! Ben and Dr. McDonough right before they went on. We love Dr. M; he did braces for both girls and he is the best!

Ben about half way through treatment.

Ben all smiles with his new metal mouth. Fourteen months to perfect teeth!

And so ended July...