On the Farm

Rhone loves all things outdoors, especially helping Papa with chores and being on the farm. He knows the routine for checking the chicks, feeding the dogs and watering the garden. Once I asked him if he was ready for dinner and he told me, "Too busy, mom. I working hard with Papa." We were cutting the hay when I was home so Rhone got to spend a lot of time in the swather and raking hay with Papa. The last night we were home Rhone managed to get tractor rides from 2 of our family friends, John and Cary.

Rhone showing me how he and Papa check on the birds and their feed.
Rhone and Papa on some of the hay from North Canyon Raking the hay behind Papa's house. My mom and I picked up to take him to the Cars2 movie. He was devastated to leave the tractor. One morning we went with my dad to fix some broken farm equipment. Its impressive to see my dad at work and how his mind can solve problems and improve designs. John even paid Rhone a dollar for his work that day. We brought it home and it's still on the fridge Rhone and Olin being boys together Rhone is showing me his new work gloves. They are the real deal leather. He was quite excited and kept saying, "Jus like Papa's" Rhone after his tractor ride with John. Rhone after his tractor ride with Cary. He got to ride pretty far with Cary. It's fun seeing him grown up and willing to go places without his mom.

Outdoors with Dad

Ben was only able to spend a few days with us in Idaho. So we tried to cram a few fun activities in before he left. We did two of our favorite things- shooting traps and a 4-wheeler ride. This canyon is just a few miles from my parents house. The trail is hardly ever ridden. It's such a nice slow paced ride. While Ben was home we also finished getting things set up for a shop. It is finally up. We are excited to have a place to park the GTO along with a few other things we have in Idaho. Plus I am sure we will find more things to put in it. Speaking of the GTO we took a few family pictures on our property with it too.

Ben was the best shooter of the day.


Nana and Olin with the hayfield behind them.

Isn't this view amazing?!

Father's Day

Father's Day was pretty low key this year. Before we headed out west Ben opened a few gifts. Rhone loved the remote control motor cycles that he gave Ben. They drive them until their little batteries die. On actual Father's Day we were in Idaho. My mom's family celebrated with us. Unfortunately I had caught Ben's stomach flu, so I didn't do much to make the day special for Ben. We sure do love our Dads and are so grateful for all their love and support.

Rhone and Ben driving the motorcycles

Ben getting to open his main present.

It's a set of tools for the shop in Idaho. We let him open it a few days early so he could use them on the GTO.

Rhone helping Papa open his present.

Rhone and Ben on Father's Day morning.

My mom's family were camping Father's Day weekend. Rhone went and visited everyone while I stayed home sick. He loved all the attention and jumping on the air mattress with his cousins.

What a great Dad! He even lets Rhone help cut his hair.

Wedding Day!

The wedding day was one busy day and we were just guests. Brandalyn and Paul looked amazing and so happy. The day started off bright and early with the race to check out of the hotel and get to the temple. Reilly was kind enough to watch all the kiddos so everyone could attend the ceremony. After we waited (as good as kids wait) for the bride and groom to make their big entrance. Then we headed off to the luncheon. We let Rhone nap in the car while we stopped in a few stores we rarely visit (IKEA and REI). Then we headed to the zoo. It was fun, but hot. Then we rounded up all the tired kiddos grabbed dinner and headed off the the beautiful reception. We thought the excitement was over, but on the way to Idaho the stomach flu hit Ben, so with a few emergency stops we finally ended the wedding day in Idaho. Whew what a fun and long day.

Our little family at the temple.

Ben with his Dad. I love that we got one of him smiling.


This picture doesn't show it, but Rhone really adores his older cousin Liesel.

These little boys were done waiting quietly when we pulled out the trucks.

A crowd of kids sure is fun. I like how Rhone isn't sure about the lion drinking fountain.

The cousins at the zoo.

We never could have posed this, but I love how they are all checking out the chicken and her chicks.

Rhone has been into maps lately, and insisted on having one of the zoo.

Brandalyn with Kara and me.

Ben with his oldest sister Terri who was a beautiful mother of the bride.

Ben with his mom and 2 of his sisters. The view of Salt Lake City was beautiful.

Paul and Brandalyn cutting their cake.

Utah Time

We had a little family reunion with Ben's family while we were out for his niece's wedding. It has been years since so many of us were together. It was so much fun catching up and watching all the kids play together. The dynamics sure have changed over the years. Thanks for letting us invade your house Liz. Hopefully it doesn't take so long for us to meet up again. These pictures are from the reunion. Wedding day pictures are coming soon.

These 4 kids spent so much time jumping that I had to include a picture.

Roasting marshmallows with dad.

Making a fruit pizza was such a fun project with so many kids. It was fun to image what it would be like to have 6, but thank goodness it was just pretend :)

The cousins all getting ready for bed.
Last minute we decided to have a little party with the bride and groom. We had a fun time playing games.

Grandad with the grandkids at the hotel pool the night before the wedding.