Brook turns 31

For Brooks birthday he took me and the Youngs to the Wells Fargo suite to see his favorite college football team play. Besides the fact that we wore our OSU shirts into a den of wild Utah fans and almost got beaten up, it was a pretty good night. Good food, great company, (I love you Brannon and Liz)great atmosphere. All in all, a pretty good night seeing how the Beavers lost with just seconds to go. I love you babe and am so glad you chose to spend your birthday with me.

Labor Day

Every year on Labor Day weekend we go south to my hometown of Parowan, Utah and celebrate with lots and lots of family and friends. It is the weekend of the Iron County Fair with horseraces, demolition derby, parade and carnival. The last big weekend of the summer as I remember it. As I get older I realize that all of this is so much more fun as a kid. The one thing that makes it all worth it is the excitement and the joy on the kids faces. They love it and I remember loving it as a kid. I'm so glad my kids can experience at least one thing I did growing up.

Trey would rather blow 50 bucks on the games than ride any of the rides. He did win a stuffed bear shooting hoops though. Good job Trey.
Tyce wasn't too sure. Here he is holding on for dear life.
Ahh, the Sizzler. This is my all time favorite ride at the fair. Anyone who sits on the outside gets squished so we used to pick a cute boy to ride with so we could be really close for a few minutes. I can't believe I remember that.

We also have a big luncheon up the canyon at what is known as the 5 mile. (because it is just 5 miles up the canyon.)(Parowan is at the base of Brian Head Ski resort for those of you who don't know.) Extended family from California come for the weekend and my dad makes dutch oven chicken and potatoes. It is some good food. The best part of the whole trip.
This is the Nicholes and the Cooke girls. Our moms are sisters and we are all good friends.
I was playing photographer with Trevon and he was my subject so here is his first pose.....
Here is his angry face.........
And this his him loving the trees. He is so funny. I told him to love the trees, love the trees and this is the face I get. Ha ha he is special and loves his picture taken.

Tyce turns 2!

My baby turned two on Aug 31st. I still remember the day he was born so clearly. Two years goes by fast. Too fast. Tyce is full of energy and so very happy. He is so lovey and sweet and listens so well. He really does. Way better that his brothers. He loves cars, trucks and motorcycles. Especially fire trucks. I am in love with this little boy and am excited to see him grow. Happy Birthday Tyce! I love you!
Golf clubs, a little people firetruck and fireman hat and a big huge dump truck, big enough to ride in were some special gifts he received. Oh, I can't forget the Spiderman card that Lily picked out. It talks and we haven't ran the batteries out yet. Thank you Lily!

First day of school

Yea! School has begun and we are all so excited to be back on a schedule. How handsome is my first grader? He said that his teacher told him he was the handsomest kid in class. I told him that she is so smart.
Posing....
And my preschooler. He seemed a little nervous but glad for the attention he was getting. Yea, Trevon I'm so proud of how brave you are.
His cool backpack that has all sorts of pockets. His favorite is the one for his phone, if he had one. Seriously, does this smile make you melt? It does me.

10 years of sheer bliss

What does marriage mean to you? To me it means having someone to come home to, someone to share the most important things in life, someone to laugh with, someone who helps you become better every day. I am so grateful for my marriage to Brook. Someone was definently looking out for me when we met. We've had our ups and downs (that 7 year itch stuff is real) but I can say that he is very special and I am so blessed to have him as my companion. I love him very much and hope that I can show him every day what he means to me.


So, to celebrate 10 short years, we went to Deer Valley and stayed at the Silver Baron Lodge. We also went to hear the Utah Symphony and the Mo Tab at the outdoor ampitheater. We were unprepared because we didn't have snow hats and coats. It was cold so we stayed for only half of it but it was really great anyway.


But back at the room they had bathrobes for each of us.....
A nice fireplace......
A big comfy bed....
and a jetted tub with candles. (we went and bought bubbles just for this occasion ; )

We also had a personal jacuzzi outside on the balcony. It was beautiful and amazing but it wouldn't matter where we were as long as we were together.

Is this the End?

I hardly think it can all be over. Even though I wanted an ending to all of this madness inside my heart and head, I can barely think of not reading about the Cullens'. I l..o..v..e..d loved the book. It was surprising and different and sometimes a little random but I don't think Stephenie could have ended it better than she did. I'm glad I can think of something else for awhile at least until something else of hers comes out but I will be waiting anxiously for whatever comes next.

Celebrating Utah

We started the day with breakfast at IHOP. Mmm New York cheesecake pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream. What a way to start the day. Then, I don't know how it happened but somehow we ended up at Petsmart buying goldfish and everything to go with it. One minute we're having a delicious breakfast and BAM next thing you know we are pet owners. I don't even remember saying yes but needless to say we have already been back to replace one of the fish. My kids love "Luke" and "Yoda" but if I have to clean the tank again I may be helping these fish to fish "heaven".

We heard a little from the new band in town. Actually it's just some neighborhood boys having some fun but they sound better and better every time. The kids stand outside the "practice" room and dance, dance, dance.
When it was dark we went outside for a big firework show put on by Brook "firecracker" Talbot. The kids enjoyed being outside in the dark but they all covered their ears or ran for the house when it got loud. We always have a good time visiting with our neighbors on warm summer nights.