MEMORIAL DAY 2015 - FRIENDS PLUS FIELD OF HEROES

We have a couple of traditionals from Memorial Day. This was a day that we would always spend with the Bohneys as well as the Beauchats. We would have a fun BBQ and hang out. Since these families are in Texas and New York now, we had to change it up a couple of years ago. We decided that we didn't want to spend it alone, so we made our own BBQ where we invited other neighbors to come celebrate and visit for an hour or two.

Here is the leftovers!!! (And I didn't get pictures of the guests! Next year!!!)

As always, Brandon does his best to feed everyone. It's harder for him to visit, but I was so grateful that others came to him to chat this year! Yeah!!!

The other tradition is to visit the Field of Heroes that is set up at Century High School. This one of a kind field where we honor the military who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year, I was able to take pictures of this small monuments where they show the highlights of the other wars.

One each of the crosses, there is a QR code that you can scan that will take you to a page where it tells you information about them. It is very neat.

At the beginning of the field, there are also larger crosses where the ones that are from Idaho are honored. These include a picture and a story about their heroism. Most of them have flowers and flag surrounding them as well. This one is a picture of a friend's husband. I always have to visit his cross each year.

Kate looking at all of the crosses. In the background, they were doing some sort of ceremony as well. It was very peaceful and serene during the time that we are there. We wanted to be quiet and reverent. It was also cold as a storm was coming in as you can see from the shadows.

Sophie and Kate wanted their picture taken together

The view of the field

We wanted to get a picture together as a family with the flag. Grateful for all those who give their service and lives so that we may enjoy our freedoms.

God Bless the USA!

LAST DAY 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR

I love taking these last day pictures of the kiddos! They always have a carnival --- see Dawson's face! I also met the school bus with cookies as per tradition to celebrate surviving a year of school!

Kate - last day of 2nd grade

Dawson - last day of 5th grade (and last day of elementary school)

Show me how you feel!

Photo bomb by Evan!!!

Unfortunately, my 8th grader didn't want to participate (the bus gets home quite a bit later). But, 2 weeks later, I was able to 'recreate' the last day of 8th grade and the last day of middle school for her!!!

Congrats kids! I loved this last year and hoped that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for the memories!

MOTHER'S DAY 2015

Mother's Day was beautiful this year! I enjoyed the early morning church with my family, the wonderful nap (I'm not going to tell you the length), and visiting quickly with my mom. I wish we would have had time to visit more, but we will make time soon for that.

The kids and Brandon got me a couple of new pairs of earrings (that I picked out - hehe) and a $50 visa gift card to use on my lunches and everything when I am in Idaho Falls. It was so very sweet of them to think of me!

I love knowing that I am a mother and have influence over these 3 sweet kiddos. It's so great to have a forever family! Love them!

(Dawson just kills me and was ruining the pictures!!! Agh!)

ECHO BEAR IS ONE!

This sweetie is one year old! I just can't believe that a year ago, we received a text message on Mother's Day (the day after she was born) to let us know that the litter of 5 made it safely and that they were all doing so well.

Shortly thereafter, we made a trip to pick the fur ball. And right after the 4th of July, we brought her home. It has been a crazy year, but we have loved having a dog. The kids still are helping and doing a fair amount with her, which is great.

For her birthday (and Mother's Day), we let her have a bunch of chicken and then also a rib. I think that she is so spoiled!

We love our Echo bear!!!