Birthday boy!

Arthur turned 9 yesterday.  Today he had a party at the Bowling Alley.  We usually do parties when our kids are 8, 12, 16.  Arthur had one at 9 because his mother is a year behind.  :)  I think it worked out just fine. hehe. 

Aaron's new look!

Aaron has been squinting for several months.  I call our eye dr. and asked if it had been a year since his last appointment (our insurance covers yearly appts).  The receptionist said that it had been 3 years since Aaron had his eyes checked.  So, needless to say, Aaron needed glasses.  On the way home he would make comments like "There are letters on that sign!" and "I can see the numbers now!"  It has been fun to hear his remarks.  Besides, I think he looks handsome and older!

Because my momma loves me!

For my birthday, my mother treated me to a pedicure.  Are my toes pretty?

From our own garden!

This 20 lb beauty is just one of many found in our garden.  I gained a love of gardening from my father.  There is nothing better than harvest season.  My garden is not nearly as big as his was, but it gives me just as much joy!

Who needs monkey bars?

I told the kids that I really didn't like them using the couch as a jump to get to the pull up bar.  So here is the solution!  What cute, creative kids I have!

Who's afraid of whom?

Ash, our squirrel, small baby rabbit, lizard, and mice eating cat is afraid of our new kitty, Angel.  This was the best picture I could get of the two together.  I don't think Angel is very fond of Ash either!

Being a parent is hard!

Today we dropped Elder Derek Hawks off at the GJ Colorado airport.  It is so rewarding to have a child that wants to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however, I may have been a little weepy as he walked thru security and on his way to the gate.  2 weeks ago, we did the same thing with Sister Athena Hawks (only we dropped her off at the Provo MTC).  I'm so proud of them!  I'm so excited for them!  But it is still hard!