Summer 2012 -Week 7

July 9 - July 15

I have hardly any pictures this week...hmmm.

On Monday and Tuesday, Conner and I were up at CSU for orientation. He stayed the night on Monday, but I drove home and back up Tuesday morning. It went well, they are incredibly organized so it all flowed smoothly.

Conner was invited to apply for what's called a key community. His would be for Health Services. It's a group of students that live in the same residence hall, and take a couple of classes together. They have a key mentor to help guide them and they stress academic excellence, leadership and community service.

We got more information about it and talked it over, and Conner decided it was something he'd like to do. So he applied on Tuesday and found out Friday he was accepted. So that means he will have to move to a different residence hall, and have a different roommate. That part is sad since he'd already been communicating with his roommate online and they actually met in person in June. He's hoping they can still hang out and get to know each other.

It sounds like this will be a good thing for Conner, though. It will provide him with much more support for his first year and give him more opportunities. I'm excited for him.

Aiden had two baseball practices and two games this week. Zane had one practice and a game. Grandma was able to come to Zane's game, so he was thrilled about that.

Chase had an overnight Lock-in with the high school youth group on Tuesday and then on Thursday went with one of his leaders to a huge comic book store. He was in awe, and can't wait to go back.

Conner got ready for his big trip, and then he and Scott left Friday at 5am. They drove straight through to Indianapolis and arrived at midnight their time. He qualified for Jr. Gold and this is a big tournament for kids all over the country. He hasn't been able to prepare or practice much at all due to his medical issues, so he is going mostly for the experience.

They registered on Saturday and had practices both Saturday and Sunday. His first tournament is Monday. They will be there until next Friday or Saturday.

The kids and I also went on a trip Friday. We headed to the mountains to visit my parents for the weekend. I was really saddened that we didn't get to go through the canyon and take my annual by-the-river picture. But due to the recent wildfire and flooding, there have been a lot of rock slides and my dad requested we avoid that area. So we went instead the long way around, through Cheyenne and Laramie.

Liam practice his new walking skills on the way into town

We had a very nice visit and came home on Sunday. The house was extremely hot after being closed up all weekend. We got the swamp cooler going, unpacked and then the kids jumped in the pool.

I'm anxious to see how the week on my own goes.

Mother's Day

I had a really nice Mother's Day. Scott let me sleep in and made me breakfast. The younger kids gave me gifts they had made at various places: church, music class, art class. They were all very creative and special to me.

Scott and the older kids got me a Kindle. I've been wanting one for awhile and was so surprised and pleased.

My parents have been in town, but left to go back to the mountains today. I really wanted to get a picture of me and my mom as I realize we don't have any recent ones of us just her and I.

I got to spend the afternoon relaxing and then Scott made a delicious steak dinner. I feel so blessed. One amazing husband and 6 3/4 amazing kids. =)

Thanksgiving 09

My parents were in town for Thanksgiving again this year. We had our big meal around 1pm and then had all my in-laws over for dessert in the evening. It was a wonderful day; I love taking the time out from our busy lives to just slow down and enjoy family.

It was especially sweet since Scott had been out of town the 10 days leading up to Thanksgiving. I was extremely thankful to have him back home again!!

My mom and dad with their grandkids

Christmas Day

We were heading up to my parents house in the mountains, so we woke the kids early so they'd have time to open their stockings.

They each asked for hot wing-flavored pretzels so that's why there is a bag sticking out of their stockings. Isn't that funny?

This was Declan's first trip and he did amazing. He slept the whole 3-hour drive. My mom enjoyed seeing how much he's changed since Thanksgiving. She had a wonderful lunch prepared and waiting for our arrival. We ate and then exchanged gifts.

It was a nice day and such a relief to have the bustle of the holidays over. Time to relax and enjoy family!

Thanksgiving 08

So I'm a little late posting about Thanksgiving. =)

My parents came down Wednesday and stayed until Saturday. It was so nice having them here.

My mom helped make a great meal. I had her do the mashed potatoes and gravy -- she gets them perfect every time. Me -- not so much. LOL One of the things the older boys asked me to make was a dip we first had at my friend Gretchen's house. It's called buffalo chicken dip and sooo yummy.

I'm thankful this year for a healthy baby boy and lots of family and good friends.

grand fun

Granny started a squirt-gun war and all the kids joined in.

Project 365 - Day 122

Zane was excited to see "Nanny" and "Bampaw".

Happy Mother's Day!

A very blessed Mother's Day to all you moms!!

We had a good day. Scott made omelets for breakfast and the kids presented me with their gifts -- hanging flower baskets for our front porch. Thanks kids, they are beautiful!!

We went to church, then drove up to Ft. Collins to meet my parents for lunch. My dad treated -- thanks, Dad! We took these pictures afterward:

Later Scott went to see his mom:

The only bummer today is a couple of the kids weren't feeling well. Brenna was up and down all night, and threw up a couple times today. Zane got sick on the drive to lunch. Seems to be a quick stomach bug. I had it last week and Chase had it last night. At least I hope it's quick and moves out fast!

Nature's Majesty

I explained in one of my earlier posts that my parents took a little vacation after Christmas. They went with a good friend and her daughter and they also took my daughter, Brenna.

They traveled from their northern Colorado home into Utah. We try to get pictures of our kids at state lines, so they took these for me:

That first day they drove through Moab and Arches National Park. I am amazed at the rock formations.

The second day they visited the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, they said it was very cold and windy. And that's the day my mom caught a cold that would stay with her the entire trip. =(

The next day they went through Bullhead City, Arizona and stayed the night at Avi, and Indian resort and casino in Laughlin, Nevada.

On Day 4, a visit to the Hoover Dam and on into Zion National Park in Utah.

The next day was Bryce Canyon. The colors here are just beautiful.

The next day they headed home. They could only get as far as Rifle, CO, due to the big snowstorm we got. So they had to stay the night and make their way home in the morning.

They got to see some breathtaking scenery. God is so awesome!! Brenna took some disposable cameras with her and plans to put them in her scrapbook soon.

Thanks Mom and Dad for inviting her along!