Isaac's Birthday

For Isaac's birthday this year he got to have a friend party.  We invited all his friends from his church class.  We only had three kids come because of different things, but Isaac had a ton of fun and so did his friends.  I made a car cake, which turned out so-so.  The frosting was melting, and my cake fell apart when I took it out of the pan.  But it looked good from one side, and Isaac liked it, so that was all that mattered.  (see the glasses on the other side holding it up...)  We played some games and they jumped out back and they ate cake and ice cream.  Plus, Isaac loved having a party with his friends.  So overall it was a success. 

 

Jared smiles

When my mom was here, she was playing peek-a-boo with Jared and he was laughing like crazy.

 

Hiking

We went hiking a while ago, and I am finally posting about it.  It was a nice easy hike, with water falls (little one) at the end where the kids could play.  They did really well and had a blast.  Chip also did really well.  We even let him off his leash at the water because there wasn't really anyone around and he did great.  He left the few people that were there alone, he listened really well, and he just behaved himself.  So we all had a great time. 

P.S. The hike was Grotto Falls in the Nebo loop.

Trip to Oregon

Okay, finally here are some pictures.  Though pretty much only of our trip to the beach.  We were able to camp at the beach for a night while we were there and the kids loved it.  Since we've been home they keep asking if we can go back to the beach. 

 Breakfast in the morning. 

 setting up the tent...

 Jared and I watching...

Bundling down for the night...

 Being a ham...

 At the beach... (It was very cold and windy, but the kids were in heaven.)

 Their sand castle...

 Flying a kite...

 At Devils Punch Bowl...

 We were also able to spend some time with Grandparents and again, the kids were in heaven.  I only got pictures of our time at the Garners.  I am so bad at taking pictures!

 Isaac got Operation Mater style from the Garners and he loves it.  He has already worn out the batteries to it.

 And Emily loved to color with the pencils.

 It was really nice to be able to go down during the summer time and just have time to relax and hang out.  We did go to Brandon's reunion and that was good.  Not the highlight of our trip, but it was still fun.  He got to see a few people that he caught up with and got reacquainted with.  It was a great excuse to make the trip. 

I know...

I know, I promised an update with pictures from our trip to Oregon, but first, an Ode to technology.

Oh technology, how I love thee.

You make my life a breeze. 

My laundry two days used to take

But now it's done- a piece of cake!

 

So we finally bought a real washer and dryer, and I am in heaven.  For five years we had a little mini combo washer and dryer that did both.  When we lived in a little tiny house with just three of us, with no hookups, it was perfect.  But since there are now five, plus additional guests all the time, and we have the hookups and the space, it was time.  Plus, our old land lady actually bought our old unit from us to put in the house we bought it for.  So we were very blessed.  Plus we found these for a really great deal, pedastools and all.  Gotta love the scratch and dent section at RC Willey.  ( The washer has a dent on the side, which you can't ever see.)

I can do all of our laundry in half a day and have it dried and put away before Brandon comes home.  Even on a rainy day.  I love it!! Thank you to my husband for spoiling me!

Trip to Oregon

We had a great trip to Oregon, but I left my camera at my parent's house.  Go figure.  Thankfully my sister is taking a trip as well, and she can bring it back with her.  Yay for sisters. But we had an awesome time in Oregon.  We were able to stay with both sets of grandparents which was really nice.  The kids were in heaven.  We were also able to go camping at the beach.  I love the Oregon coast.  It is so pretty and fun.  Mind you it is also very cold, but that's why they make coats, right?!  I will post some pictures when my camera comes back.  Pretty sure I leave something every time we go.  Oh well, what are you going to do?

Our new additions

So these are the more major additions that we have had over the summer. 

We used to have a little charcoal grill (down in the right corner) that we have used since we were married.  Brandon has been dying for a real grill for a while, especially now that we have room to put it somewhere.  So I turned to my trusty KSL and found this baby.  Brandon is in heaven with it.  We have already had multiple parties with it, and it is so nice to cook hamburgers in like 7 min.  (It also has an infrared part.)  Brandon is quickly mastering the art of grilling.

 I got this before Jared was born.  I have always wanted a swing, and once again now that we have the space, I again turned to trusty KSL.  Though I think the older kids like this better than Jared does right now. 

 Again, now that we have the space, KSL to the rescue.  This baby will extend longer than our kitchen.  This picture is without any leaves.  It comes with 2, 2 foot leaves.  It's huge!

 This one was a gift from my parents so I could nurse Jared comfortably.  This time it was the RC Willey outlet clearance section to the rescue.  This is one of my favorite pieces of furniture in our house.  It is so comfy!  Definitely the best seat in the house. 

We have been very blessed throughout our married life to find things that we need for a very good deal, either on KSL or at stores.  My friend says that this is one of my talents, to find things for cheap, and I guess it is.  It comes from being cheap in the first place!  I don't like to spend money, so I am always on the lookout for good deals.  And I have to say, it has paid off.  At least I come by it honestly...