Weekend Fun

Last weekend my mom and Eric flew me to TX for Bobby's farewell and Lety's bridal shower. We had a fun filled day at the beach which was Sam's first time to experience Galveston. I also experienced major burning of the back of my legs, not so much fun. Lety had her bridal shower later on and then we drove to Dallas. Sunday I had the wonderful opportunity to sing with Teresa and Julie while Lety played the piano. All six of us kids were able to be with together one last time before Bob leaves on his mission. It was so great to be with everyone.

Everything is better in Texas

I have got to buy one of these waffles makers!!!

Shooting Clays

Saturday we went to Emmett to shoot clays with Joe's hunting buddy. All the kids came and ran all around and took turns releasing the clays discs. I was able to shoot a gun for the first time and it was fun! Now I don't know if I would be able to hunt, but target practice is always fun.

Trip to Dallas

Mother's Day weekend my mom and Eric sent me a ticket to Dallas. Sam and I flew down and had a blast. It was a preview of our summer, which is going to be great. So the original purpose of the trip was for Bobby, he was going through the Temple in preparation for his mission. I was informed by Bobby that Mom and Eric were going to be sealed for Time and All Eternity too! I was soooo excited for my mom, such a huge blessing.
I got to see Teresa and Jason with their cute family, Julie and Andrew and their new baby, and Lety came over from AZ. These trips to TX are great and I'm so thankful for them.
Nick and Jenn came over and we played pictionary, I love you guys! I also got to see my BFF Chauntel and her super awesome family, I love y'all too!!!! I can't wait until this summer.

love ya!

Shoshone Falls

Sunday morning we woke up at 5:30 and drove 2 hours to Twin Falls. Joe had found some falls there that are taller than Niagra. We got there and drove by the new Temple being built and then off we went to Shoshone Falls. Now it wasn't at full capacity but it was still amazing. We all enjoyed 2 hours of site seeing and then we headed back so Doug could be welcomed as one of the newest members of the church.

Abby Cadabby

Abby decided the other day her new name would be Abby Cadabby. If she remembers she changed her name she will remind you. She also had her birthday this month and we got frequent reminders. We took her plus the kids to Apple Bee's on her b-day and then to Crispy Creme. Saturday after Doug's baptism we had her party at the park. We had a lot of people there which I loved because it reminded me of our big parties we used to have back home. There are a lot of us with families in other states, so we've become each others adopted families, it's great!
So Abby is the big 5 now and is very excited about being in kindergarten this coming school year. I'm excited too! Sam and I will chill while she is being educated.

It's Great to be Eight!

Douglas was baptized and confirmed Sat. May 31, 2008 by his daddy.

So last year Cheyenne was baptized and Sam was born all in one weekend. It was an emotional roller coaster, but one that was of joy! I didn't think I would be as emotional with Doug, but Heavenly Father proved me wrong. As I stood in the book store looking at the scriptures I was going to get him, I was overwhelmed with the spirit. Doug is my first son, he will be the first to receive the Priesthood from his father, he will be the first to serve our Heavenly Father by going on a mission. I was overjoyed by these thoughts. I then had a dilemma, should I buy the quad or the separate scriptures, which would be best for his mission. Well, I decided on the separate ones and then had his name engraved on them. The day of his baptism I was a bit stressed. Not only was it a big day for him, but it was also Abby's b-day party. I was trying to fit everything in with Mom and Dad Hall, and my Mom in town.
We had so many friends and their families come to the baptism, and also had family come from Oregon for that I am truly thankful.
In true Dougie fashion the whole experience was no biggie, he's so laid back like his daddy!
I am truly grateful for all the tremendous blessings we have been given. I pray that as life goes on I will be able to raise my sons in righteousness so that they will be ready and willing to serve the Lord when that time comes. I'm grateful for my little brother and the huge example he is setting for my boys by serving a mission. I'm so happy that Doug was completely surrounded by such strong Priesthood holders as he was confirmed. Thanks to everyone for showing so much love towards our family.

Ponderosa

This past weekend Joe's parents came in town for Doug's baptism. Friday after Joe got off of work he picked up the kids early from school and we all drove to McCall. It's a beautiful 2 hour drive through the mountains, if we could make a decent living there I would love to move, but we may just have to settle for a summer home there.
We went to the Ponderosa Park and took a mile hike through the woods to the top view point. There was still snow on the ground which the kids and Joe took advantage of. The view was beautiful and the kids enjoyed nature. We were able to see 4 deer very close up. Kenny was pretending he was hunting them and had his imaginary shot gun ready for the kill. Doug decided that hunting for bigger animals would be fun.
On the way back down we decided to take the bike trail back to the cars. This proved to be a test of our faith. The trail had not been cleaned up yet, so there were alot of fallen trees and a lot of snow. We lost the trail a couple of times, but Joe and the boys were in the lead and secure in their ability to lead us. Well the rest of were lacking and we kept attacking Joe and doubting his leading abilities. He called us Laman and Lemuel and said he knew exactly where he was going. He also told us to pucker up because he was going to find the way. So you know how the story ends, he found the trail marker which told us we were on the right trail and I missed an opportune picture. He was bent over the sign waiting for us to kiss it. It was super funny! We had a great time and I was really impressed with Doug, he really loves the outdoors, he can't wait for scouting trips!

Sleeping Baby

The other day Sam was really tired and cranky. I was busy cleaning the kitchen and he wanted me to hold him. He' s not one to throw huge fits or cry alot, but today was different. He first cried at my side, then threw himself on the floor. I put him on the couch and this is how I found him after I turned the vacuum off. He so cute!

Picture Day

This past Saturday we had our family pics done. I traded services with a photographer. I made 350 cupcakes plus a 2 tier cake for their wedding. Crazy! Pics should be ready in a couple of weeks.
Anyway, it was 90 outside and Sam was not happy. I do hope we got a good shot! After it was all done, I was reminded why I never did family pics when the kids were really young! I was ready to put Sam to sleep and just have sleeping pics of him! So as soon as get the pics I'll post them.