more potd's

Here's a few of our recent potd's (pictures of the day):

We had a water party for the kids in Kaden's primary class.  The boys had a great time, and his teacher even came and participated.  Kaden was thrilled (thanks Julie).

Bosten thinks its hysterical lately to get his hands on anything he can and throw it in the tub with him.  Today it was a basket that sits on the back of the toilet, the bath mat, and his full size towel.  Little stinker.

Kaden loves helping Dad bbq...and thinks he's pretty big stuff when he gets to flip the burgers or check the hot dogs.

Our tomatoes are starting to be ready!

  

Kaden is really into forts and has been hanging out in this one (that we made in his room).

T-ball is officially over.  It was so fun to watch him play, and it was so good for him.

a dozen

Last Saturday (the 23rd), Kyle and I celebrated our 12th anniversary.

Here's 12 things about us you may or may not know:

1.  We met through mutual friends when Kyle came to Oregon to go to school.  (I told my friends that he must be weird...who would want to go to school to be a funeral director?!  Obviously, I got over it.  I'm glad I did!)

2.  We have moved a lot.  We started in an apartment, had 3 houses in Oregon, a house in Syracuse, Utah, and now are in Bountiful.

3.  We've been fortunate to take lots of trips:

Denmark (Kyle), Arizona, Canada, New York, Florida, Maui (several times), Disneyland (several times), Utah (several times, when we lived in Oregon), Oregon (several times, when we lived in Utah), and Colorado (several times).

4.  We've survived a failed adoption, a contested adoption, several "maybe" adoptions, and have had 2 successful adoptions.

5.  We've had six jobs between us: 
me:  grocery store employee, dental hygienist at Dr. B.'s

Kyle:  grocery store employee, Lincoln Memorial, Molalla Funeral Chapel, Russon Brothers Mortuary

6.  We've had seven cars:

Kia, Honda Civic, 2 Honda Accords, Chevy Blazer, Pontiac Grand Am, Van

7.  I'm a morning person, he's a night owl

8.  We both love sports.

We've been to several college football games, NBA games, NHL hockey games, MLB games, Kaden's soccer and t-ball games, and Kyle's softball and basketball games.

9.  We got each other the same anniversary gift this year.

10.  We both have 3 siblings:

I am the oldest and have 2 sisters and a brother.

Kyle is the 2nd of 4 boys.

11.  I get stressed out easily and want things done yesterday.  Kyle is calm and much more go with the flow.

12. We said we'd never live in Utah or drive a van.

Here we are doing both.

(my favorite flowers...fire and ice roses that Kyle brought home)

We've had some really hard stuff in 12 years, but we've also had lots of good (and fun!) stuff.  I'm so glad to be on this adventure together and hope the next 12 years are just as great.

celebrating the pioneers

We went to the Bountiful parade on Friday night.

It was hot.

The boys were thrilled that they were handing out these small flags.  I think they waved them most of the parade.

 The Army band might have been the best part of the whole parade!

We watched it until we were tired, and then walked over to the park for more fun:

we rode a couple of rides...

 ...and had some snacks.

What a fun day.

I've been thinking about the pioneers this week.  They had such incredible faith, even during incredible trials.  And yet, they kept going...one step at a time.

What a good example.  

I hope that I can (and am) doing that.

float preview

We went to the Days of  '47 float preview party.  I've never been, but thought it was worth checking out at least once.  

It was really fun!  We each had our favorite floats, and even voted on them before we left.

They had marching bands marching around and playing music (which, yes, was a little loud for us)

We got to ride a turtle from one of the floats:

 We actually sat on one of the floats (and got a seashell!...pretty exciting)

 ...and went fishing for a piece of candy

Obviously, we had a fun day! 

the zoo...with all of the monkeys

We (that's me, my parents, and sisters...along with all of the kids) went to the zoo this week.  It actually was a great day to go.  Not too hot and not too crowded. 

Yee haw!

The elephants were all out and pretty close...even the baby.

 What's a trip to the zoo without a carousel ride?

The monkeys:

go kaden, go

About a week ago, we decided it was time to take the training wheels off of Kaden's bike.  We've been talking about it for weeks, but it was time to actually do it.

How cute is he?!  

In addition to his helmet, he thought that his soccer shin guards and his hockey hand pads would help soften any spills that he had!  We practiced a few evenings and then:

We went to the church parking lot after this and he just took off.  Ever since then he's been a bike riding machine.  Go Kaden, Go!

i believe i can fly

I think I mentioned in a previous post that we had some time to kill between dinner and fireworks on the 4th of July.  I don't know how this all got started, but Dave started throwing Kaden in the pool.  He was getting pretty high, and loved every minute.

So, so fun. 

feeding the ducks

The other day we decided to go feed the ducks.  Its been a really long time since we've gone (other than at Grandma's house in Colorado).  Kaden was pretty excited.  Bosten was excited, but honestly, had no idea what we were talking about.

We got there.  

Saw the ducks.

Started feeding the ducks.

 They weren't interested.  Not even a little bit.  The boys kept throwing bread and hoping the ducks would change their minds.  It didn't happen.

Then it started raining.

That's when we decided to call it a day.  Better luck next time!

aunt debbie

My aunt, Debbie, has been visiting the past week from Arizona.

me, Debbie, & my sister Lindsey (with baby Zane)

The boys, especially Kaden, love it when she comes. 

We've gone to Sizzler.

 We watched fireworks.

 We went swimming.

...and a whole bunch of other stuff.  Its been fun having her here, and we can't wait until she comes back!