growing girl

Katie is growing so quickly. Andy and I were just talking this morning about how we just don't take enough pictures of this sweet little girl. She is so calm and happy all the time. I know we were truly blessed having her. She will definitly bring calmness to
our family. I wish for all mothers everywhere to be able to experience a baby like our Katie. She makes the difficulties of a stressful and busy day melt away.

First Day of School

Normally our schools start way back in August but all of the schools were under construction all summer so school started September 2. My kids and I were in California so they missed the first two weeks. Ashlee started 5th grade at an intermediate school so she now has rotating classes and even has to change clothes for PE. Gabe started in Kindergarten. So he is now at Ashlees' old school. Brayden has preschool
which he started at the tail end of last year but is loving every minute of it. When we were in Ca. the temps were upper 90s and up to 106. Now at home we are definitley fall with the days in the 60s. Although the last couple have been even chillier. I love school time. I have been able to enjoy my afternoons to get caught up on some things around the house. I love my kids and miss them while they are gone but my boys are so busy together I am really looking forward to doing things around the house that I have not been able to do for a long time. Especially with the holidays coming near I will be able to get all my decorating done and even have more time to prepare their halloween costumes.

Bath time at great grandmas

So my boys went exploring at my grandmas house on our way home and discovered her great big bath tub. It was really late so I was not intending on bathing them but they really really wanted a bath so grandma said it was ok. They loved the seat and that they could swim side by side. AAAhhhh the simple pleasures of life.

swimming fun

My niece Madi loved the snorkling gear. But I dont know how much she enjoyed it once she was underwater. Katelyn spent most of the time napping but I pulled her in once she woke up.
She did not like so much to lay back and actually it took her a little while to warm up. The water was I think 87 degrees but it was over 100 outside so the water felt a little cool at first.

After swimming the kids ate hot dogs and sat with uncle Dan cooling thier heels.

So my brothers' inlaws got a pool and they invited us to come over and go swimming. Brayden is used to the wave pool in Craig which is like a beach so he wasn't so sure about a body of water floating in
someones back yard. He did have fun though.

Gabe gave the experience a two thumbs up and had a great time.

wedding reception

I had to add this picture of Shelly and Nate. I thought it turned out so cute. And this picture of my inlaws. They always take such nice pictures.
Here is my mom on the sidelines waiting for Em and Zane to leave. This is when my camera died. So I used my cousins camera and took a great picture of Emily and Zane running out the building. By the way Michelle I really want a copy of that picture. But as they left everyone had sparklers. It was so cute.

Emily's wedding reception was beautiful. It ended up getting really stuffed in there and my picture taking slowed during the reception because I was on my own and also had to play my violin during part. I should clarify why I was without a husband the whole time. Andy accepted a new job working for Peabody coal. He gave up 3 weeks of vacation with the other company but the
benefits and pay outway anything else. So unfortunately he did not get to accompany us for the wedding. He got to spend a few days with us when we first arrived in California and then he had to fly home to work.

Anyway, in keeping with subject, I thought Emily was such a pretty bride. Her and Zane make such a nice couple and I am so grateful to have been able to see their wedding. Everything was done so nicely. They had a very simple wedding cake and then a desert buffet. There were lots of a variety of cupcakes, tarts, brownie bites, lemon bars, mints, and I can not remember if there was anything else. All together it was a beautiful night of remembrance.

Emily and Zane's wedding

Emily was so cute and Zane so handsome. I'm sure I can speak for all my siblings when I say how happy I am he is my new brother. Here's Emily and all her sisters new and old.


At the moment these are all my parents grandchildren minus my Katelyn. She was passed out and we didn't think she should be moved. She was getting pretty cranky.

The wedding was so beautiful. Our whole family was there (minus my Andy) for our youngest sister on her wedding day and when she did her endowment session. It was such a nice experience although it was very hard for me to be there without Andy. All of the kids looked so cute.



Brayden was so cute waiting so reverently outside the temple doors. My cousin Craig pointed out it wouldn't last long so I better take a picture. Its amazing to me how the children can calm and recognize the peace within the temple grounds. Such an amazing experience to be a part of a new family being joined forever.

Between the baking, the flowers, the favors, everything, things were quite busy the first two weeks I was in California. Kim did all the flowers. She had taken a floral class in college and she really did a great job. I stuck with baking its one of my things and there was plenty to do.


Emily's bouquet turned out gorgeous!

sleepover at the Tolmans'

As if a wedding isn't enough my parents decided to have a grandparents sleepover. My dad set the tent up in the yard for all the little boys and the girls got to sleep inside in the living room. Nate passed out on the couch and Madi passed out once her little head hit the pillow.
I stayed around for a little while and then off to the Bormans' house I went. Andy and Shelly were hoping to be excused but I guess I lucked out because of Katelyn and the lack of my husband.

Down time at granma and grandpa Bormans

While things were hectic at wedding quarters, we could run down the street to g&g Bormans' house. The kids had fun playing games, relaxing,
and seeing grandma and grandpa. Their grandma watches my nephew Zachary every day so we got to spend a little extra time with him too.

Emily's bridal shower

Emily had a great shower. She really hit the jackpot in the gift department. Her and Zane really have a lot of great and supportive friends. Kim put on some really fun games and one of
the games the ladies had to design her a wedding dress. Shauna Anderson won and it was a lot of fun. We made great food, had

great company and great fun. We drove through the night so we would not get there in the middle of the shower and it was well worth it. Congradulations Emily!