Corn Dogs July 31st 2010

Corn Dogs are a source of contention around our house. Half of us like them the other half not so much. Reese as you can tell by the way she is two fisting her dinner down, is on the side of those who like them. Lance will eat them if you remove the "Skin" first. Claire is in the same boat as Reese, she likes them so much she will even eat Lance's "skin" too. Zack and I could take or leave them either way. What can you expect for the state food of Iowa.

Saying goodbye to the Jensen's July 29th 2010

Our summer seems to have been filled with goodbyes. First, it was the Sidwell's at the end of May, then Joyce and her boys flew the coop in June, and finally we had to say good bye to our dear friends the Jensens at the end of July. Michelle moved in with us for a few months before her and Dan got married, Reese was about four months old at the time, so in many way's Michelle became her second mom. Dan is the best. He and Michelle would watch the kids from time to time while Zack and I got way. Their pew is were Reese could be found sitting 9 Sunday's out of 10. When their little girl Madison came along we started to trade baby sitting and Reese and her became quick friends. To say the least Michelle and Dan have been like family over the last 2 1/2 years. It will be hard to not have them around. We will miss them terribly.

Madison turns 1 at the end of August, but we could not help but celebrate before they left. Alicia Hickman made this great cake, to beautiful it broke my heart to cut it up and serve it.

Madison blowing out her candle. She just wanted to play with the flame.

Dan is trying to get Madison to eat her slice of birthday cake. I think at this point she had eaten to many other sweets, cause she just was not the interested. She was how ever interested in sharing is with her aunt Jennifer. What a sweet girl. We will really miss them.

July 28th 2010 "Reese alseep in the Hallway"

I came out of my room one night and nearly tripped over Reese, who was asleep in the hallway. Why I still have no idea. By the time I came back with the camera she was awake but had not moved. She nearly scared me to death when I opened my bedroom door and found her there. Crazy little girl.

Wedding at La Caille July 25th 2010

One of Zack's co-worker's (Albert) got married on Sunday the 25th of July. We were invited to the wedding, and so after church we headed up to Salt Lake City to the beautiful La Caille" restaurant . I don't think that the wedding food was any indication of what the food is like at the restaurant, because I have heard that it is very good, but the grounds were beautiful. It was a perfect setting to spend the afternoon together, minus all of the alcohol being consumed by other guests. The kids had a great time chasing and admiring all of the swans, peacocks, ducks, and other water fowl throughout the grounds. But their all time favorite thing was the golfing green and of course the waiters waling around offering them drinks (of water).

Now that is what I call a bucket of balls.

His stance looks correct here, but when he swung the club he used it like a baseball bat. It was hilarious to watch.

Lance carried his glass of water around the whole night, just like that.

Some random man taking pity on Claire and showing her how to golf. Heck we wouldn't know what to do. We are not golfers.

The kids enjoyed the food. Quite frankly I enjoyed their food better than mine.

Very smart idea to serve chicken fingers and French fries to all the kids. By kids ate every bite (even the fries which they usually don't like).

One last walk around the pond before heading home. In defense of everything served the dessert bar at the end was amazing. My new favorite dessert is now Creme Brulee'.... so yummy. It was a very long and fun day.

Camping in the backyard. July 24th 2010

For the 24th this year, we wanted to go camping but waited too long to decide and knew that anything close by would be full. So off to the backyard we went. We had a great time. We had Ice Cream and French Bread for dinner. Snacked on peanut butter M&M's and watch a few movies. They kids had such a good time. Who needs to go away from home to get away from home anymore. Fun is as close as the backyard. (I must admit that I tip toed into the house about 12:00 am cause I just couldn't sleep knowing that my comfortable bed was a few steps way. What a wimp.)

July 23rd 2010 "Babysitting Chase"

We were watching the little neighbor boy "Chaser's" as we call him. He is the most precious little man. I adore him just about as much as he adores me. While watching him Reese really wanted to give him his bottle. As you can see he is almost as big has she is. I just thought this photo captured just about how much we love this little man around our house.

Stuck in a Back Pack

Aunt Shaunna, Lynzi, and Kaden came for a visit. While they were here Kaden was getting ready for his high adventure scout trip. I do not believe that two little girls is a survival necessity. But they do fit snug as a bug in a rug in that backpack, they probably weighed less than all the stuff Kaden ended up taking with him. It was a great visit.

A few odds and ends

Here are some random pictures of the girls
This is Reese looking all grown up with her fancy 4th of July hairdo. Aunt Annie took the time and brained it all cute, and try has I might I just can't do it.

This is Zack patiently painting the girls toenails before church. He is the only one that can do it. I just get too frustrated.