Just before school started we decided to take a last minute trip to Kansas City!

We started our vacation in Kirkwood Missouri where we boarded our train. I've been wanting to take the kids for a train ride since Jake and Tyler where little and loved Thomas the tank engine so much. It was a five hour ride with lots of beautiful scenery.

Ty wasn't too impressed, but he was comfortable!

We spent a day at Crown Center where we shopped and spent time at the Crayola Factory.

But I think all the kids would agree that the Basketball Museum was a favorite.

We spent a whole day at that place.

Tim joined us on Friday and took the older boys to the Harley motorcycle factory.

Then we headed home. We stopped at two church history sites on the way.

Liberty Jail, where the Prophet Joseph Smith was held and the visitors center in Independence Missouri.

It was a fun weekend, but it made me realize the kids are ready to start school. They were bugging each other the entire time. I guess summer can't last forever!

MANCHESTER POOL 2010

We spent a lot of our summer hanging out at the Manchester pool. Jake was hired on as a lifeguard and enjoyed earning a paycheck.

All the kids love the diving board!

Kyle learned to dive and Tyler learned to flip.

The pool closed last weekend which is such a sad time for us. Can't wait till next Summer!!

SAN DIEGO

July 2010

Tim and I spent a short and sweet weekend in San Diego for Kiley's wedding ( tim's brothers daughter). She and Scotty were married in the San Diego temple July 24th. It was very fun seeing The family and enjoying that great weather!

The wedding was beautiful! Congratulations you cute couple!

SUMMER VACATION 2010

YELLOWSTONE

First stop was the Baddlands of South Dakota.

Then on to Bear Country where the bears were so close you could almost touch them. We were instructed to keep our windows rolled up at all times. We obeyed the rules most of the times!

Mount Rushmore was next. Kyle had been learning about the presidents this year in the first grade so he told us all about these famous men on the mountain. It was cold and rainy, but worth the stop!

The Falls in Yellowstone. What a hike!! didn't know if i'd make it out!

Fishing with Grandpa

The views were amazing!

But most of all we enjoyed just hanging out with family and lots of rest and relaxation.

Blaser Family at Stonefly Lodge Ashton Idaho

Thanks Blaser fam!

THUMBS UP

Alison broke her thumb this past week. Well she had a little help from Tyler. An accident of course :) Now that the pain has subsided she is loving all the attention! I would have thought it would be one of the boys (okay just Ty) to have the first cast of the family, but Ali wins!! Three weeks till it comes off. She's a trooper.

My brown eyed girl!

I look at this picture of Alison and I am amazed at how perfect she is. Maybe that is why we only had one girl. No others could compare. Not only is she darling but she has the greatest sense of humor. She definitely gets her quick wit from her Dad. She is just fun to spend time with!

After only 2 days into school from Christmas break the kids received another gift. A SNOW DAY!!!!

It is cold but we ventured down to Pierremont for some sledding. Jake and I stayed in the warm car while Tyler, Alison and Kyle flew down the hill. Then it was home for Hot Chocolate!

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS!

After spending a fun New Years Eve with Jimmy and Michelle it was time for Jake's birthday. Talon showed us all how to decorate with balloons and crate paper then we celebrated with a movie, dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings and an ice cream cake that was the consistency of soup. The highway patrol office was closed, but Monday morning we were off to get that permit!

HE PASSED!!

Practically perfect in every way!

Last year at Ali's parent teacher conference, I was waiting in the hallway for the teacher who was running very late. When Mrs. Larsen finished with the parent before me she stuck her head out of the room and instead of apologizing she saw me and said "Good Alison is next. She's practically perfect in every way"

I Agree!

Looks can be deceiving

I love these pictures Rebecca took of our family. I've often thought I should take up photography for a hobby. While I do love pictures, this day was painful for everyone. Well, not everyone Alison was right in her element, but the boys were either complaining or rolling in the muddy leaves. Thank goodness for photo shop!! I think I'll keep my day job!