Happy Birthday America!

We celebrated the 4th of July up in Victor with Brian's family.

It was full of picture moments, so here you are!

I feel like this guy is saying "America needs you!"

It's a small town parade, but very fun for the kids. Between the 4 older grandkids they gathered what seemed to be about 10 lbs of candy, balloons, stuffed animals, necklaces and more!

Notice Emiliy's pure joy!

Andrew chose to celebrate with his flag in hand

and sweet dreams!

The dad's and Uncle Darin got the horses ready so all of the kiddos could go for a ride! Emily couldn't stop smiling and Andrew looked pretty confused the whole time! He was too fascinated to smile for my camera!

We ended the fun day with fireworks, the do in your own driveway kind. Excepting one minor close call Uncle Ken and Uncle Nate provided a wonderful show!

The Sparklers were a hit with the older kids, Andrew tried to chase after them (a little scary). Emily had 2 big old sparks land on her bangs. I freaked out and ran up to her, my first impression was to blow on them and I quickly caught the bad decision. I resorted to hitting her on the head several times. It scared her more than it hurt her but she still has a little tiny burn mark on her forehead!

"Day is Done" and the lights are out!

POPSICLES! POPSICLES!

Between the Liberty Walk and staining our fence this weekend we were roasting outside! The Popsicles were well deserved by our kiddos who put up with us!

We Love You America!

This last weekend we participated in the "Liberty Walk." It's a 2 mile walk from Taylor's Crossing to Liberty Field where we carry American and "Title of Liberty" Flags as a symbol of gratitude and dedication to the wonderful country in which we live. Liberty Field is created every year at about this time with 1776 flags representing the year of our country's independence. Liberty Field also has one American flag raised for each Idahoan who has given his/her life for our country. Although hot, it was a good time to recognize and remember the great things our flag stands for. The "Title of Liberty" flag was created by a local man is a symbol of the value we place on God, Freedom, Peace, Faith and Family. The kids loved waving their little flags and were quite impressed with all of the people they were walking with!

Happy

4th of July!

Be safe, play lots and remember why!

Two more weeks and Two more races!

Not that I race to win or anything, but I really enjoy participating in these local races! The best part, as I have said to many, is making a family event out of them! I love the idea that my children will consider being physically fit a family tradition!

These pictures are from my first ever 1/2 marathon. The Teton Dam Marathon was June 14th in Rexburg, ID! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful race! I finished in under 10 minute miles...(all 13) and was very content with that! After the race we came home and help our friend help us install a sprinkler system! A fun, productive, tiring and long day!

This last weekend was the Scenic River Classic here in Idaho Falls! We all raced! Brian finished his 10K 1st in his age group (He averaged 7 min 15 sec miles, darn fast for an "old guy" that hasn't been training that long! He makes me sick and proud at the same time!) and I was the one and only 3 person team to finish the race!!! I pushed the kids in our awesome stroller for the 6.2 miles! Downhill they pulled me and uphill I felt the extra 60 lbs of weight - needless to say my time was not my greatest! It was another fun race and worth the time!

I have to admit, I do enjoy running, but I am ready to start Tri training again! I miss the variety in my workouts. My biggest race (my "A" race) is yet to come! August 16th I am planning on competing in the RUSH Triathlon in Rexburg. I will race the Olympic Distance (1 mi swim, 26 mi bike, 10 K run) instead of the Sprint distance that I have always done (1/2 the length).

Brian, however, will keep to his running and is planning on a marathon the end of August! He has said that he has to do one before he's 30 and well, that's "now or never baby!"

Walking on the Web!

I tried to send a longer video but I had to crop it to get it to work. There was a funny part I had to cut out of Andrew going toward the couch by himself and he was going to fast he forgot to grab onto it and he BOUNCED right off and landed on his rear! Pretty cute stuff! You can tell by his squeaks and squeals that he's darn proud of himself!

Andrew Walks!!!

Last night Andrew took is first steps!





He's been high tailing it around all furniture, walls and anything else he can get ahold of. For fun we thought we'd see if he could walk to his Dad alone and he took 4 or 5 steps 1st try! We then turned him around and he repeatedly walked back and forth between his Mom and Dad. Emily wanted him to walk to her but he was less than motivated...I guess he thought she might attack him (very likely). It was a wise decision on his part!





















Here's a few in motion pictures! A Bit fuzzy but you can still see the smiles on his face!

Dear Dad!

This post is dedicated to our wonderful Dad and Grandpa, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

We love you and we know you love us! "Sugar, Sugar, Sugar!"

Thank you for being a part of our lives. Though we don't get to see you as often as we would like the times we spend with you fill our hearts and our minds with fond memories and smiles! We are excited to see you in July and to make new memories!

Thank you for always supporting us, playing with us, feeding us, being excited to talk to us, spoiling us every now and again and for being a good friend...you are a wonderful Dad and Grandpa! We're so lucky to have you!

You remind us of another great man we know! Must be something in the genes!

Love....XOXOXOX,

Kara, Brian, Emily and Andrew