Career Goals

Apparently, Erica has lofty career aspirations. She informed me on the way to preschool this morning that she wants to be a "box writer." And what does a box writer do, you ask? Well, they write on boxes and send them to people, of course. At least we won't have to pay for college.

Idaho - July 2011

I had the chance to go visit my parents (Tutus) the last 2 weeks of Idaho. I also got to see my only sister (who just happened to have picked the exact same color of toe nail polish I was wearing even though we were miles apart), 2 of my brothers (there are 4 more) and their families. It was non-stop fun, so be ready for picture overload.

We did lots of swimming and eating.

I ran a 5K with my brother (in crocs) and his 2 boys. They were quick.

We saw a 24th of July parade and gathered enough candy to give out at Halloween this year.

More swimming and playing with cousins.

We played at the gym.

We celebrated an army-themed un-birthday for everyone in the family.

We ate sucker the size of our heads.

We invaded Tutus bedroom when he was trying to nap.

We snuggled with Papa Tutu.

Aunt Natalee created the best scavenger hunt ever. The kids loved it!!

We played with Mama Tutu.

We ate.

I got to run in this beautiful scenery or just look out the window anytime I wanted to see it.

We played at Outer Limits - this great arcade/play area/mini-golf place.

I got to see a great friend from Ukraine who now lives in Idaho.

We got pedicures.

We did more swimming. In was hotter in Idaho, than in Arizona some days.

We took baths in Tutus' great bathtub.

And, not even pictured, we did fireworks, celebrated my dad's birthday (Papa Tutu), went to the zoo, did bonfires, drove a golf cart and 4-wheeler, played with dogs and cats, shot guns, went to a movie and flew kites. If you've made it this far, you can check out some videos of the trip here.

Cousins

A few weekends ago we got the chance to visit my brother in Surprise, AZ. He's the closest sibling to me at 3 hours away. My siblings are all over the US - California, Idaho, Utah, Texas, New York, North/South Carolina and Arizona. So, it is nice to have at least one close. The other great thing is that our kids are about the same age and get along well. It was so fun and we hope they let us intrude again soon. We tried to get a picture of all 4 kids together, but you can see how successful that was.

Zonked Out!!

This is what happens when I send my girls out with a baby sitter so I can get some work done. Erica rarely falls asleep in the car, so I had to get a shot of this one. Now, if only I could figure out how to make this happen.

Mission President

Troy and I served our missions at the same time in Donetsk, Ukraine. We were lucky enough to visit with our Mission President and wife a few weeks ago. They were (and still are) a great influence for good in our lives and we think of them as second parents.