Happy #2, Jake!

For Jake's birthday we had a BBQ. He didn't realize it was any special day but he liked looking at the cake and peeking in the gift bags.

Tautphaus Park Zoo

Saturday we went to the zoo in Idaho Falls with Curtis/Shandy/Dexter and Grandma/Grandpa Clark. These are some pictures from that excursion.

Mr Tornado

I had to run an errand Friday morning. I waited until Darren could come home and stay with the kids so I wouldn't have to take them with me. When I got back Darren said he hadn't even seen Jake since I left. I went looking for him and this is what I found. He is probably the worst mess maker we have had yet. I didn't think he could even reach the shelves these things were on. (He gets the nickname, Mr Tornado, from his Grandma B.)

First ever yard sale!

On July 7 we had our first ever yard sale. We've thought about it in the past but never done it. One of our neighbors wanted to have one so she talked several of us other neighbors to have one the same day. So about 4 or 5 houses on our street had yard sales. Kevin and Ethan (99% Kevin) sold Koolaid and Rice Krispie treats as an on the side business. Kevin made $9 and some odd cents and I made $53. Not bad for a mornings work. Darren's job was to keep Jacob in the house so he wouldn't mess everything up or run out in the street.

Rexburg 4th of July

Here are pictures from our fourth of July. First the parade, then waiting for the fireworks to start.

Rexburg Spray Park

Last year the city of Rexburg opened a splash park. We didn't go much last summer but this summer we are taking advantage of it. They had a little E coli scare a while ago but that has been cleared up so it's safe now. Here are some shots of one of our trips. I also threw in one of Dexter, even though that was a different trip.

10K

Today was the Teton Dam Marathon here in Rexburg. I ran the 10K. It was a great experience - - especially when you're done. And my boys were all waiting for me at the finish line. Ethan threw up last night so we weren't sure they would be able to come. It's much better having people there for you at the end. Anyone is welcome to join me next year. It's more fun with people I know. (Yes, Tracie bombed out this year) But Katie Grinder was there running the 10K with me. Good job Katie and Susan!

Fayette pictures

Last weekend we went to Fayette to a goodbye get together for my brother Ben. His national guard unit has been called up to Iraq. He'll spend some time at Fort Bliss in Texas and then go to Iraq. There are several from the small town of Fayette going. When Gary went a couple of years ago the Fayette guys didn't. So it's a big thing for the whole town. Gary is on active duty but he gets to stay in Utah, thank goodness. Anyway, it's always fun to get together with my family so here are some shots of our fun times together. Good luck Ben! We'll miss you!















Ethan in the hammock.















Ben, Heather, and Ethan in the hammock. There's no swinging in that one.















Ethan and Heather swinging away. Darren took several shots of this. I picked my favorite one.















Ami, Tracie, Ethan, me and Rose chatting and watching the barrel racing. It looks like Ethan is the only one noticing Darren taking a picture.




















Kevin on the barrel. I'm not sure what that look on his face is. He was having fun most of the time.



















Pregnant MaryAnn on the barrel. I wonder if her doctor would approve.




















Rose and me. I like Rose's pose and expression here.















Ryan and Darren.















Darren off the barrel.




















Ben playing He-man.















Ryan, Rose, Grandma and Grandpa after dinner.
















Tracie and my boys on the four wheeler. That is the first time Jake would even get near it.

ANOTHER SNAKE STORY:















When Darren took Ethan for a four wheeler ride they found a snake in the road. You know Darren, they stopped to look at it and it climbed up into the four wheeler. So this is everyone watching while Darren, Dave, Ryan and a bunch of others tried to get it out.
















Gary was not one of that group. He stood there with a hoe to protect himself in case the snake got loose.















Dave and Darren showing their success.
















Ben and Tracie putting up the movie screen.














While we were watching "Night at the Museum" in our outdoor theater (thanks to Gary and Ami), Darren was taking pictures. Since he isn't doing his blog anymore I am putting this one on my blog.