Dallas Jay's Boating Trip

Well, we had a great last minute trip with Uncle Jess and Aunt Brooke. They called us on Saturday afternoon and our other plans had dropped out, so we split over to AF as fast as we could. We're so proud of D. He jumped off the back of the boat and swam in the water with us.

This is a big accomplishment for him, because a year ago, he would barely let go of you when you were in the boat, let alone be brave enough to walk around the boat, and I'd have guessed it would be many years before we coaxed him off the back and into the water.

Last year we got him to sit on the swim deck with Jess and I. We had our feet in the water and some idiot drove his boat right around us. Needless to say that the swells put the entire swim deck under water and Jess and I about took a swim. It scared him pretty bad. Fortunately, he wasn't on the swim deck right then, but he was sure Dad wasn't going to make it!

So, here's some awesome pictures Brooke took.

Dallas Jay's funny sayings

So, Dallas Jay has been quite expressive lately. The other day we told him to pick up his shoes, and he turns to Jyl and said, "This is my life" with a total forlorn look.

Also, lately when he gets mad, he'll say, "I'm going into my room and I'm going to slam the door."

It cracks me up what they say!

I'm starting to study for the CPA again, so I'm going to be at the library for most of my free time. It's probably harder on me than it is on Jyl and the kids. They hang out, play outside, watch TV, or whatever. They hardly notice I'm gone.

OK, so that's not entirely true. Dallas Jay has been praying that I will have a day off soon. I guess that's a good sign that I need to focus my attention a little better than I had, eh?

By the way, Sofi has slept through the night for two nights in a row! We are hoping this trend continues. We keep thinking that with all the drool and fussing, that she's got some teeth coming in, but nothing's popped through yet. It's always emotional for Jyl when she sees their teeth for the first time. It's like when I help them build their first spreadsheet. Which, now that it's on paper, suddenly alarms me that Jyl and I may need help!

Hope all is well with you all.

Dallas Jay's First Hike

Dallas Jay, Me and Winnie..."The hikers!"


Well, Dallas Jay had been asking to go hiking like I did with Uncle Josh. So, I told him that if he was good, we'd go. He was so excited. All week long he was telling everyone that if he was good, we'd go on a hike.

We went over to City Creek. It was way busy, and I was worried that going up the center trail would mean lots of traffic, and I didn't want to have to worry about a biker coming around a blind corner and taking the little dude out. So, we climbed up to the Rim Trail.

Dallas Jay on the trail!



He did really well. He, of course, liked to kick the rocks and dirt. But, he did really well. Jyl and I are sure that the only way to live with this little squirt is to find a way to get some of his endless energy out, so, we'll try and do this more often! Seemed to work!

I realized how blessed we are to live in Pocatello. It's such a wonderful place that within minutes, literally minutes, you can be on a trail like this and see scenery like this. I know it's got some drawbacks, but the crime is low, the housing is cheap, and the outdoor possibilities are endless!

Hope all is well with all of you, our dear friends. And for those of you who haven't been in Pocatello for a while, here's some pictures to remind you how beautiful it is here!

Take care,

-Ace

The Boys' Trip!

Well, Josh and I went on our annual Man Trip. Unfortunately Nick wasn't able to make it, and we missed him. We were excited to be able to do something before he runs off to Ireland for a semester. Dallas Jay and Sofia are going to miss their Uncle Josh!

Here's some of the highlights from our trip to Upper Palisades.


This was a huge Moose!

The Fourth of July

We had a great time this fourth of July. Nick, Angela, and Julian came and stayed with us. That morning we went to the parade and were surprised by the interesting floats and Pocatello attractions. That night we had a great time with Grandma Betty, Josh, Nick Call family, and the wonderful Wride family. We had a down pour and hail for awhile with general flooding, but the party must go on and we were able to watch some spectacular fireworks! Dallas is still tenative when it comes to the loud noise, but maybe next year he can watch them from the yard instead of from inside the jeep! I love this holiday and am so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and the general feeling of peace that comes from being here. It is truly a great blessing. Happy Fourth!!

Fun pics from Jordanne

Here are some cute photos that Jordanne took. She took them of Dallas, Dallas and Landon (his cousin, and the farm as well. Enjoy!

My hard workers. For my birthday Ace and Dallas Jay built a fence and a beautiful bench around our huge apricot tree. It is amazing. Thanks guys! Here some cute pics of the kids and the fence.