Camping in Stanley '09

This year was a great year in Stanley. Dallas got to go up early with his Nanna, his great grandparents, Aunt Susie and cousin Landon. He loved it and Ace, Sofi and I totally missed him. We missed hearing all the fun things he says and all the interesting things he finds to do. He is a huge part of our family and we just didn't feel whole without him. I know he probably missed us a little, but I know he had a ton of fun fishing with Grandpa great, he caught many many fish with the guidance of his wonderful grandpa! Thank you grandpa! He also went swimming in Redfish lake and was loved and taken care of so well. Thank you to all who took him. We love you! Later that week Ace, Sofia and I went as well. We camped in a tent and enjoyed the 30 degree nights! We finanlly got sleeping arrangments figured out on the last night. Ace did some fly fishing and we all did the fun fishing and fourwheeling! With the great food and company it was a trip to remember!

Floyd's 90th

We had so much fun with everyone this weekend. There were about 50 people at our house Friday night, and we had a great time! Fortunately it was nice and we could be outside!

To all those that traveled down from various parts, thanks for coming, it was great to see you all. Thanks to everyone for their hard work for the party this weekend. It's always fun to see everyone, and the food was excellent!

Thanks especially to Lincoln for taking these great pictures. Love the one of Jyl and Sofi!

Take care,

-Ace

The Rodeo

This year we got to go to the downey rodeo with our good friends, the Jeppsens. We had a great time and loved looking at all the animals. One of the bronc's even got within touching distance and sent some dirt flying over our heads!
I bought Dallas a great old farm chest that our friend had antiqued and quietly put all his toys in it one night while he was asleep. He woke up the next morning and I showed him the chest and where his toys were. He was so excited that I had bought him all new toys! So now instead of buying new toys I am just going to buy things to put them in!

I am so blessed

No really I am. I have great kids and a wonderful husband. Sure we have our fair share of disagreements and arguments, but who doesn't? I just needed to put into writing how grateful I am for Ace. He is a hard worker and worries all the time about me and my needs. He works around the house and helps with everything. He is a fantastic dad that is always thinking of ways to be active and doing stuff with the kids. I really appreciate the sacrifices he makes for our families and that he tries so hard. He is my best friend and a wonderful husband.
I am so grateful for Dallas. He makes me smile every day and there are days where that can be a challenge, but he does it. He was up this morning early playing with Sofi. I was out feeding the dogs and thought they were both asleep still, but no they were in their room playing. They were both giggling at 6:30 am. That is a beautiful thing to hear in the morning. He is the big brother to a tee. He tries to take care of everyone and everything.
Sofi is a sweet sweet little girl that just has a great smile that will brighten your day no matter what. She loves to coo and be apart of whatever we are doing. I feel very blessed for the family I have and want them to know how much I love them! Thanks for everything!

Sofi's Bling!

Well, I had a bit of a surprise to come home to yesterday! Jyl, Sofi and Dallas Jay had gone and had Sofi's ears pierced. I am glad they did it now. It looks cute and she won't be fussing with them as much, due to low dexterity! I'm just grateful it wasn't me that had to be holding her. I'm such a softy, and I don't think I'd have been able to handle it. I hate taking them to get their shots, so I know I wouldn't be able to do that! Way to go Jyl, you are one tough woman!

We took Dallas Jay biking last night. We took him over to ISU and wanted him to have a little more time behind the wheel and see if he'd take on to the whole concept of using the brakes. Well, he'd rather Fred Flinstone it and just use his toes. GRRRR. That doesn't help our shoe budget much! HAHAHAHAHA. We're going to see if Uncle Barrie could help us out with a hand brake. He may catch on to that one a little quicker.

Well, ready for another pack-it-in-weekend. We, unfortunately, know all to well the meaning of "Weekend Warriors!"

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.