A little family stay cation

This summer we took a little vacation/stay cation to the Grand Canyon before school started. The kids had never ever been so we spent a couple of days there. We even did a day hike part way down. We had a really good time.

Madelyn and Jacob really enjoyed the Imax theatre. Madelyn wants to go white water rafting. She thought that was really cool.

Jackson thought the hike was really exciting.........

One of the highlights of the trip was the huge elk that was right next to our hotel.

There is lots of wildlife at the canyon. We had a wonderful time!

Madelyn's Baptism

Madelyn finally turned 8!!!!

She was so happy to get baptized. She said, "do I have to stop smiling to go under the water?" :)

We are so proud of her and her decision to get baptized.

Madelyn LOVES her grandparents! Thanks for all you do!

The WHOLE GROUP!

A big thanks to everyone who came! we really appreciate all your support!

Muckdogs T-ball

This year was Jacob's first year to play T-ball. He enjoyed it. This was an interesting experience for our family. We didn't know if we should laugh or get mad at him when he was suppose to be playing 3rd base and instead was building a sand castle on top of the base. Or does dancing count as playing outfield? I guess it's all part of the learning process. :) I will stick with coaching girls!

GOOD JOB JACOB!

Tigers Softball

This was Madelyn's 3rd year to play softball. She had a lot of fun this year on the Tigers doing coach pitch. I also had a lot of fun being one of her coaches.

Madelyn has gotten much better, but still has some practice to do on using her glove.....not her face to catch the ball. Nice Shiner!

Look at that amazing coach.......HA HA!

Detroit Red Wings Game 7

The Detroit Red Wings played the Phoenix Coyotes in the NHL playoffs this year. Josh said if it went to game 7 he would have to get tickets somehow because the game would be in Phoenix. So here we are at game 7. It was a really fun game. I'm glad we had the once in a life time opportunity to go.

So Happy!

We're Back!

So we got a faster computer now! Yeah it doesn't take 20min to upload one picture. There is so much to catch up on, from softball, T-ball, birthdays, baptisms, graduations, gardening, swimming, yard work, camping, canoeing, brad leaving for basic training and weddings, we have been running like crazy.

One our favorite things has been the changes to our back yard. First we dug a hole for our trampoline to make it more safe for the little guy getting on and off. Then we found a swing set on craigslist for a great deal and then we added grass! It is not finished yet, but it is much, much improved and it's been a lot of fun. There are pictures of our garden coming soon!

Here are some HAPPY KIDS!

I need to find some wood chips to cover up the dirt.

Before.........

AFTER!!!

We have enjoyed it. It was perfect timing to add the sod just before all the rain came.

Takin' a Break

I truly needed a break! I boarded the plane for Texas to hang out with my little sister Ann. We had a great weekend! We went shopping, ate, got pedicures, manicures, more shopping, and just had a great time together. Thanks Ann! I had a great, relaxing, much needed weekend!

We did some research online to learn how to do fondant cakes. So the best way to learn is to try! We had a good time playing around with this cake. It's not bad for our first one!

The hardest part is mixing the fondant to the color that you want.

The finished product!


I love you Ann! I am excited for you to move here soon! Now we can go on trips together.