Anyone seen a bison, elk or bear? We did!!

I know I have some catching up to do. We've been so busy lately with vacations and trips that I haven't been on the computer much (ok so Pat would disagree but it's true). Pat and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on July 26th and thanks to Heather who kept the kids for us we were able to go out for dinner and actually eat at the same time and while it was hot. I told her I would settle for McDonald's as long as I didn't have to get up and do anything during my meal. She asked, "Is that what I have to look forward too?" I said yes, once you have kids especially if you have more than one.

We also took out boat out for the 1st time this summer. We went to Lake Jordanelle which is about 45 miles from Salt Lake. It's a beautiful area but the water was a bit chilly and once the clouds moved in we called it a day. Here is Sean who was headed out to the tube.

For those that don't know Lyndsey, she's in the brown and she is Pat's oldest daughter. She spent a couple of days with us last week. Natalie as always is a fair weather participant and only wanted to be in the tube for a few minutes.

Here is Pat demonstrating the fine art of wakeboarding. Colby hit a big milestone last Thursday. He took his 1st steps on our anniversary. He is doing much better about keeping his heels down but we are still waiting on his braces to come in. I expect them either this week or next. I know he's not going to like them but I do know they will help. Colby can go from sitting to standing all my himself without holding on to anything. Once he takes a couple of steps he looses his balance and just plops down on his bottom.Austin has 4 new teeth coming in for a total of 8 (Colby still only has his two bottom teeth). He is saying Bye, Bye and will wave when he says it. He also said ball a couple of weeks ago for me and Carla but now I can't get him to say it. He is really doing well with his walking. He can walk 5-6 steps and will stop and stand. Colby just claps for him when he does it too.

Here we are waiting on old Faithful to go off. The boys weren't too impressed....guess they are still too young.

Colby loves a ride on Daddy's shoulders.

Last Friday we packed up the Yukon and headed north with the Fontenot Family to Yellowstone. We had a great time. The weather was great and in fact we actually used a heater at night. We stayed in a camper that is available for rent for military members and the Fontenots pulled their own camper. Colby and Austin were great in the car. They took naps, looked out the window and ate. Speaking of eating, they eat all the time. We are moving them into toddler finger foods and some table food. So far they are doing pretty well with all of it. They both think they can feed themselves but it turns into just a big mess. The young horse riding gang...Kayla, Bryce, Natalie and Sean

Mommy and Austin going for a little walk

Austin and Dante going for a stroll

We had such a great time in Yellowstone. On Saturday we spent the day in the park. We saw elk, bison, eagles, moose, rams and a grizzly bear with two cubs. Austin was not wild about the bison and kept making his ooooh noise along with a very concerned look. We had a picnic in the park and just spent the day on the search for animals.

Sunday Pat and Dante took the older kids on a whitewater rafting trip. They had an awesome time and from the sounds Sean and Bryce took a couple of swims thanks to Pat. They both "rode the bull" which is standing at the front and holding onto a rope while the others paddled the boat in circles over the rapids.

Sean talking to Sarge before the ride

On Monday they all went for a horseback ride while Colby and Austin napped at the trailer. Sean who was riding Sarge had a hard time getting him to go. I'm sure Sarge didn't realize he actually had a person on his back since Sean doesn't weigh that much. Natalie really seemed to enjoy the ride and she was thankful not to run into any wildlife.

We headed home after their ride and made it back in time for Sean to go to football camp. He has camp everyday from 5:30-7:30 where they are doing conditioning and football basics. He is so excited for football to start. This will be his 2nd year of tackle and he's already talking about hitting and getting hit.

I am getting ready to start teaching again. My students start the 22nd and this will be my last semester. I fly to FT Carson, CO right after Christmas to out process the Army. What a life change that I am about to experience. I am almost done with my real estate classes. In fact I have 9 left and I will take those next week. Then all I have to do is study and pass the state exam. Pat and I will be doing real estate as a team and we think with our work ethic and discipline we'll do very well. The good thing is that it allows me the flexibility I need to do things with the boys.

Well that should catch you up on what we've been doing the past couple of weeks. Hope each of you is enjoying your summer.

Love to all