Garren was harder to catch on camera due to his amazing speed down the stairs.

We didn't get a lot of snow for sledding, so one afternoon the kids made the best of it. It's hard to believe their dad was actually okay with this activity.

Chef Lauren Marie

At the age of eight years old, Lauren gets in and gets the job done. She loves to bake and cook. The project you see before you is something she set out to do all on her own one Sunday after church. We are so darn lucky to have such a little lady in our lives. She has even taken breakfast in bed to her sick brother before. So far he doesn't seem to realize how lucky and spoiled he is because of her.

Scientific Research Project!

For Garren's school science project he decided to see which type of pop would have the biggest spray after shaking each can 20 times. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, Garren or Mark.

The Bird Saviors.

While waiting to pick up Chinese take out at a drive through facing a busy street, we watched a bird get clipped by a car. Our eyes were then completely captivated by the bird now struggling around on the pavement as we cringed and made sorry sounds each time a car just missed or drove over the top of the little creature. Finally Mark (whom didn't share the same sorry and worried feelings) jumped out of the car, grabed a plastic bag and ran out into the street between passing cars and picked up the bird. He sat the bird on the lawn and came back to the car. Mark had completely won the hearts of his children and wife by his heroic act. Of course then we were worried about a cat or other animal carrying off the little bird. In a weak moment we some how talked Mark into letting us take him home and nurture it back to health. It wasn't long and that bird was flying all around our garage and instead of babying the little feathered friend, Mark was chasing it with a broom, trying to get it to fly outside and stop making all its little deposits. Oh the memories...

Birthday Party Fun!

When Lauren first brought up the idea of wanting an ice cream party, I couldn't imagine what she was trying to get across. Then she elaborated a bit and let me know that it was really an ice cream fight she wanted. Of course, being the responsible parent that I am, I told her that was crazy and we would have to come up with another idea. Several months later my thought pattern changed and it hit me...why not? So as you can see by the pictures, she got her ice cream fight and it was a major hit with all. The swimming pool water was a nice milky color and the kids were in heaven over it. It's amazing what kids can teach you when us big boring grown ups will actually take time to listen.

Birthday Party Fun!

A night of trauma and medicine!

Another night of dress up for the dance studio. Mark went as Dr. Love and Garren as a victim of yet another skate boarding accident.

I'm not sure if the wrap on that kids head is the Japanese flag or a bandage of some sort.

Summer 2009

With Lauren's baptism and Garren's priesthood ordination, we had a great summer this year. We were lucky enough to have Mark's sister Christine come and spend several days and also Mark's mother came to visit. Having company (especially family) come and visit is always so exciting since it rarely ever happens with us living so far away from home.

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It is amazing how one person can make the world such a better place to live. We miss Chris already.

Enjoying family visits.

We feel so incredibly lucky as of late. Mark's beautiful, fun, and absolutely adorable sister flew out here to be with us for a short stay for Garren's priesthood ordination and Lauren's baptism. Our days were shortly numbered with her, but we enjoyed every moment of having her with us. Hopefully it won't be too long before we get to be with her again.

Yee haw! We had a great time at the cowboy costume contest and won another bunch of free dance lessons. As you can tell, the kids had a great time too. We go dancing nearly every Friday night and we are all learning a lot. It has been great to find something we can actually enjoy as a family.

He loves to entertain.

On Tuesday night was the performance as Mike TV, then on Wednesday he was chosen along with several others from his school to participate in a talent show case at Georgetown College. He sang a solo from the musical "Music Man" called "Gary Indiana". We thought he was great of course. Sure wish our family could have been there to cheer him on.

Great Mammoth Adventure

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Mammoth Caves and Kentucky Downunder

For spring break this year we decided to surprise the kids and venture into our own back yard (sort of). We spent several days at Mammoth Caves National Park and Kenucky Down Under. We really enjoyed the cave tours and were absolutle amazed at the beauty of them. Our tour guides were great, especially Ranger JOE a retired school teacher. I think Garren is already thinking he wouldn't mind that job when he retires.

We also went and checked out Kentucky Down under and besides touring another cave there, the kids petted kangaroos, baby joey's, fed birds, panned for gold, etc. All in all it was a great adventure and we hope to do it and more again some time.

Idaho/Colorado moments

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