Jacob turns 9...

Jacob celebrated his 9th birthday just two weeks ago. He decided months ago to just invite a friend or two and do something fun. Well, he decided to invite his best friend to the fair with our family. They have been best friends since their first day of the first grade. We had a GREAT time together. You would think we saved $ by doing it this way but that would be incorrect. It seems that the old dollar does not go far at the fair these days. Those fancy little wrist bands that get you endless rides, comes with a price. A HUGE price. We had cake, ice cream, prizes & pizza before we left.Yes, in that order. We decided to do the cake first. That was a hit. So who said you have to have a BIG bash to have fun. This was by far the smallest number of guests Jacob has ever had for his birthday & probably the most memorable.

A teachers tale...

Today Justin's teacher came over to me to share a conversation she had with him a few days ago. She senses my nervous response & assures me it's okay. She tells her story...the other day she paused & looked at my son. She said "What is your name...no let me guess. It's JUSTINE, correct?". He replies "No". The teacher then responds with a confused expression. She ponders & thinks a bit. She throws some other names through her thoughts. She finally replies "Oh, well what is your name?". He replies with "just Justin". She thought is was so cute & I agree. I have so many of these moments I could probably start a separate blog & title it as, "kids say the cutest things".

Passing the time...

Oh, quiet day...

Today was the first day of school. The first time both Jacob & Justin were students together at Hamblen! We are so excited that Justin has the same Kindergarten teacher that Jacob had three years ago! Mrs. Mattox is the best! Jacob is now in the THIRD grade. I can't believe it! His teacher is Mrs. Onstot. We are excited for a new school year.

Silver Mountain's Indoor Water Park

The indoor water park was a BIG hit for the entire family! It didn't matter that it wasn't warm enough outside. We even got to try the boogie board! What fun! Josh & the boys did pretty well! I even took a stab at it. This area was a hit with all ages even adults & teens! Since we stayed the night our package included the water park for the day & the next day too. The hot tubs were also a hit. The room had a full kitchen so we ordered a pizza & made breakfast the next day (Yolks was walking distance). They even have a BBQ you can use.

My Princess...

I love it! She would ask me to help her put the dress on. Three minutes later would ask me to take it off. Two minutes later she would ask me to put back on & so forth a few more times. I quickly snapped a few pic's while she had the dress on. This was one of those rare moments in which see actually wanted help. Hummmm, she reminds me of someone.......but I can't quite figure it out.

Cousins

Jacob & Jacksun

<- Justin, Jacob, Lexi & Ashley

Pictured below is LaDonna, Rose & me


The kids & I went to Montana to see my mom & our cousins for a few days. We had originally planned to go camping at Blue Bay on the Flathead Lake in Western Montana but the weather did not permit it. I was even optimistic & brought our camping stuff in case it cleared up. One the way over we had our wipers on high for an hour & a half straight... & some. I think it was following us! The weather finally got sunny & warm the day we were to part from Missoula to head home.
It worked out for the best & were able to stay with my favorite cousin LaDonna & Jacksun. Jacksun just turned 6 years old this summer. The boys had a lot of fun with him. Thanks LaDonna for letting us invade your house for a few days. We spent some time with my mom, Daniel & Kevin. Thanks Daniel for watching the boys while my mom, Ashley, cousin Kevin & I went shopping! We also were able to visit with my cousin Rose & Alexis for an evening at LaDonna's place. Ashley just loved playing with her cousin Lexi who was only one month older than her. Watching two three year old girls play was a adorable! The boys were full of energy & loud. Unfortunately my grandmother was in the ICU over there but I was able to visit with her a bit too. We LOVE you Grandma! Get well soon! All in all we had another great time in Montana for our annual summer visit. Maybe we will make it to Polson & Blue Bay next year to visit & camp if the weather permits.

Whooohoo! I did it!

Another triathlon under my belt. This was my second time participating in the annual "West Plains Wunderwomen Triathlon". I love this course! Well, my only other comparison was the "Valley Girl Triathlon" which took place in July. All I have to say is that it was HOT, HOT, HOT! By the time it was time to run it was in the mid 80's. Running & hot weather do not work for me or most other runners but I think I did well. My swim was Great! No problems this time except the first 3rd of the 1/4 mile swim a women kept swimming like a mad person into my legs & such. I finally had to turn around to tell her to STOP THAT! Crazy women! My bike ride was great too & I had my friendly competitor who I met last year pass me on the bike ride & then I trailed her the whole way until the run where I crushed her with my running speed! Okay I didn't really crush her but it was fun. If you are reading Kristi, thanks! You are AWESOME Brenda! Thanks for getting me started in these! I feel better than ever. While I am thanking people, thank you Josh, Jacob & Justin for coming and dragging our sick child Ashley to watch me & support me! It means a lot. It is such a relief when they are OVER! I didn't meet my goal of doing better than last year but the course was a bit different & much hotter (by at least 20 degrees). I also had a wet suit last year. It might not mean much to most of you reading but I had a total time of 01:10:28:15 (70.5 min). This year my time was 01:12:28 (72.5 min). If you are confused because of my time in the picture don't forget to subtract 10 min for my later starting time. If you have never tried one yet, you should try a "TRI"!