My sweet Spencer...

My first story of Spencer is a cute one: Him and I had a picnic on the front lawn last week while Koby was at school and Clay took a nap. I came inside to get the kitchen cleaned up while he stayed outside for a little while. I could keep an eye on him from the window and after a few minutes realized that he hadn't been even moving around, just laying on the blanket. Sure enough, he was fast asleep! He was in the shade and seemed comfortable, so I let him sleep there for a little while before I moved him to the couch. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures...

My second Spencer story is a sad one: Spencer has what seem to be totally random allergies that bring on asthma. Just this summer we have experienced his first "attacks". Friday night he had a nasty asthma attack that landed us in the ER (around 5am) after probably 2 hours of combined sleep throughout the night. I am so not impressed by the ER here and we were in need of more attention shortly after we left. Luckily, we have the best pediatrician, Dr. Ryan, who didn't care that he had NO appointments at all that day and told us to "come in now". After chest xrays, nebulizer treatments, careful listening (to Spencer's lungs and my thoughts), we finally felt taken care of by our favorite doctor. Spencer was given a blessing by Brandon and Blair Howe (a fireman in our ward who stopped by for something unrelated and made me call the dr. immediately and make them get me in). Yesterday afternoon Spencer was his crazy self again. He still has symptoms and will be treated for another few days, plus another month of extra preventative inhalants. Here are some pics of my sweet boy in the hospital and at the doctor...By the way, he is still wearing his hospital bracelet that he found out is water-proof, sprite-proof and bubble-proof!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

My family is the best. I love them and love that my dad has always made it a priority to have a family vacation. I will try to keep the talk short, because I will be long on pictures. In fact, I think I will break it up in a few different posts. For the last five years now we have done a trip with my parents, all five of my siblings, plus grandkiddos, of course. We have been trying out a different spot every year and this year was Bear Lake. I think we may have found one that we want to repeat. What do you think, does it look like we had a great time or what?

Clay's first look at the lake...Spencer and best buddy Addie...Cousins Hudson and Bailey having fun with the sand...Us Girls (Shelbie, me, Mom, Kim and Cara)...Bailey, the bearded lady...Clay and Grandma JuJu...

Koby grabbing a snack...

Silly Austin...

Tim, Shelbie and cute Huddie...

Nice jacket, Todd...

Sand+Water=Fun

We played hard and had a great time. My family was made for the beach and water, Brandon's family wasn't necessarily, but he certainly married into the right family for that!

Brandon and the kids spent hours building sand "kingdoms"...The little kids want in on the fun too...A fun little "pool" for the kids. Thanks Jonny and Tim!...Austin's head...Gotta love the boogie board (even Clay)... I just love this Baywatch picture of Shelbie...

When the kids wanted a break from the water, this trailer entertained for a LONG time...
Koby and Spencer with Papa on the Waverunner... Spencer always wanted to be on that thing with whoever was going out. And Koby wanted to be pulled on the tube all day long.
When I got too hot laying out, I did actually get wet (a little)...

Spencer and I enjoy a tube ride together...
While Brandon drives and Koby observes and waits patiently for his turn...

The dirt never ends

Did I mention that we camped at Bear Lake for five days? I am not the biggest fan of camping, but I had fun. I knew we would be dirty for most of the day and I got over that fast. Showers only last about five minutes until someone fell or played in the dirt. Oh well, what are we trying to keep clean? It was great to bond this way with everyone. And the kids LOVED everything about the whole trip. We did have a pool at the campground, plus a play ground, a big bounce pillow, bike trails, tennis, basketball and miniature golf. So, we were busy. Here are the last pictures from me...

Koby the Kindergartener

Koby had his very first day of school yesterday. I feel horrible because he missed the first two days of school, plus all the orientations, etc. Thankfully, preschool eased me into schooling. So, even though it was a somewhat emotional day, it could have been much worse. What a big boy who was more than ready to start finally. He turned 6 the end of July, which means he will probably be one of the oldest in the class. But, this is what we feel is best for our family. I think it was a good day, but he never really tells me much of anything about school or church classes. I didn't hear any negative feedback, so I guess that's good. He does want to ride the bus home, so I may let him starting next week.

Meanwhile, Spencer is such a great big brother to Clay and they are having fun with some alone time together. Here are a few pics of Koby's exciting day...

In class with Mrs. Miller...

There's NO Place Like Grandma's!

From the moment we pulled up to PaPa and Grandma JuJu's house it has been a nonstop party. We are on day six with no signs of slowing down. Between Grandma's house and Aunt Kim's there is ALWAYS something super fun to do. I will need to get pics of my sister's backyard posted next time. It is amazing and fun for kids and the parents! I am trying to stay in the real world and not totally check out. So, I have been checking email and other's blogs, but not much else. Meanwhile, enjoy some pictures...
Clay LOVES having Spencer bounce him...

Grandpa has this awesome tree fort that now has two levels. Here is Koby and Spence with cousin Austin...And here is Addie being one of the boys (wearing Clay's bathing suit)...Grandma's newest addition to her yard...

Clay and cousin Hudson (my brother Tim's son)...And we can't leave out Bailey...Another hilite of the kids - scooter rides ...We are having a great time, obviously. The kids crash every night and are ready to go again in the morning. It has been fun to watch all the babies together, they are all just over a year and within a month of each other. They are too much fun. On Monday we are headed to Bear Lake with my family for the week - Cant wait!