Picnic Date

I have had a "to do" list all week that doesn't seem to be getting much shorter. Instead of tackling my chores, I decided to ignore them and plan a picnic with Kent. What's better than a weekend date night? A date in the middle of the week- in the middle of the day! This is our new lot in Prosser that we hope to start building on soon. I set up the picnic before I went to pick up Kent from work, during his lunch hour. Kent was not as enthused as I was about eating like two fools in the middle of a weed patch. I guess we learn new things about each other every day. Even though it didn't go as I had planned in my mind, it was nice to enjoy the sun and be together, even if we did eat "on the go".

Love You to Pieces

I've been wanting to capture every little detail of Cannon. There is a beautiful book that my mom gave me called "All the Places to Love" well I am making this post "All the Pieces to Love". Our sweet Cannon boy- oh, we love him so.

I agree 100% that the eyes are the windows to our soul. Without saying a word, Cannon speaks to me all day long through his angelic eyes. You can look at him and he has so much to say.

Here is Cannon's tiny thumb always tucked into his fist. While I'm running, I find that I naturally tuck my thumbs into my fists. At first I would try not to train myself NOT to do that because I just thought about Menkes and I'd get sad and frustrated but now it powers me on and I think of my strong little Cannon boy.Hello Eyelashes!!!!
These little funky toes just make me smile!
Our baby's belly "button".

This picture is one of my favorite kissy spots- the tip of his little polka-dotted nose.When his poor little cracked lips are moisturized, his kisses are softest kisses on the planet.
Behind those sweet little lips is one lonely little tooth. It has been trying to erupt for months now and is not even half way out, but it is the only one making it's debut so we are counting it and proud of that darling little tooth!!

See all that squishy "chub" under his chin? That is Daddy's favorite kissy spot.

From head to toe, and every single piece in between, we love you Cannon with ALL of our hearts.

The Braack's come visit

Friends have always been important to me throughout my life. The Braack's are no exception. They only lived in Sunnyside for one year but we bonded incredibly. Renae and I had so much in common and had so much fun trying out new things together. She had an ear that would listen to me talk all night and a soft shoulder to cry on whenever I needed. The fact that they have now been in Idaho longer than their time here in Washington does not change the special friendship we have. While we were in Alpine this summer, they made the extra effort to drive down and see us. It meant the world to me that they would sacrifice. We are blessed for having them in our lives.

Doesn't it look like Cannon fits right in as one of their own? The girls had a great time learning how to make the special treat of melted starbursts from Ella's cousin, Hannah.Of course Jon was the life of the party and had all of the kids laughing hysterically.

Jimmer Camp

If you ever get the chance to make your child's dreams come true- it is one the BEST feelings in the world. Thank you to some very dear, and generous, friends of ours Ethan was able to attend Jimmer Camp this summer with his buddy Brian.

Just to give you a little background- Ethan is such a big Jimmer fan that he asked his 2nd grade teacher to start calling him Jimmer at school, all of our Mother's Day and Father's Day cards were signed by "Jimmer" instead of Ethan, he memorized every word to the song "Teach Me How to Jimmer" and so on...

Ethan and Brian had so much fun playing games against each other but they were unbeatable when they would team up and play other boys.

Jimmer's brother played a mini concert.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the Bess Family for making Jimmer Camp a possibility for us!

Alpine Mountains

It's not until I moved away from Utah that I realized how beautiful it is. While we were visiting this summer, Kevin and Angie took us on a fun hike through the trails of Alpine, just outside of the canyon. The kids were in heaven. I am convinced that being in nature is completely therapeutic.

Golden Anniversary

I've been married for almost 11 years- that is a long time. I've been alive for 33- that is a long time, but it is but a fraction of the 50 years my parents have been married this year. It was an honor to be able to go to Utah and celebrate with them back at the place it all began. The Salt Lake City Temple. We had a beautiful luncheon at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, with views of the temple where my parents were sealed together for not only time, but for all of eternity. Congratulations to the most loving, devoted, dedicated and selfless couples I have the privilege of calling mom and dad. Happy 50th Anniversary!!!

Everything was just perfect. Almost everything. My only regret is that we didn't get a picture of just my parents with their children and their children's spouses! What were we thinking?

Guests were greeting at the door to pick up a memory card. During the luncheon, they were instructed to write down a memory they have had with John and Brenda.

After lunch was served, each guest came up and told their memory to my parents and then hung it on the memory tree for my parents to keep the cards as a tribute to the memories together.

Skyler and Cannon

While we were in Utah last month we were lucky enough to meet up with a very special family. I have met Skyler's family before but this was Kent's first chance. We are so thankful for the friendship we have with the McCracken's. They, too, have a son with Menkes disease. Skyler and Cannon are only a few months apart in age and it helps to have someone to talk to regarding our little boys. Don't be confused- we have switched babies for this picture.

Kent gets to hold another little boy with Menkes for the first time. We just love little Skyler!
He is so happy and smiles a lot- he just melts your heart!!

Here, Skyler's family is loving on Cannon. So cute!
Best Friends Forever (along with the rest of the Menkes boys)!

Thank you for driving to Salt Lake to meet with us. We look forward to the next visit!

Back to School Feast

I can't think of a better way to spend the last night of summer than having a "Back to School Feast" and a friendly game of dodgeball. It has to be said that Brittany is one of the BEST cooks and she made the most delicious dinner!

Cannon wasn't feeling good so grandpa and grandma stayed home with him.

Get better little Bubba!

After feasting and playing, Brittany was inspired to have us continue the night with our own individual Family Home Evening lessons to present our "Family Theme" for the year to our children. Kent and I chose to use Put on the Full Armor of God from Ephesians 6:11.

It was fun to draw the comparison of Ethan's football helmet, pads, etc. We discussed that they will hear and see things aren't always going to be good and by putting on the armor of God they can feel protected and have the strength to stand firm in their beliefs and continue to try to make the right choices. As tradition, after the lesson, Kent gave Ethan and Ella a Father's blessing to give them comfort and guidance as they begin a new school year. I feel so blessed to have friends that inspire me to be a better wife and mother. I am lucky to have a husband that honors his Priesthood on behalf of my family. I love my children so much and I am excited to see them learn and grow this year.