Surprise Trip to Utah!

.My Mom surprised Blake for an early birthday weekend trip to his dream destination...Utah. I picked Blake up from school early, telling him he had a Doctors appointment. In the car, I was briefing him on the shots he needed and that one needed to be given in his bottom. Boy was he squirming. Asking all sorts of questions about why, how, and WHERE??? I had just recently gottten a tetnus shot and it hurt for about 2 weeks and Blake new this. He was very nervous. So to calm him down, I told him that Grandma Jones had been given a similar shot and she could tell him about it. We called Grandma and she informed him that he wasn't driving to the Doctor, but instead he was driving to the airport to fly to Utah. He couldn't believe it. He, Chase and I all flew up together. There were a few more reasons we came...
Reason # 1: Erica had just had her birthday. When we got there, my mom made sure Erica was at the house. I called her and starting talking. Asking about her birthday and such. Then I said, "oh, I never told you what I got you for your birthday" and she said, "no! don't tell me!" and then I said, "Okay, I'll just show you." and I walked around the corner and gave her a huge hug. Super fun surprise!!

reason #2: Grandparents day at Tyler, Zach and Cooper's school so we all got to visit and Blake got to hang out with Tyler and his friends. What a beautiful school!!

reason # 3: Evan wanted to see "little fat guy"

reason # 4: My mom wanted me to compete in the 2nd Annual True Grit Triathlon. First, as just the running leg for our family team and then she decided she wanted me to do the whole thing. Mind you, this is a last minute trip so I had not been training for a Triathlon. But she got the tickets for us to come so I'm at her mercy to do what she wants. I just about drowned swimming because I couldn't breathe (altitude- right?) and almost got lost on the bike I borrowed from the Shoells. But on the run, I was motivated by beating my old neighbor Mikey Hammer who was wearing his Ute shirt. So I finished strong- I even caught Jen in her cute 'skapriz'.

reason#5: I hadn't seen little Connor yet and couldn't wait to meet him. Luke and Benson love visitors as well and played so cute with Chase.

BYU Baby!

Reason #6 (or should I say #1): BYU Football game!! Need I say more. Green grass, fall leaves, crisp air, sun shining, mountain backdrop, blue and white everywhere and excitement in the air.

BYU vs. Colorado State- GO COUGS! Before the game Grandma and Grandpa let us go to the Cougar Den in place of them. We didn't stay too long because Blake was dying to see BYU warming up. He's a freak I tell you.

Mom, Dad, Ferf, me, Kimball, Erica, Benson, Blake, Tyler, Zach and Coop
all were able to sit somewhat close together.

A huge highlight of the whole trip was to see Paul and Brig sporting blue and white. Little Brigham was so cute and excited to be there- you guys look good in BLUE!

I caved and bought Blake a helmet, uniform and ball at halftime. You should see this kid's face! He was so excited- I couldn't say no. It is his birthday present and Halloween costume.

We even got a surprise visit from Cosmo! How could this day get any better?

Thanks Kimball!! Nice hook-up.

After the football game we visited the new Athletic building before going to the Women's soccer game. We found Grandpa Watts' picture of course.

...and a few other BYU greats. What an AWESOME day. Blake just had a permanent grin!

When we were walking to the football game and entering in through the ticket gate, Blake said to me, "Mom, someday I won't be coming to the game through these gates..." Keep dreaming big Blake! You make mom smile!

Fun Times

Blake holding little Connor for the first time!

Austin is so cute trying to keep up with all his brothers.

Tyler and Blake at school. Blake slept over at Tyler's and got to go to his Football game on Sat.

Evan had Chase just giggling!

Erica and Grandpa working Blake over. We LOVE the chaos at the Jones household! Mom-thanks for such a fun-filled weekend. We had so much fun!

Romero Pools

There's a great little hike at a State Park near our house called Romero Pools. I went with some of the youth in our ward.

It's a great little spot for a picnic and swimming.

oh... and cliff jumping!

I took a turn too from the whoosy cliff.

Flashback... last time we went to Romero Pools 2006. Chase wasn't born and I lugged Jackson on my back. It's a 6 mile hike round trip and Audrey was a little trooper. She even jumped in the cold water before Blake did.

Labor Day 2009

Our Labor Day Weekend started off heading up to Phoenix to see some old friends. We stayed the first night at 'Hotel Mariner' after having a fun night out with the adults. The next morning we awoke to rain. The kids had a blast getting completely soaked! I got to go running with Jen and Darin- I love running in the rain!

Audrey and Aspen clicked right away and by the end of the weekend were BFF!

On Sunday, we headed over to the Mesa temple.

We walked around the visitor center and watched the Joseph Smith movie.

Blake posing as Joseph Smith. He thinks he's funny.

The Cannons, Mariners, Ruffs and Allreds- (YEAH!! Welcome back guys). We had so much fun catching up.

A little family wrestling match at the hotel.

Look at all those toes!! We loved just hanging out together. Jackson wanted to live there.

The Hotel we stayed at had an awesome water park. The kids played there all day on Monday

Cant' leave with out the famous funny face picture. I think we win! Already looking forward to next years get together!