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!

Arrow of Light Award

Blake and his buddies...

with fire!!

Phew, check that off the list of things to do. BLAKE, not me, earned his Arrow of Light Award. He got to walk across a bridge of palms over a swimming pool with a lighted torch. It was way cool. He loves scouts! Way to go Blake.

First Day of School 2009

Audrey's first day of 3rd grade.

Mr. President and big man 5th grader on campus.

A few weeks later, Jackson got to start his second year of Joy School. It was at our house so he didn't have to lug that back pack very far.

Your next Chase!

Audrey's BAPTISM

Audrey was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on
July 25th, 2009.

Audrey in a 'Little White Dress' 8 years ago.

She has always been a little angel to me and I thank my Heavenly Father for her every single day.

As she continues to grow, my love only gets stronger for her special spirit.

Her Baptism day was such a beautiful day.

As she came skipping down the stairs, my heart skipped a beat as I watched my little baby girl in another "Little White Dress". She was beautiful and just beaming. I was so proud to be her mom.

That morning, we got things set up and ready for dinner afterwards.

Erica hand made Audrey a special Baptism book for her to write in and keep. It will definitely be a special treasure to her.

We headed off to the Tucson North Stake Center.

So many family members made the trip to be with Audrey on her special day.

Aunt Ferfie was on hair duty- you're hired Jen!

Matt was able to baptize his 'Little Miss Magic'

Here she is... PERFECT!

Audrey set a goal to learn all the Articles of Faith (songs) for her Baptism. That night, Grandma Jones played as she sang through each one. Of course she had a few goofs up. Audrey, I got that same look from Grandma when I was a girl:)

Audrey with Aunt Trisha (and Morgan:)

So many people love Audrey, and the day was so special to share it with all of them.
You made the right decision, Audrey, and we're all so proud of you!

Jackson's 4th Birthday

Jackson requested a Speed Racer Party for turning 4. The Cannon's were in town and Paul and Trish of course came over too.

Jackson got a cool Speed Racer costume and mom pulled out the motorized bike she'd been hiding (the neighbors gave it to us when they moved). Perfect, he loved it. The kids all grabbed something to race on. On your mark... get set... GO!

Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer GO!!

Jackson is a piece of work and I have loved every minute of the 4 years he's been with us.
Happy Birthday Jack Attack!

A week at Grandpa's Farm

Blake and Audrey got to stay an extra week in McKinleyville because Grandma and Grandpa were going to be driving out for Audrey's Baptism. Audrey got to cook, read, shop with Grandma. They even made a scarf together. Blake got to go on a packing trip with 'Pack Saddle Slim' and the boys.

Saddlin' up for the big trip.

On the trail. Blake got bucked off, so now he can say he's a REAL Cowboy. Definitely a summer he'll remember for the rest of his life. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Audrey Turns 8!

Audrey wanted a 'Peggy Sue' Party for her Birthday. Lucky for her we happened to be on Grandpa's farm and Peggy (the mule) wasn't booked out. The day started with a ride.

She opened presents and received her special scriptures with her name on them.

For dinner we went to the Cafe Marina for seafood and looked at all the boats.

We actually left on the morning of her actual birthday to go home but Audrey and Blake got to stay for another week. She opened a few more presents and as we were pulling out, the mail man was pulling in with a present from Grandma and Grandpa Jones- good timing. Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Agate Beach

We always visit the beach when we come. This time was Agate beach to look for... Agates.

Chase's first visit to the ocean. He was amazed by all the water but didn't want in.

The water's colder than it looks... and it looks cold!

Nope, that's not an Agate.

Mommy found something!!

Keep looking. Hunting for treasures!

Is this one?

We all found something special. Agate or not!

Next we visited an aquarium. Blake holding something slimy.

Jackson holding a Starfish.

good times!

Going shootin' with 'Pack Saddle Slim'

This was Matt's coat when he was a little boy. Jackson looks a lot like Matt so I imagine this brought back memories for Grandma

The trip wouldn't be complete without songs by the campfire. We could listen to Grandpa play and sing all night. He really does put on quite a show.

It's all about the hats:)