He made it to Chile

Jared left last week for Chile and after a couple of short flights and one very long one, he made it. The kids get to see and talk to him every day on the computer, and they always come running to tell me whenever the computer is ringing. Jared says he is doing well and is just trying to adjust to the language again. He's only gotten lost a couple times and he says that the roads aren't too crazy, just a few weird road rules he'll have to get use to. We miss him already, but only 10 weeks to go.

I'm not sure how he got all this and more to Chile, but he managed to pack it all in.

Mason's 3rd Birthday

Even though Mason didn't technically turn 3 till yesterday, we wanted to celebrate it before Jared left. So, the night before Jared left, we went back to the fun center where Mia had her party. It was even more fun without all the craziness of all the friends. It was fun to spend some time as a family before Jared left. Then we went home to open presents and have cake and ice cream. Thanks again to everyone for the gifts and birthday wishes.

Mia's actual birthday

Since Mia's birthday party was not on her actual birthday, we celebrated twice. Here is her blowing out candles and trying out her new roller blades. Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes and gifts. She was spoiled!

Mia's 6th Birthday Party

This year for Mia's birthday, we went to a fun center with some of her friends. She had a blast and all the kids were sweaty and tired by the time they were done. They had a bunch of blow up jumping toys and slides and obstacle courses. Plus climbing toys and a rock wall. I think Jared had as much fun as the kids.

More Idaho pics

OK, here are the last of my Idaho pics. I am officially caught up with all the photos for the summer. We had a fabulous summer in Idaho and I am glad Jared was willing to let us stay away so long.

These are pics of us camping at Power House near Malad.

Mason chillin' by the camp fire.


My Dad bought the kids a Diego fishing pole and taught them how to fish for the first time.

Playing in the stream at Power House.


The first thing Mia and Mason did every morning in Idaho was head out to the garden with my parents before Grandpa went to work and before it got too hot. They weeded, watered, picked, and shelled. I even got them to eat a few vegies too. They were so excited to check every day to see what else was ready to pick and what had grown.

Mia took swimming lessons for the first time this summer. She was excited to have lessons in Malad with MaCall and Landon. She did great and passed level 2.


We were so glad to be able to catch up with some of our Denver friends that have moved back to Idaho and Utah the last couple years.

Mia, Katie, Abby, Anna, Mason

My kids fell in love with the puppies at my aunt and uncle's house....some day we'll have a yard and not need to spend the entire summer in Idaho to get our fill of the outdoors....We Love Idaho!

We had a great time in Idaho this summer. Here are a few of our Rexburg pictures.



Here are the kids at the water park in Rexburg. It was pretty cold, so Mason wouldn't get in, but Mia had fun for a little while and then the kids went on a marry-go-round ride.


Finger painting with Michelle and Sara

Sara, Jordan and Ashley came with us to the civil defense caves in Rexburg. The kids loved it even if it was a little scary at times for Mason.



Jared set up a zip line for the kids and Sara

Becky and Glenden's Wedding

My little sister Becky got married this summer to Glenden Bytheway. They are absolutely perfect for each other and we could not be happier to have Glenden in our family. Their wedding day was wonderful. We had a brunch at the Bluebird restaurant in Logan and then the wedding that afternoon. It was a beautiful wedding and they are both very happy. Becky has never wanted a reception, so my parents just bought her a piano instead...good deal huh.

1st Grade

Mia absolutely loves first grade. I was worried she would be intimidated because she has a man teacher, but she thinks he is the best teacher ever. (Her kindy teacher was a little harsh in the classroom which didn't go well with Mia's personality). She is much more confident this year. But she has two friends from last year in her class and her other friends sit by her at lunch and play at recess. She likes a boy named Nathan and he chases her friends at recess.




Mason misses Mia and has to give her a hug and kiss every morning on the playground. Mason started mommy pre-school last week and loves it. It is basically a structured play date with his friends. My friends and I take turns having the kids at our house for pre-school twice a week. It is nice to have something to distract Mason while Mia is gone.