Rare Moments

This is one of those rare moments that parents, especially moms, love. All the kids are playing TOGETHER and they are HAPPY. If only I knew what they were thinking while sitting in those chairs gazing out at the field....

Happy Birthday to Me!

August brought a few activities before going back to school and my birthday was one of them. Woody took some video but no pictures. Woody and the kids made it a great day. He invited my family members over and made Chicken Alfredo which is one of my favorite dishes. I don't eat it much anymore but it was tasty! We also had some cheesecake which he made and that was great too. The last year has been a pretty good year. I have many blessings to be thankful for. Thanks for the wonderful gifts everyone and thanks to my great family and friends. Life would not be the same without you no matter where you are!

Arbor Day

Woody had planted some more grass around our driveway and we wanted to add a tree. It took some time and some work but with everyone's help we now have another maple tree to look at. We hope it get's rooted and makes it through the winter. The kids had lots of fun playing in the dirt and catching worms. Alys probably would have brought them in the house if I would have let her.

Welcome Home Elder Mahler

At the end of July it was finally time for my oldest nephew, Daniel, to return home from his mission. He had been serving in the Pennsylvania, Harrisburg Mission for the past two years. It was a joy to see him again and hear of some of his experiences. As you can see it was an even sweeter moment for his family, especially Mom!

The proud parents, Mike & Tammy

I'm sure a lot of returning missionaries feel like

they're going the wrong way at this point.

Nonetheless, they are on their way out...into the world.

My Three Little Fishes

At the end of July it was time for swim lessons again and this time I was able to watch all three at the same time. Ethan and Alys were in the same class and Benjamin got his first chance at the toddler class. They had lots of fun in the water and learned a lot too. On one of the last days they had the chance to go off the diving board. They were all a bit scared but they did it. We basically had to drop Benjamin off the end but right after he decided it wasn't so bad and wanted to go again.

It's a Birthday Blastoff!

Wow! My oldest, Ethan, is 7! This year Ethan wanted a rocket ship for his birthday cake. He also wanted to go to Boondocks for some fun. So we had some fun as a family and then had a small celebration later in the week with relatives. Ethan got his first cowboy hat and was so excited among some of the other things he had wanted for his birthday. Ethan is a great kid and we are so glad to have him in our home. He is very loving and tries to help his younger brother and sister. He is very determined and hardworking. He loves to play soccer, ride his bike, jump on the trampoline, play video games and play with his brother and sister. Happy Birthday Ethan! We love you!

How do I look Taylor?

Giddy up cowboy!

Is this thing really going to launch?

Hi everyone!

What a cute family!

Hey Spiderman! Want to go for a ride?

I think I got 'em!

We're so cool!

I've got to win this race!

Hey buddy, want to race!

Yes, one of my favorite games!

Watch out Steve Young, here I come!

Goodbye Creed, Azlyn and Crew

Shortly after moving to Middleton it was time for my brother, Thad, and his family to pack up and move to Nebraska. My brother was offered a great opportunity working as an accountant on an LDS Church cattle farm. He described it as Little House on the Prairie meets Dancing with Wolves. They are out in the middle of no where somewhere in the middle of Nebraska. Trina and I tried to get the kids together as often as we could so they could play together before they left. They definitely enjoyed having cousins close by to play with. We will surely miss them and love them. We look forward to their visits and hope to go visit them someday in the near future. Here's a picture of the kids a day or so before they left. I love this picture because it shows how fun these kids are!