Jake starts Kindergarten!

Jake was so excited to start Kindergarten! After all the registrations, orientations, and back to school nights...the first day of school has finally arrived. "Look at me, Mom...I'm starting school today!" I was doing everything I could to hold back the tears.

Jake wore this perma-grin all the way to school. All the kids were lined up ready to go in and all the parents were giving last-minute advice and taking pictures.

"Last picture, Mom...I'm really going in now"

After we pulled away, Brinley kept asking "where did Jakey go?" I think that was a long three hours for her. She was very happy to see Jakey when we went to pick him up.

Gary Allen at the fair

Jake loves concerts!

Brinley...not so much

Ben with the kids on the Dumbo ride

Wild Weekend in McCall

Sweet Smors! Give me some more!

Breakfast at the Pancake House...and the boosem buddies!

"Come here, Dad...I wanna give you a kiss."

"Anyone up for a water fight?"

Wow...what a stud!

Here's my little Gap swimwear cover girl

Playing in the sand

Sydney catching some rays...this is the life!

Baby Becks and Soso getting to know eachother better

Ben's 10-year Reunion

Ben's 10-year high school reunion was a total success. Good job to those who planned the events. It was fun to see all the buddies and meet their families.

This was the after-party. Snacks, soda, yearbooks, and remeniscing on old times.

Highlights of Nanny's Trip to Boise

Swimming with Nanny

Canyon County Fair

One of our favorite things to do with the kids every summer is to take them to the fair. This year, the Canyon County fair was the same weekend Nanny came to town, so we took her along to give her a real taste of Idaho.

Brinley is our animal lover. She wanted to touch every one we saw.

This is the reaction I got when I asked Jake if he wanted to pet the pigs.

I was so touched by this scene, that I had to capture it! Awwwwww.

Dancing to the country music tunes...Jake and Brinley can really break it down!

Brinley Turns Two!

Our Little Princess turned two on August 22nd!

I have been trying for the last week to come up with the perfect description of Brinley at age two, and all I could come up with is sugar and spice, fire and ice. So, it's a little cheesy, but totally appropriate if you know this little girl. Sweet as sugar, with a fiery temper! She is a little fireball, and always on the go, which can be quite exhausting most days. It is hard to believe that one little girl can be so entertaining and so infuriating all at the same time. She is convinced that "no, no", means move faster and with more determination, and that "let go" means hold on for dear life. Her passions include reading books, taking care of her babies (and Sophie - Yikes!), teasing Jake, and to my great angst...poopie painting. Her language is developing at the speed of light and we are always amused by her ability to tell us exactly what she wants. Oh how I love to hear her giggle!

Best Buddies!

Is this the face of a princess who is loving her birthday cake with ice cream or what?

Pop and Mimi came got Brinley her very own princess trike for her birthday.

"Watch out, Jakey, here I come!"

Cousins in Boise!

The week before school started, all of the cousins came up to Boise for a visit. The kids had a blast together, and I loved to see them making memories at Grandma's house. Here are some of the highlights...

Computer time

Swimming with Cami and John

Brinley having to fight for Grandma's attention. Andrew may be bigger, but Brinley is pretty fierce when it comes to her Grandma.

They still love eachother :)

Sophie meets her cousin Rachel for the first time. These two gals are three weeks apart, and can you guess who is older? We think this is going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Sophie finds a soft place to rest her head. That baby looks good on you Uncle Brian!

Palling around on the driveway!

Eliza took a special liking to Baby Sophie. She was very gentle and sweet with her.

Grandma is always good for some Creamies!

And last but certainly not least...pictures in the wheat. This was yet another attempt to get all of the grandkids in a picture together. The outfits were great, and the setting perfect, but the sun was a little too bright and some the kids a little too tired. If anyone out there has any tips on how to get 9 kids ages 0-10 to cooperate for the perfect picture, please let me know.

Here are my favorite candids!