Memorial Day Picnic

Yesterday was absolutely BEAUTIFUL weather. It was warm and sunny, but not too warm. Perfect weather for our Ward's Memorial Day Picnic. There was a really good turn out and we had all sorts of fun. It was a bring-your-own meat and a side dish to share kind of thing, and we ate WAY too much. Tanner LOVED being outside and playing on the playground. And he loved having other kids to play with. He of course got too much attention and didn't mind one bit. There's a creek by the pavilion we were at, so of course there was some serious water-fights going on as well. All in all it made for a successful holiday. We're also grateful for all those who have given their lives so we can live in a free country today. We are so very blessed. We also remember and miss our loved ones who have passed away, but we look forward to the day we'll get to see them again! Hope you all enjoyed the day off as well!

I'm in LOVE with this boy! I'll admit at the time he was being a pain and wouldn't go to bed (approximate time: 2AM) , but he's not very cuddly so I relished the moment. He's growing up WAY too fast and we can't even believe it. Sometimes I wish I could just stop time, but we're just trying to enjoy every minute. Our BABY's turning into a LITTLE BOY!

Our first FORT!

Wednesday Tanner and I were getting kinda bored. It was a little rainy and we didn't want to go outside, so we made our first FORT! I quickly realized my fort making skills could use some improvement, but it wasn't bad for our first one. Of course KOJO (Tanner's big Giraffe) was allowed in as well. Tanner even let Dad in when he got home from work. We're looking forward to bigger, and better forts for many years to come!

Those Naughty Bugs

So lately we've had a lot of BIG millipedes crawling all throughout our house. We usually grab a jar and catch them because it would be pretty gross to try to squish them with some toilet paper or something. They're just too big for that. Anyway, because of this we've had a millipede or two sitting around in a jar most days. Well Tanner likes to tell them what he thinks. It's so funny! He yells and growls at them. Those naughty bugs! I'm sure he's picked this up from me. It's hard to hide my hatred and upset that they choose to come in MY house. Here's a little clip we caught on camera. It's pretty funny and if I were those bugs I'd definitely think twice about coming in this kids house! (the jar of millipedes in on top of the TV)

I FINALLY went to PROM!

It's true, after being out of high school for 6 years now, Dean finally fulfilled my dreams of going to the High School Prom. Ok, ok. I'll admit, in high school I wasn't thrilled with the fact that no one asked me to the Prom, but really it's not something I ever even think about anymore. But now I can officially say I have been to the Prom AND with the man of my dreams no less! Ha!

If you couldn't guess, Dean and I chaperoned at Hopewell's Prom this weekend. The whole experience has spurred a lot of thoughts and discussion between Dean and I. After a few short minutes of being at the dance we made the OFFICIAL decision that neither Tanner, or any of his future siblings, will be attending their high school proms. I couldn't believe what people were wearing and how horrible the dancing was. I'm not completely naive, and I know that people do inappropriate things at these kind of functions, but EVERYONE!? I seriously didn't see ONE couple that was dancing appropriately. SAD! And to make it even worse that seems to be a-ok with the administration and the chaperone staff as well. Now I'm not trying to make Hopewell sound bad. I don't think they are any worse than any other school outside of maybe a few schools that are predominantly LDS in Utah and Idaho, but man our society is in BAD shape! It's a scary time to be raising kids. We're so lucky to have the truths of the Gospel to help them make their way through this troubled world we live in. Now I'm just hoping that in 15 years from now when Tanner is BEGGING to go to the dance a few of you will back up his "old fashioned," "out-of-touch," "boring," "old" Mom!

p.s. I'm hoping my hair looked at least a little bit better in person than it does in this picture. Ha!

Highlights of my day...

Pulling a handcart full of cinder blocks with the other "Ma's" and "Pa's" in our Stake.

Attending a really fun baby shower for a super cute woman in our ward.

Watching Tanner jump all over Dean like a jungle gym while Dean's passed out asleep on the living room floor. Oh to sleep that sound.

Life is GOOD!

These beautiful people are coming to MY house TODAY!! We are so excited to see them and we're so glad they squeezed us into their busy schedule. Amy and I go back to our primary days and have been best friends ever since. Tate joined her life earlier this year and we already think he's GREAT! Travel safe and we'll see you tonight!

all good things come to an end...

Last Thursday was the final Volleyball game of the season. We have some mixed feelings about the season being over. We'll definitely enjoy having Dean around more, but we'll miss going to his games too. They had a great season and the girls really improved over the last couple of months. They all ADORED Tanner, and he sure ate up all the attention they gave him. Here's a picture of Dean and all the girls (both the 7th and 8th grade teams)...

Grandpa's Birthday

Last Monday was Grandpa(Dad) Nelson's birthday. He wanted to have everyone over for a weeny roast and hobo pies. As it turned out the two events were un-related and he preferred we didn't mention it was his birthday. Ha! We love you Dad! The weather was perfect (in the 80s) and we enjoyed the evening outside together. Despite the lack of pictures PapPap, Mom, Janna, me, and even the neighbors were all there too. I guess I need to do better at picture taking!

Tanner brought Grandpa a birthday balloon. He didn't really want to give it up, but Grandpa was nice enough to share.

Sportin' shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals. Yay for spring!

The official weeny roasters of the evening. They also make some mean hobo pies and "woofums"

Tanner and Great-Grandma

Tanner LOVED dinner. He downed two bowls of baked beans, two hot dogs, and topped it all off with three "woofums." Despite how he looks, this kids a little piggy and he sure can pack it away!

Tanner also enjoyed petting the kitty and even got to see, and pet the neighbor's chickens. It was a fun night. Thanks again Dad for the idea and Mom for helping host. We sure enjoyed your company!