Rylee's 6th Birthday!

As you can see we had a great time celebrating Rylee's 6th Birthday. She took her sweet time deciding what she wanted to do for a party-and leave it to her creative little mind to come up with a carnival/swimming party. She planned and helped put together the games. She was most excited for the "rigged up" dunking booth. She wanted to see her dad get soaked, but she was the one that actually got wet, along with all the other girls. We had "Happy" the clown make a surprise visit to make party hats for us all. After the girls were filled with popcorn, snowcones, candy and pizza (with a little fruit), they went crazy in the pool. We love all Rylee's little friends-thanks for coming.

Back to school...Already!

As most of us know-school in July doesn't fit in our summer schedule. Come on-where are our priorities?! I must say, Rylee is loving first grade. Every friday I am tempted to keep her from school so that we can get in a bit more playing before the weather goes cold on us. But despite my urges to be naughty-I send her out the door. She is so grown up. Here are a few things that she has reported back to me about school (it isn't the sit-down and talk for a half hour about what she learned today kind of talk).

Mom: How was school today Ry?

Rylee: Good-her face beat red from running home with her girlfriends.

Mom: What did you learn today?

Rylee: Nothing-but guess what Mom, Olivia is "boy trapped" now. (I guess that means that she is sitting between two boys).

Mom: Oh-that sounds fun.

Rylee: No-it is gross, boys are gross (with a try not to smile look on her face-she loves boys)

Mom: Are you being nice to everyone?

Rylee: Yes-you ask me that everyday, and I am making new friends, but really I am pretty busy at school.

Mom: Busy doing what?

Rylee: Yep, pretty busy with stuff. I am a busy girl (dodging the question).

Mom: Should we read your books now?

Rylee: I guess-but then can I play?

So, as you can see, I am fading out of the picture and her friends are fading in more and more. I must say that Rylee is full of life. She loves to learn if she can just slow down for a minute (she is like her daddy), she loves to laugh, and loves to be around people. We love having her in our home.

Studmen & Studwoman

Okay-it sounds a bit cheesy, but check out these great athletes that completed the Idaho Spudman triathlon competition this last weekend. Brian Flamm wouldn't pose for the picture, but he was there also.

We made the trek up to Burley Idaho the day before the race to check in and get ready. The athletes and athletic supporters (haha) enjoyed a carb-loaded meal!

The night was spent setting up gear at the different transition areas! Look at all those bikes!

First comes the swim. I think those of you that participated in this event last year gave us enough warning, or should I say scare, about the open water swim that everyone was planning a swim strategy. (Even I was and I was just watching).

This picture just doesn't do it justice-there are hundreds of people getting ready to swim.

Then comes the bike and run portion of the race. I wasn't able to catch great photo's while they were riding their bikes because they were flying-but this is the "studmen" and "studwoman" at the finish line-looking great. Great job guys! We truly loved watching you!

Draper Days!

We enjoyed good old Draper Days last weekend. It was fun to spend time with family and friends.Yes-we voluteered our oldest son to the "mutton busten" event for the rodeo. It is similar to the bull riding, but it is on sheep. They let the sheep out of the shoot and the youngen trys to hold on for dear life. It sounds like torture, but what you can't see is his big smile. Good Job Bo!Bo recieved a certificate and a rootbeer boot for being so brave!Rylee did the "cash calf" event, where tons of kids chase a calf that has a blanket of money tied to it. The kids chased the calf around the entire arena and finally pulled the blanket off it it, then it was a free for all!
Cute Cowboys!
On Saturday we staked out our spot for the Draper parade.
Grandma Jo and Rylee are waiting for the royalty and dancers to come down the parade route.
Actually all the kids were waiting for the candy that was being thrown. We walked away with tons!!!
Bo picked up the most candy due to his great wave-seriously-he waved at every thing that passed in front of us.

After the parade we spent the rest of the day boating and having a BBQ with friends. Good Times!

Just a few of our favorite things (SUMMER)!!

Our Star Performer!

Rylee just had her big moment at Kingsbury Hall. She takes dance (tap and ballet) and she loves it. They practice all year long for their big performance and take it pretty seriously. When I say big, I mean big! It is an entire show that follows a story line, and is done by dancers of all age. This year they performed Aladin. Rylee was a money and did a darling tap dance. She loves to be on stage and loves to do her best. Good job Rylee!

Summer Fun!

These two buddies are always having a good time together. The other day while I was fixing them some lunch, they thought it would be a good idea to cool off in the sprinkler. I am trying to save our dead grass-so the sprinkler is always running. I just had to laugh. It makes me want to be a kid again!