Another Beautiful Summer Day

We love the Gateway in Salt Lake, and as you can see, we spend a lot of time there. Today we spent the afternoon playing in the Gateway Fountain.

This is Thomas and his friend Reed. The two of them together are the most rambunctious, and mischievous boys, and yet so kind and sweet. Two peas in a pod! I am so glad that Thomas has made such a great friend.

This is Tyler and his friend Emma. Emma and Tyler play really great together.

Tyler and Emma were having a blast watching the water bottle blow off of the fountain when the water hit. Can you see the water bottle in the air?

Time to get warm.

A day at the Planetarium with my boys

I love summertime! I love to be able to take my boys, at the drop of a hat, places they want to go. This day, Tyler really wanted to go the the Planetarium at the Gateway in Salt Lake. So, with Tyler's great idea, off we went to spend the day at the Planetarium.
This is Thomas on the MOON!

Now we are on the planet MARS!

The main reason the Tyler loves the Planetarium is that it has this two story ball maze called Newton's Dream. Tyler could watch this maze for hours! It is so fun to watch!

Great photo Tyler!

Boating at East Canyon on the 24th of July

On the 24th of July, our family went boating up at East Canyon with my sister Courtney, her husband John, and their kids, my brother Drew and his wife Jenny, and their little girl, and my Mom, Alice.
(my photos got out of order...sorry)
After a ride on the tube, Thomas and Dad went for a swim back to the boat. Very brave Thomas!

Back at the beach we talked, played in the water, ate good food, and Tyler threw rocks for hours. Rock throwing is one of Tyler's favorite pastimes!

He plays hard and crashes hard!

Thomas and dad showing that they are ready for the tube!

Baby Chase

This is our new cousin, Chase Courtney Brown. He is Bella's new brother, and my sister, Courtney and John Brown's son.

Chase was born June 26th, 2008. He was only 4 pounds 9 ounces, and 18 inches long. TINY!! That is Tyler's huge hand on Chase's chest.

We all love him so much. And we are so glad that he came to our family!

This encounter made my heart leap with pure joy. Thomas was in Boise for six days, and then it was Tyler's turn at Grandma's for another six days. My boys had not seen each other in so long. I guess that the old adage "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" is true even for little brothers. When they saw each other and started hollering the others names from across the yard, a chill of happiness ran through my body! Thomas ran over to Tyler and tackled him. Tyler asked Thomas to sit down and play bubbles with him. What was this I was seeing? My boys...friends? I guess it is possible!!!!

So happy together.... at least for a little while.

The Discovery Gateway

This was a family outing to the opening of a new exhibit at the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum. The exhibit was called Inventions at Play. The cool glasses were part of one of the learning centers. Tyler loves to spend hours exploring here! Nice new glasses Ty!!

Thomas with cousin Carly

Aunt Jenny and Carly

Cousin Bella

Thomas and Erin's 4th of July Freedom Run

This was Thoma's first race. He was so excited! We are so proud of you Thomas!
At all of my races Tyler is always there cheering me on. He said that he wants to race next time!
Finished the 5K in a personal record of 24:07!
RUN THOMAS RUN!!!
We did it! And had a great time together!!

Tyler's 9th Birthday

For Tyler's birthday, Tyler wanted to take his friends up to Mueller Park to have a campfire, play in the river, and roast hot dogs and marshmallows.
When it was dark we came back to our home and opened presents. When I asked Tyler what his favorite part of the party was he answered "I liked all of my presents." This gift was from Grandma Bev. Thank you Grandma!
Grandma Alice came from Boise to celebrate Tyler's birthday. We love it when Grandma comes. This time she brought our cousins Brooklynne and Anna Erickson. It was a very special Birthday.
After presents Tyler wanted to light off FIREWORKS!! It was so cool.

Thomas Gets his First Bike

Thomas was so happy to get his first big boy bike. He rides it to church almost every Sunday.
I love it when he said to me "Mom you have a two wheeler, but I have a FOUR wheeler. So cute!!