Too cute, or what?

My 3 cute kiddos.....

This was Batman's "flying" pose.

Tysen, the scarecrow

Brandon, who was also a Scarecrow



Well, we went to a carnival and then the kids went to the firestation for a special tour of trucks and all. They had a blast and I think they looked pretty good too!

More NM pics

See - Mudpies in the nude, almost. And with a popcicle too - what goodness!

Grammie and Donovan share a special moment.

Donovan and Ty enjoy another round of mudpies.

Brandon gets ready to go feed the horses.

Trip to Albuquerque, NM. 10-2008

My boyz and I at the Balloon Fiesta



Grandpa and my clock that he made

My cousin Amanda and I in front of the waterfall at the Botanical Gardens.

We were blessed to travel to NM, visit family and go to the Annual Balloon Fiesta! People kept looking at me telling me I was brave (or crazy) to travel alone with three kids but they were so good and such excellent travelers. We took two separate strollers and Brandon, my sweet helper, was awesome. I just don't know what I would do without my big boy. Seems I look at him and he grows older, wiser and more mature each day. Does everyone think that of their eldest child? As I beam and stretch with pride, I am also saddened by how fast the time is flying. Seems he was just a teeny wittle precious baby in my arms. Now he, Donovan and Tysen all three have the engery of whirlwinds and give me such pleasure and love. Anyhow, we were in Albuquerque for 10 days. The boys had a blast playing outside in the sunshine. Because we never really had a summer here in AK, 85-90 degree weather was just what the Dr. ordered. They spent their days drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, making mudpies, taking care of Grampa's horses, making mudpies, getting dirty and oh, did I mention making mudpies? I was thrilled to spend time with all my relatives. Aunts, uncles, cousins, you name it. We enjoyed each other's company immensely. We went to the Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanical Gardens, got some shopping in, and the highlight was definitely the Balloon Fiesta. We woke up at 3:15am to make it in time. We drove to town and caught a shuttle to the field. It was dark and as the balloons glowed, the kids were sleepy, but in awe. The mass assention sent hundreds and hundreds (I know there were at least 989 balloons, that was the highest marker I saw) of beautiful ballons of all shapes into the NM Horizon. Beautiful! My granpa spent a lot of time finishing a large grandfather wall clock he made especially for me and I was so proud to bring it home. Grammie, as always, spoiled us all rotten. I think my kiddos came home with a brand new wardrobe! ha! I hope you enjoy these pics....My love to you all - To those from the Great 505 - I miss you already!

We TRUELY are blessed.

You know, sometimes we spend time thinking "oh, I wish I .... " or "Gosh, wouldn't it be nice if...." How often do we really sit back and say "Wow, we are so blessed."??? I was thinking today about all the many ways God has entered our lives and enriched them so. I have a wonderful husband and father for our boys. I have three of the cutest and most precious boys in the world. I have friends and family who love us.... a beautiful home and so many opportunites that many people are not granted in a lifetime. I just want to openly profess and give the glory to God. For truely, he has blessed us.

Yee-Haw, Potty Boy

Ty is trying so hard to potty train early. Wish us luck!

Afternoon Siesta

Uncle Robert offered to "help" the boys take a nap. All four snoozed quietly into bliss....

Baking with Nana

The boys love any chance they get to join Nana in a culinary experience. Donovan is doning the little apron I grew up wearing. My aunt shila made it for me and it is very special. Brandon loves to experiment with recipes and has even advanced to request ingredients for favrite recipes. Mom had a hard time convincing Donovan not to use his fingers for everything, but what fun and what great memories!


Brandon and Donvaon "chef-ing it up"
Nana always does something to make them feel special!

Donovan "stirring."

The Great AK outdoors

We have really been enjoying the outdoors. We made another trip to the Knik River and as always, we all had an awesome time. Here is Phillip floating down the river on Ryans raft, Brandon posing with his four wheeler, and Donovan enjoying some good Tonka Time by the water.

FYI

I don't know if those of you who read my blog know it, but you can click on my pics and it will allow you to see them, enlarged! I am back to babysitting now and Brandon has to begin school on Monday. Doesn't seem possible that the summer is already over. My love to you all!
I just had to add a couple more pics:
Here are the boys in an old cart on the rainroad tracks above the mine, and then my precious parents, near the waterfall.

Last Fun Days Before School Starts.....

My Aunt Ilene and Uncle Keith are visiting from California! We have had so much fun taking them around and doing things together. We had two beautiful sunny days (imagine that) and we spent the first day four-wheeling and picnicing at Knik River and then the next at Hatcher's Pass and Independence Mine. At the river bed, we took turns riding the four wheelers, ate hamburgers and hot dogs and enjoyed each other's company. At the mine, we took a pretty lengthy hike and even found some gold flecks in the river streams at the top of the mountain. Donovan was such a trooper, he hiked the whole 4 (give or take) miles!



Our family, at the bottom of the mine, near the water. You can see the mountain behind us.

Tysen at the river bed, eating gravel.... again and again. Seems as soon as we flushed his mouth out, he would eat some more and cry again! lol

Brandon, taller than mountains! This pose turned out real cute!

My honey and I by one of the waterfalls. Aren't we cute?

Daddy and Donovan "ready to roll!" Luckily, he is too young to know or care that he is borrowing his cousin, Sydnie's pink helmet! lol.