The Quirings are Back!

Our good friends, the Quirings, moved back....and we are so excited. The twins are the same age as Coop and they couldn't be more made for eachother. Ian and Chase are similar with their easy going nature and are great big bro's. Tatum....well, she's mine. Sweetest thing ever. And, we love spending time with Jason and Nicole.

While Jason and Nic unpacked.....we ate snowcones.

Tots and I did hair and nails while the boys killed eachother outside.

Look what she made! It was her first time sewing and we didn't have to "undo" a thing:) She was so proud and I was in heaven doing girly things with the Taters.

The boys did a great job creating creating the football field. The Viking is impressive...however, between the 3 of them, you'd think they could spell Minnesota. 

A fun Summer day with our friends!

Deer Creek

We had an awesome day on the boat at deer creek with our friends. Cooper learned how to knee board...the first time! And they got bounced and thrown from the tube a couple times too. It was a beautiful day in the canyon.

Utah Select 13U Champs!!!

I love watching the Chaser play baseball. He is so crafty, smart, dedicated, and has skillzzzzz when it comes to baseball. His team won the championship for their league...it's been pretty fun watching them all grow.

Father's Day 2013

Father's Day...one day is not enough...everyday I am grateful for the Father's in my life and my boys'. They have so many great examples to learn from. My boys have a Dad that loves them unconditionally, continually, and unwavering. And, I love my Daddy more than words can say.

Road Trip!

I love a road trip.... I love the drive, I love the sights, I love the country, I love the cities, I love the people.....all of it. Blake and I had such a great time and it was full of memories. Im glad we got to help my best friend, Lizzy, move back to Seattle from Georgia.

Our first stop...vegas...layover for 3 hours...Blake MADE me put $5 in the slot machine. I was down to $1.25 in seconds. Won $81.00...so we had a good lunch:)

 Liz got us the best seats at the Braves game for Blake's graduation present. Third row, third base side. It was a blast!

 Uncle Aaron and our friend, Scott, go to a place called Fat Matt's Ribshack when they go to ATL on biz. It was theeeeeee best ribs/sauce I've ever had!!! So yum. 

Green, luscious, tree filled, Georgia to Tennessee Drive

Nashville is the place to be. We hit all the sights downtown and visited Opryland....holy huge!

 

Drive from Tennessee to St. Louis

We were in St. Louis fourth of July morning...total bonus that they had amazing things going on at the gateway arch.....sky divers landing under it with flags waving while the star spangled banner played, jets weaving in and out in formations....so cool. 

 Drive from St. Louis to Kansas 

Blake was in complete heaven and giddy about stopping at KU....he says it's, "where basketball began...." It was an awesome campus. Glad he caught that Lawrence sign and made the connection so I could swerve off to the exit!

Finally made it to Devner! That was by far the longest drive.... but worth it because we had an awesome meal, a short walk downtown, and beautiful drive through the rockies. Deer and elk were everywhere...I am more surprised that we didn't hit one, than I would be if I woke up with my face sewn to the carpet. We went through rain, lightening, curves, steep pass.....remind me never to drive that in Winter.  

We got a few snaps of stadiums along the way...we decided that we are going to plan a trip(s) and hit as many MLB fields/games as we can across the country...the boys will love it!

Best driving partner ever....we had many laughs and adventures along the way. 

D+....IM GONNA GRADUATE!

I can't believe this day has come! I cried all day long graduation day...a constant stream of tears. I was thinking of all the family, friends, teachers, and coaches who have given Blake so much love and support over the years. Thoughts of our times as a family...moments of laughter, struggle, frustration, joy, worry, happiness...you name it, raced through my mind.

I will miss the late night conversations while he's sitting on my bedpost while Curt yelling at him to "get out!"
I will miss our sushi dates on the fly
I will miss our music sharing
I will miss him coming home, seeing dinner, and saying "you da best mom"
I will miss him asking if his muscles look bigger today
I will miss watching movies late at night, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friday Night Lights
I will miss laughing at with him because he has a great sense of humor
I will miss watching him play basketball every weekend
I will miss him yelling at Cooper to pick up his crap from the bathroom
I will miss his willingness and ability to have fun and do spontaneous things
I will miss him wrestling with his brothers
I will miss his help with driving/picking up kids
I will miss the sense of security he brings me
I will miss him taunting me and messing with my head

Oh gosh, so many more things still racing. Not all of this will go away, it's just the daily reminders and knowing things won't be the same. Im so excited for new journeys.

Imagine Dragons!

There's probably nothing I love more than music, family, friends, and sushi! I especially have loved going to concerts with Blake....as he enjoys it as much as I do:)

Imagine Dragons were awesome!

 Scott, Blake, Eric, and Bailey

 Playing the drums in the air.....legit:)

It's easy being a mom...

when you have kids like this! Every mom thinks it...and it's true. Every mom says it...and it's true! That their kids are simply the best. How awesome is it that us moms get to have this thing in common? Not to say we don't get a little stressed with it all. I love moms...all moms...they are pretty important people in our lives. Cooper asked me, "how do you know so much? Did your mom teach you?"....Yes coop, she did!

The boys were so excited for me to see their gifts/treats on mother's day. They made it special with coupons for the things I need and like most. For example, one of Blakes read, "1 free Starbucks run...you pay though." Coops, "1 back rub" he has always said he owes me a ton since Ive been doing it since he was a baby:) True! Chase, "10 free load and unload dishwasher without asking." Cooper and Dad went to get coffee and a special mug. Blake and Chase pooled their money and got me a starbucks giftcard and travel mug. PLUS Curtis takes the boys to store and get stuff to make the best dinner.....steak and lobster. Curtis also supported my relationship with Leo by taking me to see The Great Gatsby...Love them both. So thankful for these little blessings. 

I got to spend the morning Saturday planting flowers

 Thanks for kinda sorta loving me....

Happy Mothers Day to all my friends and family who have, in one way or another, helped me to become a better mom:) I have so many great examples!