Family Reunion Picnic

Our summer started off with a Memorial Family Reunion Picnic. I got to see a lot of my cousins I hadn't seen in a while and meet family on my moms side I haven't met before. It was great to see everyone. We also celebrated my grandpa's 85th birthday while we were all together.

Having fun at the park.

Gratton was growling. It was pretty cute.

Aunt Kirstie and Gratton having fun on the swings!

David took these pics of Jared on the swing, I thought they were pretty cool.

Family swing time!

My Grandpa Crook, his sister and ...???

Grub time!

Great Grandpa Crook and Jared. I love this picture. I hope Jared will appreciate this picture later in life.

Surprising my grandpa by celebrating his birthday early

My Aunt Sandy put together a book of all his posterity. Each family has a page with pictures and memories with him.

This a picture of the cake. It was taken from a plaque that hangs on the wall in his house of his service in WWII.

Playing ancestor Bingo...Good Times!!

Family pic

My mom and her sister Sharon

My family with Grandpa Crook

Kyle and Alysa with Grandpa

I don't know why this picture wouldn't flip. But I thought it was a cute picture.

My mom and her sisters.

At the end of the day. I had to say goodbye to both my brothers, Alysa, Sonja, and Gratton. We had already packed everything up in Rexburg. The kids and I headed to California to extend our vacation and Bill headed to Washington to get things going with finding a job. It's still hard being away from them.

Surprise Going Away Party

Before we moved from Rexburg, I wanted Rachel to be able to get together with a couple of her best friends. Well her best friends took the initiative to throw her a surprise party. Rachel was really excited. She has some really great friends in Rexburg and it was hard for her to say goodbye. They went swimming and then I took them all out for frosty's at Wendy's.

Kindergarten Graduation

 Ellie's last day of kindergarten. I can't believe she's done. It was hard to let her go and it was to see her year end. Ellie loved kindergarten. Ellie is not my child that is gifted with natural academics. She is definitely my creative child. She loved her teacher, Mrs Jackson and her friends. She grew and stretched herself both academically and socially. 

The program was really cute. I loved that it was only her class. They sang a few songs, Ellie was probably one of the most animated. She new all the words and hand movements. They walked and got their certificates and then the year was over.

Jared's Birthday

This is one of the problems with procrastinating updating my blog. Jared had a birthday party with his friends and I can't find the pictures. I will keep looking and if I find them, I will add them. When Jared's birthday came rolling around we were knee deep in moving boxes and packing. But we managed to throw something together. For his friends birthday party, he played capture the flag at the park and then came back for cake and ice cream. It was a great party the boys ran around and I didn't have to do much planning or entertaining. It was our last weekend in Rexburg so I am glad Jared got to spend time with his friends.

The family got together on Jareds birthday and we went shooting and later got together for some Chinese food per request by Jared. 

Jared is full of life and ENERGY. He very seldom sits still. He is such a sweet heart. He gives you hugs or makes you laugh at just the right moment. He is witty and stubborn. Wherever we go he is making new friends. He is already girl crazy and which drives me crazy. Jared is willing to try new things and explore new possibilities. He can terrorize his sisters and then be their best friend. Jared likes Pizza, Hamburgers, Homemade Chinese Food, and he likes Hot Tamales. His favorite color is orange. He likes baseball, riding his bike and skateboarding.  We sure love him. Happy 9th Birthday!!!