Jackson, Wyoming 2008

We spent the first week of June in Jackson with my dad and wonderful step mom, Debbie. What a beautiful place! It was fun to see so many amazing things and it was certainly a much needed break.

The boys put their binoculars to good use as we saw many different animals. We saw deer, elk, antelope, mice (more than one moose, as Grandma Debbie taught the boys), chipmunks, coyotes, a crazy hairy caterpillar, buffalo(which were pretty much leaning up against the truck!), and we even saw a bear! We went for a lot of long drives and saw a lot of really cool things.

We spent a couple of days in Yellowstone. The boys were impressed by Old Faithful and the other geysers. Luke was there too. Jack and Nixin sure think he is something great. It was probably the huge ice cream cones that he bought them, or I guess it could have been the candy from the candy store...Anyways, one of our days at Yellowstone was extremely cold. The snow pack on the side of the road up there was still higher than my dad's truck and it started snowing so bad that we finally decided that we'd better get out of there. Pretty crazy weather for a summer vacation!

We spent some time at Jenny Lake, which was beautiful and we got some great pictures there. We went to the shoot out in Jackson Hole where my kids covered their ears with tear filled eyes. One of my favorite things on this trip was the evening that we spent at the Bar J. I will admit that we were hesitant about going at first, and even made a few jokes about it (Chad liked to refer to it as the "jamborall") but it was so much fun and we really did enjoy ourselves.

I am so thankful for a wonderful family and for the time that we were able to spend together that week. I love my dad and Debbie so much and would like to thank them for such a wonderful vacation. They are so good to us and I appreciate everything that they do for me. It was neat for me to get to spend that time with everyone, my own family, my dad, Debbie, and Luke- to make memories and to learn a little more about each of them. Thanks guys! I love you!

Here are some photos from our trip:

View all of our Jackson pictures here.

Jack Isak

This is Jack. He is easily recognized by his white curly hair and his awesome blue eyes. Some of the neighbor kids call him "Curly Jack" even though he really dislikes that. Jack has always been so smart. He loves school and can't wait to start kindergarten this coming year. He can read short words, loves to do simple math and is a wonderful artist.

Jack loves soccer, playing outside, swimming lessons, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, strawberries, Hot Wheels, Power Rangers, and Sponge Bob. He is a wonderful big brother and help around the house. I am so thankful for the neat boy that he is and for the sweet spirit that he brings into our home.

Nixin Arik

This is Nixin. He too is easily recognized by his white curls and his stunning blue eyes. Nixin is the reason for laughter in our family. He says and does silly things constantly and we all find so much joy in him. He is busy and curious. Nixin loves music and singing- you should hear him when he sings along with his mp3 player! It is darling!

He also gives the best cuddles and he can be so sincere and loving. Nixin loves soccer, pets, picking his nose, chicken nuggets, candy, and playing with his big brother. He truely brings a lot of joy and happiness into my life.

How We Began

10 years ago (Woa! 10 years? That does not sound right!) Erica took a job at Top Cut Plus in Foothill Village. It was a far drive from her home in Kearns, but she felt good about it and so the commute began. A couple of years later, after a long day at work, Chad called up to the salon and asked out the totally hot and totally hip Erica (as she was sweeping up a days worth of hair). Unfortunately at the time Erica was involved in a relationship and had to turn down the client that had over time become her friend. About 7 months passed and Chad came in for his Christmas haircut. Erica was a little gloomy that day (on purpose, of course...she planned it that way). Chad asked her what was wrong and she informed him that she was a little bummed out because she and her boyfriend had broken up. Erica finished up his haircut and took him to the front counter so that he could pay. Just before he left he said to her "Don't let this ruin all of your days". Erica, being as brave as she had have ever been, said to him "It won't. Remember that date that you asked me out on? I am taking a rain check". He looked at her and said "I will have to check, that might have expired" and he left- over Christmas!!!

That happened to be on a Friday. Christmas that year was on a Sunday (if I remember correctly). That Monday, the day after Christmas, Chad called Erica up at the salon and asked her if she was serious about going out with him. Of course she was and they went out that night...and every night afterwards.

Here I go!

As most of you know, my husband Chad is the computer guy at our house. He is so good at all things computer that I haven't had to learn to do much. This will surely be a learning experience for me! I feel like I need to do something meaningful with my time. Thus, my new blog. I have been falling behind on scraping and journaling and hope that this blog will be an easier way for me to document those things that are important to me and my family. Time is sure hard to find these days with 2 active children, a part-time hair business, a busy church calling, and a very busy husband. It is my goal to find the time needed to maintain this blog so that all of our friends and family members might know our family and that they also know the things that are important to me- the things that I do with My Time.