Justin's new toys...

Well, as I previously posted, we made it home with a new toy. Two new toys actually.

After much "debating," Justin got a new jet ski. He's been wanting one for a long time and with our Lake Powell trip coming up (in 2 weeks, 3 days, 2 hours, and 45 minutes to be exact), he finally got what he wanted. Ben also gave Justin his old motorcycle. (Thank you!)

I'm sure that I'll be giving you all a hospital visit update later! HAHA!!!

4th of July Fun!

For the week of the fourth we went to Washington to visit our family. We had such a great time and enjoyed our visit, as we always do! Justin's sister Kirstin and brother-in-law William live right on the water and have a beautiful home. This is of course where we spent most of our time as my family is full of fish, a big one and a little one.

View from the back porch!

View of the house from the dock!

We always celebrate with great food... fun...
family...

and fireworks! Harrison, Ryan & Tanner getting ready!

Grandpa and Ryan driving the boat!

Austin hanging out with Auntie Kirstin!

Daddy and Ryan kayaking.

Playing with Daddy's new toy (check back later for a post regarding this)!

We had a great time and enjoyed the cooler weather! We can't wait until next year to do it again! We love you all!

Special Visitors...

Today we were visited by Kraianne, Ryan's old Daycare provider, and her 3 children. It was so fun to see her and her family. She began watching Ryan when I went back to work when he was 9 months old and watched him until he turned 2.

Kraianne, Austin & Ryan

Ryan & Elizabeth

I am so thankful for Kraianne and the wonderful care she provided for Ryan. Words cannot express the comfort I felt leaving Ryan with her and the love and compassion she showed for him. She treated him as if he was part of their family and I am eternally grateful for that!

Taking care of business!

So this is a little gross, but I find it funny! One picture is of Ryan and one is of Austin. Can you tell which is which and what they're doing?

Top is Austin and the bottom is Ryan at 2 months old. I'll leave the rest up to your imagination.

Thumb Sucker!

At first, Austin wouldn't suck on a pacifier let alone his thumb. He then took to his pacifier after a short time. Now he spits that out and replaces it with him thumb.

Although it's cute and I had to snap a few pictures, I've been taking it out and replacing it with his binky. After teaching 1st grade and dealing with thumb suckers, I just can't bear the thought of letting him take on this habit. But, it's cute for now!

Fair Fun!

We had a great time at the county fair this year! We sweat, ate, sweat, played, sweat, rode the rides, and did I mention sweat? It was about 103 degrees both days, and we definately felt it.

Poor little Austin trying to stay cool.

Renae seemed to be the only one who could calm him down and get him to sleep. She's his favorite babysitter.

On our way to find Kris, Ollie and EJ for some fair fun.

Yeahhh! We found them. Now time for the ferris wheel.

On to the cars.

"Too Loud!"

Now the airplane!

They couldn't figure out how to make the airplane go up. It was so funny.

And of course the pony rides, or as Ryan called them, the "merry-go-round."

Showmanship!!!

My brother and sisters show animals at the county fair every year. This year Trevor showed his steer and 2 pigs, and Natalie showed her pig.

On Thursday they showed for showmanship, which is when they are judged on how well they present and "show" their animal to the judge. Who knew you could "walk" a pig. Trevor was down to the top three and the judge had them bring a parent into the ring and tested to see if they could teach their parent how to "show" the pig. Mom was GREAT!!!About 30 minutes later Natalie was in the top of her group and he again asked them to bring a parent into the show ring, as Mom walked in the judge began to laugh as did everyone else! Flip Flops and all, Mom showed those pigs and did and excellent job. It made the trip worth it!