Well, I'm feeling pretty creative... We had my cousin, Michael (who is very talented) take our family photos in Utah this year. He put them all on one DVD. Tyler sent the only copy to me. So, I went to Office Depot and bought a bunch of writable DVD's and copied all the pics. But, I added a little touch - I put that family's photo on the jewel case. I thought it was pretty clever.

Peoria 2009

Yes, I know y'all are jealous. I am off for another week. My life is so hard (sarcasm). Just kidding. Ethan and I got to spend a few days with Grandma (Nancy) and Rhonda, Allie, and Chelsey. Larry drove us down to Elmwood on Sunday to spend Rhonda's ahem... 29th birthday with her, then Larry drove back... alone. Ethan and I stayed. Monday we went to the Peoria Zoo! This was so much fun because they had just finished a new Africa addition. It was awesome. Then, we headed to Starved Rock to the Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. The resort was fairly new. Larry and I have been to Starved Rock - camping, but not this. The resort had a water park, an amusement park, a miniature golf course, a playground, etc... it was reasonably priced and very near. Of course, there was also a shuttle for the grounds, and guess what? It was a train... how fortuitous for us (more sarcasm)! Luckily, Aunt Rhonda had her Tom Tom to help us navigate through town.

All we heard about was the shuttle "train" and where is it? Ethan had a blast with Chelsey, copying her and being her little shadow. He adores her. We had fun playing in the water park and Grandma went down the water slides. I went on some rides with Allie, and I don't think she wants to do that again. We don't spend this much time with Grandma, so this was so much fun. We are so grateful for Rhonda and her flexibility and to Grandma for her generosity and willingness - thank you for the wonderful time, it was so much fun!

(Grandma has more photos - more pics later)

Happy Anniversary. Larry and I celebrated 3 wonderful years on the 14th of July. We have never been a celebratory couple. We have never celebrated anything, barely birthdays or holidays, much less anniversaries. We have been together since 1996, so we sort of just took it for granted. The first year of wedded bliss, we completely forgot altogether. The second year was almost forgotten were it not for the congratulation call from one of my younger brothers late in the afternoon. This year, Larry got a head start and gave me an anniversary card on JUNE 14th. And again, on the 14 of July. Even with our day-to-day follies, I am still so in love with my darling and adorable husband. I am so lucky to have him, and fortunate for his kindness, tolerance, and forgiveness. He has become a such a magnificent father and wonderful husband.

Fast Ethan

I'm driving home from work right now - yes, now - and I get a phone call from Larry... "Ethan just pulled a fast one". Now, we have treats stashed everywhere with the sweet tooth I have. Here's what happened:

Ethan: Dad, can I have a cookie?
Larry: Here you go buddy (1 iced animal cookie because we haven't had dinner yet)
Ethan: Another cookie?
Larry: No, you just had one.

So, Ethan got off his step stool and went to the pantry.

Ethan: Do hear that, Dad?
Larry: Yeah, I hear it, what does it sound like?
Ethan: It sounds like a cookie!
Clearly, a cookie was calling to him from within the pantry.

Ethan and I went to Utah to visit my family from July 2nd through the 7th. Larry was unable to join us since he had already accepted a position as a supervisor at the police academy. We had such a blast. The Asay family flew in from San Antonio, Texas. The Tyler Tolman's and Todd Tolman's drove in from Reno, Nevada. Mom and Dad also from Reno. The Tran's drove the furthest, all of the way from Kaysville, Utah. Mom and Dad rented a house in Draper, which was at the top of Eagle Mountain overlooking the Draper and Sandy Valley. It was gorgeous! The idea to rent a house was Kate's - she found the listing on Craig's list, and was ideal for a family our size... and for the fact that we all like to spend so much time together, rather than in different hotel rooms. The kids got to sleep in the basement together, it was like a big slumber party all week long. During the week we were able to have a baby shower for Andrea who is Todd's wife and expecting their first - a little girl, in November. We also had the chance to have our first cousin's the Clayton family over with their children, and Dad's first cousin, Duane and Kenna. The week was so busy, we did nothing, but was so occupied with things to do with the kids and just visiting, catching up, teasing, giving and receiving adviced on parenthood and our opinions of discipline, and spending time with each other. On the 4th, the Tran and Asay family's went to the Stadium of Fire nka Freedom Festival featuring The Jonas Brothers and She Daisy (originally from Magna, UT - I know that kills you Tash, that I'm right). Mom and Dad took the rest of us to dinner. The trip was so fun and rewarding to see how each of us have grown and changed and how much our children are like us and each other. I love my family - each of them and am so grateful for my relationships with each of them as different as they are. We are so lucky to have the love and warmth for one another that we do. I appreciate all of you and am so thankful for my parents who have instilled such deep family values.

Here's something great! I just found these, I know they've been around, but I haven't found them before. Window crayons. They are less messy than the standard window paint and much easier to use for Ethan. They clean-up in a cinch!