Fun on the 4th

Our 4th was spent with neighbors watching the fireworks. The sky was filled with fireworks. So many that firework trash fell right on our heads. The air was smokey, the sky was filled with fireworks the kids were giddy.

Why I Love Minot

Another trip to Minot has come and gone.

I wish I lived there. I dream of living there.

Here are reasons #1 and #2 of why I love Minot. Because I love my Mom and Jim and they live there. And if you really know them you know why my Mom is holding Jim's hand down. And if you don't guess you will have to wonder!.....
Because the kids get to have water fights with their MiMi.....

Because once and a while Ryan pops up in Minot and if you drive to pick him up at the Bismarck airport you get 90 minutes of his time.....

Because Minot summers are wonderful they are not unbearable hot and humid like Kansas summers. You can actually go outside and enjoy the park. This day was 62 degrees and in Minot that meant there were kids playing in the water portion of the park. A little cold for that but perfect jean weather......

Because Minot has beautiful skies and Jake got to go fishing with his Dad.....

Because Bryan caught the fish he was dreaming of catching.....

Because my Great Aunt Mary lives there in the most beautiful retirement home. We took a tour and the kids loved the indoor swimming area.....

Because my kids think they are at a spa in MiMi's bathroom and Jake is pretty sure Grandpa Jim bought the bathtub for him....

Because my very cool cousin Caisee lives in Minot and is a very cool police officer. My kids think their cousin is the coolest person in the world, and so do I.....

Because my Mom and I have the chance to stay up way to late laughing and taking goofy pictures.....

Because Jake gets to jump up on his Grandpa Jim's lap and watch racing.....
Because Brett gets to spend quality time with his Grandpa Jim.....

Because I have no stress when I am at home. It is nice to be taken care of. I have the best Mom ever.....

Because my Grandma and Grandpa live close to Minot and I get to spend time with them.....

Because even Bryan can sit and relax. He is not known for sitting for more than 30 seconds.....

Because Brylee is her MiMi's shawdow......
And on the long, long, long drive home. We take time to stop overnight and have some family fun.....

60 Beautiful Years

This is my Mother-in-Law and she turned 60!
I am sure glad she was born and had two beautiful children because I married her oldest and now have 3 amazing children and 1 awesome husband all because Sue was born!

My Father-in-Law had a great party for her!

and Jake knows the meaning behind this picture!

Lots of fun celebrating Sue's 60 years of life.

Perfect!

Just right! The girl loves her lipstick.

Out of the Mouth of Jake

"Mom I enjoy being a little kid and not a big kid."

"Why Jake?"

"Because I can fit through small holes."

Big Shoes to Fill

Jake has a Super Hero, a Love of his Life, an Amazing Friend, and he his proud to call him his Brother

When I found Jake in the kitchen trying on Brett's shoes instead of taking a shower.... I quickly grabbed the camera and took 2 pictures that will forever haunt him!

and then I look over and find Brylee trying on my shoes....love her!
She is Jakes Biggest Fan!

Can you Guess What is for Dinner?

Memorizing Fools!

Brylee waited oh so patiently this year to be a Cubbie next year...she longed to be with her favorite friend Mesa.

Jacob finished his 2nd year of Cubbies and memorized an incredible 68 verses in past 2 years.

Yep Jake rocks!

and for Brett this year he memorized and recited 81 verses this year. My Brett has an incredible gift of memorization. He blows my mind away!

and the BEST GIFT of all... God's word is forever hidden in their hearts tucked deep away....priceless