Kiddo Update #2...Sam

**Social Butterfly**
**Super 2nd Grader**

**Unbelievably Artistic** (gets that from his dad)
**Sings Opera**
**Author**
**Illustrator**
**Writer**

**Cute, Cute, Cute**
**Has a tender heart**
**Makes us LAUGH**
**Leader**
**Loves to snuggle**

**King of silly faces**

**Dad's grilled cheeseburgers are his favorite**
**Loves Jesus!**
**Loves Life!**

Halloween Fun

It's becoming an annual tradition in our neighborhood to gather together for dinner before we head out and trick or treat. Last night turned out great! It was unseasonably warm so we set up in the driveway and had many friends over for a little "Trick or Treat Tailgaite Party."

Kiddo Update #1...NOAH

**Fabulous 4th grader with an amazing teacher**
**Football fanatic..Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Boise State Broncos**
**ESPN watcher (always wondered when the day would come that he would choose this channel)**
**Awesome reader...already met his AR goal**
**ALWAYS looking to play**
**LOVES Panda Express**
**Music enthusiast...loves many different kinds of music**
**Plays guitar**
**Independent**
**Intense**
**Kind of shy**
**Competitive**
**HANDSOME**
**Madly in love with Claire**
**Sometimes likes his brother**
**LOVES Jesus and is growing in his walk with Him**

McU Chargers Football

Noah's team that Matt coaches played in Hailey last Saturday so many families headed up a day early to have some fun. Below is a slide show with pictures from the weekend. We nearly froze to death at the game but sure had fun with everyone!

Chargers Road Trip

Luke and Claire at the Zoo

Mimi: "Luke, can I take your picture?"

Luke: "Don't you know I hate having my picture taken?"

Mimi: "Can I take your picture with Claire?"

Luke: "Only if she sits in front and blocks me."

Creative Hairstyling

I came downstairs a few days ago to find Claire sitting in her high-chair with this nice little hair-do. Apparently, Matt couldn't find a clip so he got creative and used the bread bag tie. He is so resourceful.

One Last Camping Trip

Matt and I took the boys, left Little Miss Claire behind and enjoyed one last camping trip before school started. We met our friends Marcus, Kristin and their sweet dog Corky for a weekend on the river. We had a BLAST! We camped right on the river, swam, fished, and ate delicious food all weekend long. We came home a few pounds heavier and covered it dirt. Who would have guessed that I would come to love camping so much!

Noah and Sam playing in the river

Noah is checking out the salmon we spotted in the river

Matt enjoyed a little fly fishing with Marcus

Matt and Marcus getting "pumped" about doing the dishes

VBS...Backyard Style

We just finished our third annual VBS in our backyard. We had 33 kiddos this year...such a fun week! Our Olympic theme coordinated perfectly with the beginning of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Two Olympic coaches (aka...Matt and Reese) happened to stumble upon all of the kids gathered in our backyard and began holding competitions in hopes of finding some athletes to take with them to China. The blind folded Wheaties eating contest, obstacle course, street bowling, and mummy wrap were some of the favorites this year. Matt did a fabulous job of sharing God's love with the kids each evening. Our hope is to create lasting memories for all who participate!

Coach Wilson and Coach Spaulding...scary, I know.

Going to Camp!

Well, Noah is off enjoying his first experience at church camp! I'm sitting in my quiet house imaginging what he is doing...is he tired, will he remember to brush his teeth tonight, is he playing fair, has he met a new friend, did he eat a good lunch...?!?!? He was soooo excited to go this morning! He came into our room bright and early asking how much longer until we were leaving. He also helped me make my bed which is a sure sign he was ready to hit the road as he is not usually one to just pitch in and help make the bed for crying out loud! He invited our neighbor and his good friend Ian to come along and they are rooming with his other good friends J.P. and Sean. What fun memeories lie ahead for those boys this week!

Their counselors...Joe and Rodney. I'm not sure Joe and Rodney know what they are in for!

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Matt and I had a fabulous time celebrating our anniversary this weekend! We packed the day with all of our favorite things. We started off with a beautiful mountain bike ride. As we were riding down I was thinking about a conversation I had about a year ago with a trainer at the gym. He asked what my fitness goals were and I told him I wanted to shorten the gap on the distance between Matt and I when we bike. It dawned on me that I've actually met that goal! Will I ever be able to stay right on his tail? Probably not! Will I ever pass him? NEVER!! The guy is an animal on his bike but is gracious and kind to me when we ride...never leaving me too far behind! Thanks babe! We stayed downtown and took in some shopping, eating, reading, resting, and the Twilight Criterium. Looking forward to celebrating MANY, MANY more years with my hubby!

Favorite things!

Catching up on some reading (another favorite thing!)

Hanging out with Jennifer at the Twilight Criterium

Road Trip to Washington

This boy LOVES his chicken wings!

Posing with the cousins!

Playing with the cousins!

Yes, I created a blog!

Can you believe it?!? Many of you know that when it comes to anything technical I get completely overwhelmed so I recruited Matt to sit beside me, hold my hand and help me get this blog up and running. Two of my sisters (no pressure, Julie) have recently created blogs and I love being able to check in on my nieces and nephews. I thought this would be the perfect way to stay connected to all of you. Enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!