jacob's birthday

 Here's my birthday boy! Love the Pringles. He got some new binoculars!

 And a new butterfly yo-yo!

New goalie gloves.

 Birthday breakfast: bacon and waffles! Yum!

 Trying out the pringles.

 MMMM -- chocolate cake!

 Blowing out candles.

Jacob is an amazing kid!  He has quite a few unique talents:  like uncontrollable laughter.  The silliest little thing can set him off laughing, and finally you just have to join in because it's so funny to hear/watch him laugh! Another talent he has is setting a goal and sticking with it. He's had a goal to read each day from the scriptures for awhile now.  He's completed the Book of Mormon and now his focus is on reading the whole Bible.  Yep, even through those hard-to-get-through parts like Deuteronomy and Numbers.  He is sticking with it.  Another talent is being a friend to kids who are "underdogs" -- like the kids who struggle to make friends because of social awkwardness, immaturity, or disability, or maybe they are the "new kids" who just moved in.  He's often the first one to include these kids at recess, help them with school work, or invite them to play. I am so thankful he's part of our family.  He sets such a good example for me.  Happy Birthday, Jacob!  Love you!

the tetons and jackson hole - quick!

We decided to take the long way home from Yellowstone, through Jackson Hole.  We saw the amazing Teton Mountains along the way.  I love this picture.

 We had to stop for some road construction, so we got out of the car and stretched our legs a bit.

 Our whole purpose in visiting Jackson Hole was to ride the Alpine slide -- it was Ryan's request.

 Loading up the sleds.

 Mark and Jacob raced -- I think Mark won by a sled length.

Then we stopped at G&G Brady's for a weiner roast.  Yum!  Thanks, Mom & Dad!

 Matthew loves to climb the apple tree in the back yard while waiting for the fire to die down a little to make s'mores.

Great vacation, but way too short!

yellowstone

As soon as school was out, or mostly out, we headed to Yellowstone for a quick family vacation.  We had a great time together! We loved all the awesome mud pots, geysers, and mountain scenery.  We even got to see a baby black bear out in one of the meadows -- first time I've ever actually seen a bear in Yellowstone! Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it.  Anyway, this post is mostly pictures:

 

 

 I love their faces!

 Can you see the rainbow through the middle of the picture of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?

 Old Faithful -- we got here at the perfect time -- hardly any tourists were there in the evening. It went off on schedule!

Oh, those mud pots are STINKY!

 The colors here are so vibrant!

 Spasm geyser.

 Jacob took this photo of us.

This is an amazing park!