July Birthdays

July is a busy month for us since all 3 boys have birthdays. We always have a lot of fun trying to fit those days into our schedule. So here are a few pictures from each of their special days.


Dylan, July 6th

We celebrated his birthday while in Lander. He loved having his cousins and grandparents with him that day. He had just finished t-ball season, hence the cake idea.

Loving his cake. It was hot that day and the sides started melting from the weight of the M&M's. But it still tasted good.

Opening presents with cousins looking on.

A fun building set from Grandma and Grandpa.

Bruce, July 7th

We didn't celebrate Bruce's birthday until we got back home, so he had to wait a few extra days. But he doesn't mind. I try to make his and Dylan's birthdays separate so they can each have their own day. Bruce doesn't really care though. And I always make different cakes, even if we celebrate on the same day. Again, Bruce doesn't want me to do all that, but I have to make 2 cakes. It's too fun and everyone should have their own cake on their birthday.

His yummy ice cream cake.

The kids picked out these mugs for him. Now he can enjoy nice cold soda while watching his Steelers.

Travis, July 19th

This was Travis' first birthday that he really understood what was going on. He was so excited for his cake and to open presents. He talked about his cake for days after. And he keeps reminding me that he's 3 now. He's just too cute!

He loves anything to do with balls, so I just had to use my pan that makes a round cake.

Present time!

Checking out his garage and car wash from Grandma and Grandpa.

Dylan made him a bird out of his new building set. These two fight like crazy sometimes, but they are best friends.

Lander Trip #7

Last one!!!

Friends

Courtney, Dylan, and I each got to spend time with our friends from Lander. It was so good to see each of them and renew our friendships. I got some great shots of Dylan with his friends, but for some reason I never got any with Courtney. Maybe next year.

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Shane was like a member of our family while we lived in Lander. I babysat her for about 4 1/2 years. Her and Dylan just love each other, although it took a few minutes for them to stop being shy and remember what good buddies they are.

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We went to the park with our best friends, the Shearins and the Goulds. It was great to catch up with Amber and Joni and remember one of the reasons I miss Lander. Here is Dylan with Mina and Samantha.

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We went back to our old neighborhood and played with our friends there, the Nielsens and the Welshs. It was great for the kids to pick up right where they left off with these friends. And Courtney got to have a sleepover with Johanna and Ella, so fun for her.

Dylan and Sam, they were supposed to have a 2nd play date, since the first one didn't last very long. Unfortunately Dylan got sick and we had to cancel. He sure misses you Sam!

Dylan and Anna

What a great trip we had, getting to be with family and friends. We're hoping to make it back out to Lander next year. After all, we get our dental work done at the same time. See everybody next year!

Lander Trip #6

Grandma Jo Camp

Every year that at least a few grandkids are visiting my parents, my mom holds "Grandma Jo" camp. The kids love it and hate if they aren't in Lander when it happens. She even makes matching t-shirts for everyone. They had a great day filled with lots of fun activites.

Kicking off Grandma Jo Camp. They look good . . . and clean.
Front Row: Carter, Gracie, Travis
Back Row: Courtney, Grandma Jo, Joshua, Ian, Dylan, Caleb

Having fun!

Dylan and Caleb are such good buddies.

While waiting for Grandma Jo to get some things ready, I took the kids on rides on my dad's 4 wheeler. They had so much fun and wanted to just keep riding.

Courtney later learned how to drive it herself, with me on the back.

Taking Travis for a spin.

Then Kim and I took over when I taught her how to drive. This picture was when I convinced her to go fast. She was scared to death, but loved it.

Bubble Time

MMMM, watermelon is so good!

Hot Dog Roast

Can't have a campfire without s'mores!

Such a fun day.

They ended the day with a campout in the front yard. Actually, only the 4 oldest slept in the tent. The others played for a while, then went inside to their safe, warm beds where mom and potty were nearby.

Lander Trip #5

Root Beer Floats

I loved these pictures, so I just had to do a whole post on this activity. Grandma Shane bought stuff to make Root Beer floats for everyone. MMMMM! Even the kids that didn't really want them, had fun sipping up the foam.

Grandpa pours them out.

Courtney

Ian, prefers an Orange Float

Gracie

Travis

Dylan

Caleb

Carter

Lander Trip #4

Are you sick of all these Lander posts yet? Not too many more, I promise.

Fun Outings

We did a lot of fun little outings with the kids while in Lander. I have a lot of pictures, so bear with me.

Pioneer Museum
We made 3 different trips to the museum, trying to do a little each time, without the kids getting too bored.

They have a lot of old farming equipment displayed outside. My grandma told us how each piece was used.





They spent quite awhile trying to figure out how this hay baler worked.

Little Joshua, Kim's youngest, along for the ride.

Dylan testing out the equipment.

Ian, Jeff's son, trying it out.

Courtney, posing in a buffalo sculpture.

Reading Indian stories in the teepee.



Experiencing the old school house.

Courtney and Ian in the old chapel.

Caleb, Dylan, and Carter, in the old chapel.

The kids each got a turn at ringing the church bell. It was pretty funny to watch the younger kids get lifted off the ground as the rope went up.

Travis just didn't have the muscles to make it ring.

Dylan was pretty proud of himself.

Courtney, showing off her one-handed technique.

Swimming

We took our usual trip to the Lander pool, always a hit.