Kitchen Update

Because our house was built in the 80's, a lot of it still screams 80's. I never have liked that my cabinets and counter tops are an exact match. But I have lived with it because I couldn't afford to put in new cabinets and counter tops.

"Do-it-yourself" projects can be a bit scary because usually they turn out not what I was hoping for.

But I am famous for starting big projects on a whim. After a bit of research I knew just what we needed to do. So I called chad at work and let him know we had big plans for the weekend.

BEFORE

AFTER

I think they turned out awesome. It took us about a week to complete, and it was well worth it.

Jockeys For A Day

We were able to head up to Wallsburg to an amazing 35 acre ranch to ride horses for Savannah's birthday. We had so much fun! The boys loved riding and interacting with the horses. Luke could have done it all day if we let him.
Who gets a private horse riding party?! I guess it pays to know the right people...and in our case we know Craig and he has some serious hook-ups! Thanks Savannah for having a birthday...your party was the best ever. I hope your parents try to top it every year!

Heck Yeah I Did!

Every year I seem to amaze myself with the domestic skills that I pick up. This year I did the unthinkable and did some canning for the first time. That's right I said canning! My friend Tracie and I canned our very own spaghetti sauce. And it tastes amazing! I remember when my mom would pull out her canning stuff I would run for the hills. I wanted nothing to do with it. After doing it, I found out it was not that bad. From start to finish we were done in 2 hours. Maybe I can handle it if it's not an all day deal.
Then today I picked up some strawberries and busted out some freezer jam. Not to brag, but Chad loves my freezer jam. So when he came home and the laundry still had not been put away the fact that I made my homemade jam put a smile on his face.

Who knows what kind of skills I will come up with next.

Chad's Love Affair

Chad has spent all of his spare time this summer on his bike. He is training for LOTOJA. A 206 mile bike race from Logan to Jackson Hole(in one day). This grueling ride will cover 3 mountain passes in the first 100 miles. I am pretty sure that his 95' civic would never make the climb. But Chad has logged more then 1000 training miles and so my money's on him.

Chad has been so dedicated to his training except for the 3 weeks he took off because he torn his ACL(again). But it worked out well, he torn it the week before I had Austin so having him around for a couple of weeks was helpful.

Chad and Craig take off every Saturday morning and pretty much ride Utah County from one end to the other. About 5-6 hours on those tiny seats...no thanks! Then they have their weekday rides where they head up Provo canyon before work, during lunch, or after work and climb to their hearts content.

Just 12 more days until the big ride!! I am glad I get to be part of this huge accomplishment and get to be his support vehicle. This way I can check in with him every 60 miles or so and make sure he is still alive; peace of mind for me. Good Luck Chad. You've trained hard now get out there and ride hard!

(Thanks Craig for documenting his summer with photos)

Day at the Lake

We were lucky enough to get another day at the lake. This time we bought a new tube and couldn't wait to use it! Since I was not going to be able to get out on the wake board this year, I thought tubing with the kids would be the next best thing. Actually, tubing with my kids was a lot more fun. We were able to take my mom and sister with us for a great day at the lake.

Luke loves to drive the boat. He always asks me if I brought his drivers licence...um you are 3 kid.
My sister Necia and her cute family.

Austin was a fan of the boat ride.

Luke is the best person to ride on the tube with. This kid cannot get enough of it and does stunts while riding it. He rides with no hands, flips from his stomach to his back and then back again, and yells the whole time about how much fun he is having. I could ride all day with him!

Luke and Grandma Cook.

Blake likes the tube but is done after about 5 mins.

Me and my boys.

The whole gang

Austin sweating bullets. Poor kid it was hot.

Luke and Chad out for a swim.

My cute boys. They love boating!

Captain Chad and Blake.

Austin's Photo Shoot

We had these photo's of sweet little Austin done last week. (6 weeks old) He did so great. He was asleep when we wanted him asleep, and awake when we wanted him awake. He is such a good baby. The first one is my favorite. I wish I could keep him like that forever.

I love Summer!

Summer is my FAVORITE time of year! I love warm weather and hate the cold. Even with having a newborn we have found some fun things to do. I have really appreciated being able to get out even if I can't do much.

We took the boys out to the lake for a dinner cruise and swim. Neither one of them were big on the idea of jumping in off the boat. But eventually they warmed up and loved it.
Blake and I hiked the waterfall here by our house. I ended up taking the young women for our activity. Not a good idea 5 weeks post C-Section. I paid for this one!

Blake LOVES this hike to the waterfall. I love taking him because he gets so excited!

Luke loves to swim. He thought he would try out the snorkel this time.

There's nothing better then food, sun, and water!

I wish summer would last forever!