That blasted letter.

We got the letter in the mail yesterday that told us when Elena's flight will be. She will be flying out on June 19th. Talk about feeling a rush of sadness. We knew that the time would come when we would have to think about saying goodbye, but getting the actual date in the mail made me realize yet again that I will have to say goodbye to such a sweet girl. I am really going to miss her cute little face when it is time for her to go home. We have sure enjoyed having her in our home this past year. 

 

Jake's Friend Party

Jake had his birthday party with his friend's at McDonalds.  He invited 8 friends, and all 8 friends showed up plus he had 3 family friends show up as well.  We had a big crowd, and lots of fun making noise, and playing games.  This was Jake's first party ever with his friends, as the others he has had have been with cousins.  He had so much fun, and has talked nonstop since about his party next year, and all the kids he wants to invite, and all the fun he will have.  The pictures are not in order, but yu can see the fun he had at his 8th birthday party!

The boys had just won a game and were eating their victory cookies!
(The girls also won a game and had victory cookies to eat as well).

All the kids have arrived and are eating their kids meals, and playing with the toy from the bad.

Jake is choosing a girl to hide the toy for the next game.  He chose the cute little blonde in the blue stripped shirt.  She sure is a sweet little one!

Jake posing with his Ronald McDonald Birthday Cake! 
CHEESE!!!

Playing heavy, heavy hangover my poor head with his gifts as he is opening presents.  (his wish for each friend is that they would enjoy coming to his party next year also)  :)

The girls from the party all waiting patiently to give him their gifts. 
l-r Taylee, Shylee, Autumn, Mica, and of course Jake :)

Jake excited about the gift Ellie gave him.  A SNUGGIE!!!  haha

Getting ready to eat ice cream and cake!

  Jake had such a blast at his birthday party, and I am so glad he had such a great turn out.  I will admit I was affraid that he would not have much of a turn out, but it turned out in then end that I was wrong, and boy am I glad that I was.  

Dylan and Jake in talking about the girls at the party that they both think are oh so pretty!! 

Happy Birthday Jake!

We celebrated Jake's 8th birthday party as a family on the day of his birthday.  When he got home from school I had a birthday cake made for him, and we sang happy birthday to him and had birthday cake while he opened gifts.  Elena was glad that the gifts her mom had sent him for his birthday had arrived the same day as his birthday.  I cannot believe that my little guy is not longer a little guy.  He isn't a baby anymore and it is kind of sad to me cause I loved having a little boy in my house.  Jake is such a good kid, and tries to do his best in all he does.  Happy Birthday BIG boy, Daddy and I love you so very much, and are proud of the person you are today! 

 Jake got some fun things for his birthday.  He got 6 packs of his most favorite gum for his birthday, Madagascar 2 and Cars 2 games for his DS and then he got Mators tall tales, and a Mario game for the Wii.  Elena and her family gave his a hot chocolate mug with a Lion on it (anyone who knows Jake knows Lions are his favorite animal of all time) and a round hug pillow that says take a nap.  He had a good day, but I still can't believe my baby boy is 8.

Girls Choice

Elena asked Alec to the Girls Choice dance. She made their cute t-shirts for the dance. She had so much fun, and was glad that she went, even though the date did not go exactly as planned in the beginning.

Weber State Art and HOCKEY!!!

 We love Weber State University, and we love Hockey at my house so the night we spent playing at the college and then going to the Hockey game at the Ice Sheet was a perfect night out for my family.

HOCKEY BABY!!!

This was painted on the wall in the Art Room.  I LOVE IT!

Art in the Art Center,

Beginning of a very beautiful WSU Sunset!!!

COOL ELENA!

More art in the Art Exhibit.

These pillars are on the main floor of the Art Building.  They are really
cool, but maybe not what I want my kids stopping and admiring.  ha!

This was a sticker on the back window of a Chevy Blazer.  I couldn't stop laughing, but
was also very shocked that someone would actually have this on the back of their car.  LOL

A Swim Cap and Happy Puppies

Amie came over to visit and brought her puppy Teedo so that Maddi could play with him. While she was there Elena asked if she could go swimming at the NAT with Sam. She just recently colored her hair and so Amie decided to give her a hard time by telling her the chlorine would turn her hair bright green. Elena did not want this so she went upstairs and put on her Rubber (swim cap). It was so funny to see her putting it on her head and posing for pictures. I love this girl, and am going to miss the laughs we have had while she has been in our home.

(Amie called her after she left to tell her she was just kidding and that Elena could take off the Rubber.  (This is what Elena calls it.  Yet another reason I am going to miss this sweet girl of mine in a few months).

Happy Maddi cause her friend is at her house to play!  :)

He is 5 months in this picture and about her same size.  It's fun to see
these two pups playing together.

Happy Teedo!  His tongue is always out of his mouth.  He is a sweet pup!

This is a sad Maddi cause her friend Teedo had to go home.  She moped around the house for a while after he left.  Spoiled Dog!

Happy New Years!!

Ray had to work for New Years, and Elena had a party/dance she was going to so the kids and I decided to go to Amie's for a little New Years Fun. The kids played wii games and ate lots of goodies so that they would be hyper enough to bring in the new year in style. We had lots of fun, and I appreciate that Amie invited us down to her house instead of us staying home and maybe going to bed early. Thanks Amie, we had fun!!!

Playing Just Dance 2

Ellie, Vanessa and Teedo (Amie's new Shih-Tzu Puppy)

The kids posing for a quick picture right before the Ball Dropped!  We
made lots of noise, if neighbors around Amie were sleeping they
were not after we were done.  :)

Ellie had a blast playing with friends and staying up late!

This wild child had a blast blowing his horn and clapping his clackers.  He
crashed quickly though when we got home after the party which I was so grateful for.

Elena stopped by Amie's house after her party and got in on some of our NOISE making.

 I hope you all had a safe and fun New Years adventure, and that this new year has found you healthy and happy.  <3