The Before.......and FINALLY THE AFTER

The first few pictures are what our backyard has looked like for the last 15 years. We didn't use it much because we are south facing and so we never had shade. This project began the first part of June and we are finally done. We are just waiting for a solor screen to get installed at the west end of the patio. We also were able to buy a hot tub from Bull Frog - (thanks to Sherm) he is part owner/investor and since he was leaving on a 3 year mission we decided to buy one now. We love it and so do our grandkids it's like their little mini-pool. We also bought a gas fire pit to enjoy the fall and spring evenings. We love our backyard now and we were able to have Judson's Party and AJ's Work party here.

THE BEFORE....



THE WORK BEGINS....


THE START OF THE ROOF....

THE LIGHTS....

THE CEMENT STAIRS....

PREPARING FOR STUCCO

THE FINISHED PATIO

Saying Goodbye

On Tuesday evening August 11, we had everyone over for dinner and to say goodbye to Megan and Judson. Tyler flew home on August 1st so he could start school on Monday the 3rd. We had AJ's dad and Tyler's parents come so they could say goodbye also. It was so much fun to have them here and to see how much Judson had grown. His walking improved just while he was here. So it will be fun to see him again at Christmas time.

20th Anniversary

On August 1, 2009 AJ and his company Pioneer Specialties celebrated 20 years of being in business. AJ always wanted his own business - so over these 20 years there has been a lot of hard work and long hours and his business has had its ups and downs, but all in all it has been a worthwhile endeavor and I'm proud of his accomplishments.
We had a party the night before at our house. Unfortunately our camera wasn't working at the time so we have no pictures, but I think everyone had a great time and enjoyed the yummy food. All of his employees, spouses and kids came and enjoyed a fun evening together.

Number Five is On the Way!

They got me!

Krin and Court came over several weeks ago for dinner and Krin said "I brought some cookies I had." I had Tunnel Vision that day -- all I could think about was that you couldn't have made those they are too perfect -- you must have got them from a baby shower you went to, you didn't make those....I kept going on and on until DUHHHHHH I got it. They are expecting a new little baby. I couldn't say anything until now, they were being cautious as Krin had a miscarriage last March and she hasn't felt very sick at all. But they went to the doctor on Tuesday and they saw the baby moving and heard the heartbeat. So hopefully all will go well and we will get to welcome a new grandchild into our family in early March.

Judson's First Birthday

On July 25th we celebrated Judson's First Birthday Party. He actually turned one on June 15th back in Virginia. So of course, we needed to celebrate here where all the rest of his family lives. Tara did a great job on making is Motorcycle cake. It was so fun for him to meet and play with his cousins. His is walking but is not as stable as they are. But I think he is enjoying being around them.
Tara, Krin and Meg working on is cake the day before

Getting Ready
Presents!!!!!
Court, Krin, Elsie & Meg
Tyler's Family
Ty, Meg, Judson
The Birthday Boy
Cory, Tara, Carter & Ava
Ava & Elsie
Elsie, Carter, Ave & Judson
His Motorcycle Cake
The Happy Boy
Time for his Cake

Up the Nose

Try it Daddy
Now Mom's Turn
Let me play with my presents!

Mancation

The tradition is back. Several years ago, Cory and his Father-in-law Phil, and Adam(bro-in-law), Court, AJ, and other bro-in-laws decided to have a camping trip before the 4th of July. However, when Tara became pregnant with Carter and had him on July 1st that sort of ruined the outing (in a good way). So they decided this year to change the date and go up to Lyman Lake again. So they had their Mancation and we had girls night out with the kids. All in all I think everyone had a great time. Glad everyone got home safe and sound.

Campsite at Lyman Lake in the Uintas

Court

Phil

AJ

Cory and Adam Decide to Swim Across the Lake


Cory Finishing his Swim across the Lake


Adam finishing the swim

Adam holding a fish that Court had just caught

Gathering Firewood

Saturday Morning Breakfast