Along with turning 8- Mason got to start cub scouts. He absolutely loves it. He was able to attend the cub scout day camp at Pueblo Grande for three days. He had such a good time and did so many activities. Hopefully the love of scouting will not wear off too soon, and he will continue liking to go when he is a teenager??HA HA;) He had his first pack meeting and got his bobcat badge and a bunch of others from day camp.

Trip to Utah

For the 4th of July we went up to Duchesne Utah with some of Jesse's family to visit his cousins. I wasn't very thrilled about the long drive but it was a fun and enjoyable outing after all. The kids were on fun overload, we were constantly doing something from the time we got up in the morning til late at night. A packed 4 days of fun!

On our drive up we stopped in a little town called Mexican Hat because we were starving for dinner and the only thing we could find that was around was a place called "the Swingin' Steak". The meat was cooked over an open fire on a metal grill that was swinging back and forth over the flames, kind of cool. They were way too pricey and the quality of food wasn't that good, but at least we got some food in our bellies. It was outdoors too.

.......and they had a swing for the kids to get some of their energy out.

We spent two whole afternoons at the lake, boating, jet skiing and definitely getting some sun. I got a much needed tan since I was so stark white before the trip. Mady loved the water and playing in the sand, and Mason spent most of the time at the swamp with Noah, catching tadpoles, they were so gross looking. He begged to bring them home but after much convincing he let them stay.


Jesse misssed getting the sunscreen under Madisen's eyes and she got so burnt. He felt so bad. She looked like a sickly child with horrible bags under her eyes.


We went shooting, and the kids both got to shoot.

Mady was trigger happy, it was kind of scary, I don't think she even realized what was happening. We will definitely keep her away from firearms.

Yes, even me who is not a big fan of guns shot a few rounds. It took a little while to get relaxed about the idea, but it is a fun sport.

The most favorite part for Mason (and me too) was riding the motorcycles. Mason had never even got on one let alone drive one by himself, but we figured if Noah had been riding since he was five that we would let Mason go for it.

He geared all up with helmet and gloves and told him not to take it out of first gear. Jesse ran beside him for a while and wahlah off Mason went!! I think he even figured out how to switch gears and was putting it in second because first gear was too slow he said.

Jeremy and Natalie had made a riding track on their land that they had and so Mason was even riding over the little jumps and things. He did so awesome. It may have been a big mistake though because now he wants a motorcycle of his own.

Our last day there we went on a picnic at Indian Canyon and the weather was beautiful. A good way to end a fun, relaxing vacation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MASON!!

8 YEARS OLD

I told you we weren't done with birthdays. Today is Mason's 8th birthday. I can't believe my baby boy is eight, time flies! I can remember the day he was born, a feeling of sooo much love and happiness that my first child was born. Mason is such a good boy and he is way too smart for even me. Iam so proud to be his mom and to call him my son! This birthday is extra special for him because he is going to be baptized next month. He is so excited and ready for this next step in his life. I love to see how his testimony grows with every experience he has. He really has a strong spirit and a tender heart. I love him so much and am looking forward to him learning even more. He also started boy scouts, and loves it.

My Little Man

He already opened his presents.


He got mario kart for his wii and Mady got him a bakugan, and he gets to go to the lego store at the chandler mall and pick out legos!

Last night Aunt Ginger and Uncle Don had a big family dinner for all the June birthdays. Uncle Don got Mason his very own bow and arrow, a real one might I add. Mason is very close to his Uncle Don , we lived with them for a year and a half when Mason was one year old, so Don is like his second dad. He loves to go bird hunting with him and their next adventure will be bow and arrow shooting.

Yes, all the birthdays are over(:hooray----let me recap the amount of birthdays:::

11th-Jesse and Jason

12th-cousin Lily

13th-Mady and Grandma Bodine

15th-Mason

28th-Aunt Romi

I feel just a little left out in my little family because everybody all has their birthdays 2 days apart, I guesss I have the advantage for getting more presents. haha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADISEN!!!!

4 yrs. old

On this day four years ago my beautiful baby girl was born! It was an extra special day because it is her grandma Bodine's birthday also! We were so excited to have a baby girl and younger sister! The pregnancy went great and the birth was nothing out of the ordinary, until after being born both Mady and mom had a fever so the doctors suspected an infection. Mady had to have an i.v. in her head and go through some testing while being on watch in the n.i.c.u. and mom was on antibiotics the whole time. In the end everything was fine and we got to bring home our baby girl. Mady was the only girl grandchild on both sides of the family until last year, so let me say she is very spoiled especially by her aunties! WE LOVE YOU MADY!!

Mason was so proud to be a big brother.

The big PARTY

The water slide was the best part! Holy Cow parties are so much fun but way too much work. This year was Madisen's turn to have a big party and that she did! Twelve kids in all! Friday was her big blast so, enjoy all the pics.

Mady and her cousin Spencer


After all the little party kids left the adults enjoyed the slide too!


What a BLAST, this was the funnest party yet!

strawberry, purple, flower, hannah montana cupcakes (of course)

snacks and snow cones


presents, presents, and more presents!




To end all the fun we had to include the guitar pinata!

She really enjoyed her party and all her wonderful gifts. A funny little sidenote(: I was explaining to her that her party was not on her real birthday and that Sat. was the day of her real b-day. So, when she woke up on Sat. she asked what kind of a party we were going to have that day, and I told her we already had the big party and she very seriously said, " Mom that was my fake birthday now we have to have a real birthday." I think her and her cousin Spencer were doing some talking together and came up with that idea> What funny kids!

^^^^^^^Just wait were still not done with birthdays!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSE!!!!!

Today is Jesse's 33rd birthday! He also shares the same birthday as his younger brother Jason.
The kids decorated a banner for him, they thought they were so sneaky and loved making this for their DAD. You can tell which side Mason painted and which side Mady painted! We love our DAD and hope he has a good day! I love you Jesse! Get ready for a birthday filled weekend, literally, just wait you will see more posts soon to come!!

I'm FREE

Today Mady went in for her 4 week check up on her arm and the doctor removed her purple cast. She was really nervous when they pulled out the noisy saw to cut it off. They took a bunch of x-rays and said that everything healed properly and she was free to go swimming and have a normal bathing!!YEAH! Her skin on her arm feels really rough and she has a big bruise at her wrist, the doctor doesn't know what it was from but he wasn't concerned. She still carries her arm bent and holds onto her hand, she is really nervous to move her elbow. Hopefully in a couple of days she will be moving it like normal. She has to go back in 4 weeks to make sure her rang of motion is back and all is well. Please no more climbing things and breaking arms!