the computer

Our computer was having major issues last week. It had a virus (I really screwed it up) so that meant we had to clear everything off and start over. Actually it was our friend Jeff B. who fixed it. He's fixed 2 computers I've screwed up...thanks Jeff. During this whole ordeal, I realized a few things:

1. The importance of backing your stuff up. When it comes right down to it, my most cherished material possessions are my pictures and videos. An external hard drive is a beautiful thing.

2. How much I love my computer. When I didn't have it, I felt like I didn't know what was going on in the world.

3. How addicted I have become to my computer. I admit, I was having major withdrawals not being able to check my email or visit my favorite sites.

4. I accomplished a lot of things that needed to be done while my computer was broken. I was amazed at how many projects I finished! I became a productive member of society. So now our computer is working great and now I'm off to get some things done.

birthday bikes

This is going to sound strange but before this summer, I hadn't ridden a bike in 13 years! I had forgotten how much fun they are! When Aaron gets home from work and I'm ready to pull my hair out, Braden and I hop on our bikes and go for ride. It's still a little hot outside so we're looking forward to the cool weather. It's nice to get some fresh air and spend some one-on-one time with B. I fell in love with the bike Ricci let me ride this summer so my sweet husband went on a search and found me one for my birthday. Everything about this bike just makes me happy :)


For B's birthday the other night, we went to in-n-out burger and then made our way to Peter Piper pizza to play some games. We had the whole place to ourselves...I wish all my experiences at that place could be that pleasant. This is one of the prizes that Braden won...I've been picking up fake moustache hair in the house ever since :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Heston!

My baby is now 3 and I want to cry. Poor kid doesn't even have a chance...he will always be "momma's boy" He's my little buddy and we enjoy hanging out and having fun while the kids are at school. He's obsessed with anything that has wheels: tractors, cars, trucks and especially motorcycles. We were watching the Xgames on espn and he was losing his mind...he absolutely loved it :)
He still loves Buzz and Woody...
He wanted a bike for his birthday and it was no surprise to us that he wanted the one that looks like a motorcycle. He doesn't call it his bike, he calls it his motorcycle.
Happy Birthday to our little Hes! We love you!

Happy 10th Birthday Braden!

We want to wish Braden a Happy 10th Birthday! We are so grateful for this kid. There are days when he can sense I need help and he jumps right in without being told. He's grown up so much in the last year...I enjoy our bike rides and our Mommy & Son dates, I love spending one-on-one time together. Some of the things he says just crack me up.

He told me a couple of years ago, "Mom, I want to live in New York when I get older. But don't worry, I'll send you a postcard or something."

Happy Birthday today to my aunt Apryl as well!

goodbye summer, hello school

It's back to school time for the kids. We now have a 5th and 2nd grader...I feel so old! Of course I had to take the picture while they were facing the sun, way to go Mom! It was chaos that day, I was lucky to get this picture.

We're still swimming but not as much now that school is back in session. These are a couple of pictures from our days of swimming this summer.

Of course we like to take pictures of our sweet little angels. This picture cracks me up, forgive me Hes :)

Ok here's a happy picture to make up for it. Heston is now potty trained!! The freedom from diapers is truly an awesome thing! Last week was a long one but he's doing great.

it's August and 70 degrees in AZ!

School starts on Monday! I'm excited for a new year and getting my kids back on a schedule. I feel like I've been playing catch-up since we got back from Utah. It is 70 degrees outside this morning! I love it! We're having a Primary swim party at my house this morning and the water will be just right.
Wes and Ricci had their baby boy last Friday. Brandt Wesley was born premature at 4lbs. 7 oz. He has Gastroschsis and is in the NICU at Primary Children's. He had surgery yesterday and is doing really well. I talked to Ricci yesterday and she was so happy because she got to hold him for the first time. It made me emotional just thinking about that. I'm still waiting for some pictures and will post them as soon as I get them. I'm blessed to be the auntie to 18 nieces and nephews and I love each and everyone of them to pieces :)

Summer vacation part 2

Some more pictures from the second half of our trip. I took quite a few...I'm already pushing it posting this many, bear with me please :)

Hammond family picture minus John, Heidi, Heather, Blair and their kids (we missed seeing you guys!)

Grand Prismatic Spring- Yellowstone

Lower Falls in Canyon Village- Yellowstone

the boys at Old Faithful

The kids and their cousins at the Grant campground...I loved watching them hang out together

Yellowstone
We went on this covered wagon ride/dinner thing in Jackson Hole. This was a lot of fun!
Lexie and Paige

Teton Mountains

Jackson Hole- I loved this fence, so creative

Paige

Aaron and Paige kayaking on Jenny Lake

Old Faithful

the kids watching a movie in the RV

Jenny Lake

a sign in Jackson Hole, WY

Heston playing in the Snake River

Hammond grandkids minus Carson, Whitney and Aubree

brothers

Braden and Ian

B&A at Jenny Lake

doing some fishing

boating on Yellowstone Lake

We had a great summer vacation. We were so happy to spend time and have fun with our family and friends!