1 year Anniversary

I have not been able to decide how sentimental to make this post.  We both can not believe it has been a year- time has flown by.  We have been through a lot this year and besides the great news of a new baby and me graduating, the biggest has been the adjustments.  Brandt has adjusted to being a step dad and a husband amazingly and the kids are doing so well- that you would think we have been together longer than just a year.  It is a blessing to have one another!  We are so happy!  And having to go through hardships, obstacles and adversities it is even more a blessing to have someone you love and trust by your side.

To celebrate our 1st year Anniversary we had the kids stay in Akron at my parents and we just went to Cleveland for a night.  We drove up on Friday night and returned back on Saturday.  We stayed downtown Cleveland right by Case Western Reserve.  Beautiful area.  Our hotel is shown above and we were walking distance from the Art Museum (free) and other museums, parks, and gardens.  Many nice restaurants and lots of things to do!  We really just enjoyed being together!!

A favorite part was watching the sunset over Lake Erie on Friday Night!

And we really enjoyed the Botanical Gardens.

So many butterflies, and beautiful plants, and some interesting bugs!

Words can not express the gratitude I feel to my Heavenly Father for all my many blessings.

It has been an amazing year and we are excited for many more together!

Independence Day

We celebrated Independence day over many days!!!

The Saturday before the 4th- which was technically still in June, Huber Heights had their parade and Jenna was in it with the place she dances with.  She loved being in a parade- she was adorable!!

 Love this Girl- she is growing up!

 That night there were fireworks- the show was fantastic!!!

On the 4th- we went to a ward picnic (or the end of it) before heading up to Akron.

We went to Akron's parade.

And this time both kids were in it with the Akron Ward!!

My niece- showing me how she eats two strawberries!!!

More fireworks!!

We had a wonderful Independence Day and are so Thankful for the many freedoms we enjoy!!

Cub Scout Camp

Peyton had his first Cub Scout Camp this year and loved it.

There was archery, be-be guns, art projects, sports and games, nature walks and more!

Brandt joined him for 3 of the 5 days and when he went so could Jenna and the two boys I watch.

They all had a great experience!

We are excited to be apart of Cub Scouts now- let the fun begin!

I don't know who had more fun- Peyton or Brandt?

Peyton's Baptism

Peyton was so excited to turn 8 because he knew he could get baptized and confirmed.  We have had many conversations and FHE on the subject of baptism and he was ready.

We chose to have him baptized up in Akron where we have so much of our family, including his Dad.

It was a great day and Peyton said that he felt love from his Heavenly Father and felt really good inside!

"Poppy" baptized Peyton and my dad, "Skipper" confirmed him.

Afterwards we had a family party and get together at my parents.

Aunt Laura made his cake!

We had so many wonderful people come and he felt very loved and special.

We are so thankful for all our wonderful family!!

We are so proud of Peyton and the good choices he is making.  He is a very funny and silly kid, as well as, very sweet, kind, considerate, loving, and overall good kid!!

Peyton's Birthday

8 is Great!

Peyton turned 8, I can't believe my baby boy is so grown up.

Family tradition is breakfast in bed on your birthday.  The kids love the tradition and get excited for it.  Peyton waited in his room till we came up!!

 Another tradition is a new outfit on your birthday.  I think it started because my kids were always in need of clothes of the next size and season.  Now it has become an anticipated part of birthdays!

It worked out to throw a last minute party for Peyton on his birthday.  We have so many boys in the neighborhood and at church that are his age that we ended up with a very large group, some being siblings.

My sister Becky came and helped and so did a neighbor.  It worked out great and was a lot of fun!

Peyton had a blast and felt loved and special.  At the party we had a bbq lunch with hotdogs and watermelon.  We had a water balloon toss and fight, played red rover, red rover, and had a pinata.

It was a great day!!  His present from us was a new bike.  I will have to get a picture of that and post later.

He sure love our Pey-Pey and thrilled he is a part of our family and growing up to be such a great young man!

Happy Father's Day!

I am fortunate to have two incredible men in my life:

1. The first is my Dad-

My Dad is the strongest and hardest working man I have ever known.  He is very tough, rugged, and also very sweet.  He is a big tease and I have learned so much from him like how to laugh at your own jokes.  I always wanted to marry someone who was like him.  A man who is strong, hard working, faithful, and who can make me laugh.

I am so thankful for my dad and the example he is to me and the love and support he shows me!

2. The second is my husband-

 So thankful for this man- words can not express all that he does for our family and the incredible person he is.  We are so thankful for his sense of humor, his hard work, his dedication, his love of learning, his deep knowledge of the scriptures, his strong testimony of the gospel, and his love that he shows us each and every day!!!

I know how blessed I am to have two incredible faithful men in my life that love and support me and my kids!  I truly feel blessed from my Father in Heaven.