Happy Birthday to you...

happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Braiden, happy birthday to you! Can you believe he is four years old already!?! I can't believe he is that old. (He thinks he is much older!!) For Braiden's first birthday party, he got to have a picnic at Grandma and Grandpa Collett's after the Salem Days parade. It was so fun the celebrate with the Collett's. Gma and Gpa Allan were even able to come. We had a yummy lunch and Braiden then blew out the candles on his fish cupcakes. We had a fish themed birthday party this year. He then got to open his gifts from us and Gma Carrie and Gpa Bryon that night. He is a spoiled little boy. The next day we had a party with the Peterson fam. Gma and Gpa Roach and Peterson all stopped by as well. We had a great great time. I love my Braiden James. He is like me in so many ways. Sometimes JT just shakes his head because it is something he knows he learned from his mother. He is so animated and dramatic about things. He is very loving and caring. He loves sports and his little brother. I love watching him learn and grow. He amazes me everyday. I can't believe what a special little boy I have in my life. I am so grateful he is mine:) Happy Birthday Braiden J. I love you with all my heart!

His fish birthday cake

Showing his excitement when opening presents. Thank you to everyone who brought him something. He has enjoyed every single thing!

The end of summer...

The only picture of us at the rodeo. JT is taking the picture and the sun was bright! The boys were more excited to watch the bulls rather than the camera.

Braiden driving Ellie and Gav after fireworks on the 24th.

I have missed posting about so many activities we have done this summer. Here are a few pics. For the 24th of July we celebrated Fiesta Days! We had so much fun participating in all the activities. Braiden was in the mini-parade. We went to the rodeo. Both boys loved loved the animals and motorcycle:) We also went to the parade and Gma Roachs after for some fun. We then had fireworks that evening. It was a busy week with JT being gone to scout camp, but we were able to squeeze in a little family time. We also just celebrated Salem Days! Since it was Braiden's b-day that day, we spend the morning getting ready for his party instead of running at the race. We did go to the parade. It really is the best parade. Kids get candy, candy and more candy. We love the Salem Days parade. We then had a party at Jim and Carol's house after. We tried to make fireworks, but just missed them. Oh well! More on the birthday parties to come. It has been a fabulous summer.

Braid was so excited to touch the fireman!

Gavin got lots of candy!

I love this picture of Braid and McKenzie!

Shooting Cans and Targets

Yes, that is me!

J.T. and his family grew up shooting cans up the canyon. He thought it would be a fun outing for us as a family. It was really fun spending time with one another. I don't love shooting, but I go along to spend time with my family and I know J.T. enjoys doing it. He had saved up pop cans and just got a 22 he wanted to try out. Braiden and Gavin have the Nerf guns they enjoy shooting. We set them up in the back of the truck for them to knock over cans. Guns are just not my thing, but I make sure when we are there we are safe. It is good to be able to teach the boys from a young age what good gun safety is. I am glad J.T. is teaching them how we treat guns. We are trying to expose the boys to a wide variety of activities. We have had an amazing but crazy summer. This was sort of our last summer outing. We were all sad to see J.T. go back to school, but it will be good to have some sort of schedule again. Goodbye summer, hello FALL!(my favorite time of year!!)

Little Miss Salem

Look at my beautiful nieces. They both competed in the Little Miss Salem contest for Salem days this year. I was such a proud aunt. They both played the piano and did an amazing job! I had so much fun watching them perform. They are both so beautiful and talented. I am so excited to watch them as they grow:) (Sorry the pic is a little dark, I didn't have a chance to fix it!)