German's First Day of Kindergarten

I know it's early, but German started school today!

(Once it gets hot, there's nothing else to do, but go to school! Plus, he gets extra long fall, winter, and spring breaks - when it's not 117 degrees outside.)

Some of the first day highlights:

• The Fish Tank - contains cat sharks, zebra eels, and a puffer fish


• Playing on the playground


• A mouse game and sitting on the rug

Happy Birthday Scotie-Boy!

Scotland, Scotland, Scotland! What can I say except that we love this little boy! He is definitely different than his brothers and adds a whole new dimension to our family, which I wouldn't change for anything. Thanks for coming to our family! Scotland is good at:

• Asking, "Are you okay?" after any incident, like sneezing


• Knowing that exact point when one should say something darling to escape a negative consequence


• Throwing a ball with his left hand and always making sure it's his turn


• Making silly faces with squinty eyes


• Jumping in the swimming pool


• Making friends with adults, especially any who have candy


• Playing with his brothers and dad - he loves to be one of the fellas!

Friends at his Zoo Birthday Party. We played animal games and had homemade pizza. (N's and W's - we missed you!)

Yes, I know I should go into cake decorating - it's one of my hidden talents - NOT! But the boys sure had fun putting on all of the animals.

Scotland opening his 'big' birthday present from his family. We kept telling him all day that it was his birthday and that he was now 2 and every time he gave a us a resolute "NO." He's definitely determined and learning how to express himself. He brings so much joy to my life!

The Idaho Portion of our UT/ID Trip

We were stopped for a little while on our drive by a police escorted cattle drive - probably the coolest thing we've ever seen on that wonderful drive to Utah/Idaho.

We spent a fun day at Eagle Island State Park with all of the Hallbergs. The boys really enjoyed their cousins and constantly having lots of friends to play with.

Uncle Adam!

S'mores and a backyard movie at Grandma & Grandpa Hallberg's.

We spent one last morning at the MK Nature Center with everyone before they all had to hit the road home.

These cousins are all 5 years old (or almost) and will be going to Kindergarten this year.

These cousins are all 3 years old!

Funny Owls!

Scotland loves his Aunt Melanie!

We were able to stay a few extra days in Idaho and have some one-on-one time with Dennis & Annie and Grandpa & Grandma Hallberg. We visited the Boise Zoo.

The boys played their first real game of bowling at the SUB of BSU. (It was kind of a shock to them how difficult real bowling was compared to Wii bowling!)

We got a tour of BSU campus from grandpa - this is a picture of the boys sitting in the desks where grandpa sat in one of his classes.

We also got to spend an evening with many of my aunts/uncles and cousins. It was fun to catch up with them and share good memories. Scotland found his replacement for Aunt Melanie: Cousin Keri. He led her all around that night!

The Utah Portion of our UT/ID Trip

We had a jam-packed agenda while in Utah! The boys did great being always 'on the go' and only had a difficult time once we were home and there was no one left to play with and nothing on the itinerary.

A trip to Hogle Zoo with Uncle James, Aunt Marilyn, and Aunt Melissa.

Camping with all of the Clark Family. German really wanted to help grandpa set up his tent.

We saved on car-space by not packing a tent, which made for some really tight sleeping!

The boys loved this creek, which was really high and fast! Of course, Scotland was the most interested- he is all boy!

While hiking, Joshua discovered a cave with an entrance just big enough for him to fit.

Provo's annual balloon launch with the Joel Hallbergs. Probably not Joel's favorite morning:)

The nostalgic tour of BYU. (They're redoing the bathrooms next to the LRC, my former place of employment. These are the couches in the bathroom/lounge area where I took many good naps. It was sad to see them on their way out!) We also enjoyed a nice visit and lunch with Joshua's great-aunt, Eleanor.

After a delicious steak with our former mission president, we headed to the West Jordan Rodeo. Our boys have really been into cowboys and rodeos lately, so we thought they'd really enjoy it.

Fourth of July parade, games, and fireworks with the Joel Hallbergs. Plus some yummy food and homemade ice cream and root beer with all of the Clark Family.