Birthday Boy #9

Hard to believe that 9 years ago today, our 10 lb 2 oz baby boy was born.

Given that it's an odd year, this wasn't a party year for Cannon. And given that Greg is working nights, Cannon had to wait patiently (?) until Dad woke up before we could head out. Finally, around 1pm, we trekked into Walmart so that Cannon could pick out a new bike for his birthday. (He got his last bike when he was 4 -- needless to say, he's outgrown it.) Then we hit the McDonald's drive-thru for ice cream sundaes before Greg headed back to work and the rest of us left for Cannon's baseball game.

Cannon's game went well (32-11), but more importantly, Cannon played well. He's making some good progress and it's fun to watch. I brought cupcakes to celebrate with the team -- who sang a "screaming" rendtion of Happy Birthday (literally). Cannon took home one of the game balls and a small gift from his coach.

All-in-all...a good day.


Brynnley and Kenzie...anxiously hoping there would be enough "pupcakes" left over so they could have one.

Enjoying the sunshine

So long

My great-grandma used to say "so long" instead of "good-bye." Her theory was that goodbye sounded permanent, whereas 'so long' meant we'd see each other again.
And so it was, with bittersweet emotions that we said 'so long' to Great-grandma Elaine this week. On Tuesday, she returned home to California where she will now reside in an assisted-living facility.
Her failing health necessitated a change in care and we hope and pray that the transition will go as smoothly as possible. Although they likely don't appreciate it now, I am grateful for the past 1.5 years that my kids have had to be around their Great Grandma E. Kerr.

Swimming at the Cancun - amidst 90 mph winds

Despite the insane winds and cool water (amazingly, it was cold, despite the 105+ temps outside), we enjoyed ourselves swimming at the Cancun. It was fun to see the bravery of certain children as the careened down the waterslide for the first time.

Multiply and Replenish

It's hard to believe that when we met 6 years ago this month, we had 4.5 kids between us. (I was pregnant with Brynnley). Now, we've got 9.5 kids between us. (New baby girl Cannon is due in 2 months.) Cambrie (obviously) isn't pictured...but what a crew! So fun to see the Cannon's and to pick up right where we left off two years ago - thanks for the hospitality and for letting us invade!

Updates to come....

Whew! We survived it...4800 miles, 14 days, 14 states and WAY too many rest areas to count.... We returned yesterday from our cross-country trip to Las Vegas which included passing through:
*OH, IL, IN, NE, IA, KS, UT, CO, NV, AZ, NM, TX, OK, MO...
*we panned for gold in CO
*visited Arches National Park in Moab, UT
*visited family in Flagstaff, AZ and great friends in New Mexico
*swam a lot
*enjoyed great fireworks
*hiked in the mountains
*played with family and got to know aunts,uncles and cousins

We took so many pictures that we had to download them to the laptop...so now I have to transfer them back to the other computer. Pictures will follow...slowly but surely. Thanks to all for such a fun and wonderful trip. The kids did great...and it was a trip well-worth taking!

Need a chiropractor?

If you are in the Las Vegas valley and in need of chiropractic care (and everyone is)... I would highly recommend this place.
Granted, the Dr. is my older brother...but if you knew us growing up...you'd realize how huge this recommendation is! All kidding aside, his new office (Craig and Simmons) is awesome and their programs are impressive. The drive is a little too far for us on a regular basis...but well worth it if you are in town...or even within 3-4 states.