Idaho Vacation/ Tyler & Jann's House

 The last leg of our vacation ended up at our friend's Tyler and Jann's house. Todd and Tyler have been video game buddies for years and Todd was really looking forward to having a late night video game-a-thon. And after a really yummy dinner, cheesecake, visiting and getting the kids in bed, Todd, Tyler and Spencer let the game-a-thon begin. It was such a great weekend. Thanks to everyone.

Keri is NOT Dead!

I have a really great friend named Keri, I prefer to call her by her full name, Keri Lynne. I met her several years ago when Arlene was doing preschool out of her home. She has two kids, William is a few months younger than Spencer and Emma is 2 months older than Adam. So it seemed like we were always in the same place at the same time. We quickly became really close. She is an absolutely wonderful person. She's kind been the grown up in my life. She's had a career, she owned a home and a car without a man's help, she has an education and didn't have kids until she was in her 30's. She would venture off in Salt Lake all by herself. (I was scared to death to drive in Salt Lake for a long time now I do it all the time, Thanks Keri.) She knew all the best places to shop and eat. Now that might not sound weird to some of you, but to me all those things were huge. You just don't see that a lot around here. I was very impressed with her. Anyway, she moved to Michigan about 3 years ago and I miss her terribly. It's hard keeping in touch and we seem to play phone tag a lot, but we finally connected the other night. Upon hearing hearing her voice, I just had to exclaim "Keri, you're not dead!" We visited and caught up on each other's lives. I wish we were closer, so I could check more often and make sure she's really alive and maybe we could even go shopping and eat.
Lover Ya Babe!

Moving Day

Today was moving day for the Walter's clan. Whitney, Nicolle, Ethan, Lowell, Emme, and Laurie set out today for Denver. Whitney found a new job with a company in Denver and he and his family set out on a new adventure. Nicolle and I became quick friends along with all of our kids. Their son Ethan and Spencer were really close. They shared a love of playing imaginary games. They were constantly playing something outside. They also have similar personalities and seriously can argue their way out of any situation. The Walter's son Lowell, is a free spirited child with a sweet way about him. Although he and Adam are similar in personalities they fought constantly, but at times joined in with their older brothers and played some sort of imaginary 'Halo' game. Lily and Emme were really great friends. They are both feisty and mini diva's. They played really well for being little drama queens, most of the time. Lily would raid Emme's shoe closet and Emme would raid Lily's toy box. Then Nicolle had Laurie in April and I had Sara in September. Nicolle and I always wondered if our baby girls would also have similar personalities.
I have to tell you how much I enjoy my friendship with Nicolle. She is a beautiful, wonderful person that opened my eyes to so many things, whether political, historical, or social. She's a smart cookie, with a warm air about her. I adore her and hope that distance will only be distance and that there will be many more years of IMing and conversation over coffee, whether near or far. I love ya babe! Good luck on your new adventure.

Adam's 'Friends' Birthday

 We had Adam's 'friends' birthday party. As always, Adam was a character. There is a waterfall in the 'Aquatic Center' and Adam always finds the best ways to utilize it. Todd, Spencer, Lily and Sara all climbed in the pool to help Adam celebrate with his friends. He [Adam] had quite a few friends show up. There were even kids that I used to have in daycare that he has known since he was a baby.
 Todd was a hit with the kids. Not only was he playing in the pool with them, but he also played 'tag' outside while we were waiting for the kids' parents to show up. I saw him bent over and gasping for air a few times, but he had a great time being the biggest kid there. I think I'll keep him.
 Sara was loving the pool. Valerie held her the entire time and let her splish and splash. She had a great time. Even when kids were splashing and getting her wet. Sweet Baby!
 There were 2 fun filled days of birthday parties. Lots of friends, fun, and family. What a great day to be 7.

Krysta

I had lunch with my friend Krysta today. I first met Krysta about 5 years ago when I started doing daycare for her little redhead Taylor. I aquired her second daughter Addy a few years later. I adore Krysta and her girls. Krysta is the kind of person you feel like you've known your whole life when you first meet her. She always looks great, and has a beautiful light in her eyes. She's a happy-go-lucky girl and so much fun to be with. I adore her and her family.



Colten, Adam, Cortlin, and Taylor

Arlene & Sala

I had lunch today with my two best friends, Arlene and Sala. As I listened today, and watched them interact, I realize how lucky I am to have them both in my life. They are so different and yet I need what each of them bring. Arlene is stylish, smart( and a smartass), beautiful, witty, and firey. She and I connect on a deeper level than most other friendships I have had. She knows how to let me have my ADD moments, vent, cry, and laugh. I love her. Sala is also beautiful, smart, and witty but in a very different way. She has her firey moments but brings a since of calm in my life. I don't have to pretend to be anything other than me when we are together. She is comfortable with who she is and smiles all the time. I love her. They are both wonderful assests to me.