Final Chapter- Waterton 2008

One of the best days of our summer vacation was spent at Waterton National Park in southern Alberta. It is truely a must see and we scored with about the best weather of the year. The scenery was gorgeous and the boys loved playing, skipping rocks and seeing tons of wildlife in the wild. I can't wait to go back! Lukey sizing up the frigid Canadian water.

Jeffey and Lukey noticed a doggy playing in the water, I think it was more popular than our earlier bear sighting.

Dipping our feet in the ICE cold water at the appropriately named Red Rock Canyon.

Making silly faced on the dock with cousins.

Does anyone look good in these shots?

The boys manning the front of our paddle boat on Cameron Lake. They quite enjoyed being little sailors, although it was all we could do to keep them from jumping in the cold water. (note the snow in the background)

Gotta love the Jeffers.

Our little crew ready to hit the lake.

Ben being Ben!

The boys. Garrett was just another welcome brother on the trip in our happy little family.

We discovered that Lukey had an ear infection and simply crashed when we got back that night. Poor baby!

Canada Part Deux

So I'm finally snagging a minute to sit down and finish documenting our summer vacation. These pics are all out of order, but a great way to remember the trip in years to come. I loved traveling with family and having all my boys (Brian included) contained and together for such a long period of time. Grandma Jones and her mother (Grandma Great listnening to the kids sing for her birthday), I honestly don't think I have ever seen my mother in law so happy. It truely was a special day.

Belting out the songs under the direction of Aunt Cletty. Natalie and Garrett carried the Jones portion of the number!

Proof that three carseats fit quite comfortably (if your four) in the backseat of a van. These boys were so thrilled with the DVD player in the rental they hardly had time to pose for the pic. Scooby Doo was the theme of the trip and we watched and watched and watched the same movie I think about three times each day. Thanks cousin Garrett! ( I think we know what we are going to be for Halloween)

Our little family outside the Salt Lake Tempe after dinner with Ange. It was so cool the boys loved just running outside on the beautiful grounds.

This is the black bear we saw when were entering the park. The boys were so excited because they had been jealous of Papa seeing the bears everyday in the Yukon. And no there were no pictures with the boys and the bear, although it was about all we could do to keep them in the van.

"Swimming" in our tub when we got the upgrade in Montana. The bathroom was the size of the boys' bedroom at home. The boys loved sleeping together on the pullout and Ben keeps asking when we can stay in a hotel again. A boy after my own heart. There is just something so fun about sleeping in a big bed full of fluffy pillows where you can turn the air up as much as you want for FREE!

The damage to the rental van when we got sideswiped in Canada. Oh, those Canadian drivers (wait a minute?!). Seriously though we were so lucky no one was hurt and we see how it will all work out with the rental company in the end. We can't forget this moment!

Lukey enjoying the rest stop. He is getting so big and loved to be with his brothers and cousins and wouldn't be left behind anywhere.

Another reason that hotels are fun!

Wrestling made up a large portion of our trip. The boys tackling eachother and Garrett any chance they got. Jeffey and Garrett made quite the pair and were constantly teasing eachother.

This is what all my boys thought of the Tabernacle Choir practicing for pioneer days.

Jeffey checking out what to do if we crashed, guess the info wasn't that comforting.

Good at Many Things...And Then There's The Budget

One time when I was cutting Brian's hair I made a comment that I was suprised that I had learned how to do it and jokingly added "I'm good at many things" (at least thats how I remember it!) However, apparently my endless talents can't compensate for my lack of finesse when it comes to money. Good thing I married an accountant or I fear for what my financial future would hold. Last night again we sat down and made a budget and again I resolved to stick to it this month, and again I fear I will fail. It's not like we are in financial ruin, or that Brian is a menacing tyrant that constantly hounds me (actually quite the opposite), but it seriously drives me nuts that I can't seem to stay motivated long enough to track my spending past the first week of every month. So I'm calling all you frugal, budget-minded girls out there to give me some tips. I can make a budget, it is the tracking and the sticking to it that brings me grief. If anyone has any great tricks or ideas of how you are successful (someone is right?), please fill me in! (And before you say it, staying out of Target doesn't work, I can't, I'm hopelessly addicted!)

Leaving a Legacy

The reason for our trip to Canada was to celebrate Brian's Grandmother's 100th birthday. I have to admit I wasn't initially thrilled at the prospect of driving all the way to Canada with all three boys, but it was so worth it. I have such a new appreciation for Brian's family and the legacy that his ancestors have left for our family. I have a deep respect for Brian's grandma who quietly went about life raising her children in the gospel and teaching them to make right choices. The bishop in sacrament meeting on Sunday remarked at how rich Grandma T was because she was surrounded by such a great posterity that was where the Lord would have them be. I was touched by this lady who was so happy to have her family around her on this special day. Sometimes life can seem full of the same seemingly mundane tasks. Laundry, making dinner, changing diapers etc. fill my days and seem endless at times. But the reward is unmeasureable and so worth it. All of her living children and a large portion of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance at her party.

These next two pictures were taken on the lawn at the hospital after sacrament meeting. All of the dads and Grandpa were in giving Grandma Great a blessing and Collette and I were outside singing primary songs with the kids. This was my favorite moment on the trip. The kids had no idea what was going on inside, but were so happy just to be together.

Aunt Cletty singing the turtle song...all time favorite!

Grandma T and all my boys. She loved the boy's red hair and told me I must be very busy!

Friends on Vacation

I had the opportunity to see some old roomates and friends while we were away. It was so fun...oh how life has changed since my single days. Ange and I, hanging out in Salt Lake before we started driving. (We were striking our best model poses!) We ate at such a great restaurant and had a blast catching up and touring Temple Square.

l My Canadian roomates from college at one of my favorite restaurants. I swear all I did was eat on our trip. Somehow Canadian food is sooooo much better. My boys and Megs' had such a fun time hanging out. It was fun to stay up late eating Old Dutch and chatting. Just like the B-Ball house!

Our last stop on the trip was without Brian. We stayed with some friends that left our ward last year. When they left Ben and Jackson were such great friends. It took them all of about five minutes to catch up and pick up right where they left off. Sandra and I also loved hanging out and digital scrapbooking. I don't think we went to bed before 1 am any night I was there! She also took me to this little place called the "Burger Barn", also featured on the Food Network for the best fried mushrooms on the planet!

Seeing all of our friends was a highlight of the trip for me. Thanks everyone for a great time.

In All His Naked Glory

If there ever was a piture that described Jeff's personality this would be it! He decided clothing was optional while enjoying the cool water (notice the snow in the background) at Cameron Lake in Waterton National Park. It also won the "best photo of the vacation" and will have to represent our vacation post until I can dig out from under 36 new voice mails, 3 doctors appointments, 5 loads of laundry and a weeks worth of mail. Welcome Home!

Hair Today...Gone Tonight

After multiple gender confusions and food constantly stuck in his hair it was definately time for Baby Lukey's first cut. I was not as ready and cried after the chop. I don't even know if we can still call him a Baby. Lovely locks...I admit I have put piggies and bows in it once or twice.

The carnage...

One very grown-up little boy!

He was such a trooper and never cried and enjoyed his lollypop just like his big brothers. On the flip side I now have four haircuts to do every month! Why do they have to grow up so fast?