AND HE'S OFF AGAIN...

Mark just returned from the hot and humid Nashville Tennessee on July 24th!! Just in time to join us in Fairview for the annual Fairview Days. I took the kids up on Thursday night and started the fun weekend with swimming, the rodeo, and the parade!! When Mark arrived, we enjoyed the fireworks, a BBQ, and more swimming! Love the Fairview Days!!

When we were in Fairview Mark had talked about going on another work trip. We talked about going together this time, but unfortunately it didn't work out. However, he was able to take Jake with him this time. They are headed, as we speak, to Great Falls, Montana. I am extremely jealous! But, Mark and I have an anniversary trip in the works for late September early October...can you all say Fall Foliage!! I am "SO" hoping it all works out!

I hope all of you are having a fabulous summer...I am having complete anxiety that it is coming to an end soon!

SUNDANCE 2010

Jake has been begging Mark and I to take him Mountain Biking at Sundance, because that is part of his Season Pass. He also just bought himself a new bike. So I took my bike in to get a tune up and found out it would cost as much as a new bike. So happy late birthday to me, I got a new bike.

If you've never been to Sundance in the Summer...might I make that recommendation! So beautiful. I love it! We took the lift to the top and took our first ride down! Ummm...I am not sure I was cut out for this down hill stuff.

Our first run down, Mark blew a tire. He was sooooo mad! What a pain!! But luckily Jake was prepared with a tube, tire tool, and pump! What a boy scout!

Our third trip down, we found the coolest trail (Archie's Loop). What an amazing view of the canyon. It was an awesome trail...I loved it! I didn't feel like I was on a downhill race like the other trails, it was more leasure than trying to prove your a good rider! Below is Scott's Pond.

Jake LOVED it! He had so much fun! It was so fun to hang with him for the day!

And there's the love, right there!!

Mark love the trail too...can't wait to go back!

Last run...I decided to take a dive on a pretty rocky trail...bruised shoulder, elbow, and knee. Still hurting...but still want to go again!!

...and he's off again...

...this time it's Knoxville, Tennessee!! I am not sure if you all know, but I have a goal to hit all 50 states! I have a few more to go, but I am thinking Mark is going to hit the goal before I do...along with several different countries!! So not fair! I do, however; think he is sick of living out of hotel rooms and being away from his family! But, we appreciate all his hard work!

BACKYARD REMODEL 2010 EDITION

So those of you who know us, know that we like change...a little too much! We've changed our backyard several times! Let's just hope this is it!! After several hours of hard work, we are happy with our final product!!

Here's Kaycie basking in the sun...she wasn't much for helping! But, I did make her pick up a couple hundred rocks! Oh yes, she counted them!!
Mark taking Riley on a bobcat ride!! He loved it!!
Moving dirt...oh the fun! Moving more dirt!!Mark even did our sprinkling system all by himself! Helps to have a handy man around...saves a lot of $$ too!!

...and here's the finished product...more grass to mow, but less sticker weeds to avoid!!

The kids are happy...and I say...let the summer begin!!

NEW YORK 2010

For Kaycie's 10th Birthday, I promised to take her to New York! So off we went on quite the adventure! It was definitely one of my favorite trips to New York. She made it tons of fun, along with my sister-in-law Nicky and my Mother-in-Law Diana!
Here we are at the famous "Friends" fountain...we just needed our red umbrellas! Here's Kaycie with Dax Shepherd from Parenthood & Without a Paddle (one of our favorite actors)

Happy Birthday Kaycie, at the American Girl Doll Store, having tea!

Here's Kaycie with Randy Jackson, from American Idol!!

Kaycie with Kara Deoguardi from American Idol.

Kaycie at the butterfly display at the Museum of Natural History...this is my favorite pic...she looks like she is totally freaked out by the butterfly!

Kaycie in front of the Brooklyn Bridge!

Time Square!!

We were able to see and do everything we wanted to! The weather was great! And just so you all know, I have NEVER seen any celebs in New York and I've been there many times, but bring Kaycie along and you get to see tons!

We had a good time and I can't wait to go back!

DID YOU SAY GUAM?

Oh yes that is what I said when Mark told me he'd be leaving for his next job a week after getting home from Dubai (remember he was gone for 3-months on that job). Seriously! So Guam it is...the last thing he said was I'll see you in June...isn't that a comforting statement!!

What an amazing man...he is making great sacrifices for his family and I appreciate that! But, I might add a bit jealous of his travels.

I HOPE THEY CALL ME ON A MISSION!

So the parents made it to their mission home and will be there for the next 18-months. I am extremely proud of them and their willingness to serve. They are amazing examples to me! This community doesn't know what amazing people they are about to encounter. These two individuals will work hard and will get things done! Good luck Mom & Dad!!

Their home for the next 18th months....

Main Street...