Cute Kids, Baby from Outer Space and Sister Time

Thursday afternoon and Friday morning we were able to just spend some time kicking it around the Archers. We all just had fun being together and watching the kids all play together. I don't think that will ever get old.

The boys doing their thing while Gracie girl was at school.

Playing Superheros.

I don't know how it started but Jack and Grace starting calling Cooper the baby from outer space. When they saw him coming they would yell "baby from outer space" and they started running away. Cooper does have a thing for destruction but still I felt bad for the little guy so we hung out a lot just the two of us. It was wonderful for me because I got to know Cooper better and just see in him action.

Stories are so big for our families so when we get together there are a lot of story times and I love it. These pictures are priceless.

We were able to do another thing we had missed, meals outside in Cami and TJ's fun backyard. We had tinfoil dinners and TJ even made a fire so we could do another favorite activity, s'mores!

Friday night Jason and Jack had a sleepover at Amy and Darren's and I went out and had a sleepover in a hotel with my sisters. Sweet TJ used his points to get us a night in a hotel just to be together. I loved every minute. We went out to dinner, went shopping and helped Cami use her stack of gift cards. It is hard to be away from my sisters and only see them once or twice a year but to be with them was just what I needed. I love how they understand me and help me see things in a new light.  All three of us are in such different stages of life but I think the sister time was just what we all needed to recharge our batteries. I love you two so very much. We didn't take any pictures so I had to take one of all three of us together.
 One thing about me that is odd is my eyes are so sensitive since the transplant. If I could wear my sunglasses all the time and not look like a freak I would. In most pictures I have my sunglasses on if not my eyes are always closed. I try to take picture without my glasses but this is what usually happens before I concede and take a picture with them on.

Time with the Allens and Archers.

Wednesday afternoon we headed back down to Salt Lake. It was a short trip to Logan and we weren't able to see everyone we wanted to but next visit hopefully will be longer and we can see everyone.
  We were able to meet up with Kate and Griffin and went out to dinner at the Gateway. We had to have Mexican food, another thing we miss so much. Our trips to Utah really turn out to be a food fest, and it is glorious.

Jake and Kate reunited again. These two have quite the connection. Jack still asks to go back to the old apartment. I think he thinks that Kate is still there and he can live with her again.

After a short drive (Jack was anxious to get to Grace) around Temple Square we headed out to the Archers. When we drove up Gracie girl was in the window waiting for our arrival. It was so cute to see her in the window with that big smile.

 I had to get a picture of the Archer house upon our arrival. It was so welcoming and homey. I really miss being just a drive away from their house.

 I had to take pictures of the beauty inside as well so I can look at these and feel like I am there. It is always fun to see the way Cami decorates the house each season.

Cooper's room is just as adorable as he is. 

We all had fun kissing and holding that baby fresh out of the bath.

It was fun to see Jack and Grace reunited and having stories before bed. There were a lot of nights that looked like this when I was sick and we were all living together. I can't believe how big they both have gotten.

Home Town Visit

After our weekend at the cabin we headed to Logan for a couple of days. We got to drive around in Grandpa Balls Park Ave, it was one sweet ride.  Jason had to try out the sweet driving gloves.

We got to spend some quality time with Nolan and Corie and the boys before we headed to Cache Valley. We were at this lovely park eating dinner and watching Jack, Jonah and Everett play. It was some fun cousin time. I wish I would have taken a picture of those three together. I guess I was too excited with my Costa Vida salad to put it down and get out the camera. I fell further in love with Jonah and Everett. They are the cutest brothers!

Tuesday was a packed but wonderful day. Jason and I had a wonderful time at the temple and then lunch with Pat and Seth from old grist mill (another favorite we we miss). After our great meal we headed up Logan canyon to get our fill of the mountains and to search for signs of Fall.We ended up at one of Jason's favorite places, Tony Grove. It was so very beautiful.

 Jack loved climbing on the rocks. 

All Jack wanted to do was throw rocks in the water. Papa came through and gathered a whole bunch for him.

It was refreshing to be up in the crisp air and to experience the changing of the seasons.

Cousin Time!

Last Saturday we flew in to Utah and were so lucky because got to see every single one of the cousins that night! We got together with all of the Balls family (minus Ranell) and my sisters. We got stay at Amy's (my sister in law) family cabin. We went last year and it was so wonderful and this time did not disappoint. My favorite thing was seeing all the kids together and being with everyone again. Just being able to talk to them and actually be there with them and see their faces.

Reunited with my Sisters!

Cute cousins ready for church.

 

Probably one of my favorite pictures! Everett and Cooper. These two little boys melt my heart.

Our family back in the mountains. It was so beautiful.

 There was an amazing playground we spent all Sunday afternoon just playing and being together.

. This was the cutest sight. We heard all this giggling and looked over and saw Cami swinging high in the air.

Fearless Ella.

Seriously again my heart melted.

It was fun to see these three play together all being so close in age.

Griffin, Kate and Jack

 Jack and Tyler have close birthdays. We had a cake and celebrated while everyone was together.

This may not be the best picture but I had to post it because of Jonah. He little face was so cute. 

All the adorable Balls cousins!

Ella, Tyler, Jack, Jonah and Everett

Who they all belong to, as if it isn't obvious.

The Mama's. 

The hot mama's that is. My adorable sister in Laws. It was so great to be able to be with them and just see them in their element,such examples to me.

Thank you Amy for arranging for us to stay at the cabin and Corie thank you for making and planning all those wonderful treats. I will never be the same after those peanut butter bars.

Pat and Seth with all the grand kids.

It was a terrific way to start our vacation.

PA-C!

My official man of medicine!

We are home from our wonderful and very quick trip to Utah. There was so much to do and so many people we didn't get to visit but it was such a wonderful week! There is much to report but I have to give a shout out to Jason. He took his boards the day before we left and he got word on Thursday that he passed! Jason is officially a Physician Assistant, licensed and certified! Hip Hip Hooray!

Plus our little Jackson turned five years old yesterday!
It has been a weekend of true celebration.
I sure do love my boys.

Playing Superheros

One day we were leaving Mom and Dad's house and Jack said he was going home to play superheroes. My Mom asked how Jack played superheros and I responded saying it involved running around, jumping and breaking things. One of my favorite vases fell victim to such activity. Jack was at it tonight in full force breaking out many different characters and poses.

He even tried to use his powers to acquire a donut hole.

He was not successful so he asked for the greatest superhero of all (his Mama) to help. 

He must be my kryptonite because I totally caved.

Ft. Lauderdale Trip

We took off for our big trip down south to Ft. Lauderdale Friday afternoon after Jack was done with school.  Sadly Granddad who had planned on coming with us was not feeling up to it. So on our way down we stopped in Venice and met him at Cracker Barrel for lunch. It's always great to be with Granddad and see him interact with Jack. Of course there are always cars involved and this time Jack got two very cool rescue cars that he drove all over the table.

Before we left Granddad had given Jack in addition to the cars, a big cars storybook, which was a whole collection of stories centered around all the cars characters, and a cars 2 pen. Jack was in heaven. Granddad even slipped Mom a big fake spider that moved around that she surprised/scared us with at the hotel later that night.

We had a fun time as we drove to the South. It was fun to watch the scenery become more and more tropical. We arrived at the hotel with enough time to find a place to grab some sandwiches and ate them by the pool while Jason and Jack went swimming in the fun lighted pool at night.