Grateful 1986-2008

Our family cat died a couple of weeks ago and it was actually more sad than any of us expected. He was 22 years old, and he was a good pet. We adopted him from our neighbor who had over 50 of her own and Grateful was so happy to be the only cat at our house he was always just thankful to be there. 

Back to California

After the family reunion we headed to the bay area to visit my family. It was so much fun to go home! Ella got to swim again, we got to eat amazing food, and we got to go in to the city to see a play. Mike had to work most of the time, but he did get to enjoy a little down time. 

It was also great because McKinley came into town the same time we did, so the three sisters were reunited! 

McCall got a Wii for her birthday and we all enjoyed playing Rock Band and Tennis. In fact I have not laughed that hard in a long time. 

One of the highlights of the trip was when our family went to Santa Cruz and had dinner in a Walnut grove. We ate outside at dusk and after an amazing meal we had a philosophical discussion around a bond fire with two theologians. 

It was a great trip and although I am glad to be home, I already miss all of our family.

Family Reunion

Last week Mike's family had a family reunion for the day up in the mountains. It was great to see everyone and let Ella play with her cousins. Ella loved the crafts and games, and she also loved seeing the horses (although she would not get on one). It was a great day and we all had a chance to relax and visit with loved ones. 

We also stayed a couple of days in Provo with katie and her family and we had a great time. We got to see Alysa  and her kids, we played Hand and Foot (a family favorite) and we all got caught up on each others lives. 

I remember when I was a kid and how much fun it was for the whole family to get together and to see cousins. I am so glad that now I have my own kids we are able to give them this experience, and I hope there will be many more family times like this!

Splash Park

       While McKinley was here visiting we decided to go to our local splash park. I had never been before so I was excited to see what it was like. It is a great place to bring kids. The whole splash park is free and for a dollar you can ride the historic carousal. They also have cotton candy, a regular play ground and lots of space to run. We had so much fun, and I think we will have to go again before the summer ends.

       

Bear World

This weekend Mckinley came to Rexburg and the first thing she asked me when she got here was if we could go to Bear World. Of course I thought Ella would love this as well, so we decided to check it out. It was so much fun to see all of the animals and they were so close to our car. After we drove through the park we got to go into the park where we were able to see the baby bear cubs, fish and duck pond, and the petting zoo. Ella loved feeding the fish, ducks, pig, and the goats, but our favorite thing was seeing a brand new deer that looked just like Bambi! 

After we finished at the petting zoo, Ella got to ride on a few different rides including a train. 

All in all it was a great day and I know Ella enjoyed doing something different and getting to be so close to all of the animals. 

New Pictures of Hunter!

Here are some new pictures of Hunter! He is growing up so fast, I can't believe he is almost 3 months old. 

Happy 4th of July

Ella Goes To Gymnastics

We decided it was time to take Ella to gymnastics because she loves to move and dance, so we thought this would be a great experience for her. For the most part she thinks it is pretty cool but she is also a little scared of the trampoline and the really high balance beam. I think this is something we will keep up and who knows maybe you will be seeing her in the 2020 Summer Olympics! :)

Ella Loves Dress up!

These last couple of days our house has been very quiet, I often have to go looking for Ella just to make sure she is not causing too much trouble. Well I find her doing the same thing every time, dressing up in all of her clothes. Each day is a different outfit with all of the accessories: shoes, headbands, bracelets, everything you can think of. Here are a few pictures to show you what I mean...

Ella Bella

Ella has been so fun these days, she really cracks me up. The other day she came running in to tell me that she put her baby on time out. I wasn't sure what she meant, but when I went into her room I saw her baby sitting on the time out spot that we usually use for Ella. I just about died laughing. She is also a very good big sister. Whenever she hears Hunter crying, she runs in and says, "okay, okay, its okay baby Hunter". She then gives him his pacifier and covers him with a blanket. 

Hunter Lewis Ericksen

Hunter Lewis Ericksen was born April 19, 2008. He is such a sweet baby and so easy going. He loves to smile and talk, and if he could have it his way he would be held 24 hours a day. 

Here are some pictures of him, we hope you enjoy!

We finally caved in!

First it was myspace, then it was facebook, now it is blogging! I have recently been informed by many friends and family that blogs are in and myspace is soooo 2006. So anyway I am going to give this blog a try, but I am sure by the end of the month there will be some other new and exciting way of communicating  on the internet and I will have to start over...again!