family pictures

Today was family picture day! It was actually an enjoyable experience for all of us. I wish we could have gotten Savannah to smile more (b/c she usually is super smiley) but we'll be happy with all the boys' smiles!

I finally got inspired to post some blogs tonight, after receiving our family pictures. So, enjoy catching up on our summer and Parker's b-day in the following 7 posts while I take a break from blogging! :)

Palin for VP!

This is the picture that goes with a cool interview article on people.com. I know some of you are laughing because I am known for my "People/In Touch" magazines AND I had to find my political news on the People magazine website. But seriously, it has a great article interviewing the McCain's and Palin's after their Friday VP announcement. You'll have to read it! I think I even got my dad to go to people.com!

I am pumped that McCain has chosen Sarah Palin as his VP! I think it is awesome that our country could have a VP with; sound morals, strong values, great family commitment, honorable reputation AND, above all else, a faith in our God. I would much rather have a VP that is going to our Father for strength and guidance than any politician with many more years' experience. I am confident that if God gives us Sarah as VP... He will give her wisdom to help lead our country. That's my little soap box on Palin for VP!!! (I know... I'm an amateur!)

Oh... and it's pretty crazy to think my doctor delivered Savannah and her baby, Trigg, in the same week. And, it's awesome to know that we dedicated our babies at the same church. What an amazing testimony she offers to our country!

more Montana fun #2

Noah could spend all day on this horsey-tire swing.
All the grandkiddos helping Bapak!
Noah and Parker slept in the play room on this mattress, that was interesting at bedtime!!! This is how I would find Noah on most nights- so cute! Savannah sportin' her strawberry swimwear! I need to teach her how to pose like a lady, especially in a swimsuit, but she didn't like the spikey grass on her legs!

more Montana fun

I was clicking through my photos to download Parker's bday pix and I realized I had some more cute pix from our time with family cousins in Montana. Here's a few more... The boys loved this little outdoor waterpark. Yes, this is a bear slide. Although, it reminded me of Robin William's funny joke he played on the 'g....-doctors' in "Patch Adam's". Ha!


Cousin Kiersten raised a 4-H pig this summer, she did awesome at the fair. But, I don't think we'll be raising any pigs, since Parker hid in the swing fort and Noah screamed over by the fence... the entire time Kiersten walked her Olive!
Auntie Andrea and Carson enjoyed practicing with Savannah as their baby #2 is arriving soon!??

every cowboy needs a...

HORSE! This is my attempt to make Woody's horse, Bullseye! Parker was impressed with his horsey cake. Thank goodness for familyfun.com that gives me all my birthday cake ideas/instructions and thematic party favor/decor/game ideas.

We had a great time celebrating with Parker. It's hard to believe he's already 4. We are so proud of him and incredibly blessed by him!

he's now Woody, the cowboy from Toy Story

As many of you know... our Parker loves to pretend and be in full costume! He got a Buzz Lightyear costume for Valentine's, but that is a little snug now. So, Parker started wearing his camou slippers, camou belt, blue bandanna, his black hat and calling himself... "Woody".
We thought it was time to give the "wanna-be"... the real Woody costume. Let's just say, he was nothing but super thrilled! Now, Parker's li'l "wanna-be", Noah,... wears the blue bandanna and black hat. Noah is as equally thrilled as big 4 year old bro.. So fun to watch these little cowboys play!

Parker's 4th bday begins...

This year, Parker celebrated his birthday for a whole week! (I think I would enjoy that, too!) He wanted to have a "cowboy birthday", so Kep thought it time that the young cowboy receive his first cap gun! Well, you can't just give a boy his gun.. you have to make it a cool and memorable experience. So, Kep (being the fabulous and creative dad, that he is!) took Parker on a hike, in Hatcher's Pass, up to a little abondoned cabin. There, Parker got to open up his cap gun and he gave his dad the great reaction he hoped for. I do wish I could have been there but I guess these moments are meant for father and son! Parker got to shoot off a round and then he ran all the way back to our truck!

The weather was not MY kind-of hiking weather but Parker is just like his dad... he came home all smiles and I think he used the word "sweet" 100x that night! I will soon post more pictures of our little cowboy's fun fourth!