Andrew the Artist

We started Andrew is some art classes because he loves to draw and has some serious talent. Check out this goblin he drew.

 

 

His teacher had an art show and Andrew was so excited to display his work.

And he loved showing his stuff to family members too. Thanks for coming and supporting!

 

Noodles

 

There are a lot of lunch dates with these ladies, but this one was great because Candice could join us.

 

 

 

We met up at noodles. I need to learn how to order there. I have been there twice and have been disappointed each time. First time I ordered a small salad and it literally was a small salad. I think it took me a total of 3 bites to finish it. This time I thought I would go with an entrée so I ordered the small pad thai noodles. I just need to learn not to order small. Once again I was surprised with the amount served. For the price I would expect more than a child's portion. The noodles were delicious, but it was just enough to wet my appetite. Luckily I ate everyone else's left overs....

First Day of School

I tried to do something special for the first day of school this year. I made a fancy dinner, decorations, and we even ate at our dining room table.

 

The kids were pretty excited.

 

And when I say fancy I mean lasagna, knot rolls, and a premade caesar salad kit.

 

Always love the first day of school pictures.

 

Andrew

 

Aiden

 

Morgan

 

 

Paige

 

Oakley

 

We went for the flag raising ceremony and to meet all the teachers.

 

After school the primary gave out sno cones to all the kids.

 

Its going to be a fabulous year.

 

So Long Shed

We are planning on revamping our backyard so our shed had to go. We told Luke he could have it if he took it down himself. And that he did. Well, with the help of a few of his friends.

 

The girls and I did a dance on the sheds grave.

 

And Luke got the shed all the way to his house. And I might say it looks pretty darn good there.

 

And we've replaced it with a fire pit which we christened with the Neiders.

 

20 Miler

I was scared out of my mind for my first 20 miler. This marathon training was intense. Luckily Jake was in town and he needed to run 20 as well. He was nice enough to let me tag along AND run slower than his usual fast pace.

 

I had butterflies in my stomach when I set my alarm that nigh.

 

 

We had an awesome route with a Maverick at mile 11.4. Perfect place to refuel and use the restroom.

 

 

We finished the run well and both felt great. Made me a little less anxious about running 26.2. Just a little though.

Goodbye For Now

We had to say goodbye to our Papa Bob. Its never a fun thing,  but it was such a different feeling this time around. Of course we were all sad and tears were shed, but there was such a peaceful and happy feeling as well. We all couldn't help but think how happy Dodee and Papa are now that they are together again. Papa could only survive 5 months without his sweet heart.

 

We each showed up one by one for the funeral and came to find that we all had a similar fashion idea.

 

The funeral was good and it was fun to remember Papa Bob. We headed to the cemetery and the in-laws gathered together. I am sure to talk about the Jensens.....

 

Being at funeral makes me grateful for this guy. Love that I get my life with him and love that I get eternity as well.

 

Papa had a great group of pallbearers.

 

And it was one of the coolest experiences to see the Military salute and pay tribute to one of their own.

 

So thankful for the knowledge that I have that families can be together forever. I want this Hoard with me for the rest of time.

 

Papa Bob

 

 

"Papa Bob"1919 ~ 2013Robert Phippen Jensen (Papa Bob), 93, passed away on August 16, 2013 surrounded by his family.

 

 Papa was born on December 6, 1919 in Rupert, Idaho to Alvin Hans and Cora Emma Phippen Jensen. He graduated from Garfield High School in Los Angeles, California. He married his eternal companion and the love of his life Lois Thorup (Dodee) on January 28, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple.

 

 During World War II he served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945. He trained as a fighter pilot, ultimately flying his beloved P-51 Mustang - which he never let us forget. He regaled us with flying stories and never missed a chance to re-tell one of his experiences. He spent his career working in the banking industry and was especially proud of his work with Bank of America during the inception of computerized record keeping and data processing. He eventually retired from First Security Bank.

 

 Papa was kind, quiet and gentle with the gift of listening. He taught us through actions and example - never by lecture or long speeches. He loved a good story and had an amazing memory for people, places and names. It seemed he remembered every joke he ever heard as he often said "that reminds me of a joke!"

 

Papa loves Dodee! He taught us what a husband should be by the way he treated her. He showed us what a father should be by the way he treated us. Papa loves the Lord and taught us by example what a disciple should be. He served faithfully in many callings in the LDS church; including more than 20 years as ward financial clerk, and together with Mom, many years in the Jordan River Temple Baptistry and as Ward Senior Singles representatives.

 

Papa is survived by his children: sons, Randall (Karen), Brad (Teri), Scott (Susan), Mike and daughter Lori; 22 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren and sister, Hazel Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sisters Luana, LaVere and Betty and brothers LaVar and Bill.

Hobble Creek

 

I am so mad at myself. I didn't take any pictures of this race. What was I thinking?

 

The only thing I have is a very short clip of me and Heidi nearing the end.

 

 

I know kind of lame of me, but I still wanted it documented that I ran.

Pick Me Up

 I came home from a run and the kids told me Papa Bob had passed away. I didn't take them seriously until I confirmed it with Trent. We were very sad, but at the same time happy for him. He got to go home to Dodee. I am sure it was a sweet reunion.

 

We still needed a little pick-me-up so we decided to head to Lagoon and put some smiles on our faces.

 

Build a Bear Party

Paige and Morgan turned 6 this year. 6!! Can't believe it.

 

To start off their next year of life right we went to Cookie Cutters for some MUCH needed haircuts

 

They were so excited to sit in the fun chairs and watch cartoons, which they didn't pay much attention to because they were so fixed on watching their hair get cut.

 

No longer the orphan do.

 

Next up their Build a Bear party. This is what they chose and I couldn't have been happier. All I had to do was show up. Best party ever.

 

They got to pick a bear and stuff it.

Then make a wish on it's heart.

 

Then pick out an outfit, which was quite the ordeal.

 

Afterwards we did presents outside.

 

And another goofy picture of the group.

 

Easiest party of the year.

 

And a big Happy Birthday to my babies.

Transportation

We have a new way of getting to and from church these days.

 

Back to School Shopping

 We had some coupons for some stores so we took advantage and did some serious back to school shopping. We got some pretty good deals and our kids got some pretty cute clothes.

 

 

 

Greys River 2013

I always have to get myself motivated to do vacation posts. We always take so many pictures. Its hard to narrow them all down. And, of course, one of our all times favorite vacations is Grey's River. We've been doing this annual trip since I was a kid and I loved it. And now my kids love it too.

 

We set up a camp that includes a kitchen, craft tent, fire pit, and endless outdoor fun.

 

The kids love all the stuff Grandma Holly prepares for them. She really is the funnest.

 

The adults lounged around, slept, and read books and magazines.

 

These two were the official lunch ladies.

 

I got to go running with my dad. Always a treat.

 

 

And then the River. This has turned into the favorite thing of the trip.

 

We make multiple trips down with canoes and tubes.

 

And sometimes stop to pee.

 

Then we hit up Murphy lake for some relaxing rowing around the lake.

 

And then our hike to Stump Lake. This time we did it in the evening and it was so much better....and cooler.

 

We always get our family picture taken here. And we do the best we can at getting a good one.....

 

Aren't my parent the cutest?

 

We almost took some friend home with us this year. Aiden and Oakley both caught a snake.

And a big thanks to this guy that gets the Bohemith loaded every time. He does a superb job.

 

And a huge thanks to these two that organize, provide food, cook, clean, and anything else you can imagine. They really are the best parents/grandparents around.

 

And love these ladies.

 

Next year we will have the WHOLE family together up there since Jake and Becky are moving back AND we will have 2 new babies! Then Trent and I can just laugh at Luke and Kim and the chaos of happy 2 babies camping. ;)

 

Until Next Year.