Making Momma proud

Spencer turned 11 a few weeks ago and as has become Halls family tradition, we let him open his presents early birthday morning, surrounded by crepe paper and balloons.  The girls had been working secretly in my craft room-they wouldn't even let me in- and were so happy to give Spencer their very own homemade creations.

I couldn't be more proud.   Really, what choice do they have with a mother like me who is just slightly stamp-obsessed? We like to start 'em out young over here. Spencer had a great birthday.  The only thing on his wish list was an itouch like his brothers.  After much hemming and hawing on our part, we finally gave in.  He even had to pitch in some of his own money- those dang little things are expensive!!

 This looks like a really lame birthday cake, but caramel brownies were his request.  I promise, it tasted better than it looks.

Just humor your mom

I have to do it every year.  It's just one of those things.  And mostly they cooperate, although the 13 year old was a little more difficult this year and wanted to do it inside.  What if one of his friends walks by and sees him?  But, Mom prevailed another year.  Woohoo!

McCall, Idaho

We headed north for the annual Kimball family vacation at the first of August. Andrew and Marie picked a gorgeous spot near McCall, Idaho.  The cabin was right on the river, which provided hours of fun for the kids and.....

 

 For some tubing

 Some kayaking in Austin's scout-made kayak

Finding treasures with Grandpa's metal detector

Boating at the lake

 Football games

Hanging out with cousins

A little cliff jumping

Swimming with a nice Uncle Andrew rescuing you from the cliffs

Some fishing

sunbathing

Hanging with all the Girls

Hanging with all the Boys

Hot tubbing- A vacation is not complete without it

A little rodeo-ing

Bike riding at Ponderosa State Park

Back at the cabin- some family pics with our homemade shirts that didn't quite turn out.  Wow!  It was bright that day.

Air soft warring-  Grandpa even got into it. 

One of Spencer's battle wounds.  Who invented this game anyway?

The perfect vacation!!!

Great to be 8

Kennady was so excited to be baptized. It was a special day for her and we were so grateful for our wonderful family who all came to support her.

Another amazing Amy creation.  A work of art!

Summer Fun

Just a smattering of fun Summer activities.  We're trying to pack in as much as we can, since some of my poor children go back to school in two weeks!  Have I mentioned lately how much I dislike year-round school these days?

Sweets Candy factory tour.  Gotta love those hairnets!

Eden's Baptism in Blanding.  All the Halls cousins.

Grandpa has a full load.

All the Halls' cousins at Lake Powell, plus Grandpa.

Cydnee was such a nut.  She had no fear and climbed right up to the slide and went down by herself.

Battle Wounds

Madi, Taylor and Kennady.  Kennady loved hanging out with her older and very COOL cousins.

Spencer's favorite pastime.

Havyn, Ally, Cydnee

The fam at Lake Powell.  We had to leave Dave behind because of recent knee surgery.

Cydnee and Journey at dance recital.

Cydnee and Lauren at Lagoon

Jessie, Avary, Kennady, Kylee, Will and Spencer- Lagoon

Grandma and Grandpa with Spencer on famous Lagoon trainride

Is it possible we are really related?  We look a little like an Oreo cookie, don't we? Get a tan, Mom!

Dave and Katie at Lagoon