2015 Family Photos

This year, we traveled to Laramie on one of my few Saturdays off from coaching. We went to a football game, and then got ready for our family photo shoot with Michelle. On the way there, Lewis was screaming, Brady fell asleep, and Mariah started feeling sick, and eventually threw up. I was sure it was going to be a complete disaster, but looking Michelle did a great job, the kids did a great job, and looking at the photos, you would never know it was so close to being a complete disaster! Oh, and afterward, we were locked out of our van for a couple hours until we could get a locksmith to come. What a day!

Connor is 12!

Somehow, Connor is 12 already, which doesn't make any sense, since I'm still 29. ;) 

Of course, turning 12 is a huge milestone for him, as his dad ordained him to the office of a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. It is wonderful having not one, but now two priesthood holders in the house.

I decided to try my hand at cake decorating this year for Brady's birthday. His bulldozer cake was such a hit, and so fun to make, that I decided to give it another shot, and made this pole vault cake for Connor. Once again, so fun to make, and he loved it!

Back to School

Summer flew by way too quickly, like it always does. Luckily, the kids like school, too. Connor was exited to start middle school this year, Mylie is in 4th grade, and Mariah is a big 1st grader. 

With the big kids back at school every day, it means that I have lots of time with my little boys. Brady and Lewis love the ranch, so one day I brought the camera along as we explored all the things they love most.

Although they would love to, we can't really spend all our days outside. There is plenty of inside play, too.  Here are a few fun pics of the boys playing this fall.

Mom and Mariah's Zoo Trip

By the end of summer, Mariah was feeling like she had been left out of a lot of the things the big kids got to do. So just before school started, she and I found a day to get away on a mommy-daughter date to the zoo (her choice.) We were twinning that day with our pink shirts. We had a great time together! I sure love my Mariah girl!

COUNTY FAIR

Now that we've been doing this 4-H thing for a few years, I think it's safe to say that the County Fair is the highlight of the summer for our kids. Connor and Mylie worked really hard this year and had a great experience showing their steers. Mariah loved coming along and spent most nights at the fair with all the cousins. We had quite a crew of Micheli cousins raising, showing, and selling steers this year. Alex, Ashton, Caden, Jaxon, Isac, Connor, and Mylie each worked hard with Tony, Angela, and Heidi patiently and faithfully working with them every day. There were plenty of tears along the way, but in the end, it was a fabulous experience once again. Brady absolutely loves fair as well! He loves looking at all the animals, going to the shows, and having his birthday there, too! It was Lewis's first experience with the fair, and basically, if cows are around, he's happy.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is always such a great time! We went twice this year--once to Rendezvous Beach, and then later on, we went to the Northeast area (can't remember what it's called) for the Herman and Buhla Teichert family reunion. That's when these photos were taken. Nothing like some sand and water for hours of fun!