The Secret Water Slide

Our last Friday before school starts and some friends, the Christensen's and the Krausse's took us to a secret natural water slide. I tried to take notes as to where we were going but doubt I'd ever be able to get back there again by myself. It was super cool, literally. The water was cold but was a fun-filled day that ended our summer. It was so much fun, we were all exhausted. Which made for an exciting ride home that was long and whinding. And yes, Lauren DID throw up ALL over the place. The End!

True Love

Just had to catch this moment on camera.  Ok, so maybe it was a little forced, but it is super sweet. 

I can't remember what they did, but this was their consequence.

Love it! & I think they loved it too!

The 3rd Annual Monarch Palm Block Party

Yes, it is that time of year again. Monarch Palm's 3rd Annual Block Party. It keeps getting bigger and better. MP Rocks!! We even have former MP'ers travel half way across the U.S. to attend this Party.  We love you all!!!

Here is the reason behind all this MADNES!!!

Ethan's 13th Birthday!

Watch Out there is a TEENAGER in the house!  

Ethan's last night of being 12.

Our candy gram to the teenager.

Dear Ethan, Happy Birthday to the SMARTEST teenager we know!  You are a STARBURST in our eyes!  We know you will go far in life.  Like all the way to ORBIT and back.  Your uniqueness and ORIGINAL-ity (skittles) make you special.  You know how to take everything in STRIDE. Jacob, mom and the rest of us love your (gummy) BEAR hugs.  We know you can make it to the BIG LEAGUE (chewing gum).  But whatever you do.... It is UP2U.  Thanks for always going the extra mile or going to the EXTREMES. 
You are a SWEETHEART.  Love all us NERDS. 

PS.  We love how you get AIR (heads) on your bike.

Ethan had BBQ pizza for dinner and TollHouse Pie for dessert. 

This was all before he decided to have party with friends after school started.

The Pool Party. 

We had a cotton candy machine, borrowed a professional snowcone machine, grilled hamburgers, volleyball net, a tetherball set and swimming.  What else do teenagers need? 

Ethan made arrangements with our Bishop to go wakeboarding for his birthday.  He loves this.  We brought some KFC and had our family night with the Hendersons at Buena Vista Lake.  This was the only picture we got before the battery died on the camera.  But Ethan got up on his first try, like a champ. 

Happy Birthday Ethan!  I love everything about you!

Happy 13th Birthday Ethan!!!

HaPPy 13th BiRtHDaY ETHAN!!!!

Wow, we have a teenager in the house now. And what a wonderful teenager he is.

He is a great big brother. He loves his baby brother and it shows by the way he takes great care of him. He is a hard worker. He loves a good game of soccer or basketball or football and ultimate Frisbee. He is a great swimmer too.  When it comes to biking, he can keep up with all the big guys. He loves a good workout and is just a "little" competitive. He is smart. He makes us laugh. He loves to make money. He is a good dancer.  He is pretty good on a pogo stick with a jump rope too.  He is very confident. He makes good choices. He takes holding the priesthood seriously. He is a great leader. He loves to give hugs. And we love everything about him.

The Brown Girls

All Three Brown Girls came home to visit.  We have missed our dear friends.  We are so glad they were able to come visit us this summer.  We've created many more great memories.  Lots of swimming, sleepovers, GNO's, SnoShack trips, parties, craft times, ice cream sunday nights, water parks, makeovers and plenty of those happy/silly  moments. 

First time meeting Aunt Lisa!