Finally!

Benson just recieved his second class scout award. I'll admit it. We are slacker scouting parents. In this picture he is showing off his new uniform. He's been a scout for a almost a year and we just got it for him. The good thing is, he even has his badges on it. When he was a cub, they just collected in a baggy. Thanks to Shawn, he finally looks like a real scout!

Do the Puyallup!

I have not been to the fair for over a decade. Since we moved back to Washington it's been something that I wanted to take my kids to experience. We had a blast. Beau even challenged the marines to a pull-up match! What a great day we had. Good thing was, we only spent $35.00 by buying the food on the outside and bringing it in! The kids didn't even care about the rides so we didn't bother!

Wicked!

Sassy Blaire

Blaire loves to wear dresses and pick out her own clothes. She has her "own" sense of style. She hates socks and has not worn them since she was baby!

First Day of School

Benson 6th, Brin, 4th, Beau, 2cd and Blaire Kindergarten!

Fun Times in Ephrata

In August we the kids and I went for a couple days to visit my friend Sandi Lyman at her parents house in Ephrata. The pictures tell it all!

Beau's Half Birthday!

Poor Beau, born on December 27th always gets the shaft on his birthday. This year, we thought we would let him have a half birthday so that he could enjoy having a "friend" party.

Summary of Summer!

This summer was action packed. We didn't go on one vacation, but managed to make our own fun. My best buddy Jill came to visit me and we had a day in Seattle as well as went berry picking. Benson broke his finger. The Lyman's came and stayed with us for a week, although Savannah outgrew Benson by a full head since the last time we saw them. I saw one of my best childhood friends, Karen Rushton and we caught up after 15 years apart. We enjoyed a day at the King County Fair. We loved every minute of our summer vacation!

The Mullet Revisited

I don't know what it is, but for some reason Benson thinks Mullet's are cool. After a huge battle (that he won) to grow out his hair, he finally wanted to cut it. Shawn tried to give him a Mullet with disastrous results. We let him keep it for a few days, then we insisted on cutting it short. After all the battle, I really did like his hair long, now he doesn't like it and wants to keep it short! Go figure!

The Best Summer Ever! July Kick-Off!

I always knew that I would enjoy living in the Northwest again, but this summer really solidified that for me. The weather is so perfect! We kicked off summer with lots of fun on the Fourth of July weekend. We spent time with friends and family. Benson's best friend Troy from Illinios came for a week and Benson was thrilled!

Updates

For recent updates check out
suzyinafrica.blogspot.com or
goalsforgirls.blogspot.com

I won't be updating this one for awhile as I'm trying to get my Africa pictures up to speed!

My Mom's Last Recital

Brin got to play with her Grandma in her last recital before she retires.

Locks of Love

Today and Brinlee and Peanut cut their hair for Locks of Love. This is Brinlee's
3rd time and Peanut's 1st. Brinlee invited the girls from her school to join her and she ended up with 14 girls! Shawn did the honors and cut Brin's ponies! Way to go B!

Contrast-Same Creator, Different Circumstances-Why One, Not the Other?

Goals for Girls Retreat and Soccer Camp

Last weekend I flew to Utah to join the team I'm taking to Uganda for a retreat and soccer clinic. The cabin was gorgeous, at the base of Sundance and some of the parents catered the food for us! We then held a soccer camp at Timpview HS on Saturday. We had several of the BYU Women's team assist us with the camp. We had about 60 kids come, including two of my former players, and several of my old neighbors. We were also surprised by a local business man from a local insurance company who brought a check for $900. All in all we raised about $2000. The Daily Herald did a nice article and KSL news came down and interviewed the girls. They'll be airing that story on Friday. I leave on Sunday......things are crazy and I'm filled with a lot of anxiety. I am going over 3 days before the group and will be working with teachers and health professionals in my friend David's village. I'll also make a visit to Sanyu Babies home. The preparation for this trip has at time been incredibly taxing. Planning a trip for 24 people going to a 3rd world country is daunting, especially when you haven't ever done it before. Not only that, but the girls are minors! I can't think too hard about this or I get sick to my stomach. I am so grateful for my awesome partner Jackie...........we work so well together. Anyway, here are some pictures!