Bear Lake!

The weekend of May 17th-19th we decided to go to Bear Lake as a family. Nate had a bike race over there and suggested that we make a weekend of it. I have NEVER been to Bear Lake (that I recall.....maybe when I was little) and I was SO excited to go somewhere with my family and make some special memories together.

Bear Lake is relatively close to us....less than 3 hours away. It is absolutely positively GORGEOUS. We stayed in a very nice condo with plenty of room for us all, a nice kitchen included, with a deck of the back that we could step onto and look out over the aqua blue lake. We crammed a ton in as we usually do. Nate did well in the race...getting a nice 7th place finish with 60 some odd riders competing. 

We played on the beach, ate raspberry shakes and burgers, swam in the pool, went over to Logan and took the kids to the park and zoo over there. It was a GREAT weekend. One we will need to make a tradition in our family. I love my people. 

Now we just need a boat. ;)

Graduate

There really is something to be said about setting a goal and then achieving it. This running experience has taught me that I CAN accomplish goals... I'm not too old, too busy, too out of shape, too tired, too slow, or too selfish if I take some time for me. This goal doesn't end here for me either, it is just beginning. :) #couchto5Kgraduate

13 years

Happy Anniversary to us! Nate surprised me and came home early from his trip. He thought he would be gone until Saturday but was able to make it home Thursday night and since Friday was our anniversary it was perfect. He even took the ENTIRE day off so we could spend all day together!

We started out the morning by doing sealings at the IF temple. It was such a great thing to do and a special way to remember our day all those years ago. We went to lunch, did some furniture shopping, took an afternoon NAP, and went to dinner that evening. I love this guy. I am so grateful for him and for this life we have created together. Love you Mr. Starnes!

Tracy Aviary

After spending the day with my friends, Nate came down with the kiddos because he needed to catch a flight to Houston for work. I knew it would be a LONG week without him so I took my time getting back home. We spent Monday in Utah and I took the kids to Tracy Aviary with Ash and the girls. It was so much fun playing a little hooky from school and enjoying the SUMMER like temps down in Utah!

Women's Conference

Seems like every year I write, "Well, I didn't go to conference this year because I have a baby...but I did make time to see my friends!" And this year was no different! My sweet Boise friends went down to BYU for Women's Conference on Thursday and I met up with them to play all day on Friday. We shopped, ate out, stayed up late, talked and talked and talked, and we pampered ourselves. It was a fabulous mini re-charge for me. I always look forward to spending some good time with them. Laughing until your sides hurt always feels so good.

They also smooched on and loved Tyguy to pieces. He was such a little champ being dragged from store to store. Lucky to have such a sweet mellow little guy.

Landon's 7th birthday!

It is SO hard to believe that my little Landon is 7 now! He wanted an all things BASKETBALL birthday party this year! This was easy peasy since I had JUST thrown an end of season basketball party for Parker a few days previous. He had a few friends come from school and we played basketball, played musical dribbling, had a huge dance party in the front room to Jock Jams. It was fun. Landon was on cloud 9.

We surprised Landon with a a nice NEW bike! Now all of the Starnes boys ride on Specialized bikes! Landon wanted one that he could ride on the dirt hills right next to our house. Now he CAN because the weather is getting so nice!

My Landon Lou,

Happy Birthday big 7 year old! You are so fun, outgoing and kind. You are my all things "helper" whether it be running errands, carrying groceries, helping me bake and cook or watching Anna. You are a great athlete and are currently playing basketball. You score so many points every game that it is hard to keep track! You will be starting baseball in a few weeks and I'm excited to watch you play! You are always up for an adventure. You are not the cleanest kid, and need constant reminding to pick up your room and make your bed. I sure love you big boy!. I am so excited for all of our summer adventures which are just around the corner! I love you to bits!

Love,

Momma

5 months old

My sweetest boy turned 5 months old. He is my number one most favorite baby EVER right now...especially since he figured out how to sleep through the night within the last couple of weeks! Yes!

He is so incredibly sweet and snuggly and oh SO darling. I'll be honest, there are some mornings that I do nothing...absolutely NOTHING except for hug and snuggle this last baby of mine. He just fills such a hole in our family that we never knew existed. His sweet giggles and open mouthed smile makes my heart sing. Anna is finally starting to get a tad jealous of Ty. Its funny that the jealousy hadn't really surfaced until lately. I'm so blessed to be his mom. I'm so happy that he is ours. I LOVE YOU my Tyguy!

Help me out here mom! Tipping here!

An afternoon adventure

A few Sunday's ago, Parker, Landon and I went on a mini hike. There are some huge dirt piles a ways behind our house. I've seen kids go over there with wood and smore stuff. I've seen kids go over there with bb guns and targets. I just wanted to go check it out. 

Sometimes it feels like our house is literally on the edge of the earth. At first I didn't like it. I felt so far away from my neighbors. Now, I am getting really used to it. It makes me want to live on a big piece of land one day. Not having neighbors RIGHT next to you is really, REALLY nice. I'm getting very spoiled. 

 Parker wanted to take a picture of himself "holding" up our house. He's so funny.

Once we got over to the hills I was seeing THESE HUGE footprints everywhere. They aren't quite as big as my hand but close. Either it was a really big dog or maybe a COUGAR. YIKES!!!!

I told the boys they aren't allowed over in the hills alone anytime soon.