Legacies

We are still working on a location for our Mr. Zippy's water vending machine business. We think we are going to place the machine near a bike shop and an Italian restaurant. OSH is located across the street. This location is one of the busiest areas in our town. Jordan is so very excited. We are hoping that the lease goes through and is signed, sealed, and delivered.

This week we had many activities planned for the boys. We were going to the free movies (at a local movie theater), swimming at the local high school pool, and playing at the local aquatic center. Unfortunately, Garrett came down ill. He is still recovering. Hopefully, he will be well for Daddy's company party is Tuesday. Jordan's work puts on quite a party with plenty of free food, drinks, and carnival rides.

Even though Garrett came down ill, we did visit a friend from church. Laura has a pool and a son, Grayson, who always wished he could be an older brother. Grayson loves to play with Garrett because it makes him feel like "the older brother." Garrett had a great time swimming and playing all afternoon. Tara, Laura's daughter, was successful in teaching Garrett to swim around the pool in his life jacket. But, no one could talk Garrett into jumping from the diving board. We even dangled candy as an enticement. I was really surprised Garrett would not jump because Tara offered him a lot of candy. He jumped from the diving board at swimming lessons for a mere sucker. Maybe next time.

We are also leaving for vacation next week. We will be going to Rexburg, Idaho; Bear Lake, Utah; and Boise, Idaho. I know I must be crazy to make such a trip with a 4 year-old and a 5 month-old. I am sure this trip will be an adventure we can laugh at in years to come. We do have a portable DVD player (with plenty of movies), books, coloring books, and a portable V Smile game system (with plenty of games). As long as I have some audio book tapes, we will be there in no time. Stay tuned for next week's posting to see if I am still sane. Speaking of sane, how did our parents take us anywhere on vacation without all of the great electronic gadgets we have today?

Noah really loves baby food. He likes apple sauce best, but he also like sweet potatoes mixed with rice cereal. Our neighbor, Dan, brought us peaches. Noah did not really like them too well. They were either too sweet, or he did not like the consistency.

Noah now has a favorite toy. It is a little red apple with a worm inside. You can see in the picture to the right. Noah has not really shown any particular favoritism to any one item until this week. Garrett had his blankie already picked out within a month of life. Noah doesn't like pacifiers, doesn't have a favorite blanket, and until this week didn't have a favorite toy.

Noah is really an easy going baby. He is also cutting teeth so he is a little cranky, however, he loves to laugh and be a part

of the family. He is a welcome addition, and Garrett cannot wait until Noah is old enough to play with him!

I have been thinking a lot about family this week since we are leaving on a family vacation to visit Jordan's family. I feel very lucky to have known my grandparents as an adult. I know very few people my age that still have all of their grandparents still alive. I had mine around until is was 36 years-old. Many of students do not even have one grandparent still alive.

My grandparents have taught me many great lessons. I remember my Grandmother Gretta taught me my letters by drawing them on my back while we were taking a bus ride to visit my Aunt Carolyn. My Grandmother Virginia has taught me how to be a good cook. My Grandfather Glenn (who is no longer with us), taught me how to work hard and to appreciate your family. My Grandfather George taught me the value of education and lof ove (he cares for my Grandmother Gretta). Above is a picture of Grandmother Virginia with Noah. She was able to visit us in April for my brother's (Jimmy) wedding. I appreciate the sacrifice she made to visit with my family.

So long for now. Keep us in your prayers (for a safe vacation) and wish me luck!

And So Our Days of Our Lives

Although I have been more flexible regarding my list, I still have deadlines nipping at my heals. We are furiously working on loan applications, plot maps, and permits. Our new water vending machine will be here next month. To the left, is a picture of our new machine. Our goal is to pay this one off as soon as possible and buy as many as we can. I can see the top of the mountain leading to the valley of "out of the rat race." If I make it, I will be free at last!


Garrett finished his swimming lessons this week. The motto of this session has been bravery. My son has learned that bravery means doing something even if it is "scary." Many of the skills Garrett has learned this session has been scary to him. To his credit, he learned to do them anyway. He blew bubbles, put his entire head underwater, floated on his back, jumped into the deep end of the "kiddie pool," kicked his feet, and floated on his back and kicked his feet when rolled onto to his stomach. At the end of the week, he even jumped off of the diving board into the really deep water (his teacher caught him). To the right is evidence of his brave accomplishment.



Noah has learned to do many things this week including eating baby food. He really likes fruit especially apples. Our neighbor, Dan, brought over some apricots. Noah liked them as well. We have quite a garden. Even though many of our trees are newly planted, our peach and nectarine trees are burdened with fruit. Hopefully, Noah will like peaches and nectarines as well. Since I have been home this summer, he is really become a "momma's boy." He loves to be held, sung to, and rocked. But sometimes he cannot make up his mind if he wants to nurse or drink a bottle.

I must go as it is late, and I still need to finish dishes. I really like creating blogs. However, I wish I could put everything into a table format. It would make inserting pictures so much easier. If anyone has any suggestions, please leave a comment. Even if you just read our blog, please leave a comment. It is nice to know that someone else reads my blog besides me!