Uncle Jake is home!!!

We are so happy to have our missionary home! Nicole and Nathan missed uncle Jake while he was gone to St. Paul Minnesota for 2 whole years! We were happy to see him 2 weeks early because he broke his foot. Not that breaking his foot is a good thing, but we got to see him sooner than expected. This explains the crutches...

We went out to eat at Jalisco's with family that night. Since he wasn't home for his birthday, we had them give him ice cream and make him wear the sombrero so we could officially sing to him!

fouth of july

This was at the parade in Idaho Falls.

Nicole was very excited to be able to go swimming in Granma Saureys pool! This was her on the way up to Rexburg.

Nicole sat on her Great Grandpa Saureys lap during the firework show.

A great ending to a great day! We found an awesome new spot to watch the fireworks, and it was perfect! Everyone was happy with how well we could see! It turned out great. I took a few pictures so that we could remember. Here's a small glimpse of what we saw here in Idaho Falls.

while we were away...

While Steve and I were away on our cruise in April, Nicole and Nathan stayed with their Grandma and Grandpa Saurey.

Looks like they had lots of fun without us!

nathan lyle

Our little man is growing so fast! He is now saying at least one new word a day! He'll be turning 2 in September! One of his favorite things to do is play outside! He likes to look for bugs and he is very good at jumping on the trampoline! He calls himself "NayNay" and his sister is "NewNew".

He is very good natured easy going. He gets along great with others his age.

He is surely a little ball of energy! He likes to tease people and make people laugh. We also love hearing him laugh. He's known at church for his "thumbs up" that he gives to everyone as he walks down the hall. He loves to help out Mom and Dad and his big sister (although we aren't sure how much longer she's going to be bigger than him). He's catching up to her!

nicole ann

We love our little Nicole!!! She turned 4 last Feb and keeps growing TOO fast! It's amazing to watch her learn new things! She remembers many things and loves to tell stories.

She definately knows how to get what she wants! Especially from Dad!

She loves animals! Her favorite thing to do is go swimming, and she loves spending time with friends! She is a good friend and knows how to make others happy. She makes others laugh and enjoys being center of attention, but she does get shy around those she doesn't know very well.

It was funny when she had her birthday and turned 4, she thought she was going to be "BIG". So she was surprised when she wasn't. She looked worried and said, "but I'm still little..." So now she says, "when I'm 5 I will be BIG." I'm not sure how big she's expecting to be, but we try and tell her that she's grown so much already. I can't believe that my little baby will be 5 next year! Time sure flies.

we love dad!

Dad is a good example becaause he shows us that you can work hard, but take time to play and spend with family as well.

He is a very big part of our happy family! We love spending time with him and Nicole and Nathan sure miss him when he's at work (they aren't the only ones either). He is such a good guy! He just an overall nice, thoughtful, honest, thrustworthy, loyal, hardworking man. WE LOVE HIM!

summertime

We have enjoyed this summer by playing outside quite often! Nicole and Nathan love the outdoors! Whether it's going to a nearby park, swimming, going for a walk, or just jumping on the trampoline in our own backyard, the are all smiles! This is the first year that Nicole played tee ball with a team. We went boating for the first time as a family, and we hope to get some camping time in when Dad has some free time. Family reunions and visits have kept us busy! We're excited to take a trip up to Canada at the end of August to visit family there! We love summertime and are glad that this summer hasn't gotten TOO hot. It has been perfect!

sisters

We sure love having little sisters that love being aunts to our children! We surely couldn't ask for more. Our kids adore Jordyn and Fiona as much as we do! I think I get just as excited to see them as my kids do!

carribbean cruise

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These are a few pictures from our Carribbean Cruise that we took back in April. Steve has amazing luck and his name was drawn at a work party for the grand prize! What a prize! 7 days and Steve's first experience in the ocean! LOVED IT!