Piano

I can almost scratch one of my things off my "Bucket List". I have been searching for several months for a piano. I finally found one that I liked and could afford. The only thing left... is to learn how to play. :) Which if you know me at all... you KNOW that I'm not musically inclined. Wish me luck!!!

I got it on Craig's List for $300. I thought it was a great deal.

Sadie Rae Hilton

The girls could not wait to pick up Sadie on their way back home on July 5Th. Here's a picture of the three cute Hilton girls. Yep, Sadie is now enjoying life with the Hilton's. Isn't she just the cutest???

And the girls couldn't be more thrilled or happier.

Home to I-D-A-H-O

Last week was my annual trip home to see the family. I love being home... we have so much fun together! My time always seems to slip away, way too fast. I then struggle with leaving and coming back to reality in AZ. I often wonder what I would do if I didn't have a mortgage and other obligations. Sometimes being an adult really.... BITES!!!!

Idaho Trip 2009

The fun started with a quick road trip (less than a mile) to Grandpa Boyle's (Kristen's dad). This is Riley's first year that he will be in 4H. He was really excited to have everyone go over and watch him walk his sheep and see his pig. You gotta love life on a farm. I definitely haven't missed the SMELLS. :)

I think Riley should name this one "Billy"

and this one "Wilbur"

I can't believe Riley is NOW old enough to be involved in 4H. It's a wonderful program! He will learn so much. Riley did a good job for his 1st time walking his lamb. It can be a little intimidating and challenging working with animals. I must say that his lamb was a much better "participate" after Jon got a hold of it. :)

We always have yummy food. My little sis (Mindy) brought this delicious cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes to celebrate Jan's & Jon's birthdays. It was sooo good! My next birthday... I'm getting me one! I found out that we have a store in Scottsdale. Yippee!!!!

Jon does an excellent job grilling. We enjoyed steaks a few times.

Aunt Joann and mom even fixed us grandma's chicken. Jon was a wonderful assistant. :) It was very tasty.

My sister, Jan, always has some fun project (craft/game) for the kids to do. This year it involved the adults as well. I was all excited... It involved eating Jelly Beans... How hard could it be????

The game is called Bean Boozled. You taste two identical kinds of Jelly Beans. One is a normal flavor (like peach) and one is a nasty flavor (like vomit). It's the luck of the draw. You have a 50/50 chance of getting a normal tasting or a nasty tasting one. Once you put it in your mouth... you can't spit them out. It only takes a second to see who got the bad ones. Some of the other nasty flavors were: buggers, skunk, moldy cheese, black pepper & toothpaste. There were many more flavors but I've blocked them out. :)

Being out of the loop not having children... has some disadvantages. Who comes up with these ideas for games????? Let me just say it was the most disgusting game I have EVER played!!! BUT the kids thought it was great. They had SOOOO MUCH Fun. Next time someone wants me to play... I will be so much wiser and have to pass.

I was thrilled that I made it in time to watch Riley's and Carson's last Baseball games. I always miss the sports. It so fun to watch them.

Riley's games

Carson's Game

I wanted to take pictures of all the kids. It's amazing how fast they grow up. It makes me sad being away from home... I feel bad that I'm not as involved as I would like to be. After all, I want to be their FAVORITE AUNT. :) I am blessed to be able to go home and for them to come visit me. Maybe this makes our time a little more special. Anyway, I thought my pictures turned out pretty good. They each got to pick a 4Th of July shirt. (It had to be either red, white or blue) Enjoy....

More Fun... in Idaho

I couldn't help myself. My nieces and nephews are so dang cute that I took a "few" more pictures around the farm. Here's a few of my favorites. I was a little sad that we didn't make it up to our ranch. We just ran out of time. I was hoping for some fish. Maybe next time... unless my sweet little brother lets ALL his friends go up. :)

One of the nights we went to Riot Zone. It's a fun little park with bumper boats, race cars, and some other fun rides in Rigby. It was hilarious to watch the kids. I think their favorite ride was the race cars. We did have a little drama... Carson had a hard time with the ride. You could tell that he really wanted to go but was a little concerned/scared. After watching his little brother McKay(who is four) and the adults praising his abilities to drive the 4wheeler... he decided he would try. After his 1st try he was hooked and we couldn't get him off of them.

McKay was the funniest to watch. He almost didn't qualify to drive. He barley made the height. He was determined... He Could DO It!!! After the first lap of running into the curbing (I should say-- CRASHING) he got the hang of it and did a great job!!! I was impressed.



Hallie and Riley were the Rock Climbers. I was amazed... you would blink and Hallie would be to the top. She was awesome!

Poor Wyatt was not having as much fun... Until he found the water. We couldn't keep him out of it. In the middle of the bouncers there was a mister to help keep the kids cool. Wyatt loved standing right under it.

The kids really had a great time. The were sad when they had to leave. Here's a few extra random pictures.



And then it was time for the Knudsen's to leave. Don't ask me why I didn't get any pictures of them... I'm a major slacker! After the Knudsen's left it was then the Hilton's turn to leave. The girls were a little sad but excited to be on their way to pick up Sadie (their new puppy). I think Brad was glad they were leaving. He didn't have any more room in the truck.

Aunt Jan with the kids

I found when I was home a few things had changed. The major one: My parents no longer go to the same church building. Who knew that Iona would ever be big enough to need another building. To be honest, I was really bummed about it. I love going and seeing all the "regulars" when I'm home. I like the small town appeal... where everyone knows you.

The new building is beautiful. I still saw a few people... but it didn't feel like home. I guess change is inevitable...but I DON'T have to like it. :)

I did get to go to one of my favorites places of all time. If you want some good food then Chiz's in St. Anthony is the place to go. It's this little dive that I love!

I took Jon and his family... the parents didn't go. But me being the nice daughter that I am, brought some food back for them. I did score points for that. :) I love the shrimp. Last time I was home, I had heard that they were going to close. I was so sad. Hopefully they stay in business forever.

On the 4Th we celebrated with the Iona Loin's Breakfast. It was delicious. I went to Stacie's for a barbecue. I had so much fun seeing all her family. Later we had family fireworks at the Doman's. I didn't want to go to the river and fight the crowd. The next morning I left to come back to AZ. I had a good trip and was very happy to touch base with a few of my friends. The only thing that could have been better... was more time. :)

They name her "LUCKY"

If you can't tell by Carson's face... He couldn't be happier. Out of all my brother's boys, Carson has been the most excited to be getting a dog. I don't know how long he has been asking for one. Don't misunderstand... the other boys are excited. BUT Carson has a "thing" for animals. I'm not sure how to explain it other than he truly loves and cares for them. I call it a gift. I'm sure if you asked him who's dog it is... He would tell you "HIS". :)

I think her name fits her.... I think it's how the boys feel about her.

They are "LUCKY" to have her!

Puppy... Puppies???

These will be the newest little additions to our family. Can you believe that Sophie will no longer be the only 4-legged barking grandchild? Not certain how she will feel about that... I have a feeling it won't go over well. :) She has been so spoiled thanks to my siblings and their kids. I can't tell who is more excited for the new puppies... my nieces and nephews or my sister and brother.

Introducing...

SADIE RAE HILTON (aka "Sara")

This is the sweet little baby girl that will shortly be joining my sister's family. Like Sophie, SADIE is a Black and Silver Miniature Schnauzer. Sadie is only 2wks old in this picture. I loved that they are naming her after their Grandma Cheryl. They will be bringing her home July 5Th... And the girls are COUNTING the days! :)
www.ludwigsminischnauzers.com/

???? JUDY

This is the Judy's little girl. Finally another girl in the family. j/k :) They haven't named her yet.... or maybe I'm still on the "BAD LIST" and they are not telling me. Not sure if they have forgiven me for the baby slip yet. :) Yes- I did say baby slip... Jon and Kristen are going to have another baby boy.

You can already tell that she is going to fit right in with the all the boys... she loves the outdoors! She is an Aussie. You can go to this website and see more pictures of her. http://www.hillmanaussies.com/

The Newest San Diego Charger Fan

Cole Joseph Anderson

Born: May 13, 2009 at 12:03 AM

6 pounds 15 ounces- 20 inches long

I couldn't be more thrilled for my cousin, Jon. He and his wife, April, welcomed this beautiful baby boy into their home. I know that they will be wonderful parents! I loved these pictures of Jon holding Cole. I feel really bad that I didn't get any pictures with April... I'll get a few next time I go over. :)

It was so fun to go over last night and meet Cole for the 1st time. I even got to hold him. :) I always seem to forget how tiny they are. Talk about a sweet little handsome guy.