Stapleton Reunion 2008

So on the 5th we all headed to Canada for my Grandma Betty's (pictured swimming :D) family reunion. We go every other year to someplace new and it always is a blast! This year we were able to go to Kelowna, BC Canada. First, we flew to Spokane where we rented a mini-van (yippie!) and drove to Kelowna. We went with my mom, brother Dane and his girlfriend Anastasia, plus Jer, Aspen and all 1.5 of me! It was a blast once we finally got going - I think! First we arrived in Spokane and had one bag missing - Aspen's of course and it happened to have all her stuff plus all of our toiletries (my makeup, deodorant, toothbrush, new blowdryer, Jer's new razor!!) they told us don't worry it will be on the next flight - why don't you just wait for it. So we did - needless to say 3 hours later it did not arrive so we said forget it and decided to hit the road to Canada - they assured us they would deliver it to us and be able to get it across customs into Canada - believe it or not 1 1/2 days later it arrived!! YIPPY SKIPPY!! Needless to say Aspen had no clue it was missing and she only had the clothes on her back plus one Wal-Mart outfit to get her through! We had to spend more on deodorant and toothbrushes than we did to get her fixed up for the day! Oh well, I am just greatful the bag finally did arrive!

Once we were there we had a blast, went to the beach, did the race car's (I wished I could have, but they didn't have a 5-point harness that accomodated my ever growing belly!), played cards, Jer golfed, enjoyed the company, learned a few new mixed drinks from my Canadian cousins and just had a blast!! It amazes me how many grandkids and great-grandkids and a few great-great grandkids (I guess only 1.5 were there Aspen and my belly!) you can get to travel to get together like this - I guess it just shows how strong my grandma's family bond is, and how lucky I am to be a part of it.

Aspen and Winnie the Pooh's first airplane ride

Aspen and Charli - too cute together

Jeremy in the race car - he got the fastest time out of all the cousins and won the bet! Yep, this just confirmed his thoughts that he should have been a race car driver!

Aspen and Jer at the beach - it was perfect beach weather 85ish with a slight breeze - much better than the mid 90's I hear Utah had!

Me, Dane, Anastasia and my cousins husband Jarrett

Me and Lori - too bad they live so far away - Aspen and Charli are 2 weeks apart and we all had a blast together!

Aspen and Charli - too cute!!

Poker night at our house - sounds way too familiar!

Dane and Anastasia

Scott and his wife Danielle - yes, we did have a bit of a party and learned how to make a few new drinks - Ceasar or Paralyzer anyone?

Lori and Jarrett - what a blast they are - can't wait to see you guys next summer!

4th of July

So for the 4th we got together with our friends Skip & Michelle, their kids and Max and Ali and their kids - it was a great BBQ. Afterwards we went out and lit fireworks in the road and let the kids go crazy - it was so much fun! The boys went in and played the Wii half the night! It was a great 4th with friends!

Aspen - not so sure if she wants to get wet

Once she figured out how to go down the slip-and-slide, there was no stopping her!!

She loves it!

Aspen and Cole on the slide

I think Zoey was about to freeze to death - right after I took this picture she told me she was cold - she just looks so cute in this swimsuit I couldn't resist!

Summer Fun!

Now that it has finally warmed up Aspen can't get enough of the sun and the water!! This is our SWEET WalMart pool outside on the deck! Yes, we might be rednecks! I could care less since she was happy and there was shade for Big Mama!

We took Aspen to the Lehi Parade (told you we might be rednecks!) It was hotter than blazes so we didn't last the entire time - I felt bad for those that were pulling parade carts!
Aspen and Uncle Danegus as she calls him!
Yes, this is Grandma Betty in the pool with Aspen. She always has climbed in the pool with us kids - all of us remember her doing the exact same thing to us as kids. I'm not sure who was more upset - Aspen for the fact that she was still in her clothes or the adults for the fact that she was wearing white pants! Either way grandma had fun and so did Aspen.


After all the fun ice cream in the pool is a must!!

CAMPING FUN!

This last weekend we decided to take a trip and go camping. It was nice to get a little bit higher in altitude and have a bit cooler air! It was still hot, but you can't beat a camp fire and just eating all day long! (Like I already don't) Jer decided to let Aspen ride her 4-wheeler by herself and ended up chasing her a bit - they both had a blast, now we just have to keep the key hidden so she doesn't start it while we are at home! All and all a great weekend (once we finally left!) with good company!

TAGGED!

TAGGED
10 years ago I was... Married, living in our first house in American Fork working on putting the yard in, working full time plus! Just living life...

5 years ago I was...Living in our house in Lehi - doing and redoing the yard!

1 year ago I was...Building our house - wondering how crazy we really were, so excited to have our house started.

Yesterday I was...At work by 7:15 worked a long day until 5:15, went and picked up Aspen at Lora's who had been outside playing in the mud! Brought her home let her ride her Dora bike. Had my wonderful husband make dinner after he got home from work because I was pooped after camping and work (I am such a whimp!) Hung out outside and talked with the neighbors while the kids rode bikes until 9:30 (way past Aspen's bed time).

5 favorite snacks...Frozen grapes, Dr. Pepper, Oreo Cookies, Coffee Lovers Only from Coldstone, caramel

5 favorite books...I don't read much these days beyond my People magazine and the other occassional trash one from the store. Dr. Laura's Bad Childhood, Good Life (Jer bought it for me and it has been really good and insightful

5 places to runaway to...Maui, camping, Bear Lake, anywhere but here!

5 bad habits...swearing, especially since Aspen repeats everything! Eating too many sweets, not cooking enough, letting stupid things get to me

5 things I would never wear...overalls (at least not since the 90's), short shorts - never looked good on me, belly shirts

5 pet peeves...kids putting everything in their mouths! when people leave garbage in my car (I know I'm a freak), disorganization in my closet (the freak in me is big!)

5 things I enjoy...Watching Aspen ride her bike, camping, boating, sitting in the sun, spending time with Jer

5 favorite T.V. shows...So you think you can dance, Survivor, CSI, Grey's Annatomy

5 people I would like to meet...Paul Walker, Will Smith, I can't think of anyone else right now!

Now I am tagging ~ Lora, Molly, Becca

Daddy's Day

DAD, YOU ROCK!

I just thought that being it was Father's Day that I should let my sweet hubby know how much I love and appreciate him. He is awesome at putting up with all us girls! That includes the one on the way - he gets me through heartburn and ice cream cravings that are all her!! :D I love that Aspen is so much like her dad, even though it scares the daylights out of me at times. She thinks the world of him and has even figured out out to hit send enough on my phone to call him back if he doesn't answer the first time she calls. We both love him bunches and want him to know that he helps keep the excitement in our lives! So daddy, we love you tooooo much!!

Cowley Family

Here is a little slideshow of Jer's Family - I thought it turned out pretty good considering I did it!