Happy 11th Birthday Tyler

WARNING LOTS OF PICTURES
These pictures were taken by my 2 year old niece, Raiyah. She actually took 167 but I went through them so. Some were of grass and trees and sidewalks, with the occasional wall and chair. But it made me stop and think how the little things are great in my life. She did a great job and even ran out the battery but no one could have captured the party better than she did. Love you Raiyah!!!!!

Tyler was born on August 9Th 1998 in Ogden Utah at McKay Dee Hospital (the old one) he was born on a Sunday at 4:28pm. He weighted 7lbs 5oz. He has blessed our life with so much joy since that day. Tyler starts Middle School next week and is so excited and a bit nervous. He recently earned his arrow of light (the highest rank in Cub Scouts) and loves video games. He is his mom's cuddle although he will never admit to that. He loves the Denver Broncos and wishes to see a game in person one day. Happy Birthday Tyler. We love you.

My brothers, Mike and Ryan Babinsky.

My brother Weston and niece Kaitlyn

Here are Raiyah's feet. Do you have a picture of your feet at 2 years old?

This is Raiyah's brother Malakai. He is so cute and fun.

My mom Elaine and Step Father Roger Hare.

It wouldn't be a party if we didn't have some friendly competition of Volleyball going on. I am sure the whole neighborhood heard us.

This is Raiyah's mom Heather, with baby brother.

My niece Brooklyn.

We had PINK cupcakes and PINK candles. It's a inside family joke about the PINK. My brother Ryan always gave my boys girl stuff when they were younger and wrapped it in pink or purple. My boys now except it on their birthdays. Don't worry they always get him back on his. He even got a barbie doll once.

It was a great party and we wanted to thank everyone who came and wished Tyler well.

Swimming Lessons

This summer was so crazy this year, but we were able to throw in 2 weeks of swimming lessons. My boys can swim but I wanted them to fill confident in the water. Tyler did well and improved a lot. Tanner was able to pass on to the next level. Way to go boys. With school starting next week I am so glad they go to play around for a little bit before going back. Here is Tyler doing the backstroke, Chicken-airplane-solider, is how he told me the movements go. Whatever helps you remember!

Tyler's class, him with his hands up. Sorry the pics are not closer, they would not let the parents near the pool. Which is great so we don't interfere with the teaching going on.

Tanner and his class, learning the dolphin kick.

The boys said they had a good time and we plan on continuing on in the lessons. Who knows maybe they are built for swimming.

Camping Vacation (Fishing)

While on our camping vacation at Hoop Lake we camped near a stream. It was a fun stream for everyone. It had small fish in it. You could just set you hook down in the water and wait a minute, if that long, and you would have a fish. It was fun to watch everyone fish. The only bad part was the bugs loved it there also. But if you could stand them it was worth it. This is Tanner's fish. He caught a few this day and the next. He said he liked fishing the stream better than the lake. I think it's cause he didn't catch any at the lake.

Tyler holding up his catch. We did keep many of them, just the ones that swallowed the hook. Wayne's brother Terry cooked them up on the grill and they were delicious.

On our way to the second reunion we passed Flaming Gorge. It was pretty there. Such a nice place to go and visit.

Check out Wayne's brother, Brent's, big catch. We had a good laugh about this little guy.

Here is Uncle Terry, he about went in the river. It's not deep but very rocky and we are far from a hospital. All in all a great trip and fun for everyone. Now it's back to life and the craziness it brings.

Camping Vacation (4-Wheeling)

Our family vacation this year consisted of 10 days of camping at Hoop Lake and Currant Creek. I love to camp but 10 days seemed to be a little much for me. I was so ready to come home and sleep in my own bed and get some clean clothes on. We all had a blast though. We 4-wheeled and fished and most importantly ate real well. We went with Wayne's family the first week then ended up with his extended family at a reunion the last part. There was lots to do but sometimes you just wanted to sit and enjoy the fact that there was no phones, TVs or computers. It was nice a cool and quite. It was nice to all get together with family and enjoy one another company. This is my sister-in-law Shanna climbing a rock on her 4-wheeler.

My nieces Ariel and Brighton with Tanner-showing me how dirty it can git camping if you just let the kids play.

Tyler had a great time 4-wheeling. I couldn't help but think back to my childhood growing up on 4-wheelers. I was about his age when I learned to drive. It was fun teaching him and I think he love having all the control of the machine. Wayne would not let him drive his just the little 250 but Tyler was thrilled with that.

This seemed to be the only picture of me and of course I am dirty. We went on a long ride and I followed to close behind cause I ate too much dust.

Grandma Nielsen- Ready to Roll on her Ride

This is what Wayne was packing. A 357 he said it was for bears, we never saw any. I think it was for cows he seemed to be afraid of them the most.

This is my niece Brooklyn she is giving me the peace sign right before a trail ride.

My nephew Dominic on his little sisters 110cc. It is such a cute little bike.

Brighton and Ariel with their matching helmets on. They are great little riders. Always ready to go.

Wayne and Tanner on Wayne's new 4-wheeler he got for his birthday. He really loves this bike because it does not give him back aches like our 250cc. He never traded me bikes so my back hurt just a little. I didn't mind cause mine had gears and I like to shift going up and down hills.

Here is Tanner on the 110cc.

All the kids at camp posing on my bike. It's old but the same size I grew up on so it works for me. It is also perfect for the kids to ride.

This was a fun trip, I think the kids had so much fun hanging out together can't wait til next year when we can do it again. I just don't think it will be for 10 days though.

Arrow Of Light

Tyler and Craig- Good friends.

Everyone clapping for Tyler- he is really happy I promise!

Tyler getting all of his awards.

The Arrow of Light- which is the highest rank you can earn as a cub scout was presented to Tyler on July 22, 2009. He earned it, with a little help from his mother, by working real hard and accomplishing many tasks. His father and I told him many times how proud we are of him and all that he has done. He also earned his Webelo badge, religious knot and compass with arrow points.

He earned it with a good friend of his, Craig Jessop. When in school these two are joined at the hip. They even look like each other with a big freckle on opposite cheeks on their faces. His scout leaders are Norman Hansen (pictured above) and Kasey King( who loves to tease him). Now he moves on to Boy Scouts and I wash my hands of scouts and told Wayne it's his turn. Wayne just got a new calling to be the 11 year old scout leader. Because I am the primary president I may had a little something to do with his new calling. But anyway he will work with the boys to help them now earn their Eagle, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. But for now GOOD JOB Tyler we are so proud.

Oquirrh Mountain Open House

On July 17, 2009 we received an opportunity to take our family to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. We thought it was a great way to teach the boys about the temple and show them the special rooms in the temple. It was quite a drive for us to get there but well worth it. When we came around the corner it sat up on a hill and it was beautiful.

We asked the boys what their favorite part of the temple was when we were done. Tanner said the Celestial room, which had a beautiful chandelier. Tyler said the baptismal font carried by the 12 oxen. But he also said the cookies they served afterwards. Of course cause he loves SUGAR.

Look how cute the boys are. I love it so much when the get along. Do you wonder what I had to promise them to get them to hug each other?

It was a great day and I really enjoyed sharing it with my family.

Happy 4th of July

We had a great 4Th of July Week. We always love to attend the fireworks that USU puts on in Logan. It is a huge display and is set to music. This year we just watched from our car up in River Heights and drove home in 5 minutes. Usually we watch in North Logan and get home in 45 minutes. I think we found our new favorite way to watch them. The next day we went to West Point to visit our friends the Bingham's at their city fair. It was Karsyn's birthday the day before and we missed it so we wanted to see her. At the fair they had a huge snake, it gave me the willies just looking at it. They had a tractor display so I told the boys to pick their favorites and I would take a picture. That is when I found out my battery was dead and I only got I picture of Tanner. We later went to a BBQ and swimming. All in all a great day filled with tons of fun and family time.