I love to see the temple...

They are building a temple in Gilbert, AZ and our Stake Presidency challenged each family to go to the temple site and take a family picture before the ground breaking. It's so pretty because it's just a huge grass field right now. Well, rumors had been stirring that the groundbreaking would be in early November, so as much as I hate taking pictures while I am pregnant, I knew this was going to have to be the exception. It was a little sunny and windy, and until I stepped out on the field we didn't realize how muddy it was either. :-) But we're so glad we went and we cannot wait to have a temple so close to us. What a wonderful blessing that will be!

Gilbert, Arizona temple site

I decided to take a little bit of the soil home with me to remember the day. :-)

Rain, Ward Campout, More Rain

The sun was shining, Tyler took a half day at work, Grandpa Jones picked us up in the 'burb', and off we headed to Payson for our Annual Cornerstone Ward Campout. Weather forcast: Scattered T-storms. For some reason we thought they would scatter around us and we would be fine. Boy were we wrong! Anyone looking for a new tent? I HIGHLY recommend ours! It stood thru rain, hail, rain, rain, and more rain. Every time we thought it was finally stopping a new wave of drops came. While rushing rivers evolved on each side of our tent, Tyler and his dad dug ditches with a sledge hammer to guide the puddles to the rivers and away from our tent. After being stuck in the tent for a couple of hours the kids started to get hungry, but there was only one problem... we had brought hot dogs to grill over the fire. But how do you have a fire in POURING rain? Fortunately, Tyler had brought our little camp stove and so while Dad held the umbrella, Tyler grilled hot dogs over the camping stove, all in the POURING rain. (and I was so bummed because the camera was in the car so I couldn't take a picture of them) But just try to picture it and it will make you smile. :-) The next day it sprinkled a little in the morning and then the sun finally came out, and everywhere you walked there was MUD. I wish I would have taken pictures of some of the kids covered in mud. :-) The kids were in heaven and all of us parents were just laughing and reminding ourselves that "dirt don't hurt".

Our little camper. I love that our kids love to go camping!

We arrived to the campsite just in time to put our tent up, unload the sleeping bags, and then the rain began.

The clouds coming in.

Next day cleanup.

The guys cooking breakfast:

Bro. Yarbrough, Pres. Merrill, & Dad

Cooper and Ella playing in the mud.

Friendly Visitor

Just when I thought having a dog, frogs, and a fish were enough, this little guy comes into the picture...

Cooper found him/her in Addi's room.

Can you see his insides? Pretty cool!

But he only visited for a couple of minutes until we finally convinced Cooper that he would be dead by morning if we kept him in the jar. Plus, we told him wouldn't it be fun to try to catch him again tomorrow? :-) He didn't fall for that one. But I'm glad he was okay letting it go. I don't do well with dead animals (especially while being pregnant).

Called To Serve

We waved goodbye to Wes early this morning as he headed thru security to catch his flight to the Missionary Training Center in SLC, Utah.

His final destination: Barcelona, SPAIN

We are going to miss his laugh, smile, jokes, tank tops, short shorts, and fashion, but the people of Spain will be blessed to have him. He is going to be an amazing missionary!

The Jones Fam (minus me and Cooper...Cooper doesn't like taking group pictures, and I don't pose in pictures when I'm pregnant and only had 10 min. to get ready - sorry.)

The bro's

Grandma, Aunt, & Addi

See you in 2 years Wes!!!

First Day of School 2010

Where did the summer go? AND When did my babies grow up?

Cooper started 1st grade today. His teacher is Ms. Liddy and he was excited to find out that he has a lot of his friends from last year in his class. The house was very quiet today and I couldn't help but wonder what he was doing all day. I can't believe he's old enough to be at school all day!

Ella started preschool today. She went back to Ms. Kim for another year of fun! And all morning all she could talk about was how excited she was to see her "boyfriend" Kaid. :-) Should we be worried? :-)

And so that just leaves Mom & this little cutie-pie.

29 Going on 60

Tyler turned the big 2-9 (only 1 year away from 30 - yikes!) and he says he's starting to feel old. :-) Well, I think he is even MORE good looking and fabulous at 29 as he was at 21 when I met him! And he is the perfect Dad and Husband!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Addison's new favorite: "Cake and Ice Cream Mom, Yeah!"

"...29 years older and wiser too!"

Pre-Birthday Party @ the Jones':

The brothers + Cooper

"I love cake!"

Fathers & Sons (plus some daughters)

Tyler and Cooper missed our ward's Father's & Sons campout because Cody and Caitlin got married the same weekend. So Tyler promised Cooper he would take him camping before school started. But you can't take one child camping and not expect the rest to not want to come along for the fun, right!? Tyler made plans with a buddy of his from ASU, graciously agreed to take the girls along too, and loaded up the car to head towards Payson. All-in-all it was a successful trip...only 2 vomits, a couple of owies, 1 poopy pants, a rain storm, and girls refusing to use the outhouse. :-)

The kids

Can you figure out what Ella is hiding in her shirt? :-)

She can hang with the boys, but she is all girl!

Tim showing how skipping rocks is really done. Cooper said he was really good at it! :-)

Queen of the hill

Cute Addi