Snapshots from the cabin...

Our family loves going up to the property in Idaho.  It is only an hour in a half away, but once you get there, you feel removed from the stresses and pressures of home. 

 

For the past few years, my greatest desire for the property was getting a hammock.  Laying under the trees with a book sounded like heaven.  Something about the cabin makes one oh so sleepy. 

 

On one of our first trips to Idaho, we came across this inexpensive hammock.  It was perfect for testing my theory of proper cabin relaxation.

 

 

I was right.  It was heaven. Sometimes.... I even share. :)

 

Here are few random pics of Collin.  Lex is always cornering Collin for fashion blog pictures.  This time it was Lex who was behind the lens. 

 

I also found this pic on the camera.  One of Lexie's favorite memories of the cabin is sitting around with Grandma Dopp and painting or working on some sort of craft or art project.  For a few years this sat on our table in our trailer.  Now I think it has found a more permanent home by the cabin.  We are so lucky to have our own private Garden of Eden.  Hopefully our early spring will last.  We can't wait to get back up to Idaho and open the place up for 2014.  Bring on summer!

Collin's 10th Birthday

In June, Collin turned TEN!

His latest interest is WWE.  He was a little broken hearted when I spilled the beans about the wrestling being fake.  I felt bad.  I totally thought Ryan explained all of that to him.  Ryan couldn't believe I told him the real deal.  Now, when they watch it together, they say, "Look... this part is real."

I hate that he loves watching it, but I'm glad he and Ryan have bonded over the hobby.  This month they actually have tickets to see it live in SLC next month.  I guess it is like Downton Abbey for Ryan.  He cringes when he sees it or hears about it.  Wrestling is the same for me.

 

 

 

 

These guys are two peas in a pod.  I love to see them together.

 

 

We try and do friend parties on "even" year birthdays.  Collin couldn't decide what to do for his party. He felt like he has "been there - done that".   He finally decided on the new Superman movie that was being released.  So, with our birthday budget, he invited just a few of his best little school buddies over for pizza and then the movie at Farmington Station.  He and Kobe share a birthday so that always make June 15th extra fun.  The movie was a little long, but I think the boys liked it.  They all really liked the wrestling toys from Dad. :) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know I'm his mom, but.... what a cutie!

 

Even though it was a small birthday, Collin had a great day.  Our sweet boy is growing up.  I'm proud of the young man he is becoming.  He is unique and I remind myself that each child is different - in a good way.  I love that I get to discover the identities of my children, the ways I can reach them and teach them, and the things in life that will bring them closer to me, our family, and the gospel.

 

We love you Collin - Bo - Bollin.  Thanks for making our lives so fun and entertaining.

2013 This is the Place...

Last summer we finally made it to This is the Place State Park, by Hogle Zoo.  I've wanted to take the kids ever since they were little, but.... I'm kinda cheap and that place is a bit pricey when you have a big family.  So.... I waited for the free day.  They have a few each year AND we were even given a ticket for free ice cream.  It is hard to beat FREE!

 

Even though summer around here is pretty dang warm, we braved the dust and heat and found our way to the park.  The kids liked the old houses, petting zoo, the old school house, tee-pee, pioneer towns, and mercantile.  Can I just say once again, I'm so thankful I wasn't a pioneer.  Yes, I know... they didn't have things like pornography, illicit and easy to find drugs, as many social pressures, etc.  But.... they also didn't have great medication and simple things like microwaves and lotion.  I'm thankful I'm a 1973 girl.  Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he sent me to earth at this particular time. :)

 

 

Love this boy.  He is challenged.  For him, every day life is a dichotomy.  He wants to go on outings, but they are challenging.  Outings include lots of people, lots of walking, heat, having to endure siblings for an extended length of time, and so much more.  Life would be easier if we didn't have to do anything and we stayed in pajamas all day.  Some days, I totally agree with him. 

 

 

This picture is so great.  Look how patient he is letting "sister" (love that nick name) kiss him.  This was a good day.  On other days, that would elicit a HUGE ole melt down.

I love all my kids.  Each one is unique.  While the family adapts and finds ways to make peace with Jackson and his constant need for accommodation, they each should be recognized for what they bring to our family.  Alexis is our fashionista with an old soul and caring heart.  While she lives for social opportunities and events, she also values our family and the relationships we're building each day.  I love that some days she'll choose hanging out with me over friends.  How many 15 year old girls will do that? :)

 

Collin is our gentle soul.  While he loves to tease and be a times, a pestering brother to Izzy, he also is sensitive, quiet, and introspective.  He LOVES hanging with his dad, listening to adult conversations, and watching out for our family members.  I can always count on Collin to be helpful, polite, and thoughtful.  Even though he hates to clean his room, we always know that he loves us and would rather spend time with us than friends.

 

Izzy Busy..... what a cherubic end to our family.  My heart hurts for this little one.  She will never have little siblings to hold, but she'll be blessed in other ways.  The other kids are a little jealous of the opportunities she'll have in life because of her placement.  They already talk about their childhood vs hers. :)  Even though she is the first one to give hugs, she also inherited Lexie's swag and sass.  She may be little, but we already know she is mighty.

 

 



 

We have fun adventures.  The only sad part.... dad is at work.  We're grateful that his efforts make our lives possible!  We love ya, Dad!

My Drunken Kids....

We (the kids) seem to take a lot of pictures.  These are just a few of the beauties I found on the camera when I downloaded pictures.  That's a root beer bottle folks.  Imagine what kind a pictures I would find if it were the real thing. :)

2013 Last Day of School

When the last day of school hits, it is always astonishing to look back and see how quickly the year has passed.  The 2012-13 school year was no exception.  Here is a peek back at the kids on the last day of school.

Izzy and Collin had grown so much.  They would both beg to differ.  Most likely they will always be one of the smallest in their classes.  I often tell them being small is not always a bad thing.  After all, you usually get to sit on the front row on picture day.  That is a perk. :)  Then, when you are looking back at your class pictures ages from now, you'll be easy to spot. :) 

Izzy finished 1st grade, Collin finished 3rd.  Yes, Izzy's shorts are kinda short.  It was the last day.  What are they going to do, send her home.  Some days it is all about what clothes are clean.  Ya know? :)  I'm not sure why Col chose jeans.  Boy how things change.  Last year he wouldn't wear shorts.  This year I have to remind him it is snowing and that shorts aren't appropriate. :)  I sure love that boy.

 

 

 

 

This was a big day for Jackson.  He finished 6th grade and completed his time at Sam Morgan Elementary.  It was a bitter sweet.  Even though we are so grateful for his progress and success, we knew the end of elementary would bring a whole new element of challenges to his life.  Junior High can be brutal for any kid.  Add in disabilities, curriculum, anxiety, locker combinations, A / B Day schedules, gym, insane lunch rooms, etc., and you have one nervous mama.

 

 

After getting all the kids out the door and on the bus, I headed down to the Jr. High to watch Lexie.  It was her last day of 9th grade and her last day as a Fairfield Cheerleader.  The squad was performing in the final assembly and I didn't want to miss it.  They did a great job on their dance and their stunting.  The squad endured several challenges during the year.  As I watched them perform together this final time, I couldn't help but feel proud of them.  When they started, they were such a young, fresh team.  Many of the girls had never stunted before.  The final assemble was so fun to watch.  I hope the girls were proud of themselves for coming together to form a strong team.

 

 

 

Ryan picked up a little treat for the kids and left it for them on the dining table.  It was a fun surprise for them to find when they came home.  Ryan is a great dad.  He is always looking for ways to surprise and connect with the kids.  We are so lucky.

 

After stopping at the Jr. High, I headed back to the elementary for Jackson's 6th grade graduation program.  Ryan was already there as we had to divide and conquer to be able to hit all the kids' programs.  He recorded the first part of Jackson's program for me so I wouldn't miss a thing.

 

 

Jackson receiving his diploma from the principal and his teacher.

 

 

 

Jackson's teacher, Mrs. Chesley.

 

 

 

After his program, Ryan and I took J to our favorite local frozen yogurt shop to celebrate.  See that smile?  Those are kinda rare so when you see one, you know it is the real deal.  We are so proud of him for completing this milestone in his life.  Even though he has many challenges, he works hard every day to keep all the balls in the air and function as best he can.  Way to go.  You will always be our little J-Bird.

 

 

After frozen yogurt, it was back to the Jr. High to pick up Lex and her friends.  The school descended upon K-town fast food establishments and eateries.  It was fun to drive her crew around and see all her friends one more time.  Sophomore year was going to bring big changes for these kids.  Sadly, they would be split between two local high schools.  Even though they are great friends now, life happens, and some of those friendships will fade.  As they exited the car one last time, they waved and said, "Thanks for the ride, Mama Dopp! (their fav nick name for me and my big, white Denali)".  I hope the kids' paths will continue to cross.  They all have such bright futures ahead of them.

 

Next up.... SUMMER!