Zack's Home!!!!

Time slowed to a crawl while we waited for his plane to land and then for him to appear in the crowd.  Brad spotted him first and as soon as he said, "there he is," Winston took off at a dead run straight for Zack - dodging around the other people and throwing his arms around Zack's legs as soon as he reached him.  Zack bent down, hugged him back and picked him up.  Seeing my oldest hug my youngest was so touching, I couldn't help but cry and offer a prayer of gratitude in my heart for Zack's safe return home.   My sister captured these pictures of that moment and several more.  I'm so grateful she could be there.  I can't even describe how wonderful it is to have Zack home again. 

 

One home - one more to go.  :D

THREE WEEKS, AGAIN!!

It seems like we were here just a few weeks ago - oh wait, we were.  Yes we just have three weeks until Bo comes home and I'm way excited.  It's great to have Zack home and my family will be complete again in just three short weeks.  Woot Woot Woot!  See you soon Bo!

Happy Birthday Zack

This is his 3rd birthday away from home.  He left on his mission just before his birthday and then extended his mission for an extra 3 weeks so he ended up having one birthday in the MTC and two in Japan.  His ward is having a combination birthday/farewell party for him.  He'll be home in a few days and I'm can't wait to see him and hear all about his adventures and experiences.  We sure love you Zack and hope you have a very Happy Birthday!  Travel safely and we'll see you soon.

Growing UP so Fast!

Just before his fourth birthday, Winston asked to have the training wheels removed from his bike.  I agreed figuring we'd humor him and then put them back on after he realized he needed them but he had a surprise for us - he really didn't need them.  He wobbled a little at first but after a couple of tries he just took off and now he's a little pro.  It's so cute and amazing to see our little guy peddling his bike around the neighborhood.  I've had some of our neighbors stop when we've been out and comment on how cute he looks and how fun it is to see him riding around.  Even the older neighbor kids are impressed that he doesn't need training wheels. Way to go Winston - you rock!

Fall Colors

We have the most beautiful mountains where I live.  The fall colors are spectacular right now - like a patchwork quilt.  With the sun out this afternoon, I just had to grab a few photos and try to capture their beauty.  I love our mountains.  Hope you've enjoyed the fall colors where you're at.  Happy Fall!

Pumpkin Cookies! Mmmmm!!

So I thought I'd get in my recipe for the month of October early.  This is a favorite of mine and Bo's - we both LOVE Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and this recipe is delicious.  Plus, the cookies stay soft.  I can almost taste the sweet spiced cakey pumpkin cookie with the chocolate bursts from the chips.  Yummy!  Hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:
1 c. canned pumpkin
1 c. white sugar
½ c. vegetable oil
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. milk
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
1 T. vanilla extract
2 c. semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
½ c. chopped walnuts, optional

In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, oil and egg. Stir baking soda into milk and let dissolve; stir into pumpkin mixture. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by spoonful onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Pool Time for our little Fish - Glub, Glub!

So this one is a catch-up post.  For labor day we took Winston to the pool and he had an absolute blast.  I had fun watching him and capturing these pictures while he played, explored and swam all over the place.   

THREE WEEKS!!!!

Wow, I really can't believe that it's been two years already.  Don't get me wrong, it feels like forever since I last saw my boys but at the same time, it seems like they still have a ways to go.  Maybe it's because the first year seemed to drag by and the second has flown.  Eitherway, Zack will be home three weeks from today.  Did I mention how excited I am to see him again and get a hug?  Yipee!!  :D