Life Changes

Well, this is definitely a life change...Sarah posting on the blog instead of Zak. Something new and different. There have actually been quite a few life changes going on in our family this last week and a half. Many of you are already aware of the fact that Zak's dad died very unexpectedly last Thursday. We are thankful for all the prayers and support as our family navigates this life change. Jacob and Hannah have great memories with Grandpa, and I already catch them reminiscing about things they remember or discussing things they will miss. The kids have experienced quite a bit of loss in their short little lives and it is interesting for me to watch how their grief process has developed and changed (not really something you want your kids to have to get good at...I'm realizing that is developing certain characteristic in them that I didn't have at their age. I start to wonder what God is preparing them for) I am so thankful for family and faith as we go through this life. We were very blessed to be able to be back in Minnesota for a few days, completely surrounded with God's love and care, and the love and care of our family. Once Zak gets home, we'll have to post some of our pictures from our time there.

Another life change that has taken place this week is the beginning of "All Day School" for BOTH the kids. Since the week has been a bit chaotic, it is a little hard to tell what this is exactly like. I'm teacher aiding in Hannah's classroom part of the day. That has been fun and neat to see how she interacts in her classroom and with her teacher. Jacob seems to be really enjoying being at school all day and the things he gets to do this year. I am excited for this school year and what it holds!

I'm at a loss for anything else to fill you in on right now. I don't have the same knack for writing as Zak, but now you a few details about our life recently.

Actual Conversation

So, on Friday evening we did some back to school shopping, right now thankful for only two children. During the course of events Sarah ran into "Staples" while the kids and I waited in the car, the following is actual dialogue:

Jacob: Dad, what are midgets?

Dad: Midgets are people, just very little.

Jacob: Were they born like us?

Dad: Yes, they were born like us, they just don't grow like us.

Hannah: I want to be a midget

Dad: What? Why?

Hannah: Because midgets don't die.

Dad: what's so bad about dying, you'll be in Heaven.

Hannah: I don't like being...(dramatic pause) dead.

Jacob, Hannah, Dad: Roaring Laughter!!

Winding down the summer

2008 Carnival



Sarah is brimming with creative energy and put together a couple great events over the past two weekends. We invited over the neighborhood kids and friends for classic carnival, cake walk and hot dog vendor included!















2008 Drive-in Night
Then the drive - in, which started showing at Dusk...most of the kids made it until movie ended at 11:15pm!! Some of the adults were distracted by Phelps winning his 8th gold medal about 1/2 way thru the movie, we chose not to provide photography of this, as you can see.

Sun Valley 2008

Ahhh...Central Idaho, Sun Valley to be exact. This is one of our favorite summer haunts. With the European Village feel, nestled in the sawtooths, amazing views, incredible hiking, and great times with our family and friends. Thanks to the Pasleys (our friends from Burley) who are gracious and terrific hosts. These are photos from our trip there this year in June.







Here we have a couple of our own Swans! If you ever get a chance ask Jacob about his experience with the swans at Sun Valley!
Each year we have a great opportunity to get dressed up and have amazing dinners, here Hannah poses all dolled up.

What exactly is a soft opening?

I suppose this is a soft opening, eh? Welcome everyone, ourselves included, to our own little corner of cyberspace. The rent is reasonable, and the view is decent. What we have here is an opportunity to communicate. Idaho Falls has so many treasures to offer, that we feel publishing them here is only commonsense! Mostly we think our kids are amazing and need media exposure at this critical point in their careers. At this point, it is necessary to give a shout out to those who have blazed the trail on the internet, showing us the way to stay digitally connected...we salute you. Sarah is wondering how much of my humor will actually come through on this platform, we'll leave that debate to the pundits.
All in all it's been a great summer here in the high desert. The following are some great examples of what might make a great made-for-TV movie!