Benson's Birthday

 Benson turned 2 yesterday.  We invited a couple families over on Saturday to help us celebrate it.  Benson's favorite part was when everyone started singing to him.  He was smiling from ear to ear.  It was the part of the party when he finally realized that the day was all about him.

Reagan's First Day

Today is Reagan's first day of school.  Is was very excited this morning.  He couldn't stop smiling.  He tried to convince us to let him go last night but we told him it wasn't time yet.  He kept asking us if it was tomorrow yet.  When Abe tucked the boys in bed last night Reagan said "Daddy I'm sooooo excited."  He can't wait to make 22 new friends.

Here is a picture I took before he got in the car.

 Last Thursday was meet the teacher at the school.  He was excited to go but too nervous to really say anything to the teacher.  He did have fun playing with a few of the other students though.  This is his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson. 

Here is a photo of both of the back to school guys.  I thought that Benson would cry when Reagan left for school.  Luckily for me he wasn't too upset.  I'm sure that I will have to entertain him quite a bit this week so he doesn't miss his brother too much.  Now I have to wait until 2:45 to see how the first day went.

Who does Byrnlee look like?

We have been trying to decide who Byrnlee looks the most like.





Could it be April. After all she is wearing the same dress. April is just a bit older.

Perhaps it is her grandma.

Or is she just going to look like Benson?

Where did summer go?

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and school is starting in a couple of days. Here is how I spent my summer. This is Claire and I before going to the mother/daughter/grand daughter night at Relief Society. It was an auction and Claire got a lot of valuable treasures.





Fourth of July was fun with a picnic and fireworks.

Our flowers have been beautiful.

We went camping and kyacking a couple of times.

We went up to McCall with Cory's family were we made lots of yummy S'mores.





Grandpa made a special pancake for Lauren.

A spent a couple of weeks with April were I had fun getting to play with Brynlee. However, most of the time I played with the boys so April got a bit of a break and some much needed sleep. I also played about a 100 games of go fish and old maid with Reagan.

Texas was just a wee bit warmer than Boise. (I have never been so hot in my life!). We had a little break and had a great water fight one afternoon.

While in Austin we went to a dinasour park where the boys dug for dinasour bones. The only problem was if you got out of the shade you sort of turned into a fossil yourself.

I learned that giving cheese and crackers to an almost two year old in the car isn't such a smart idea. He also spilt most of the slushee from sonic we bought him. Reagan drank all of the "large" one he ordered. However, he did have to have about four bathroom stops on the way home.





Jill went to Utah for a funeral so the boys spent a couple of days with us. After going to see Mr. Poppers Penguins one day and Kung Fu Panda the next day we went to Settlers Park for a picnic and some fun in the water.

Ian enjoyed the water.

Blake was just a bit reluctant but with some help he did get wet.

The end.

Fantasy Football

I am proposing a Ashby Family football league, but we probably need at least 6 people to play. I will put in a crisp new 100 dollar bill to the winner. Marie might bake something yummy for the winner. You don't need football knowledge to play. Who is in?

Another triathlon

I did a triathlon too. No pretty pictures, but here are the results.

Emmett Tri

I did my second Triathlon (Sprint) today. It was the Emmett tri that Ashleigh, me, John, Jill, Dallen and Marie did two years ago. If you remember, two years ago I had my mountain bikie. I was hoping to do a little better on my road bike.











I cut about 8 minutes from two years ago and even got second place.

Okay, it was only second place in my age group. Still Ashleigh was very proud of me.

And so was claire.

I post my times as soon as they are availible.

Our family's skills

Brynlee's Blessing

So I am a little late posting this but we blessed Brynlee on July 31. Here are some photos taken on the special day.

Our family with Mom and Dad

Our family



Brynlee and her mom

This is one of my favorites

A full shot of Brynlee in her dress.

Backpacking Trip

Backpacking Video

Here is a video of the creek we had to cross to start the backpacking trip. First Dad and I crossed to find the best spot. Then we went back to get the boys. While Dad got the truck packed up, I carried Ian accross, then came back for Mason, then came back for my pack. I crossed it a total of 7 times before starting the walk. The water felt like it was snow the day before -- as it probably was -- and my feet were quite numb. I'm sure the boys deeply appreciated their dad's sacrifice.