Our newest arrival

Welcome our newest addition-- Ashton Thomas who was born August 22 @ 11:43 a.m. He weighed 8 pounds and was 20 1/2 inches long. We named his Thomas after Ryan's family. It is a 5 generation family name. And also after Thomas Jefferson. Ryan and I have been studying the founding fathers and have been so grateful for his contribution to our freedoms.

I went natural for this birthing experience. With a midwife and all. I had the baby and 5 hours later was driving home. An let me just say one word for all of you expectant mothers out there... EPIDURAL!!!!! I've used them with my first 3 children but thought I'd test my toughness index with #4 and although I lived through it, I wouldn't ever, no never, no never ever EVER do it the old fashioned way again.
But, Ashton is beautiful and healthy, and we are so blessed to have him in our family. I am really enjoying him. I had forgotten how delightful newborn poop smells. So much better than 2 1/2 yr. old poop.

Teagan is struggling with getting the boot as the baby. Hunter and Connor are enjoying him, but especially that grandma and grandpa are helping take care of them for the first 2 weeks.

Our Summer Happenings

I thought I might strive to do at least one posting bi-annually. I know, I know.. it seems a little over-achieverish, but if one never strives, one never achieves. So here's a quick synopsis of our summer.

Below is a picture of one of Ryan's more successful fishing trips this summer (o.k., so ignore the snow... I guess this was more of an early, early 'spring' excursion). He only had to drive about 40 minutes to get these monsters.


We went hiking a few times this summer, although not as often as we had hoped due to me being pregnant and all. This is a hike we took about 30 mintues from home. The boys had a ball exploring all of the nooks and caves and fossils.





Hunter lost 4 more teeth. Poor guy, he can barely eat.


Hayden (my brother) and his wife Heather (and their 4 children) came to visit us. We had a wonderful time. The kids got along so well. We went to the fair, went up to the mountains where the kids caught wild mice and lizards and gorged themselves on smores, and had many a political talk late into the wee morning hours. We enjoyed their visit immensely and hope they come back soon!!




Every year me and some of my college roommates and friends try to get together for a girls trip. This year we went to Education Week at BYU-Idaho. We spent 4 days in Rexburg, Idaho going to classes in the day and playing and goofing off in the evenings. Here's some pictures of one of our night-time activities. We played the white elephant game with costumes. The costume we ended up with, we had to wear to dinner. Let me tell you, we looked HOT@!




And we can't forget our new kitty, Rosie. She has been so patient as she gets hauled around by the neck by little Teagan. They are the best of pals (at least Teagan thinks so..)



Signing off for another 6 months.... hee hee