I have been following a blog of a woman whom I thought was really amazing and did really great things with her kids. She was in a plane crash with her husband on Aug. 16th. She has been burned over 83% of her body. I just can't get her off my mind. Her family is taking care of her four children while she and her husband recover. It is amazing to read how this family has coped through this horrible tragedy. If you want to read her blog the link is under "my favorites" entitled Stephanie's blog. I'm sure you will find her as amazing as I do. Her sister has been updating her blog with old posts so we can read them again. There is also a link on nienie called c-jane, this will take you to her sisters blog with updates on the progress of the Nielson's and their kids. If you would like to donate, the pink button at right will link you. They are asking for prayers and I'm sure we can all do that. Our lives and families are such a blessing. Nic

I have discussed at length the reason for blogging with my friends. Some do it to stay in touch, some so family gets pics of the fam more readily-especially the ones that are far away, some to document thier lives, some to express themselves. Why do I? It started to share with grandma and grandpa but I think I am going to take one special friends advice and start blogging as a "family journal". It probably won't change much, but I may ramble on more. Just warning ya all.

Maylee at a tourney, #6. Court #15. Court 1st day of junior high.

Summer ward pool party. Lots of fun and food to be had this night. Thanks bishop!!! We loved it!

At the fair before a soccer game. Are you getting the relationship of all things revolving around soccer?

Super fun visit from the cousins! Trevor, Chad, Gracee, Garrett, Dusty. We love you!

Our trip to Heber, we stayed at the Homestead. Super Fun! They had an outdoor concert on the lawn that night, the kids played tag while we enjoyed great music. We also swam-probably shouldn't be in a swim suit yet (sorry other guests) but threw caution to the wind and enjoyed myself. These pics from the hot pool that is in a crater. completely freaks me out to have the little kids in there, it is like 100 feet straight down and of course I'm convinced the kids will fall in and drown. Court also played a soccer game-Great job sis!

Hair before, hair after. 12 inches. what was I thinking?

Our favorite swimming hole! Brad and his partner in crime, Maylee. Max and Mia My most handsome hubby. Love ya babe! Scott and Cooper. Hey honey, the office job isn't doing much for your tan!

Roasting marshmellows. Look out, he is dangerous with a big stick. yep, he is washing dishes. had to capture the moment for posterity. grandma loving the babe.

The kids at Big Springs.

This is Big Springs, we go every year at least once. The kids like to feed the fish and it is soooo pretty . the first picture is where the river just comes right out of the mountian, or the start of the spring. Looking down river from the bridge. Holy crap this was a ginormous trout! Looking back toward the spring.

random snaps of Maylee, Brad, Scott, Cooper, and Kash

Look at his face. He has the love, man. It is in the Nelson genes. I don't know why I didn't get pics of the other kids riding the motorcycles and 4 wheeler- but they all LOVE it. I have to say my favorite part of the trip was a ride with Dad, Brad, Scott, and I all on our motorcycles. There is just nothing like going fast and seeing all the beautiful forest. It was really a blast. Too short, I had to get back for the baby. Look out next year, we hope to have our own bikes and I am riding from sun up to sun down. Max really loved it-he wanted to go fast at all times, even when he was driving. Thanks grandpa for the best time of the summer!

It's actually sad, I think, that we go to Yellowstone so often that I really don't take many pictures any more. What is wrong with me? Like the coolest, most beautiful place in the world and I don't take the time to get pictures? These are the only two I took during a whole day at Yellowstone. Notice the elk bedded down behind the kids?