Congratulations Raymond and Mandi!

Congratulations~ I couldn't have asked for a better sister-in-law!

Nevada State Fair

We went to the Nevada State Fair this past weekend and took Naomi with us. She was the only one with a wristband for the rides, so she only rode rides once we met up with Dolli. They had some really neat acts this year. I think our favorite was the motorcyles in the ball. But, the dog jumping contest came in at a close second. One of the owners got a little confused I think... She threw the toy for the dog and then jumped in herself while the dog just sat on the platform! too funny! While waiting for the Demolition Derby to start we ran downtown to get some pictures of the "Big Tomato Fight" 50,000 pounds of Tomatoes were dropped in the middle of downtown Reno. You had to pay like $10 to get involved. All proceeds went to a Cancer Charity. I stood way far away and still ended up getting tomato juice on me! Maybe we will have to join in the fight next year! I know Roland would love to. So... after that we raced back to the fair just in time to see all the demolition derby stuff. Liz and Sammy met us later that night and Naomi was able to ride a few rides with them before it was time to take her home. All in all it was a fun, but tiring day!

Family Vacation in Idaho

What a fun and insightful trip! I think Roland has a better understanding of why I am the way I am. =D It is amazing how many characteristicts families share even when being apart for so many years. All I can say... is that we are not a prim and proper family... It has been years since I have been able to actually spend any amount of time with my Sister Tasha and Brother Davin. This was Roland and Jace's first time being at my Dad and Sara's house. (maybe Davin's too)

My Dad and Sara have a beautiful log home in the Idaho "wilderness" and yes... wilderness is the right word. lol Definitely a quieter and slower paced life. - a great way to relax on a vacation. It was so nice to not have any commitments or any place you had to be at a certain time!

Roland and Jace caught their first fish! Roland- bass and perch, Jace-perch. And lo and behold, Roland found a new hobby! Although we were all completely out fished by Davin we managed to have a great time.

My Dad took all of us kids for a hike to check out his trail cam on Tuesday. We were all having a great time cutting up... And then we got to the point of the trail where we were supposed to stay quiet. (didn't want to scare away all the wildlife) It is funny how you don't have a ton to say until you can't. Then it seems there are a million things that come to mind. Needless to say, Roland's sign language is not very developed... So he thought he would try to catch up to me and whisper something in my ear. He came a little too close a little too fast, slamming into the side of my head and nearly knocking me off the mountain. Lol! We finally had to stop because we were "silently" laughing so hard. It goes without saying that we did not see wildlife on that hike. =D But the trail cam did get some good photos of some deer and a bear.

I think that we spent more time eating than anything else. Sara did an awesome job. With everything from Mexican Lasagna to Racks of Ribs with sweet and sour beans, we did not go hungry!

I learned a lot about my Dad on that trip! I knew that my Dad was some kind of Doctor with the Navy, but not much more than that. We were able to read some of the letters that he wrote and sent home while in Vietnam. He was actually a Navy Corpman with the Marines. He did everything from delivering babies to stitching up the wounded. I know that he did much more than that, and went through more pain and heartache than anyone should. I am sure that he was a hero in many people's lives. He will always be my hero!

We all had a wonderful time being able to spend time and get to know each other better. I am looking forward to next year! Hopefully Raymond and Mandi and their little one on the way will be able to join us.

View from Deck

Davin and Roland

Dad's House

Grandpa and Jace

Grandma Sara

Uncle Davin

Aunt Tasha-Jace's new girlfriend

Roland with his "huge" first catch!

Jace's first fish!

Laughing at Grandpa's jokes...

Aunt Tasha

Jace and Daisy

Roland's Birthday Dinner

Here are a couple pictures from Roland's Birthday dinner at Red Lobster. Ruth did an excellent job on the cake! We received so many compliments on it! Happy 26th Birthday Roland.

Its a Boy!

Its a Boy! Again... =D I guess that will make it really easy! We already have all the clothes etc. Just need diapers and wipes. lol. Everything on the ultrasound from the heart to brain look healthy and right on track. So, for that we are most thankful!

Tomorrow is Roland's 26th Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I must really love him because... He wants to eat at Red Lobster. And we are going to! I hope that I can find something on the menu without seafood and hasn't been cooked in fish juice. lol. So Happy Birthday Roland!

We are headed out early Sunday morning for my Dad's (late celebration of his 60th Birthday that was on the 11th). Roland or Jace have never been to his house and it has been years since I have been. And not only that, my sister Tasha and brother Davin will be there. With all that open land we can't help but have a lot of fun. I will try to take lots of pictures. See you all when we get back!

Camping Trip

We all had a great time on our camping trip this year. I wish Roland would have been able to get the time off to stay the whole time, but he was unable to. But... He did get to come and help me set up on Thursday! The most important part. And it turned out he did most of the "setting up" lol. The battery on the camera went dead on the first day so I was only able to get a few pictures.

~Bath Time~

Grandpa Randy and Grandma Sara this is for you. Your toy has brought a new meaning to bath time! Love and miss you! We can't wait to see you all next month! xoxo

Sorry the video is sideways...

Update

It has been awhile since I last posted anything! I just got back from my monthly tummy check. Everything looks good. I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time! So exciting! The ultrasound is scheduled for August 21st. We can't wait to find out what it is. When I think about how a tiny little baby is growing inside my stomach with real little organs and everything it reminds me of what miracles we all really are. I think Jace is just as excited about this baby as we are. Every night he has to tell the baby goodnight. He says... "Hi baby. My name is Jace Ellis and I am your BIG brother. Goodnight." (He really does say the cutest things!)

We are still in revival with Bro. Bellew so that means no Jr. Youth. It has been nice to have a break, but we are really starting to miss our "Fun" time with the kids. Bro Bellew is a wonderful preacher with a heart full of compassion. Sis Bellew is really a sweet, kind, and thoughtful lady. And of course the kids are hilarious. We have enjoyed getting to know them.

Well... I guess that is about it for now. I hope all is well you all!

Joel and Niki's Graduation!

We just got back from a very quick trip to Pendleton for their graduation. Congrats to Joel and Niki! (and of course to everyone else!) The Neff's church in Baker City joined in the celebration and presented awards to the kids in their school as well. Their first and second graders sang a song with all the states/capitals, continents and oceans. Smart little guys! The speeches from the graduates were sweet and very thought provoking. It was a treat to hear Bro. Nathan Neff talk to the graduates about their final destination in life. Because really... That is what living is all about. All in all it was a wonderful ceremony and reception!

A big thank you to Brandon and Nicole for letting Jace and I stay with you. We always have so much fun!

~It was wonderful to see you all!~

It's Official... We are going to have a baby!

I know the ultrasound is not very clear... And right now you can't see much of anything, but we are so excited. Expected due date is January 6, 2010.

And just so no one gets the wrong idea... The only reason we wait a few months to tell people is so that we are sure everything is looking okay. If you have ever had trouble with a pregnancy or were close to someone who did, you would understand.

Our little boy is "3"

We had a great time at Jace and Quincy's Birthday Party!
There was tons of good food and lots of people to share it with.
And of course there was the water fight...! The moms Won!!!
It stared out as a water fight with the kids and then somehow ended
with the women against the men. Some how in all the mess, Sis Marty
ended up riding the cooler as the men tried to dump her off. The big Finale with tubfulls of ice water thrown at the men is sure to keep them at bay until
Next Year!

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone that came, brought gifts, and helped us celebrate these birthdays!

Below is a few pictures. I will try to get some of the water fight from Marcella!

A lot goin' on!

A lot has been going on here since we got back from the coast! This is just the stuff I remember in the last week!

~Roland and Jace took me to Boomtown for fun and games last Tuesday

~Wednesday, Church

~ Marcella and her kiddos came over for a BBQ last Thursay

~ Friday, Jr. Youth

~Saturday was Andrew's Birthday Party at Roller Kingdom

~Sunday, Mother's Day (also the day we told the Grandparents the news!)

~Monday we had Bro. Steve and Sis. Lynn Neumann, Todd, Keola and their kids over for dinner (Happy Birthday Todd!) Bro. Todd can really hula on the Wii! lol!

~Tuesday morning Jace had surgery on his teeth in Minden. We got home and had just enough time to get everything ready for Richard, Josh, and the Jones Family coming over for a BBQ . And of course we all played the Wii again!

~Today, Wednesday, church of course!

I think that tomorrow night is free, Jr. Youth on Friday, Car Wash on Saturday... And then start all over again next week! Between our day jobs and night entertainment we never have a dull moment! Bro. Travis preached on staying connected with the church and people in it on Sunday morning... I can honestly say that we are always connected! lol!