Jordyn's 8th Birthday

This year, our beautiful baby girl turned 8 years old. Since she shares a birthday with one of her classmates, we decided to do a joint-party...you know, since they invite the same kids anyway. We celebrated at Claire's house since they have a pool and had an awesome Hannah Montana Pool Party. Music played in the background, kids splashed and sang and danced, ice cream cake was served, presents were opened AND, we also enjoyed a wonderful Sudsy-foam event too.

This is Makayla, one of Claire and Jordyn's classmates....she's such a goofball ;)

And of course Jeylin had to take part in the fun

All the guests!!!

He's such a Ham!

And here is the source of all that foam. A giant garbage can filled with water and loads of bubble bath with an air compresser hose tucked in for the air factor. It was so hilarious to see the kids race for the foam and just slip and slide all over the tarp. Then, just rinse and repeat for the perfect bath time =)

Kierra loved the pool

Daddy & Kierra

A View from Above

On top of the mountain to the south of Grangeville is an area which showcases a beautiful view of the Camas Prairie. Where we are standing is known as "The Cross" simply because during religous holidays such as Christmas and Easter, a lighted cross appears on the mountain. There is an access road which makes it easy to get to although it hadn't looked like they had maintained it as well as it had in the past. This was Bradley and the kids' first time up to the top and it was such a wonderful day.

Kierra & Mommy

Grangeville, Idaho

The house in the middle of the picture is my parent's house.

The Nielson Clan

Jordyn & Jeylin

Fishing

While camping, we went fishing in the creeks and a nearby pond. It was a bunch of fun. The kids absolutely LOVE to fish as does my mom....

Jordyn always has loads of luck using her fabulous pink Barbie fishing pole...

Camping

This July, we took off on our first camping trip in over a year. We had a blast!!! We stayed for three nights and four days at a small campground above Grangeville. We normally do not stay in campgrounds however, we were short on time and so we didn't want to travel too far away from home. The kids had a blast riding their scooters and we loved the peace and quiet of the outdoors. I wish every day could be a camping day :)

Home & Family

NO other place is this perfect!!!!
"Anyone can love the mountains but it takes a soul to love the prairie."


The Nielson 5
July 2009

Our Blessings from Above

How Cute is This??

Hot Sunny Days & Cool Summer Treats

With summer coming to a close, I thought I would post some pictures of our fun-in-the-sun times. Jordyn & Jeylin with our neighbor kids, Nate, Maddie & Kristen

All 5 of these kids spent the night outside that night and had an absolute blast

Kristen Ketola, Maddie Hoffman & Jordyn

(Best Friends for Life)


Jeylin in action on the Slip-n-Slide

Maddie cruisin on into the pool

Kristen slides in safely

Jordyn army-crawling rather than sliding under the spray

And the winner is....

It's a TIE!!!!

Ooooh yummy, my 1st Ice Cream cone!!

"I wonder if I would make less mess if I used my fingers?"

Ice Cream Cones at NaNa's house

Lounging in the pool

Yep, he's soooo cool!

What Do You Get When You....

TAKE THIS

+ THIS

????

THE ANSWER IS....

ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS!!!!

Fourth of July 2009

This year, as usual, we spent the 4th of July, a.k.a. Border Days, in my hometown of Grangeville, Idaho. Border Days in Grangeville is a very large 3 day celebration of America's Birthday. We are home to Idaho's Oldest Rodeo as well as the Largest Egg Toss around. Not sure if it is the largest in the Nation but probably pretty close. This year unfortunately, we weren't able to make all 3 days due to work but we still enjoyed our 2 days of fun!! Every morning kicks off at 9am with the Street Sports. These include foot races for people of all ages to the infamous Egg Toss. There is a parade and rodeo all 3 days as well. On the night of the 4th, there is a large fireworks display. This year was fantastic! Well, I hope you all enjoy the pictures and if there is ever a year when you're just not sure what to do over the 4th, why don't you try good ol' Grangeville, Idaho and be a part of the most wonderful celebration ever!!!

Jeylin running in the Street Races

(American Shirt with the sunglasses on)

Kierra running (with Daddy's help of course)

Bradley & my brother Brad running in the races

(the two goofballs in the white shirts)

Jeylin patiently waiting for the Egg Toss to begin

Jordyn & her sparkler

Jeylin & his sparkler

Miss Kierra & her 1st sparkler

My parents, Jordyn, Jeylin & Bradley waiting for the fireworks

And now with Kierra & myself

One beautiful spiral firework from the night's show

Probably the best firework picture I got the whole night

Happy Anniversary To Me

Okay so I know it's a little corny and yes, two days late but, I have officially had a blog for one year!!!

Such a wonderful way to keep in touch with everyone and what better way to remember an anniversary than to have it celebrated over the Fourth of July, aka. Border Days in Grangeville.

We are up here celebrating our annual trip to the festivities and I will post many pictures and great stories when I come home for the short 3 1/2 days before we leave again for a camping trip.

Hope you all have a wonderful Fourth of July...Happy Birthday America!!