Kira's Farewell

First off, we have had a really hard time finding out what Brayden wants to be for Halloween this year. Earlier this week, as we were walking through Harmon's, Brayden spotted an Army costume. He got so excited by it. He said that he could be a soldier just like Aunt Kira. As soon as Craig got home from work, we walked back over and bought it.

Well, today is Kira's last day to really spend with the family before we drop her off. Tomorrow she flies off to Fort Sill, Oklahoma to begin Basic Training. I couldn't help bringing Brayden over in his new costume to get a few pictures with Kira. They look so good!

I couldn't imagine leaving my husband for ten weeks. Travis has been so incredible to support and love her over the past two years that they have been married.

Everyone was pretty emotional, but my mom really seemed to have a hard time holding back tears.

Unfortunately, I was going through some really rough morning sickness today. I would have loved to be more supported and focused on her, but I was struggling today. Kira was so sweet to me. I can't wait to see her again at Christmas.

Kira was great to make sure she got a picture with everyone.

It was fun to have Grandma Furse there. I wonder how many family members she has kissed good-bye as they head off to the military. I know that my Grandpa was a war veteran for both WWII and Vietnam so my Grandma knows what it's like to wait for your soldier to come home.

All too soon it was time for Kira to leave. Most of the family went with to spend some time with her at the hotel, but Baby Ella wasn't cooperating, so we went home. I can't wait to hear from her so I can start sending her letters. Good luck, Kira! We love you.

Gardener Village with Aunt Kira

Kira is leaving for Army Basic Training on Sunday. I've known this was coming for awhile, but now it's almost here. In a last chance to spend dome time with her one-on-one, we went to Gardener Village together to see the witches. Brayden wasn't willing to get too close to any of the witches, but we still had a good time walking around and chatting. I'll really miss this woman over the next 7 months.

National Guard's March for the Governor

One of the really big events that happened this summer is that my sister, Kira, joined Utah's National Guard. She leaves for Basic Training (ie. Boot Camp) in the beginning of October, gets a short break for Christmas, and then heads off to Advanced Individual Training until April. I am so impressed with her and our family will do anything to support her and Travis over these next few months.

Our first chance to really show that was to come watch her march for the governor today. I don't think you can tell, but she is in the last row, second person in. She did such a great job. I admit that I started crying a little bit as I watched her walk by.

After all of the soldiers had finished their march, a group of helicopters flew overhead. Before the marching started, two ginormous jets - the kind that refuel other jets - did a fly-by. It was almost uncomfortable to watch them fly so low and slow over the crowd. It was amazing! I love jets. Brayden, on the other hand, was obsessed with the helicopters.

Once Kira was free to join us, we all wandered around to check out the numerous booths that were set up. Brayden's first stop was a booth that gave you the chance to fire a fully automatic air soft gun.

He did a really good job! He hit the little guy in the middle twelve times with only a little bit of help from my dad. 

Brayden's next stop was a Fireman's Obstacle Course. After getting all setup in the right coat and helmet, he started off on the course.

Step 1: Climb through a metal box with different things blocking his way.

Step 2: Crawl through a relatively small and long black tube.

Step 3: Drag a fire hose for so many feet.

Step 4: (With the help of Grandpa) Drag a limp mannequin to safety.

Besides the zip line that Brayden was too small for, the last activity that was offered was a blown up obstacle course similar to the ones over at Bouncin' Off the Walls. I think Brayden would have stayed there all day if we would have let him.

Now it was time for Kira to get back to some of her training, but as we walked her back to her building, we found a tank that you could climb into. The soldier inside was awesome to explain to us how it work and what some of the different levers and buttons did.

Brayden even got to climb on top and sit on top of the barrel next to his Daddy and Grandpa. What a priceless picture!

At this point, everyone else in our party, besides my dad, had left to get back to their other obligations, but we couldn't leave without showing Brayden the helicopters. The soldiers at the medical helicopter were really friendly. They let Brayden climb right on in while they were cleaning things up.

They even let Brayden sit in the pilot's seat!

Our last stop was the fighting helicopter. It just looks mean, doesn't it?

Brayden wasn't allowed in the pilot's seat on this one because it was too dangerous, but we were allowed to sit him on the side. Brayden wasn't a fan of this at all, but he enjoyed looking at it from the ground and find all of it's guns.

Today really was a great day. I'm glad we could come out to support Kira. I was planning on coming when I thought we'd be really bored just watching her march. I had no idea how much fun we'd have!

Thanksgiving with the Furse's

My parents invited us over to their place for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Dinner was absolutely amazing, as usual. My parents are pretty incredible cooks when cooking for large groups. They included some of the traditional favorites like my mom's homemade strawberry jam and her spinach salad, but they added candied yams this year. I've never found a recipe for yams that I like, but this one was incredible. I'll have to remember to get the recipe!

While everyone cleaned up/goofed around after dinner, Brayden played with my parents' Marble Works set. Kira and I used to play with this when we were younger. It's fun to watch my son enjoy one of my favorite toys.

And for the best part of Thanksgiving...dessert! I've found that people become very nice to you when you are the person holding the pie and ice cream. We had a lot of fun playing with my family. And I can't wait to celebrate the holidays when there are a few more grandchildren running around. In the meantime, here are the people that were there.

Craig (and obviously Brayden and me)

Dean and Travis

Mom, Dad and Kira

We really missed Haylie this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Labor Day with the Furse's

My parents invited us over for a BBQ to celebrate Labor Day.

Kira was swamped with homework, as usual. Stupid nursing program. Brayden did his best to help/distract.

While my parents were finishing up the prep for dinner, I ran around and took pictures. This is the best brother in the entire world. He's so happy you can't even see his eyes anymore.

My dad took care of the grill. The hamburgers were delicious!

My grandma (dad's mom) was nice enough to join us for dinner.

Brayden can't stand sitting for one place for too long when we are at my parents. We made up a plate for him, but he still wandered around eating everyone else's food. I guess it tastes better like that.

After dinner, we went in the frontyard to play with Brayden. I love watching them play.



Birthday Bash for Miss Japan

One of my mom's Japanese exchanged students had a birthday while she was staying with us. We had to celebrate, so we baked her a cake and everyone sang "Happy Birthday".

Once we had finished up with cake and ice cream, the girls brought out a surprise. I feel a little foolish that I don't know what these dresses are called, but I know they are totally authentic. They came straight from Japan.

The girls were so cute as they went around getting us all dressed up. I haven't had someone help me get dressed like that since my wedding.

It was a really neat experience. I didn't want to have to change back into my boring clothes. Someday I would love to own a dress like this.

We finished off the night with a little bit of Guitar Hero. I've been to a birthday party quite like this before, but I had a blast!

Twister

I don't believe that you can ever get too old to play Twister. One of the evening that the Japanese exchange students were here, we broke out the game. It made for a really fun evening. The boys did a great job. They were rather competitive which was amusing to watch.

The girls had a lot of fun watching us, but once the boys had determined a winner, then it was our turn to play. That mat doesn't seem big enough for all four of us.

Valentine's Dinner



Valentine's Day this year was a little bit different for us than it has been in years past. Today, Craig and I had our little family sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a very interesting experience. Brayden cried through the entire ceremony. The whole situation was quite amusing to me, so I couldn't keep from laughing. The part that I remember the most was when the gentleman that would perform the ceremony mentioned to us that a quick sqeeze when you are holding someone's hand translates into a silent "I love you".

After the ceremony, a lot of friends and family met at my parents' church for dinner. I was impressed by how many people I know that came to support us. Many family members were there and even neighbor's from the first neighborhood that I lived in came.

Craig, Matt, CJ

Courteney, Tori

Paul, Teri

Teri, Kira, Travis

Grandma Larsen, Grandma Furse

Brayden was absolutely adorable. He loved the attention from everyone. Today is definately a day to remember.