Father and Son Campout 2010

Robert and Bruce like to go on our ward's father/son campout each year. Robert took Bruce for the first time when he was only 1yr. old. I was very excited this year when I actually got a few pictures of the event. Maybe at next years they'll come back with a picture of the two of them together. There were only a few families that actually went but they had fun doing the Father/Son olympics and having some boy time...very important when you are usually in a house full of girls. They have the tradition of going out to dinner on their way out of town. They hit a buffet on the way there.

The campsite.
They borrowed a tent from Grandpa Thompson since we didn't have one. We're generally hotel people, but Bruce loves to go camping once a year. :)

Dixon Lake in Escondido, CA

Bruce & Linda's Vacation From Me :)

Linda went home with my mom last Sat. night and stayed until Wednesday. I met my mom halfway on Wednesday and we swapped kids. She let me have Linda back and I let her have Bruce. :) Bruce comes back tomorrow. Suzanne owns her own gymnastics school now and the kids love getting some classes in while they're there. This week was a summer camp so they each got 3 days in. They do lots of gymnastics, crafts, snacks, and activities. My kids LOVE being at their house. With Suzanne getting married next month we're trying to get as much time in as we can before everything changes. After living on the East Coast for a while you realize what a great opportunity you have living near family. I'm so glad that my children get the chance to spend time with and get to know all their relatives even better. What a blessing.
The pictures are Linda enjoying her very favorite treat...a chocolate milk shake while out with Suzanne.
The second picture is Bruce climbing to the top of the rope at gymnastics this morning. Go Bruce! He is such a stong, athletic kid. He can go all the way to the top by himself.

The Graduate!

Linda graduated from Kindergarten today. She did it! She has worked so hard and has surpassed all expectations. She had to cram in a full year of Kinder in to less than 6months. We're so proud of her. She is such a beautiful, capable girl and I look forward to being able to continue to watch her grow and learn. Go Garrison Gators, class of 2010!


I got Linda a new dress for her graduation. This morning when we got it out for her to get dressed she said, "It's the big day!" We went to Hometown Buffet after to celebrate...her choice.

Memorial Day - Remembering My Grandpa

Today I remember my grandpa, John James Nielson. He fought in WWII on the YMS-440(Yard Auxiliary Motor Minesweeper) with the United States Navy. The Navy used these ships to sweep the water for mines laid by enemy subs. I remember my grandpa telling me how much he loved the ocean and how he loved to watch the dolphins and other sea life from the ship. More than that I remember how much my grandpa loved our great country.

People would often ask him, "Are you having a good day?" His reply, "Everyday is a great day in America."

I'm so grateful to live in this great country, fought for by such honorable men and women.

My Mom's Graduation - Class of 2010

My mom graduated from College of the Desert this weekend. It was great to be there for the big day. She got her Associates in Liberal Arts. She graduated with High Honors. She has always been there for our family and supported us in good times and bad. It was so nice for all of us to be able to be there for her. She is wonderful!! She has already started Cal State and should get her bachelors in about a year and a half. She already has a full ride scholarship for next year.

Pictures from top to bottom:

1. Helping my mom get ready.

2. Jill, me, my mom, Suzanne, Gregg (my brother and sisters, missing one sister)

3. Bruce entertaining himself before the ceremony began.

4. & 5. Waiting for grandma's graduation to start!

6. My mom

7. Me and my Mom

The Hungry Little Caterpillar

Linda's class performed The Hungry Little Caterpillar this past week. She played the role of the 4 Strawberries. Gotta love the costume.

Linda also received a little award from her teacher. She was thrilled. This picture is with Mrs. Stack, she is a retired teacher that volunteers her time the entire year to help Linda's class. She is a big fan of Linda and we're a big fan of her.