The Drew Israelsen Family

No Drew does not own a Harley. This is his friend Mark's bike. He was just sitting on it and dreaming. He took it for a ride up the canyon and really enjoyed it. Maybe some day he will have one just not today.

So I got a guitar for Christmas and have only learned 2 cords and have NO IDEA how to tune the darn thing. Looks like it is my turn for lessons next!

This is how Drew wishes he could play the drums but I must admit he is getting better.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!!

I think I have a problem here!!!

So this is Drew's best friend Mark and let me just say he is one of a kind!!! If you ever get the chance to meet him you won't soon forget him. He has been a really good friend to both of us. Okay so he hasn't always been a good friend to both of us, Mark and I had some difference of opinion when I started dating Drew. But we have become close and I honestly consider him like a brother to me. Our kids even call him Uncle Mark and love it when the big kid comes over to play! I tease him just like I do my own brothers but come on Mark you just leave yourself wide open and make it so easy for me. He has always been the first one at our door if we have ever needed any help with anything from moving to a new house, someone to drive to Salt Lake and pick up boots for me or just a simple shoulder to cry on. Drew and Mark have been through a lot together, probably more than I want to know about, and they love nothing better than getting together and remembering "that time when...", and things like the magic corn nut? We just want to say thanks Mark for always being there for us and don't forget we are here when you need the favor returned. We hope you have a great day and remember we love ya! By the way sorry about the man boob picture Mark but you know what my other choices were!

The neighbors were laying some sod in their backyard and since they ALWAYS help us out with everything from pouring cement to hauling stuff into our basement we figured it was our turn. It was so funny watching all of them load themselves onto the 4 wheeler just to drive into the backyard. The kids had a blast and the work got done quickly. If you look closely you can even see little Lena found a spot on the 4 wheeler sitting right in front of Mike.

I wish I could go back to the times of just being a kid and taking the time to stop and smell the flowers....Sometimes it seems like life just flies by and we all don't take the time to just sit back and enjoy everything that is going on around us. "Life goes pretty fast, if we don't stop and look around once in a while we just might miss it."I love watching my kids and seeing all the things that they notice and are drawn in by. Robert loves catching potato bugs and just letting them roll around in his hand. This is a picture of him showing his dad his great find....

We jumped on the chance for a weekend away at the cabin when Stacey gave us the call. We had lots of fun with everyone who had the chance to come up with us. Robert shot a gun for the first time which he was pretty excited about (thanks uncle Thomas for bringing that up). He also got the chance to ride on the dirt bike (thanks to Aunt Stacey and Uncle Brent). All he has to say bout that is "do you remember when you wrecked me on it Dad". Lena and Meg had a great time exploring with each other and Parker finally decided that I really wasn't that bad. Of course I had to bribe him with candy but it seemed to work out. All the kids love Uncle Chad and Whitney as you can see. Lena and Meg found a new best friend in Whitney. We had lots of food, games, and out door fun. The boys went out for a fishing day while all the girls took advantage of the time to read and of course take a ride to get Bear Lake ice cream. We had a great weekend another one for the books and we love you all.