Oktoberfest at Snowbird!

Yes, Oktoberfest if here already! Somebody asked me why the Germans celebrate Oktoberfest in September instead of October. Obviously, the weather is better! :)

We spent the afternoon at beautiful Snowbird with a bunch of drunken people. We snarfed up expensive brats, sauerkraut and spaetle, watched some awesome dancing and walked around the resort grounds. We were going to have the kids do the alpine slides but the wait was too long. It was an awesome day. We want to go back up in a few weeks, take the tram to the top and have a picnic!

How Will I Ever Get Rid Of The Dog.....

.....when the kids have fallen in love with it? Austin and Casey under the kitchen table

(not posing for a shot; this is where I found him with the dawg)

"The Host"- thanks to Stephanie Meyer (entry dedicated to Jenna Flood)

So, it has been an eventful week going back to school, trying to focus on teaching the kids German when I am constantly wondering and worrying about different character's physical existences and properties in "THE HOST." I have Stephanie Meyer to thank for this distraction. I was under the impression that this was the book from Edward's prospective so for 3 days, and 8-9 chapters, I kept wondering how it was all going to tie into him. After a lengthy discussion with one of my 9th graders, I realized that I have been reading this book so totally wrong and will, perhaps, have to reread the 1st half at a later time to understand it better now that I have risen past my state of confusion. I am a few chapters from the end and have enjoyed this read very much. Must re-read Twilight before the movie premieres.

Taylor's 1st Day of School- 2nd Grade!

Taylor began 2nd grade on August 18th. We all arose extra early to make certain there was time for hair and an unrushed breakfast. She ended up having a wonderful day and we are excited about her teacher and class.

I have to add something kind of funny. The boys and I were anxiously awaiting her arrival home (she walks home from the bus stop with the neighbor kids) but we couldn't see her walking down the road. The phone rang and Jaxson ran to get it. He brought it outside and said, "Mom, it's Taylor!" Since her daddy had taken her to school that morning, she was uncertain which bus to take home so she just stood there hoping I would pick her up. When the busses left and there was no mom, she called home from the school office! Luckily, the bus incident didn't spoil the excitement of a new school year and wonderful day in the classroom.

Happy Birthday, Poppie!

We had a great family party in honor of Poppie on his birthday. Now, you will notice I don't have one picture of Poppie with his cupcakes (I was napping for a moment) but I have A TON of pictures of the fun water fight which followed the cake and ice cream eating!

Cheri, giving everyone their allotment of waterballoons...Run, Carson, RUN!!!!! Steve suprised Cheri with a bucket of freezing water!
After the shock wore off, Cheri was able to stand and function....

Aunt Colleen and Poppie

Anniversary Weekend in Park City!

Last week, my husband comes flying through the door telling me to pack my bags for the weekend! I couldn't believe it! I had started back-to-school meetings and had both meetings and an open house for students on our anniversary (August 14th). As a result of my busy day (and this pregnancy), I had just enough energy to complete my obligations, come home, give the kids a bath and FALL into bed! So, Friday evening, we ate at Iggys Sports Bar in SLC and then left for Park City. We shopped at the outlets, napped, ate great food, including a nice Swiss restaurant called, "Adolfs" and slept some more! Honestly, it was so relaxing for me--just perfect for my needs.

Anyway, it's been nine years and still impossible to imagine life with anybody else....

Nielsen Family Reunion- 2008

We had the most fun family reunion at a cabin outside of Cedar City on August 4-6th. There were 33 of us who showed up and we all had beds with many left over!

The cabin where we stayed in a beautiful valleyWe spent time hearing stories about our ancestors and then playing a game where money and prizes were the rewards for knowledge about our family.Cousin Doug cooking Danish Abelskivers for breakfast. Yum! Jessica, Sydney and Jaxson
Taylor and Sydney
Taylor with Sadie (Sydney's twin).
They are about to turn 1 year old in a few weeks!

Beautiful cousin Kim with her son, Nash
Proof that the railing wasn't built to code.....

Dylan, Madison and Kaden


Jenny's son, Patrick, playing with Austin.
Best Uncle in the world-Ron Jentzsch!
Hold his nephew, Parker
Still in love after all these years, Mom and Dad!

The nieces and nephews were ready for kid's games with Aunt Suzie!

Our little family!


Aunt Suz brought her 4-wheeler for all of us to ride. The kids went crazy on it! She had to take mom for a ride too.

Austin is our basketball player already. My dad couldn't believe what a natural he is. What fun will we have in the future!
Jenny and the kids created a little play for us on the last day. It was the "Wizard of Oz." Taylor was Dorthy. It was darling.

Here we all are.....except for Josh taking the picture!

Can't wait until 2010 to do this again! Love to all! Jody