Congrats 2nd Liutenant Mike Hill!

September 13th Mike, my brother, was commissioned into the Idaho National Guard as a 2nd Lieutenant! This past years he has attended a 3 month boot camp, 2 month Officer boot camp (OCS), & just finished a 2 week Air Assault training. He has also been accepted into the flight program to learn to fly the Apache Helicopters. Not bad for an old guy- at least by the military standards. Mike really had to step it up to get accepted into the flight program because he was 2 years older than what they allow for the program but he did it & he couldn't be happier! We will miss their family when they go to Alabama for 2 years but they promise they'll be back!

The commission ceremony was wonderful & very moving! These men & women go through a lot just to prepare to defend our country. I'm so grateful for all of their service & I am proud be a citizen of the United States of America! Unfortunately, my camera didn't take great pics inside because of the terrible lighting. After the ceremony we were able to meet Mike's leaders & teachers.

You look pretty sharp Mike! We're so proud of you!

The kids thought it was fun to have pine needle sword fights!

Mom & Dad couldn't be prouder of their only boy! Dad got to give Mike his first salute as an officer which was very touching & quite a privilege.

After, Mike was able to take a peek at the helicopters on base. This is a Blackhawk which is used for transporting soldiers.

Jake, Katie, Gabe

Mike showing us how to repel out of the helicopter

Mike's baby- The Apache! Mike looks a little too excited to show us that someday he'll get to fire the missils from these bad boys. I'm not sure if I'm too excited but glad men like him will be defending our country!

Gabe loved being able to sit up in the Apache & see what it looked like in the cockpit. Gabe idolizes his Uncle Mike & wants to be just like him- that's why he keeps shaving his head!

Katie & Gabe checking out the gun

Way to go Mike! We're so proud of you! Way to go Cassie for hanging in there while Mike was away playing "Army Guy" so much! We love you all!

Cassie, Mike, Jake, Katie, & Dallas (Natalie was at the babysitters)

Last Hurrah of the Summer!

Labor Day we decided at the last minute to drive up to McCall to ride the Brundage chairlift. It was a wonderful day with perfect weather, beautiful scenery, & family togetherness! A few years ago when Gabe was 18 mo. we did this trip. Now we have 4 kids & just as enjoyable!

We really had a great time together & loved the get away! Brundage also was giving buy one get one free passes so it was also very inexpensive which is always a plus! :)

The chairlift ride up was a little scary but the kids loved it! Zander got a little ancy but I was holding on tight.

The view on the way down!

On the way up Gabe rode with Elena & Brian-

they loved the ride!

Everyone was so happy! Who wouldn't be when you have this view from the top of the mountain?! Zander couldn't care less about the view but was in heaven picking up and throwing the dirt!

Melanie & Zander

The famous rock for picture taking- at least for us!

The 3 boys! So cool!

I feel like we should be singing "Climb Every Mountain"

Gabe/Zander + dirt = Pure Happiness!!

Only one trauma- Elena got a blister from her tennis shoes she hasn't worn all summer

They loved finding & playing with all the natural sights

The boys took the ride down

Just the girls on the chair ride down together

Rolling down the hills close to the lodge!

Of Course they found water! It was a beautiful & very fun trip! A great way to end the summer!

Fun Labor Day Weekend!

Labor Day Weekend, my niece Nicole, her husband Nathan, & their new baby girl came to visist! It was so fun to see my great niece Annie! She's 4-1/2 months, soft & squishy! The kids couldn't get enough of her! Luckily, she's very laid back & used to a lot of attention & kisses!!

Elena was in love & wanted to hold & kiss Annie constantly!

Nathan, Elena & Annie

Zander wanted to hold & play with Annie that is until he realized she's almost as big as him & a lot heavier than he thought!! Annie is content though! What a good baby she is!

Marcie, Erik, Brooklyn, & Troy also came down to visit! It was great getting our kids together again!

Marcie was kind enough to take Zander & Troy down the slip-n-slide! Thanks Aunt Marcie! Z loved it but Troy is not so sure!

Go Elena!!

Whoo Hoo- Pure Joy!

The race is on!!

Gabe, cousin Katie, Elena, & cousin Brooklyn

Where ever there is water you will find...Zander! The puddle at the bottom is as fun as the slide!

Cousin Natalie & Zander sharing the drinking fountain among other things

Cousin Troy sat & watched as Zander & Brooklyn ran circles around him!

Are trampolines for jumping or running?

Not sure what to say about this picture- it speaks for itself!

Katie, Gabe, Elena, & Dallas climbed up on the ledge of the house & thought they were cool.

Slip-n-slides bring total joy & happiness!

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Hill for the fun memories!

Primary Slip-n-Slide Party!

For almost a year I've been able to teach the CTR 7A class in primary at church. I've had the same children so we're very attatched to each other. We had been struggling with reverence so I decided to give a slip-n-slide party if they filled up a bottle with beans. Everytime they were reverent, respectful, or sang well in primary they got to put beans in a bottle. It took all summer but they did it! We had a blast!

I borrowed dad's blow up slip-n-slide which was big hit! They did flips, jumped, & slid down it every which way!

Elena joined in too of course!

Conner

Elena

McKenna

Hunter

Aaron

Kylee

Gabe got to join in showing his karate moves- not bad!

Benjamin

Ice cream Popsicles to top it off!

What a great day!!