Pictures, Idaho, and Carly

We finally were able to get the kids 3 and 2 year old pictures taken. About a year ago, Matt told me that he could be more creative and save us money if he took the kids pictures every year, instead of going to Kiddie Kandids. I told him as long as he had them done by the end of August that I would let him do it. Well, it is the end of August and they just got done. I have to agree with him, that he is right and that it's nice that we can be creative with them.

These are our top pics of Sammie and . . .



our top picks of Eston.



We were unable to get a non goofy picture of the two kids together. What can I say, you put Sammie and Eston together and you rarely have a serious moment.



We went to Idaho last week and had a lot of fun while there. Matt showed up at the end of the week and the kids had a lot of plans for him. First on the agenda was a camping trip. Matt arrived at his parents house around 9:30 pm, and the kids put him right to work on setting up the tent so they could camp. It was too cold outside so they camped in the living room.



The next day they told Matt that it was time to make a tent outside. Matt used the clothes line to assemble this puppy. The three of them played for about an hour outside.



Carly came home from Georgia on Thursday, August 21st. The first few days my mom, Lindsay, and Carly had a hard time adjusting. Carly has almost been home for a week and they just about have a working routine down. She will be staying with my parents for the next few months until her dislocated hip heals and she can walk on her own. As far as her neck, the doctors are still deciding whether she will require surgery or not. She for sure will be in a neck brace at least 4 to 6 months. Carly has a long recovery ahead of her but is in amazing spirits. Thanks again to those that have kept her in their prayers and thoughts. We appreciate it.

Happy 2nd Birthday Eston!!!

My little man celebrated his 2nd birthday a week ago. Eston's favorite three things (in order) are: 1. Animals, 2. Books, 3. Cars If it is a book about Animals then you hit the jackpot. Eston has tons of energy and is always laughing about something that he thinks he did funny. Eston has an infectious smile and can make anyone happy by just being in the room.

The kids and I happened to be in Idaho for Eston's birthday and got to celebrate this marker with Matt's family. They through quite the party. Eston had tons of presents and they kept coming the whole week. We had a good time. Grandma Brenda helped Eston open up his gifts and had a great time doing it. Sammie was so good and only helped out if Eston said, "help". She was just excited that she got to plan the party. She picked everything out; the type of cake, the color of the balloons, his present from mom and dad, and the colors of the candles. She is very much the event coordinator. Eston got, books, a movie, tons of John Deere tractors (it is Idaho), and other goodies.



Matt had to stay in Utah to work and take 1 of his 7 Architecture exams. During the party Matt called to serenade Eston with a very cheerful version of Happy Birthday. Eston was all smiles at hearing his daddy's voice.



When it came time to blowing out the cake, I was proud of Eston. He did it all by himself. I never knew he could blow, I just thought that he knew how to make the noise. His Great Grandma Ila
helped him with the cake.



A couple of days before we headed to Idaho we thought we would celebrate 4 of the 5 August birthday's for my side of the family. In 3 have there birthday's on the same day, and 1 was a week before those. Lindsay gave Eston a Barney doll, and he wouldn't put it down the rest of the night. We heard the song "I Love You" over and over and over again. Eston received an animal book, a bunch of zoo animals, and some other fun gifts.



Here is the birthday honorees along with Gram and Grandpa Burke. It was fun to have my grandparents over to celebrate with us.

Carly Update

For those of you who don't know, my little sister was in a big car accident this last Saturday. Carly was in Georgia for her friends wedding and on the way to the reception her car was hit from behind. For a detailed account on what happened and how she is doing you can visit my sister's blog, Lindsay's blog. Also, the driver of the car has written a pretty accurate account of what happened, http://www.christmasnoel.blogspot.com/. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate everything that has been done for us. Special thanks to our cousin Jono for driving the 3 hours and staying a few days to be with Carly when no one else could be. Thanks!!

Pink Girly Party!!!

Today Sammie was able to play at Nana's house (my mom) with her girl pals. My cousin Ashley brought her kids, Maren (5) and Brookie (2) over, and my other cousin McCall (8) came as well. The four girls had a pink party of fun. We thought it might be fun for them to get together before McCall left. Of course Nana went above and beyond.




Nana bought the girls their own pink Barbie plate and cup, along with a bag of party favors and a princess balloon.



They all had a good time playing in the tree house, putting on princess dresses, making their own pizzas and just being together.

Sammie and Maren


They were even nice enough to invite Eston to join in a little. The poor kid was totally oblivious that he was the only boy there. He was as Happy as can be.



Before the girls left to go home, we took a picture of them together and put it in a little frame for them to keep. It turned out really cute.

McCall, Brookie, Maren, Samantha


I had to include this picture of Eston eating his ELMO cookie. The boy couldn't have been happier than when Nana brought out that cookie for him.



We had a lot of fun, and hope to do this often. I do have to mention that baby Claire made an appearance and that we were sad to not have Christine there. Sammie also asked where her Ohio girl cousins were. It's too bad that we couldn't have everyone at the party. Hopefully one time it could work out that way. It would be fun to make this a little tradition.