Summer Vacation--The Idaho Edition...

We had such a great time in Idaho visiting with Marshall's Family. We all loved the Jeff and Lynda Hawkes Ranch. Cohen we thrilled with the farm animals and the freedom to run. Here are some photos of his first horse ride.

Cohen had so much fun on the new trampoline that Lynda bought for the kids. They put a sprinkler under the trap and get soaking wet. They started this routine first thing in the morning almost every day.

Cohen and I were able to go four wheeling near Green Canyon. Cohen had so much fun!!

Cohen and Eli chillin' on the bed

***Family Reunion***

Me and the boys were able to attend the Hawkes Family Reunion on Saturday June 28th. We had a delicious lunch at the pavilion and then swan at the Hot Springs afterward. Here are some photos of the family...

Avery, Faren and Simon Eddins...

Lynda and Daniel Hawkes...

Cody and Brittany Hawkes, Amanda Hawkes, Meagan Peck and Cohen...

Thanks to Aunt Tony who did a great job on Planning the fun afternoon.

Our Summer Vaction--The Friday the 13th Flight...

Our summer vacation to Idaho started on Friday, June 13Th and it was a "Freaky Friday!" I'll Skip all the boring stuff and give the cliff notes of the flight.

First, I forgot my drivers license in the car after Sherstine dropped is off at 5 am! She did not have her phone on her, so we were working on a time crunch. We called and awoke her husband Wayne with strict instructions on Sherstine's speedy return to the airport. She is such a great friend, and broke several traffic laws--and arrived with my license only 2 minutes before the "checked bag deadline!!"

The second disaster started on the first leg of our flight. Both kiddos had wardrobe malfunctions. In our hast to make our 7am flight we forgot to change Cohen's diaper (Yes, he is still in diapers--my head is hanging in shame. I digress...) and his pants were soaked through. About the same time we made this discovery Eli had a rumble down under and had a "blow out"--err up--whatever! I forgot to plan for the worst and did not have any extra clothes. So we walked off the plane with two kids in only diapers. Can you say, "Ghetto Fabulous!!"

I ran frantically around the DFW airport trying to find a onesie and pants for Cohen. No such luck on pants for the Co-daddy, and he wore dried "pee pee pants!" Poor Cohen. Eli did not have pants either, but I did find a 12 month t-shirt for his top.

The third problem was our time crunch. After arriving in Utah, we needed to hurry to Idaho in time to make the endowment session and for Cody's fiance, Brittany. We did our best and arrived only 15 minutes before the session started. With little time to plan a babysitter only Marshall was able to attend. Oh well, at least he made it!

Time for the Results...

Many thanks to all who have justified my argument that my two boys look alike. Many have also said that they do not look as much alike as I think. To those who disagree I say PHOOEY!! Their facial expressions in addition to their facial features make them twiners! The results are as follows...

1)Eli
2)Cohen
3)Cohen
4)Eli
5)Eli
6)Eli
7)Cohen
8)Cohen

I like to joke saying, "I suffered through 9 months of pregnancy--giving them my all--and they come out looking like a trophy to the Marsh!!" I love my Hawkes boys.

Who is Who?...Take a guess

My two sons look very similar when they were the same age. I wanted to play a game and see if you can guess who is who.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5
#6
#7
#8

These are photos of both Eli and Cohen at 3 1/2 months. I can tell the difference, so maybe this will be an easy game. I will post the results in my next post.

The Ford F150...

So, Marshall and Cohen wanted to go to Wal-mart to just "look" at some power wheels. (Mostly Marshall!) I went along to make sure that they only "looked" and did not buy. Needless-to-say, we now own a mini Ford F150 power wheels ride toy. Here are some photos of the fun that has already been had.

Cohen is testing his new ride in the garage while he waits for the battery to charge.

Cohen insists on wearing his Woody hat EVERYWHERE!!

Taking it out in the backyard for the first time.

Marshall called his dad that night and told his dad that he bought a F-150 Truck with big tires, 0 miles, and brand new for under $250. He was grinning from ear to ear as his dad and brother tried to find the "trick" to Marshall's story!

Cohen and Livia on their first ride!

No need to ask, he's a "smooth operator!!"

Cohen is riding shotgun with his friend Ryan.

Blessing Eli...

We blessed Baby Eli Chase Hawkes on Sunday March 30th, 2008. Thankfully there were not problems. He did not poop on his outfit, nor mine, nor Marshall's and was nice and quiet during the blessing. However, I cannot say the same for Cohen. He saw that his Dad was missing from our row and started yelling out, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"

The blessing was great. Marshall did a good job and blessed Eli with all of the wonderful, usual blessing things: Health, strength, desire to serve, etc. In the circle we had the Louisville 6th ward bishop and counselors, Wayne Mortensen, and our Home Teacher Brother Gillenwater.

The Mortensen's also blessed their sweet baby, "Gavin" just after ours. Here are some photos of our two families taken outside the chapel.

Here is a photo with me and Eli at our house. He was so sleepy and Mom awoke him for a photo.

I love, love, love being his mother. What a great blessing he is in our lives.

The need to update...

It has been quite a while since I sat and blogged. I am going to try and catch up with a few posts, so here it goes.