Summer is here!

Now that we've been having warmer weather lately, we've been taking advantage! Last weekend, Bill had to work a few hours on Saturday, so Sam and I met him downtown for the Farmer's Market and lunch.

Strolling through the market

Checking out our state's Capitol Building

(Bill & Sam watching a helicopter)

Playing in the fountain on the Grove

Sam has now started working on his dribbling skills. He spends 80% of our time outside practicing over and over. He'll start with one ball and when that one gets away from him, he finds another and starts over. He is a very determined little guy!

Taking a break from his workout

I turned on a Baby Einstein video for him last night so I could start dinner. He normally won't stay put for long, but when I realized it had been quiet for a while, I peeked over the couch to find him like this. Those jungle animals are fascinating!

It's a...

BOY!!!!

It's somebody's birthday...

I wonder who?

Bill turned 31 today. Happy Birthday, Baby!

We had my sisters and their families over for cake and icecream

And Sam tackled his cousin, Seth.

Almo, Idaho

We spent this Memorial Day weekend in Almo, Idaho. It is still a quiet little southern Idaho town, but seems to becoming a more popular vacation destination because it is so close to the City of Rocks. Many of Bill's ancestors lived in the area, so it has a special place in all of the Whitakers' hearts. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous, so it's not hard to see why.

Four of Bill's 6 sisters and their families all came and we stayed in these cute little cabins. All of Bill's dad's siblings and some of their children and grandchildren were also there so we had a great time catching up with those we don't get to see very often.

We had a great time exploring the amazing rock formations in the City of Rocks.

A few of my sweet sisters-in-law: Tina, Carrie & Melinda

Sam turned out to be quite the little rock climber!

Sam had a great time getting reacquainted with his cousins

Games until midnight

(a pretty big deal for me, since I tend to turn into a pumpkin by 9:30 pm)

Andy, Seth & Sam

View behind our room

The weekend went by way too fast, but we had such a great time! Hopefully this will become a tradition every couple of years!

Pictures

A Boy and His Ball

This kid would spend 24 hours a day outside with his basket balls and hoop if I let him. Fortunately, we've had some really nice days so we get a few hours out there in the afternoons. He's becoming very good at getting any kind of ball in the hoop (much to his daddy's delight!) and even gets mad if I don't raise it up higher for more of a challenge. I can't wait for the crazy wind to die down a bit and 70+ degrees! I could use some sun myself!

Amazing Grace

Makes me cry everytime...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODpDh-Wx5GE