The day is finally here......

My beautiful boy...the day has finally arrived.......

Today is the first day of KINDERGARTEN!
Can you believe this sweet little guy has grown up? He was so excited to go to school this morning.
There wasn't any complaining getting up this morning! He got dressed with a smile! He ate breakfast without any coaxing! He even agreed to have his picture taken! Well, that was more of a chore, but he did it. Even Buzz got in on that action!

The sun was a little too bright....we're going to have a re-shoot, but he doesn't know that yet!

He was happy & excited for this new adventure.

Here he is sitting at his chair. We got to his room, still eager & he kind of spoke to his teacher when she introduced herself to him. He shook her hand, but didn't say too much. He found his spot & sat down with a smile.

Today wasn't a "real" day of school. It was more an introduction for him & for his parents. We were only at school until 10:30....and he was so happy that both his mom & his dad were with him the entire time.

We're looking forward to this new chapter of our lives.

He's going to do great & we're so excited to help him learn & grow this year.

Noah & Madison are the best of friends....they are in separate classes {which we requested}, they bring out the best & worst in each other! They will see each other at school, but have different classrooms.

These two kids are starting the first day of a "new life" for them. Starting it together!

I'm happy that they are starting this new adventure together!

Ohio

*** I am so behind on blogging, actually on life right now, but that's another story....we left to go to Ohio on July 8th. Scott had a trade show to attend in Columbus. My sister lives right outside of Columbus, so we invaded her home for a week. We had a great time....Noah loved playing with his cousins, I played with my sister, Scott had to "work" unfortunately...but, lame me, I have no pictures of this fun!

We left my sisters house to drive 2 hours to Scott's parents house. We made a quick stop at Wade & Gatton, a nursery that specializes in hostas. Right now their Day Lilly garden was in full bloom and beautiful. We took Noah in to the gardens and tried to get some pictures of him. We actually got some good pictures! Love that!! ***

Happy Fourth

Happy Fourth of July! We had a great time at our friends house, enjoying great food, laughs, fireworks & a lot of memories. There were 5 families there & a lot of kids....
I really wanted to see a cute smile & his really COOL red, white & blue drink. But instead, I got his smile & drink covered up.

this was the cute smile I got....love the eyes buddy!

Eatin' dinner with his "buddy" Madison

oh, wait...we want a picnic instead. So halfway thru their meal they moved & he needed a jacket. It was a little cool. We've been having some pretty strange weather this summer.

The Pechanga Casino has a pretty cool firework show every year. The balcony at the Ryan's house is a great spot to watch the show. It was pretty dang cold, but the show was worth it. They last about 20 minutes....the kids love it.

We had a great time with our friends. We're grateful to live in this country and to enjoy the freedoms we have.

The best news....

As of tonight, these two beautiful people are engaged!

Congratulations to my brother Andrew & to gorgeous Tamara!

We are so excited & happy for the two of you!!

Family Reunion

Today is June 16th....we are in Albion, Idaho....look at the temperature at 1:00pm! C.r.A.Z.y! I know!! We were not expecting this cold weather, but we are making the best of it.

Welcome to The Henry & Afton Bradford Family Reunion.....

{warning...there are a lot of pictures!}

My sweet Grandpa with his seven children

{from left to right (and in order of age)...

Elaine, Dale, Donald, Jay (my Dad),

Grandpa, Henry Kent & Dallas}

Grandpa with his children & their spouses
I know this picture is small, so it's not the best to see people, but there were 129 people in attendance {there are 184 members of our family}. Out of that number 44 were children between the ages of 2 & 12. A lot of kids!

Grandpa with some of his Grandchildren

Grandpa with his Grandchildren & their spouses

Grandpa with a bunch of his Great-Grandchildren

We made a "Living Family Tree"....

This is "my" family with my Grandpa

Some of my most favorite people in the world...

My Uncle Dallas & Aunt Marjorie's family

Kent & Kay and their family

Henry & Trudy and a "small" portion of their family. They have 11 children, and they all have a good number of children...so you see, this is a small bit of their family.

Donald & Sue and their family

Vaughn & Elaine and their family.

Somehow I do not have a picture of Dale & Brenda. They planned our reunion this year...it is a lot of work to plan these reunions, but they did a great job.

The reunion was held in Albion, Idaho at a place called Campus Grove. The building we used is an 8000 sq ft college dorm that has been completely refurbished. It was nice.

We started out having a lunch at a park in a building that was available because it was RAINING and remember it was 37 degrees! After we were checked into our facility....we had some GET TO KNOW YOU GAMES. They divided us into groups based on your age. Notice Noah really participating, this is normal for him. I hope he grows out of it soon!

The adults had a lot of fun playing about 3 different games. Each family has different assignments at our reunions & Dallas' family was in charge of the welcome games. My cousin Kirk was the leader for our group. Always up for a good time when Kirk is around!

My cousin Julie leading the "teens"

My cousin Leslie leading the "wanna-be teens"

After our games....a lot of free time for playing....outside {because the rain stopped finally}, card games, up in the game room a lot of fun going on.....

my sweet niece Emma

Taylor & Olivia {nieces}

Noah & Mason out playing before the rain stopped...

notice Mason has no shoes on!

Noah & his cousin Hailey

my sweet Grandpa & his Great-Grandson Adam

two of my favorite gals..Callie & Sunda....they used to live near me in Ohio....I've seen these girls grow up since they were born...Callie just graduated HS this year & Sunda is married!!! Doesn't show my age, does it?!

Like Father, Like Son

My Mom & Aunt Brenda working on our Family Flag

Family Olympics....this is a family tradition. Most of my family did not participate because our meal assignment was for lunch following the Olympics, so we were preparing food.

My brother Paul giving Brynn a ride.

One night we had Family History Skits...

Not my most favorite thing to do, but I did it. Each family had to perform a skit based on anything from our Family History. It was a fun night, with great skits. We have a talented family!

My Aunt Kay, Grandpa & Uncle Kent...telling a story about how to catch Deers....pretty funny.

My Grandpa has an amazing talent & he was put to the test. When my Grandpa was very young, in school one day he would not stop talking...the punishment was he had to learn the ABC's backwards. My Grandpa can still to this day say the ABC's backwards FASTER than you can say it forwards. He was put to the test several times that night & he always won.

This is Chad & his fiance Melissa....this was 6 days before their wedding day. I really loved meeting her. Chad & Missy are perfect for each other. Chad is my cousin Leslie's son....he is Callie & Sunda's brother....another one of my favorite people! I had not seen Chad for a couple of years, he was serving a mission for our church in South Africa and before that he was away at school. It was great to see him!

G.A.M.E.S.....this is a tradition too. Morning, Noon & Night....we are a game playing family. It's a great time. If you notice I'm always playing with Leslie or Kirk.

My Dad was super excited that his Lakers won the Championship game...he was a little stressed during the day not knowing if he would be able to watch the game....but he found a place in this small town of 232 people that had a tv with the game playing.

My sweet Grandpa with my brother Paul

My cousin Michelle & my Mom

My Mom & my Aunt Marjorie

my cousin Julie & me

My cousin Kirk & me. Kirk and I have been great friends since we were born. We have always been close and although we don't see each other often or talk....we have a connection, he's the best.

I love my family....I love our family reunions....we always have such a wonderful time. I'm so blessed to be a part of this family. My Grandparents, Henry & Afton Bradford have blessed my life with their examples, love & their great example. I love them so much!