Shawn and Sage - We miss you!

Shawn and Sage

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of my brother and niece's death - they were killed by a drunk driver. Many of you remember him well - his fun loving spirit, his wonderful singing voice, his special way of making you feel special. And some of you didn't get the pleaure of knowing him during his lifetime, but you may be able to get a better idea now. Here is a little glimpse into the life of Shawn.




Left - Shawn and sisters, Right - Natalie and Shawn on wedding day

Left - Shawn and Jeff meeting for the first time after Shawn's mission, Right - Shawn and Angela on their 70's group date

Left - Shawn and Natalie and Sage, first family picture, Right - Shawn holding Parker (age 1 1/2) by the suspenders










We love you and miss you!

Down and Derby!

The Flying Eagle (red) - 1st race, 1st place

Have you ever been a part of the scouting program? Have you every seen a Derby car race? Well, if you haven't, you've been missing out!!! My son Parker has been a part of the scouting program for a whole 5 months now, and I've never seen him more happy to participate in something! And Katie, well she doesn't want to miss out on the fun too, so she begs to go to scouts with Parker every Wednesday.

Two months ago, the kids were all given Derby car kits to create, cut, paint, glue, weigh down and gear up to be a part of the Derby car race. Jeff and Parker started searching the internet to find the best Derby books to make the best car. They found books and links to all sorts of help and tips to creating the best and fastest car! They purchased a design book and went to work.

We had a friend cut the body out and Jeff and Parker worked on the wheels, the paint and of course, you've got to have decals. Melting the weights in a tin can on the gas stove may not have been the best idea, but at least he didn't ruin one of my pots - like last time. :-(

So when all was said and done, we had our car. The Flying Eagle was ready to take the raceway. Parker was so excited! His races went well, he placed 1st or 2nd in the 8 races, to be 5th overall (out of 20 - that's not bad). Way to go Parker!

Left - Katie enjoying the race ** Right - Andrew cheering - Yeah!

Left - Andrew saluting the flag w/Parker ** Right - Parker showing off his car

Vegas baby!

The view of the strip from our hotel room window

Jeff is the co-owner of Jus International, and they held their pre-launch in Vegas at the Platinum Hotel from Feb. 7-9. It was so fun! We left the kiddies at home with family and went on a little vacation. It was also our 10 year anniversary too! This trip was extra special because we had taken our honeymoon to Vegas and had stayed at the Stratosphere (you can see it in the picture above). Good times.

We had over 90 distributors come from most of the west coast and Japan! I got to really dress up and didn't have a single tiny handprint on my dress by the end of the evening - fabulous!

our Anniversary photo

our Anniversary dinner

Phil (brother-in-law)
and his monster pancakes

The sisters-in-law

The wonderful 4-star hotel

Shopping with the girls (Melissa bought this dress)

Parker - the basketball star!

Well, the first season of 8yr. old basketball has come and gone. Parker had so much fun playing - he was actually pretty good - you know, for being in the first-round draft pic for the Bulldogs. The BULLDOGS ended their 6-week season tied for 1st place! We, of course, attribute this all to their fabulous coach, Jeffery Boyle. In the last game of the season, our very own Parker was 1 of only 2 boys who scored the only points in the whole game. We are so proud! We are hoping for a undefeated season in 2009!

Jeff, the best coach, and his son, Parker, the basketball star!

Great block, Parker!

As a point guard, he shouldn't have favored his right side this much...

And the shot went in!!!!

His adoring fans...

Grandpa and Grandma Boyle and Cousin Livia









Sister Katie (w/Grandma again) and Baby Brother Andrew









And not pictured (because I didn't take their pictures - sorry)

Mom - who was behind the camera the whole time (no complaints, I love to take pictures)

Uncle Alex and Aunt Wendy and Cousin Bailey

Uncle Phil and Aunt Melissa