Emilee's first talk

Emilee was assigned her first primary talk a couple of weeks ago.  She was SO excited, helped write the talk, prepared well, memorized it, and delivered well!  Way to go Emilee!

my Baby's baby

This week, Heidi crawled up to one of Emilee's dolls and picked her up for a cuddle and a sweet little coo.  Since then, she has been snuggling up, rocking, and cooing at all the babies she can find.  It's always amazing to me how that mothering instinct is present from the start with some kids.  She appears to be following in her sisters's footsteps.  

Yard Progress Report 4

It's been a good week for the yard!  Look!  Gordon built this beautiful fence on top of the new wall. . .

 And what's that I see over there on the East side?  Why, I think that's my husband's every backyard dream coming true all at once.  Look at that grin.  He's so excited about the hoop!!!

 He's got a few little buddies who are also excited. . .

 Here is the yard this evening, prepped for the Hydroseed that is coming tomorrow morning.  I'm excited!

 From here you can see the pathway of pavers we had put in.

 See, we expanded the patio with some pavers, and also put in that nice little path so you can head out to the court without getting your feet soaked and muddy in the winter time.  Sweet!

One week to go. . . Hydroseed and general clean up, and then fishing touches for the next who knows how many years.  :0)

Tales From the Trail, 2012

This year Gordon took the boys on a 31 mile 4 day, 3 night backpacking loop in the Gorge.  Gordon's brother Spencer was able to come up and come along on the hike, and I thin everybody had a great time.  I can't believe how beautiful the pictures are and even found myself a little jealous of all the "gorgeous" (couldn't help it!) scenery.  Here are a few pictures from along the trail. . .

True to form, Ethan was an awesome hiker.  He is a kid who can strap on his pack and just hoof it up the trail.  Aidan also did a great job!  Aidan likes to be talked to while he hikes, and needs a story to keep him occupied.  Uncle Spencer was a great guy to have along for this and kept Aidan's ears busy with stories from his Mission, and then moving along to stories from history.  They apparently covered everything from the Spanish Armada to the Louisiana Purchase.  Thank you Uncle Spencer!

 There were several opportunities to swim, and Ethan was always the first guy in.  The water was SO cold at this little fall, that Aidan graciously volunteered to NOT jump in, and stay back and take photos.

 Morning Omlets were a hit!

 Here is their trail map, and an elevation map.  As you can see, they went uphill for 3 days, and then down down down on the last day.  Apparently it was VERY steep and a difficult hike down.

Thank you Daddy and Uncle Spencer for the great hike!  Can't wait until next year!

Yard Progress Report 3

Big News this week!!!  The Trampoline is DONE!  The top cap is on and cut to fit, and the net is in place on the back half.  We finished it off Saturday afternoon, and there was much joy and rejoicing of children of all ages.  Hurray!

 The other thing that happened this week was that the concrete was poured.  It was fun to watch the guys squirting it out there, and I really wish I could upload my video from the camera but alas, I don't have the right firewire cords.  So, pictures will have to do.  Here is the new pad under the deck, doubling the patio. . .

 And, the basketball court!  Gordon is SO excited about this. 

Coming this week:  A fence!  A hoop!  Pavers (hopefully)  and getting ready for the grass (hydroseed) to go in next week.  Busy busy busy. . .

Learning Letters

Emilee has been surprising Gordon and I left and right with her interest in learning her letters and sounds.  NONE of the boys showed a whip of interest, try as I might before they were in Kindergarten.  I've tried to work with all three of them, and not a one would have it.  This little girl is going to teach herself to read if I don't get on it and help her.  Great job Emilee!

Bullwinkles

Ethan finally had his birthday wish come true!  Two of his best buddies were able to find a day that worked out for them and Ethan, Emaan, and Eli all headed down to the "family fun center" with dad.  Everyone came home exhausted, as it was right after camping, a bit motion sick thanks to the red box you see in that picture below, and happy!  Happy Birthday Ethan!

the Ward Campout

One of my good friends generally organizes our unofficial ward campout.  But, she was due to have a baby a few weeks before and asked me to make the reservation for her just in case they couldn't swing it.  And that's how I became responsible for the ward campout.  The rest is history! I didn't do much, basically just made the arrangements and organized a group breakfast.  It was a great time had by all!  We're already looking forward to next year!

Here are a few pictures sent to me by a friend that had a camera there. . .

 This is our friend Andrea.  She must have spent 3 hours in the morning painting all the little girls fingernails.  She's now everyone's favorite!

 Is this the biggest mutant dandelion you've ever seen?  No joke it was easily 5 inches in diameter!  Ethan found it in a field of dandelions and brought it back to show everyone.  Whatever he wished for is sure to come true!

Camp Wilde!

Welcome to Camp Run-a-Muck!  A little "day camp" that a few friends and I are running this summer.  We have each taken one day, and we've been filling an afternoon with camp style activities.  It was our turn last week.  Here is a photo report! 

Camp check in and snake painting

the campers. . .

Sidewalk chalk photo art.  Here we have a scuba diver. . .

 Rapunzel and her prince. . .

 a Jedi battle

 and Superman fighting "a bad guy with lazer eyes."  So fun!  The kids were so tough and laid down on the hot street.  It was the hottest day we've had yet!

 snake painting

 We marched them all "left right left"  style to the park where we played tag of many varieties. . .

And then we were SO HOT (it was our hottest day yet!) we spent the last hour in the basement cooling off and making balloon animals.  Great day campers!