First Day of School

So school has already begun for the year. The kids were excited to get back and see their friends. Beth was so excited that she didn't tell me that she was felling sick that morning. After about an hour she had to come home. The weather was a little rainy and cold for this time of year so it kind of felt like it was time for school. Here's some pictures of the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campout at Gram’s

Gram had a great idea this year to have a big campout in her backyard with all the grandkids.  Camping with that many kids can be a little chaotic and I must admit I was a teeny bit worried no one would sleep a wink, but it actually turned out to be a wonderful time.  We should do it again next year!

We came over on July 3 and Gram had this great table (?iron) out with charcoals on top.   It’s the perfect way to roast hot dogs or anything else for that matter and the kids all loved it.  The best part is obviously s’mores at the end. 

After dinner, the kids ran around and played with each other for hours.  I  think the activity of choice was the tennis court and its plethora of wheeled vehicles.  Owen couldn’t resist a good tennis ball throw which seemed innocent enough until I  realized that boy can really wing it!  I had him throw a couple of them at me for a test and it was a little firmer than I thought.

Nighttime came and we went down to a nearby parking lot for a little firework action thanks to Steven.  It was a good show and no one got burned even though we had sparklers (I got a double burn as a child so I have a little inherent anti-sparkler bias).  At that point I think it was around 11PM.  The tents were set up so we  headed back to the lawn.

While we were gone, Grandpa had set up a big screen TV outside complete with DVD player and “Ella Enchanted”.  I thought we’d have some kids pass out during the show, but they pretty much all made it through and went to bed around 1AM.

So you’d think going to bed late would mean a leisurely late morning.

No.

The kids woke up (some of them…Beth slept  until 10AM) bright and early for Grams next culinary feast (breakfast) with some amazing dutch oven cooking (nothing better than dutch oven desserts!).  Some of the brothers/sisters that didn’t sleep over came by and we did a little tennis.  There’s some serious  talent in that group.

We then shuffled off to our various 4th of July activities, but what a great time we had.  See everyone next year!

More photos here.

Edibles, Inc.

So my aunt has this amazing place where custom sweets are made.  It’s called Edibles, Inc. and they make amazing cookies of all kinds that are delicious on their own, but in addition, they do custom cookies where they can put photos, artwork or basically anything you want on a cookie and send it out to the location of your choice.  Maama and  Popop routinely send cookies for birthdays and Valentine’s Day which are always a hit.  They’re even better because the original art is done by the super talented Popop hand.

 

This summer, while we were in Utah, my aunt invited the kids and cousins down to her business and made cookies with them.  The kids all got to draw something and then they all made cookies from beginning to end.  They had such a great time and were talking about it for days.  I just got done editing the photos so I thought I’d put a few up.  I still have to make it through the rest of the photos from their other adventures (and there were many).  This really was one of the highlights though…thank you Aunt Mickey!!!!!

More photos here.

Thanksgiving Point

Just making it through a few photos from Thanksgiving Point.  The kids always have a great time and especially when there are cousins to play with!  I know I always dreamed of running through brush mazes and going in bear caves.  What a great place.  I’m sure we’ll be back soon.  Photos can be seen here.

Happy Padre Day

Happy Father’s Day to THE #1 dad.  Though arguments can be made for many individuals, I think if you add up the hours spent on tennis/golf outings, customized birthday/valentine’s cards, puzzles done, rocks skipped, books read and french toast griddled, I don’t think he can be beat.  I know I’ll never catch him.  I love you dad!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the best of the best!!! We love you Daddy!!!

Owen goes to Disneyland

Owen recently got to spend some time with his cousins at Disneyland thanks to Maama and Popop. He had a great time. All the kids really love the land of Mickey...even the parents have been known to get excited about going. Anyway, I was going through old videos and came across these of Owen and Isabel so I thought I'd post. These aren't of the most recent trip although I'm sure Owen took a ride on the cars at least a few times.

Moose Window

Sitting in the office and across the window I see a giant brown something. A second glance and yep, a moose is here dining on my uncut (and so far horrible looking) yard. It's happened about 3 times since we've moved up. We see moose a couple of times a month, but the porch visits are a little less frequent I just wish my kids were here to jump up and down about it a little.

Owen Dancing to the i-pod

 

ACG at Millcreek

 

Carol and the kids and I  got to go ha ng out with some of my friends f rom high school and their kids over the summer.   I kept meaning to pos t the photos, but never quite made it.

Anyway, we had a great time seeing everyone and the kids really got along well.  I was pretty surprised as they kind of ran around like they had been best friends for years (is friendship genetic?).  I can proudly say  that the next generation looks to have a bright future as they all seemed to be brilliant and beautiful (not that we would expect anything different).

We went up Millcreek Canyon where they have some firepits and picnic tables.  We did the fire thing and s'mores which is never a bad idea.  The fire with kids makes for a slightly higher  than normal anxiety level but it was still a great time (the rushing rivers weren't much of a calming effect either).  We were missing a few key members (Pete, Jax), but are looking forward to hooking up with them soon.

Chuck was tortured for the full 3 hours we were there with constant requests for golden brown marshmallows and nature adventures from all the kids.  He was a trooper and the kids all loved it.  Isabel still talks about Chuck's perfect marshmallow...I'll never live up to the Iron Horse.

Photos of the whole event are here.