tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28977105620413935602018-01-02T06:09:08.097-07:00Who Does These Things?A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.comBlogger784125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-67055111511499210062018-01-01T15:57:00.000-07:002018-01-01T15:57:56.396-07:00October - December 2017 Book ReportI started two books that I didn't finish during the last quarter of 2017. Life is too short!<br /><div><br /></div><div>1. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter</i> by Kate Clifford Larson</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In 2016 I read <i>The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga</i> by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It was so thorough and well done, but I wanted more. Specifically, I wanted to know more about Rosemary, the daughter who was labeled "retarded" by her many tutors and governesses. I was really hoping to learn about the developmental healthcare of the time because so much of it changed thanks to Rosemary's siblings later on. And I wanted to find out about that infamous lobotomy Joe Kennedy Sr arranged for Rosemary while his wife was out of town and couldn't object. There wasn't anything new here, though. The third of the book that I read was all the information Kearns Goodwin had already handled very ably. And I didn't care for Larson's style. So, that's done.<br /><br />2.<i> </i><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Scoop</i> by Evelyn Waugh</span><br /><br />I should count this as being finished because I came so close. The first half of this book is FUNNY. It's about a newspaper magnate who needs to hire a good reporter to "report" (or make up) stories related to the latest war in Africa. (The setting is London in the early 20th century.) Taste-maker and eccentric housewife, Mrs. Algernon Smith, tries to do a young friend a favor by recommending him for the job. Unfortunately for the would-be reporter, he shares a name (William Boot) with an older gentleman who already writes a weekly nature column for the paper. The two William Boots get mixed up and the nature-writer William Boot gets sent to Africa to cover the war.<br /><br />It's satire, it's hilarious, it's well-written. Once Boot gets to Africa, though, I got the impression Waugh was satirizing specific people and newspapers. This was more than 100 years ago and it was too specific (to me) to stand the test of time. Probably if I recognized these people and situations I would have thought it was deliciously wicked. Instead, I got bored and kinda just stopped reading.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the ones I did finish!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRcuS1sD-RE/WkqhXePk36I/AAAAAAABJSI/9noyEI9QKf0l5K-imcoxEiPZaHrErOqUgCLcBGAs/s1600/28363972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRcuS1sD-RE/WkqhXePk36I/AAAAAAABJSI/9noyEI9QKf0l5K-imcoxEiPZaHrErOqUgCLcBGAs/s320/28363972.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>3. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Last Days of Night</i> by Graham Moore</span><br /><br />This might be my favorite book that I read this year. I love this style of historical fiction - when real people are interacting with fictional characters to tell the story. Moore does this so well! He shows us the legal tussle for the patent for the light bulb between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse told through Westinghouse's young lawyer, Paul Cravath (a real person).<br /><br />There are so many great scenes in <i>The Last Days of Night</i>. Cravath wants to beat Thomas Edison so badly, but it seems like Edison can anticipate every move they make. Westinghouse enlists the help of the brilliant but odd Nikola Tesla (oh hey, Tesla - second time I've seen a fictional version of you this year). Edison wants his name to be at the top of the heap - he wants everyone to believe that he is THE inventor. Westinghouse wants to take Edison down. The two of them and Tesla all have a version of the light bulb, but the one who gets the credit is the one who handed in all his patent paperwork first. Kinda lame, right?<br /><br />I loved imagining a world where electricity was a new and unknown thing. Only a few people understood how it worked, to everyone else it was dark magic. It reminded me how much we take for granted. In one of the first scenes, Paul witnesses a guy electrocuted right above the street. The guy was trying to untangle live electrical wires, not knowing he was essentially playing with a lightening bolt.<br /><br />"Light bulbs. Electricity. It seems likely that ours will be the last generation to ever gaze, wide-eyed, at something truly novel. That our kind will be the last to ever stare in disbelief at a man-made thing that could not possibly exist."<br /><br />The B and C plots are fun, too. An interesting love story between Paul and a beautiful singer/client and Tesla's craziness. Just a really great read.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPtdULSTJdE/WkqnHEh_DZI/AAAAAAABJSY/h68xEGy9xwoWEk7xBgbsxcIP3oyrWFeGQCLcBGAs/s1600/181077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPtdULSTJdE/WkqnHEh_DZI/AAAAAAABJSY/h68xEGy9xwoWEk7xBgbsxcIP3oyrWFeGQCLcBGAs/s320/181077.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>4. <span style="font-size: large;">Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr</span><br /><br />While we were at Pearl Harbor, the kids got to see a really moving film about the attacks on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. It was so devastating to watch the real footage and then quietly walk over the USS Arizona at the memorial. There was an old Navy guy outside the store at Pearl Harbor with huge bunches of paper cranes telling stories about Sadako. I found a book in the store and thought it might be nice to balance our Pearl Harbor experience with a story about a Japanese girl who was born in Hiroshima after the atom bomb was dropped.<br /><br />I read this to Emil and Colin (they were six at the time) and it was a huge bummer. But! We had great conversations about having hope when things are difficult and what life might have been like in Hiroshima and what it's like to have cancer. The book includes instructions on how to make a paper crane, too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y92QfGfKA8I/Wkqq-pDmvAI/AAAAAAABJSk/bGDHDs8mJoo0v0E15tbFdLG8zFKt7f60gCLcBGAs/s1600/813021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y92QfGfKA8I/Wkqq-pDmvAI/AAAAAAABJSk/bGDHDs8mJoo0v0E15tbFdLG8zFKt7f60gCLcBGAs/s320/813021.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>5. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Crystal Cave</i> (Arthurian Saga #1) by Mary Stewart</span><br /><br />This Arthurian series has so many enthusiastic reviews I wanted to see what the fuss was about. There's a whole group of people who are obsessed with all things King Arthur. It's the classic story, right? Everyone knows it. I read The <i><a href="http://whodoesthesethings.blogspot.com/2013/10/september-2013-book-report.html">Sword and the Stone</a></i> in 2013, so I must have a little obsession myself. <i>The Crystal Cave </i>is Merlin the Wizard's origin story.<br /><br />There were times when I couldn't wait to see what happened and other times when I had no idea what was going on. Merlin is frightened by his visions and doesn't really understand his powers or how to use them. He has a mentor who teaches him medicine (on animals mostly) and how to meditate. Merlin's powers are secretly powers all of us have, it's just a matter of observing them. He tries to follow the inspiration he feels even when he doesn't see the purpose in his actions until much later.<br /><br />"The gods only go with you if you put yourself in their path. And that takes courage."<br /><br />My favorite chapter was when Merlin is about to be sacrificed because a certain king believes that Merlin truly has no father, that he is the son of a devil (he's convinced a lot of people of that to spare his mother). My heart races just thinking about it! Merlin remembers a place he found in his childhood, he pretends to have a vision in front of the king and his men, then he really does have a vision. His reputation after that becomes legendary. The final scene is also very thrilling - Merlin orchestrates Arthur's parentage and it's very messy.<br /><br />Other times, though, I was lost. Am I supposed to remember all the people and all the details in King Arthur's life? Because I don't. I was listening to this (superb narration), which probably didn't help me remembering names.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTZvYXH3rk4/WkqwyFSEnnI/AAAAAAABJS0/YzbVug6-DG49LmcN2nv8Aj8kIOeK0MnnQCLcBGAs/s1600/11451071%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="185" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTZvYXH3rk4/WkqwyFSEnnI/AAAAAAABJS0/YzbVug6-DG49LmcN2nv8Aj8kIOeK0MnnQCLcBGAs/s1600/11451071%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>6. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jacob T. Marley</i> by R. William Bennett</span><br /><br />I've read and listened to Dickens's&nbsp;<i>A Christmas Carol</i> many times. I've never wondered why Jacob Marley came to visit Scrooge, other than he didn't want Scrooge to suffer the same fate Marley was experiencing. If I'd given it any thought at all, I probably would have wondered why a guy who was as bad as, even worse, than Scrooge would try so hard to save Scrooge.<br /><br />R. William Bennett wondered, so he wrote a little story about it. We get to be inside Jacob T. Marley's head - how he came to be the miser mentor to Ebeneezer Scrooge. We see where Marley and Scrooge's paths crossed and how Marley could have been an example of love and forgiveness, but he collected money instead. (I was struck by the same thought I always have when I read <i>A Christmas Carol</i> - money is useless in the next life! Worse than useless!)<br /><br />I liked this - it was old, but new. Like standing backstage instead of being in the audience.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dC-e68nyPA/WkqzDgQ4nsI/AAAAAAABJTA/IFgIYpy9zJgLBTcvy_UoTyFPsZiO83WnwCLcBGAs/s1600/22747803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dC-e68nyPA/WkqzDgQ4nsI/AAAAAAABJTA/IFgIYpy9zJgLBTcvy_UoTyFPsZiO83WnwCLcBGAs/s1600/22747803.jpg" /></a></div>7. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France</i> by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno</span><br /><br />I got this for Emil for Christmas because he has shown an interest in the Founding Fathers and he likes science AND zombies. The illustrations and the variety in the font make this a really fun book to just look at, but it's also very interesting. A guy named Dr. Mesmer is hypnotizing people in France and making them believe they're cured of all their aches and illnesses. Ben Franklin shows up and uses the scientific method to test Mesmer's "powers." Franklin exposes Mesmer and Mesmer runs out of town.<br /><br />But the placebo effect is a real and valuable thing. The power of the mind! Who knows what it's capable of.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xecy2X4FxE/Wkq0aebTdAI/AAAAAAABJTM/MLIpq6ER_kg1it0HpoClm8DwDHC0FnBuACLcBGAs/s1600/10054335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xecy2X4FxE/Wkq0aebTdAI/AAAAAAABJTM/MLIpq6ER_kg1it0HpoClm8DwDHC0FnBuACLcBGAs/s320/10054335.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>8. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Rules of Civility</i> by Amor Towles</span><br /><br />This book has a great and intriguing beginning. A fancy lady, Katey Kontent, and her husband are at an art gallery in New York City in the late 1960s. They are looking at a collection of photos taken in the subway stations, unbeknownst to the subjects in the photos. Katey finds two photos of an old friend - in one he is dressed impeccably, not a hair out of place. In the other he is unshaven, worse for wear, but seems happier. Katey's husband makes a comment about rags to riches and she corrects him, the unshaven photo was taken a year after the polished one.<br /><br />The fateful year was 1937 and the man was Tinker Grey. <i>Rules of Civility</i> describes the single life of two boarding house roommates, Katey and Evelyn. They are secretaries, they're young, and they're enjoying the underground jazz clubs, free drinks, and silly adventures of living in the city. The girls meet Tinker and the three of them have a great time together. Tinker's got money and Evelyn knows how and where to spend it and Katey is witty and fun.<br /><br />There's an incident that changes everything. Unrequited love always leads to good story material. In the last third of the book the tone went from being very chaste to being dirty in an uncomfortable way. That made me mad - the story was fine without it. Better. Anyway. One of the characters looks back on the events of the year through different eyes and picks up on things that she and I both missed. Like looking back on a high school boyfriend-type relationship and seeing all the red flags in retrospect. That was cool. Almost made up for the icky turn Towles took.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s2Iy-vGmgUo/Wkq5PvgbkWI/AAAAAAABJTc/KJu56dWjipomQoZwcaekJG907Q9aHaqXwCLcBGAs/s1600/1434923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="475" height="291" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s2Iy-vGmgUo/Wkq5PvgbkWI/AAAAAAABJTc/KJu56dWjipomQoZwcaekJG907Q9aHaqXwCLcBGAs/s320/1434923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>9. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey</i> by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P.J. Lynch</span><br /><br />I bought this a few years ago to add to my collection of read-aloud Christmas stories. I forgot about it until this year. I read it during the week before Christmas and really liked it. It's about a gruff, wood-carving widower who thinks Christmas is pish-posh. He lives alone after losing his wife and baby son. A widow and her son show up at his house one day asking if he can recreate a wooden nativity that is important to them and has been lost in their move. The boy wants to watch the woodcarver (Jonathan Toomey) work, so the widow and the boy end up spending many hours at his place.<br /><br />It's very sweet. You can see it coming, but it's still sweet. Our kids really liked it, too.<br /><br /><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172682386050159361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-37743962557453767282017-11-29T20:26:00.004-07:002017-11-30T15:29:40.453-07:00Aloha!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFskUoRcdG8/Wh8Lr_SDk_I/AAAAAAABHU4/6Zeu-__7LHw4bZLNRfkppcMq83fk7hdzQCLcBGAs/s1600/View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFskUoRcdG8/Wh8Lr_SDk_I/AAAAAAABHU4/6Zeu-__7LHw4bZLNRfkppcMq83fk7hdzQCLcBGAs/s640/View.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Months ago Brian and I decided to take a family vacation to Hawaii in October 2018. Late in the summer Brian was doing research on the Disney resort, Aulani, in Oahu and he called me and asked if we should go to Hawaii in 2017 instead. Obviously. :) We sat the kids down and said we couldn't go to Hawaii next year and waited for them to be sad, then we told them, "Because we're going this year!" We took them out of school for a week! In November! (Not as easy to do that when they get to junior high.) It was magical!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gowh5tbAD4/Wh8MCTJsL6I/AAAAAAABHVg/mf6eEIeyWlosJAByvARXoL8UuKrtX4GwQCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Band%2BColin%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gowh5tbAD4/Wh8MCTJsL6I/AAAAAAABHVg/mf6eEIeyWlosJAByvARXoL8UuKrtX4GwQCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2Band%2BColin%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bplane.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brian booked a direct flight from Salt Lake City, which means six hours in the air. It was the boys' first time on an airplane. I've never seen them endure anything for six seconds, so I put together a little kit for the plane. A book of origami patterns and paper, their own new set of markers, dot-to-dot and word puzzles, invisible ink pen and pad, their own set of headphones, magnetic hangman.&nbsp; I needn't have bothered - they had their own screens! We sat on a row with the boys, me, and Bridget while Brian was two rows ahead of us. The boys messed with their screens the whole time (eye roll).&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qh1ymLUdDfc/Wh8NLlsYF-I/AAAAAAABHXc/gqD_lIJUfGI1C03z1NPhPZQdx4ExDTIMACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qh1ymLUdDfc/Wh8NLlsYF-I/AAAAAAABHXc/gqD_lIJUfGI1C03z1NPhPZQdx4ExDTIMACLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bplane.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget got her own plane ride kit, too. Fancy headphones.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a little challenging finding our rental car (Brian booked Aulani, the plane tickets, and the rental car through Costco), and we were in rush hour traffic getting to the resort, but it was amazing to all of us to be able to see the ocean no matter where we were. When we got to Aulani the kids got little menehune necklaces, Brian got one of those nut-looking leis and I got an orchid lei that smelled AMAZING. They gave us citrus-infused water while we waited in line for our room keys. We had a one bedroom suite (the couch was a really nice pull-out bed and there was a Murphy bed hidden in the cabinet with the TV on it) with a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. Um, you guys? Always have a kitchen and a washer and dryer in your hotel room. The kids got in their suits and we went TO THE POOL.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qStuplzZC7c/Wh8OrWwCYcI/AAAAAAABHaQ/yY5uoMuzewklvSbuA1XNf-8F3bwD3XfPwCLcBGAs/s1600/First%2Bnight%2Bat%2BAulani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qStuplzZC7c/Wh8OrWwCYcI/AAAAAAABHaQ/yY5uoMuzewklvSbuA1XNf-8F3bwD3XfPwCLcBGAs/s400/First%2Bnight%2Bat%2BAulani.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are lots of winding paths and lots of different styles of pool in one place at Aulani - lazy river, slides, tubes, hot tubs, infinity pools. We walked around a corner and there was the sun setting on the Pacific Ocean! It took my breath away! So pretty. And everything in Hawaii smells good. After we played for a while I went to one of the poolside restaurants and ordered a pizza. For one million dollars. (You know I'm exaggerating, but WOW. Disney is getting your money, man.) We took it up to our room and added all the leftover food I'd packed for the plane to our dinner. (Brian and I took our favorite sandwiches from Kneaders on the plane. Brilliant!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWnxS9z0exU/Wh8P5tGe5BI/AAAAAAABHck/X2DogWtBO_shxKIG4FFc0no1BiYICcsoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Boys%2Bup%2Bearly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWnxS9z0exU/Wh8P5tGe5BI/AAAAAAABHck/X2DogWtBO_shxKIG4FFc0no1BiYICcsoQCLcBGAs/s400/Boys%2Bup%2Bearly.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was up at the crack of 4:00 AM. The boys were up at 6:00 AM. Dude! (They're fighting with the little pillows I put in their plane kit.) More about Hawaiian quilts later, but find the Mickey ears on this one. Fun!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reserved a table for the character breakfast at one of the Aulani restaurants at 10:00 AM on Tuesday because I'm a fool. I thought we'd want to sleep in! We did not. I did have plenty of time to go to Target and get us food for the week, which was nice. While I was there I bought Emil a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops. He had been begging for a Hawaiian shirt since we got off the airplane! Emil wants to immerse himself in new experiences, which is very fun. I bought us Eggo waffles for breakfasts, mostly because Brian and I were binge-ing on Stranger Things and I was reminded of them. Ha! While I was at Target Brian discovered The Deal at Aulani. If you want to get kids signed up for stuff at Aunty's Beach House or any other adventure, you need to be in line, in person by 7:00 in the morning. Who knew?! (And we found out too late that first day that you can call a number from your room phone to find out where the characters will be during the day.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap3Mrj_bkhk/Wh8R4NyHfgI/AAAAAAABHfM/fiMUAy1mnkAOQSl_JXSma6psPpgpExH1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bhugging%2BMickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ap3Mrj_bkhk/Wh8R4NyHfgI/AAAAAAABHfM/fiMUAy1mnkAOQSl_JXSma6psPpgpExH1wCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bhugging%2BMickey.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was finally time for breakfast! Mickey Mouse greeted the kids with a hug. Look at his cute outfit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzg-V1iUCuA/Wh8SKcIJL7I/AAAAAAABHf0/XSeIRj6Yf7c2dDMKXEmK4CUsWXN2JlK8wCLcBGAs/s1600/Family%2Bphoto%2Bwith%2BMickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzg-V1iUCuA/Wh8SKcIJL7I/AAAAAAABHf0/XSeIRj6Yf7c2dDMKXEmK4CUsWXN2JlK8wCLcBGAs/s400/Family%2Bphoto%2Bwith%2BMickey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Hawaii you HAVE to do the chakra in every photo. Brian knows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVgFI07jk2A/Wh8SuFjIQuI/AAAAAAABHg8/PnPaeNU1fsAjAVv6xrYOlxRKUr6dYQgFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bat%2Bcharacter%2Bbreakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVgFI07jk2A/Wh8SuFjIQuI/AAAAAAABHg8/PnPaeNU1fsAjAVv6xrYOlxRKUr6dYQgFQCLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Bat%2Bcharacter%2Bbreakfast.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This million dollar breakfast buffet was the best breakfast I've ever had. I'm absolutely doing that to the bananas I serve my grandkids - make it look like a dolphin with a fish in its mouth! And the fresh pineapple?! I had a little piece of steak with a perfectly poached egg and gravy on it. How have I lived this long without having gravy for breakfast? The syrup was coconut syrup. We were all hungry enough (except Colin) to eat a lot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgxB7UAj9Ho/Wh8TxqK6rXI/AAAAAAABHig/SkGPBInufvIFtzFgP9wAod2qvZ4oWZOiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Band%2BMinnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgxB7UAj9Ho/Wh8TxqK6rXI/AAAAAAABHig/SkGPBInufvIFtzFgP9wAod2qvZ4oWZOiwCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2Band%2BMinnie.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Minnie came to our table for a photo op.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCpom87Wxls/Wh8UGa0-pEI/AAAAAAABHjA/Y5HwGdNMt18GQCPeKjLuTOYz24pfWb3AwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Band%2BGoofy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCpom87Wxls/Wh8UGa0-pEI/AAAAAAABHjA/Y5HwGdNMt18GQCPeKjLuTOYz24pfWb3AwCLcBGAs/s400/Kids%2Band%2BGoofy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had to chase Goofy down a little, but we got him. Kids not getting the whole chakra thing yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLQeQPZuxFU/Wh8UgTAeiLI/AAAAAAABHjo/PyJdj7eIgowDmnUGVUspFz8BIpAaNYR_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bsnorkling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLQeQPZuxFU/Wh8UgTAeiLI/AAAAAAABHjo/PyJdj7eIgowDmnUGVUspFz8BIpAaNYR_ACLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2Bsnorkling.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">After breakfast Brian and the kids got back in their swimsuits and went to get passes to Rainbow Reef. (Aulani has their own little saltwater snorkeling pool.) I watched them get in the water and went to the big windows to see them underwater. I came back and Colin was off the project. He couldn't figure out how to breathe through his mouth with the mask on and he wasn't going to try it more than once. I followed him around while Brian, Bridget and Emil snorkeled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xur-xE-vA4k/Wh8VjdaaDXI/AAAAAAABHk4/yVwe3-XQ3VYK5KljSSh9Ch7aaSnf_S5QQCLcBGAs/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2BColin%2Bon%2Bthe%2Blazy%2Briver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xur-xE-vA4k/Wh8VjdaaDXI/AAAAAAABHk4/yVwe3-XQ3VYK5KljSSh9Ch7aaSnf_S5QQCLcBGAs/s640/Daddy%2Band%2BColin%2Bon%2Bthe%2Blazy%2Briver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brian went down the slides and circled the lazy river all day! He looks relaxed, but I went on a tube like this with Colin and there's a lot of sharp elbows and knees involved in a tube ride with Colin. I married the perfect man.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssu8e9qjqdg/Wh8WcKLHe-I/AAAAAAABHmc/4YhWY0ljJR05p2D2fpjoDZCThjBnZ2FpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2BBridget%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1162" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssu8e9qjqdg/Wh8WcKLHe-I/AAAAAAABHmc/4YhWY0ljJR05p2D2fpjoDZCThjBnZ2FpwCLcBGAs/s400/Daddy%2Band%2BBridget%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had to ask around, but we found the shack with the Pineapple Dole Whip on the beach. Aulani has their own little cove with plenty of chairs and umbrellas (which we had to use for rain a few minutes after this photo was taken).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4wu7VWf0YE/Wh8W3q4fRYI/AAAAAAABHnY/QspEJs8sdDczh8ABsBtCO7gdZwskR2GrQCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X4wu7VWf0YE/Wh8W3q4fRYI/AAAAAAABHnY/QspEJs8sdDczh8ABsBtCO7gdZwskR2GrQCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil claimed a big hole someone else dug.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbWBdqgsAQ0/Wh9p0XpVa6I/AAAAAAABH0s/CHbD2HDJkk0mgmW_8IO2xIOwwj0Z13IdQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbWBdqgsAQ0/Wh9p0XpVa6I/AAAAAAABH0s/CHbD2HDJkk0mgmW_8IO2xIOwwj0Z13IdQCLcBGAs/s400/Kids%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bocean.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are their faces in Hawaii.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner of rice and barbecue chicken from the refrigerator section at Target, we went down to the fire pit and listened to Uncle tell the story of the menehune. There are lots of little menehune statues hidden all over the Aulani resort and they encourage the kids to try to find them. There's even one underwater at Rainbow Reef. That is super fun, but they need something to keep track of the ones they've found. There was nothing! Colin would have been DOWN with that - he always wanted to look for menehune.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Wednesday morning I went down to stand in line at Aunty's Beach House to get the kids into something. After breakfast, they went to Aunty's to make slime and meet Stitch from the movie Lilo and Stitch. Bridget is too old for that nonsense, but she is always game and she did it anyway. Brian and I went for a walk and saw a bunch of crabs crawling all over the rocks at the beach. EW! They look like giant spiders! Oh well, they're delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9P-Csuq0JRw/Wh8YiobEmTI/AAAAAAABHqg/ttH4c8V5RXMl7zzss0-US93lGSd7SLLsQCLcBGAs/s1600/Mom%2Band%2BDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9P-Csuq0JRw/Wh8YiobEmTI/AAAAAAABHqg/ttH4c8V5RXMl7zzss0-US93lGSd7SLLsQCLcBGAs/s400/Mom%2Band%2BDad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center after lunch in our room. It took over an hour to get there, but the drive was beautiful and interesting. (The check out lady at Target said she moved to Hawaii from Arizona. She loves it, but not being able to leave the island without getting on a plane has made her feel claustrophobic after a few months. I hadn't thought of that! Right when she said it, I knew I could never live in Hawaii.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3YeMa2MhuQ/Wh8aVSLuz_I/AAAAAAABHtE/zfdlgxIlSacYDmU3KrEVvPDMHVrQ8sBRwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Btrying%2Bcoconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3YeMa2MhuQ/Wh8aVSLuz_I/AAAAAAABHtE/zfdlgxIlSacYDmU3KrEVvPDMHVrQ8sBRwCLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Btrying%2Bcoconut.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget really wanted to try a real coconut, TA DA they had coconuts they would punch a hole in right in front of us, then they put in a straw for us to drink the juice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8zmqkcA748/Wh8boGmjFZI/AAAAAAABHt4/RE5pt77ZZ4Ete6emC15HKn8i3my0hTfGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Btrying%2Bcoconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8zmqkcA748/Wh8boGmjFZI/AAAAAAABHt4/RE5pt77ZZ4Ete6emC15HKn8i3my0hTfGgCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2Btrying%2Bcoconut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOLiAF-Wqjg/Wh8b0XqU-hI/AAAAAAABHt8/Xd5bIXRUw5MPjIsIS5D8sNyTpXzYWcAgwCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Btrying%2Bcoconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOLiAF-Wqjg/Wh8b0XqU-hI/AAAAAAABHt8/Xd5bIXRUw5MPjIsIS5D8sNyTpXzYWcAgwCLcBGAs/s400/Colin%2Btrying%2Bcoconut.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">See how Colin is already expecting not to love coconut juice? He tried it, though. #progress</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC from here on out) needs to have a more informative website. They assumed we knew all the stuff. What is happening?! What is this place?! We had no idea. A nice lady told us we should take the canoe ride through each of the villages, then make our way back visiting the ones we wanted to visit. Oooohhh! So it's a mini version of all the islands where you can learn about that specific culture and participate in their dances and food. Why don't they just SAY that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hOsaYpUcuU/Wh8cHlXc_nI/AAAAAAABHuM/pxAR8hBABds5ikq7PNdPt0so5IeNIVoLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bthrowing%2Ba%2Bfishing%2Bnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hOsaYpUcuU/Wh8cHlXc_nI/AAAAAAABHuM/pxAR8hBABds5ikq7PNdPt0so5IeNIVoLwCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2Bthrowing%2Ba%2Bfishing%2Bnet.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got off the canoe and walked to the Hawaii village where they taught us how to throw a fishing net.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lunFh46siU8/Wh8cba-_-JI/AAAAAAABHuY/unAXvvUKBtUbr0-TqBRJXvo63vdt8SckQCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bthrowing%2Ba%2Bnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lunFh46siU8/Wh8cba-_-JI/AAAAAAABHuY/unAXvvUKBtUbr0-TqBRJXvo63vdt8SckQCLcBGAs/s400/Colin%2Bthrowing%2Ba%2Bnet.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUxQDeIWi_c/Wh8cnGeoJGI/AAAAAAABHug/1zrz7Tl1OvMyjr029QHsPPk4JzMrzWL4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bwith%2Bfishing%2Bnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUxQDeIWi_c/Wh8cnGeoJGI/AAAAAAABHug/1zrz7Tl1OvMyjr029QHsPPk4JzMrzWL4QCLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Bwith%2Bfishing%2Bnet.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7KLYxTj8IU/Wh8c0XZV2xI/AAAAAAABHus/VfPZO4c0y_IYZSlpKSvXD-uEeFLideAAwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dad%2Bwith%2Bfishing%2Bnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7KLYxTj8IU/Wh8c0XZV2xI/AAAAAAABHus/VfPZO4c0y_IYZSlpKSvXD-uEeFLideAAwCLcBGAs/s400/Dad%2Bwith%2Bfishing%2Bnet.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you tell how good Brian is going to be at throwing this net?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeNT-X7Avdk/Wh8dFToClsI/AAAAAAABHuw/CrrtHBbKQpwWrIC4Ns1rckdYNsjZBqaowCLcBGAs/s1600/Brian%2Bthrowing%2Bthe%2Bnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeNT-X7Avdk/Wh8dFToClsI/AAAAAAABHuw/CrrtHBbKQpwWrIC4Ns1rckdYNsjZBqaowCLcBGAs/s400/Brian%2Bthrowing%2Bthe%2Bnet.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It landed in a perfect circle and Brian's mentor over there was SO HAPPY. :) Good to know Brian would be able to provide if we were deserted on a tropical island.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6xnLP1jfNk/Wh8eSzkgNOI/AAAAAAABHvg/0ocM06oY0Jk_khTIEDdcLMZzKhkHU6hYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Btrying%2Bpoi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6xnLP1jfNk/Wh8eSzkgNOI/AAAAAAABHvg/0ocM06oY0Jk_khTIEDdcLMZzKhkHU6hYwCLcBGAs/s320/Kids%2Btrying%2Bpoi.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then we watched a couple of guys make poi for us to try. Poi is purple! Weird. It tastes like a raw potato.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0VnKEEFZzg/Wh8epom0mpI/AAAAAAABHvs/iDcmZXEhh6weIs31Ox6QhjLDHKQAJY40QCLcBGAs/s1600/Trying%2Bpoi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0VnKEEFZzg/Wh8epom0mpI/AAAAAAABHvs/iDcmZXEhh6weIs31Ox6QhjLDHKQAJY40QCLcBGAs/s400/Trying%2Bpoi.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil's face. Right after this we watched an amazing parade on the "river." Each of the villages had a canoe with people dressed in the island's colors and clothes, doing dances and singing songs. At some point during the parade Emil yelled at me, "I want something to eat besides POI." Oh, Emil. HAHAHAHA!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkQIhM0fIAU/Wh8djkwQHTI/AAAAAAABHvI/WFYL_cYiNMUHHXaU4BYKrFcWAJSuV7hCACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bin%2BNew%2BZealand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkQIhM0fIAU/Wh8djkwQHTI/AAAAAAABHvI/WFYL_cYiNMUHHXaU4BYKrFcWAJSuV7hCACLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Bin%2BNew%2BZealand.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the real name of New Zealand. Bridget is still carrying around that coconut because the lady told her she could bring it back and they'd crack it open for her to eat. If that's not a great reason to carry around a wet coconut for hours, what is?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ViCz-YHsbag/Wh8fLVhlU3I/AAAAAAABHv8/ri6gtBMjDjslfPrUPhM6ymTf0MT1GvafwCLcBGAs/s1600/Stick%2Broutine%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ViCz-YHsbag/Wh8fLVhlU3I/AAAAAAABHv8/ri6gtBMjDjslfPrUPhM6ymTf0MT1GvafwCLcBGAs/s400/Stick%2Broutine%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Aotearoa village is where we learned this great routine with sticks. Where are Colin's shoes?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DaUUdvOFfTw/Wh8fkTy8lBI/AAAAAAABHwI/s7cAhFNxjYYhctaei5N9kG04NHfg47QuwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2527s%2Btattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DaUUdvOFfTw/Wh8fkTy8lBI/AAAAAAABHwI/s7cAhFNxjYYhctaei5N9kG04NHfg47QuwCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2527s%2Btattoo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone was jealous of the tattoo I got while I was trying to find a place to stamp their PCC passport, so they all had to get one too. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2ic-tv24HU/Wh8f_0yYeGI/AAAAAAABHwQ/_UVeulxcZ2AbVj6XLSEKY1NVZS0IOHQrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bgetting%2Ba%2Btattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2ic-tv24HU/Wh8f_0yYeGI/AAAAAAABHwQ/_UVeulxcZ2AbVj6XLSEKY1NVZS0IOHQrgCLcBGAs/s400/Colin%2Bgetting%2Ba%2Btattoo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had to make our way to the luau after this, but we literally could have spent an entire day exploring the villages. What a cool place. At the luau we got another lei and they seated us at a great table. There was a show through the whole dinner, which was amazing. I noticed purple rolls in the buffet and knew immediately that they were poi rolls. Fun! The pulled pork was fantastic. I think Colin ate pineapple and cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXAiwOrclLY/Wh8g0tcE75I/AAAAAAABHxg/b45J46dMvJIWv9vXmpQOi7NO-wdEJcv9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BDaddy%2Bat%2Bluau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXAiwOrclLY/Wh8g0tcE75I/AAAAAAABHxg/b45J46dMvJIWv9vXmpQOi7NO-wdEJcv9wCLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Band%2BDaddy%2Bat%2Bluau.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite picture of the whole trip. Bridget loved Hawaii so much! She wanted to learn everything and do everything and try all the food. She's the best. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NePM3ZeMgCI/Wh8hRrUi9iI/AAAAAAABHyQ/6FMbCnswMY8B0DPI51Dfxhf3WwCUMlc-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bdrinking%2Bpineapple%2Bsmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NePM3ZeMgCI/Wh8hRrUi9iI/AAAAAAABHyQ/6FMbCnswMY8B0DPI51Dfxhf3WwCUMlc-QCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2Bdrinking%2Bpineapple%2Bsmoothie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This smoothie in a pineapple was delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ygTF4D-x4/Wh8hdxSa7PI/AAAAAAABHyg/syln1dMobAko0GQiqdRCXV-S3UHAveIjACLcBGAs/s1600/Luau%2Bfire%2Bdance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="1073" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ygTF4D-x4/Wh8hdxSa7PI/AAAAAAABHyg/syln1dMobAko0GQiqdRCXV-S3UHAveIjACLcBGAs/s400/Luau%2Bfire%2Bdance.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a 12 year-old kid.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HX9yA3_PlaA/Wh8hpyY5TqI/AAAAAAABHys/y6PeoSNWchAH3tnYhUSoOFZIBvXN-YpKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bwatching%2Bfire%2Bdancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HX9yA3_PlaA/Wh8hpyY5TqI/AAAAAAABHys/y6PeoSNWchAH3tnYhUSoOFZIBvXN-YpKgCLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Bwatching%2Bfire%2Bdancer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Bridget watching that kid. :) (The Sunday after we got home Colin was doing a haka dance when he stopped and said, "Mom, I need two sticks and some fire.")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcKftU7cl04/Wh8kjrP7HNI/AAAAAAABHzE/fq6s65259hQ_VB8aZY2xT_PoqdIyrY3OwCLcBGAs/s1600/Hawaiian%2Bquilts%2Bat%2BPCC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcKftU7cl04/Wh8kjrP7HNI/AAAAAAABHzE/fq6s65259hQ_VB8aZY2xT_PoqdIyrY3OwCLcBGAs/s400/Hawaiian%2Bquilts%2Bat%2BPCC.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm fascinated by how different Hawaiian quilts are from those on the main land. Why? It's cool - like a kaleidoscope. There are shapes in the patterns - like the turtle in the brown one and the palm trees in the red one. This is one of the stores at the PCC, dedicated just to quilts and Hawaiian fabric. I spent a little time in it while an LDS missionary taught Brian and the kids a little tune on the ukulele.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4knzMiYZcw/Wh8lavInL5I/AAAAAAABHzM/3VCcQNbcF8YX2YSLykTfI0rcW0LCvOnjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Eukulele%2Blesson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4knzMiYZcw/Wh8lavInL5I/AAAAAAABHzM/3VCcQNbcF8YX2YSLykTfI0rcW0LCvOnjgCLcBGAs/s400/Eukulele%2Blesson.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was getting dark and the villages were closing. We walked through an old island church with some of the history of religion on the islands. So interesting! We still had time before the big final show, Breath of Life, so we took the bus tour of BYU Hawaii and the Hawaii Temple. (I texted our nephew Ethan when we were right in front of his school, but he was at work. So sad to be right there and not be able to connect!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70OzpH4ICVo/Wh8mFg9y2II/AAAAAAABHzU/IuIbTMhVKOUeaXYtedVdU-CfT0ouKzMAACLcBGAs/s1600/Hawaii%2BTemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70OzpH4ICVo/Wh8mFg9y2II/AAAAAAABHzU/IuIbTMhVKOUeaXYtedVdU-CfT0ouKzMAACLcBGAs/s400/Hawaii%2BTemple.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Breath of Life was a remarkable show. We were close to the front and could feel a little of the heat. (Right before we went in Bridget bought herself a Hawaiian dress at one of the shops. I love that that is what she chose for her souvenir.) The kids were SO TIRED by the time the show started - 10:30 Mountain Time. Emil fell asleep on Brian, but before he did he asked, "Dad will you wake me up when there's fire?" :) The fire stuff was definitely worth waking up for!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were slow getting up on Thursday, which was heavenly. That means waking up at 6:30 instead of 5:00. I wasn't able to get tickets for the USS Arizona tour at Pearl Harbor online or on the phone, but the guy on the phone said I could call at 7:00 the morning before we planned to go and get tickets. Right at 7:00, I was on the phone talking to a lady at Pearl Harbor who sounded like she was hiding under a bed somewhere while she was talking on the phone with me. Suddenly there was screaming and howling from the kitchen, making it even harder to understand the lady on the phone. I tried to go out on the deck, but the noise (Emil) followed me. His mouth was bloody and he was missing a tooth. I could hear Brian and Bridget talking loudly in the kitchen. It was a lot. In conclusion, I finally got the tickets and hung up the phone to find out that Emil had bumped his chin on the counter and one of his front teeth had come out and was now lost. The other one was super loose, so Brian pulled that one too. Bridget had told Brian that they were permanent teeth (eye roll), so he was freaking out. Not permanent teeth! They were loose anyway! Sheesh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5UUc2BeioA/Wh9rIzbRWrI/AAAAAAABH1I/T54Ue6Ak2nEhqv4d1PAarFcYcbzWVPGqwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2527s%2Btooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5UUc2BeioA/Wh9rIzbRWrI/AAAAAAABH1I/T54Ue6Ak2nEhqv4d1PAarFcYcbzWVPGqwCLcBGAs/s400/Emil%2527s%2Btooth.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our plan was to spend all of Thursday at Aulani having fun. :) We did it! I tried snorkeling because it looked so fun and I was all the way over my airplane headache by Thursday. While I was in the water with Emil one of the resort employees was feeding the fish and he let me hold the line the feeder was on. So cool! The fish were all around me, but weren't touching me.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKw07CP-JKk/Wh9oHYSqK0I/AAAAAAABH0U/EUKv9pxXz5cY18E3NQQ-nS3OpqEn6SBbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bwith%2BHawaiian%2Bice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKw07CP-JKk/Wh9oHYSqK0I/AAAAAAABH0U/EUKv9pxXz5cY18E3NQQ-nS3OpqEn6SBbwCLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2Bwith%2BHawaiian%2Bice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Colin and I went on a tube down the slide together, which was very fun and fast. Once we landed at the start of the lazy river, though, Colin was constantly walking over me or elbowing me in the thigh to lean out of the boat. What the heck? Brian had figured out by then to get out of the tube and push them. Our kids are not about being lazy on vacation. The kids and I got Mickey Mouse-shaped shave ice and all of us went to the beach to play.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djA75Zn7qI8/Wh9oRT7n_HI/AAAAAAABH0Y/eTIrO6mdLpQgwXzizDs-D4-15DU6HzzKACLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bdigging%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djA75Zn7qI8/Wh9oRT7n_HI/AAAAAAABH0Y/eTIrO6mdLpQgwXzizDs-D4-15DU6HzzKACLcBGAs/s400/Colin%2Bdigging%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbeach.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got a bag of beach toys to play with and a couple of boogie boards to take into the water. Brian and Bridget got snorkeling masks and went farther out into the water to explore. I lost sight of them for a minute, then thought I saw Brian swimming back alone. AH! It wasn't him. I had a heart attack for nothing. Some guy near the rocks asked them to help find a wrench he'd dropped.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2XD3AqnXRo/Wh9pZHg3X7I/AAAAAAABH0k/Dz-mmoe_fOkliM_gt-ySWlnzlmK_QoiCACLcBGAs/s1600/Brian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2XD3AqnXRo/Wh9pZHg3X7I/AAAAAAABH0k/Dz-mmoe_fOkliM_gt-ySWlnzlmK_QoiCACLcBGAs/s640/Brian.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">By late afternoon we were all exhausted. The kids didn't realize they were exhausted, but they were. We went back to our room to shower and change and go see if we could find some turtles that were supposed to be nearby. We climbed all over sharp rocks, but never saw any turtles. Bummer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsNGJTeyygA/Wh9qMXwcPSI/AAAAAAABH00/rJRY3vFmt7cr9MaGoyFcTd0ghjoJQYVxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Mom%2Band%2BDad%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsNGJTeyygA/Wh9qMXwcPSI/AAAAAAABH00/rJRY3vFmt7cr9MaGoyFcTd0ghjoJQYVxwCLcBGAs/s400/Mom%2Band%2BDad%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7xYLQzXY5I/Wh9qWAQfZgI/AAAAAAABH04/r_7wnvntrFQTG3hNBn6SKZQWshDRXzdKACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7xYLQzXY5I/Wh9qWAQfZgI/AAAAAAABH04/r_7wnvntrFQTG3hNBn6SKZQWshDRXzdKACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYogSNAvLdk/Wh9qje1oT8I/AAAAAAABH08/nSaFIVNkdnkZTF20uyuXz7PuVrWwS9YCQCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYogSNAvLdk/Wh9qje1oT8I/AAAAAAABH08/nSaFIVNkdnkZTF20uyuXz7PuVrWwS9YCQCLcBGAs/s640/Colin.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We woke up early on Friday (what else?!) and the kids hurried down to get the most out of the pool. I found out where Pluto was going to be and we waited in a short line for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUgG3x5Vzi8/Wh9r5NZZA8I/AAAAAAABH1U/2ZGoDMrYuRsU9L5gMKAwWWZ63jUpv8X5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Bpetting%2BPluto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUgG3x5Vzi8/Wh9r5NZZA8I/AAAAAAABH1U/2ZGoDMrYuRsU9L5gMKAwWWZ63jUpv8X5ACLcBGAs/s400/Kids%2Bpetting%2BPluto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pluto needed his nose scratched.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXwoOs4Yj9M/Wh9sOaPRSDI/AAAAAAABH1c/Szet5zEhuWo-OvzbjqUdMbPFq1TIjnQhQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Bposing%2Bwith%2BPluto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1227" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXwoOs4Yj9M/Wh9sOaPRSDI/AAAAAAABH1c/Szet5zEhuWo-OvzbjqUdMbPFq1TIjnQhQCLcBGAs/s400/Kids%2Bposing%2Bwith%2BPluto.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXDnIVWbKBE/Wh9soVx0HAI/AAAAAAABH1g/MTWJTWZSHQIt1w73wC-LasXapH9GRAWBwCLcBGAs/s1600/Aulani%2Blobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NXDnIVWbKBE/Wh9soVx0HAI/AAAAAAABH1g/MTWJTWZSHQIt1w73wC-LasXapH9GRAWBwCLcBGAs/s400/Aulani%2Blobby.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was sad leaving Aulani. Isn't that an incredible lobby?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After checking out at Aulani we headed to Pearl Harbor. We had enough time to tour the Bowfin Submarine, a real WWII submarine, as well as the Pearl Harbor Museum before our USS Arizona tour. Each of us got a head set and we could punch in a number to listen to an explanation of whatever part of the submarine we were in at the moment. I could never be a sailor! It was so tight in there and I could feel the constant, subtle motion of the waves. Nope!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79f-vj02KGQ/Wh9tnR8aOPI/AAAAAAABH1s/M3XPREN8nrYg24koE5fRuo7Wixjt3zNIACLcBGAs/s1600/Bowfin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79f-vj02KGQ/Wh9tnR8aOPI/AAAAAAABH1s/M3XPREN8nrYg24koE5fRuo7Wixjt3zNIACLcBGAs/s640/Bowfin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NW7TTpEzsrE/Wh9t6GQyNuI/AAAAAAABH1w/I90naiIrGPEOST7RBVIm-ckNkdZnegVfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bin%2Bthe%2BBowfin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NW7TTpEzsrE/Wh9t6GQyNuI/AAAAAAABH1w/I90naiIrGPEOST7RBVIm-ckNkdZnegVfQCLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Bin%2Bthe%2BBowfin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil and Colin took their tour of the Bowfin at a run, which is how they do museums. There were so many cool things to see, though! I wish they'd slow down a little. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kG1qjJFtxR4/Wh9uaniSGdI/AAAAAAABH14/yrWYhLRIpwsg0BfC30Lwi41emAx3Q4QUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kitchen%2Bin%2BBowfin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kG1qjJFtxR4/Wh9uaniSGdI/AAAAAAABH14/yrWYhLRIpwsg0BfC30Lwi41emAx3Q4QUQCLcBGAs/s640/Kitchen%2Bin%2BBowfin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at this kitchen! Never. It's a one-bum kitchen for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRdgqGtvBSE/Wh9uzD8krKI/AAAAAAABH18/QbHOhqdWzIoPJKjW_DduBLSRWyGnpXvoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Band%2BEmil%2Bexiting%2BBowfin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FRdgqGtvBSE/Wh9uzD8krKI/AAAAAAABH18/QbHOhqdWzIoPJKjW_DduBLSRWyGnpXvoQCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Band%2BEmil%2Bexiting%2BBowfin.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had to talk Colin into buying this shirt at the PCC. It was spendy and he didn't want to use his money for it. Come on, though! It's my favorite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN_BXgXuCX0/Wh9vvBdosjI/AAAAAAABH2I/_Co9hM9fLlgZFDkSwcEXqpwdv57WmLHbACLcBGAs/s1600/On%2BBowfin%2527s%2Bdeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nN_BXgXuCX0/Wh9vvBdosjI/AAAAAAABH2I/_Co9hM9fLlgZFDkSwcEXqpwdv57WmLHbACLcBGAs/s640/On%2BBowfin%2527s%2Bdeck.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The museum was so interesting. There was a display of President George H. W. Bush with photos and letters describing his experiences being rescued by the USS Finback Submarine when his plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean during World War II. He downplayed it, but holy crap! Most airmen were beheaded by the Japanese if they were captured.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had just a few minutes before the showing of the Pearl Harbor movie and then the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, so we stopped at the Visitors' Center store and met an old Navy guy who told the kids cool stories. One of them was about a girl in Hiroshima who made 1000 paper cranes. (I picked up the book about her and she made 600-something, but her family and school mates made the rest. Because she died of leukemia before she could finish.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4jztClOAL4/Wh9yP1oHv6I/AAAAAAABH2U/SJ2bdLtTggkVFFokhqJXqoAx9pykpVR-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Bwith%2Borigami%2Bcranes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="1600" height="602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4jztClOAL4/Wh9yP1oHv6I/AAAAAAABH2U/SJ2bdLtTggkVFFokhqJXqoAx9pykpVR-QCLcBGAs/s640/Kids%2Bwith%2Borigami%2Bcranes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at all of those cranes! Amazing. The kids figured out the chakra.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVe_5QjpXeI/Wh9y_nu6nKI/AAAAAAABH2c/R4TbDNaEytUQtyNoM7oCyJ1TpAK9O5cdACLcBGAs/s1600/Pearl%2BHarbor%2Bjunior%2Branger%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVe_5QjpXeI/Wh9y_nu6nKI/AAAAAAABH2c/R4TbDNaEytUQtyNoM7oCyJ1TpAK9O5cdACLcBGAs/s640/Pearl%2BHarbor%2Bjunior%2Branger%2Bbook.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Junior Ranger booklet came with the badge in it. Don't tell the park rangers in Yellowstone! Colin wore his the rest of the day. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The movie was 22 minutes long and I feel like I held my breath through most of it. They only used actual footage from the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was mesmerizing. The kids didn't make a noise through the whole thing. That really happened! We were in the spot where it happened! Sobering. Afterward we filed onto the boat and went to the USS Arizona Memorial across the bay.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-ruhJt6PZ0/Wh900aa7MlI/AAAAAAABH2o/hiYCgICARjknPegGdVZ1cm7eu6_H9lrtACLcBGAs/s1600/USS%2BArizona%2BMemorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-ruhJt6PZ0/Wh900aa7MlI/AAAAAAABH2o/hiYCgICARjknPegGdVZ1cm7eu6_H9lrtACLcBGAs/s640/USS%2BArizona%2BMemorial.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The memorial sits on top of the sunken USS Arizona. We could see the ship from inside the memorial. There is still oil in the water coming up from ship.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHC96EM5J48/Wh912mpOquI/AAAAAAABH20/NLDg39DSLqQCaDV7ZDHIbsqp4_riCpz-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmemorial%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHC96EM5J48/Wh912mpOquI/AAAAAAABH20/NLDg39DSLqQCaDV7ZDHIbsqp4_riCpz-gCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmemorial%2Broom.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this picture so much. The names of the 1,102 sailors and Marines who were killed on the USS Arizona are on the wall Colin is reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fW4ehZ9AfdI/Wh92l5BPdkI/AAAAAAABH28/EcfHCPA1SQYWdHPjlsI8oTKUzThl1JoVQCLcBGAs/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2BBridget%2Blooking%2Bout%2Bto%2Bsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1578" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fW4ehZ9AfdI/Wh92l5BPdkI/AAAAAAABH28/EcfHCPA1SQYWdHPjlsI8oTKUzThl1JoVQCLcBGAs/s640/Daddy%2Band%2BBridget%2Blooking%2Bout%2Bto%2Bsea.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-HXoVABRgk/Wh924M-27nI/AAAAAAABH3A/7N7Lstgrk3YL3pANWRuCTh8BWh1mFi9YwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Blooking%2Bout%2Bto%2Bsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-HXoVABRgk/Wh924M-27nI/AAAAAAABH3A/7N7Lstgrk3YL3pANWRuCTh8BWh1mFi9YwCLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Blooking%2Bout%2Bto%2Bsea.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil and Colin have had many many questions about Pearl Harbor since we visited. Can you see the oil in the water? It was a really special experience to be there, especially with our kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBkKzdbWW5o/Wh94H4F59II/AAAAAAABH3M/9fsWy-9O4Sc2buFt8wBKhdfVCokW0DjygCLcBGAs/s1600/Pearl%2BHarbor%2Bboys%2Blooking%2Bat%2BUSS%2BArizona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBkKzdbWW5o/Wh94H4F59II/AAAAAAABH3M/9fsWy-9O4Sc2buFt8wBKhdfVCokW0DjygCLcBGAs/s640/Pearl%2BHarbor%2Bboys%2Blooking%2Bat%2BUSS%2BArizona.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfWnPgDK9RI/Wh94XOALdzI/AAAAAAABH3Q/uvya928FkPcqUYL19iLE5aINmkRkZTv-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Looking%2Bdown%2Bat%2Bthe%2BUSS%2BMemorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfWnPgDK9RI/Wh94XOALdzI/AAAAAAABH3Q/uvya928FkPcqUYL19iLE5aINmkRkZTv-ACLcBGAs/s640/Looking%2Bdown%2Bat%2Bthe%2BUSS%2BMemorial.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After Pearl Harbor we did some quick research on our phones and found a fun place to eat in Honolulu, Uncle's Fish Market and Grill. I have no photos of this. It was delicious and I drank a lot of Dr. Pepper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6JUjiVvMzQ/Wh9457tC1LI/AAAAAAABH3Y/1bm4dzcfB5k9YKzE3I5yy7k4sy6b-0PBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Brian%2Band%2BBridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6JUjiVvMzQ/Wh9457tC1LI/AAAAAAABH3Y/1bm4dzcfB5k9YKzE3I5yy7k4sy6b-0PBgCLcBGAs/s640/Brian%2Band%2BBridget.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to the beach one last time and caught an amazing sunset before the long plane ride home.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NJKus3Ar3A/Wh95Fg-NLcI/AAAAAAABH3c/Oj-Q9UZMZhQZWJc_wWqq0Xz19kDFPqVdACLcBGAs/s1600/Crazy%2Bboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NJKus3Ar3A/Wh95Fg-NLcI/AAAAAAABH3c/Oj-Q9UZMZhQZWJc_wWqq0Xz19kDFPqVdACLcBGAs/s640/Crazy%2Bboys.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They are even louder than they look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3E9eGST3joA/Wh95UnqhhHI/AAAAAAABH4Q/vh58MwvsuE05BJXj4wVTJCVlSoer3uEggCLcBGAs/s1600/23498399_1853047238343123_4428400178856198144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3E9eGST3joA/Wh95UnqhhHI/AAAAAAABH4Q/vh58MwvsuE05BJXj4wVTJCVlSoer3uEggCLcBGAs/s400/23498399_1853047238343123_4428400178856198144_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget and I peeled after we'd been home for a week. Ha!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I sat by Emil on the way home and slept but didn't sleep. We got home at about 7:00 Saturday morning. It was 54 degrees inside the house! I turned the fireplace on and Bridget and Emil fell asleep in front of it. Colin fell asleep in his bed under all the blankets he could find. I'm glad we had a recovery day because we needed it! I love having all these new fond memories of our trip to Hawaii. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aloha!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Emil and Colin kept mixing Aloha up with the word "hola." When our flight attendant said "aloha" as we got off the plane the first time, I heard Colin say to her, "Hola." AHAHAHAHA!)&nbsp;</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-51881074826646162772017-11-29T12:25:00.000-07:002017-11-29T12:25:34.938-07:00Hair-loween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S3ZlHYLJ-A/Wh8Ef8Ok4DI/AAAAAAABG88/iv3GOYkvc78HjQzR2RnkSwa52NcyEpTCwCLcBGAs/s1600/Halloween%2Bnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1600" height="560" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S3ZlHYLJ-A/Wh8Ef8Ok4DI/AAAAAAABG88/iv3GOYkvc78HjQzR2RnkSwa52NcyEpTCwCLcBGAs/s640/Halloween%2Bnight.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We had a Viking Halloween in 2017. Bridget got her costume last year, so she's known she was going to be a Viking for a while. Colin wanted to be Ash from Pallet Town and Emil wanted to be a cowboy, but Brian convinced them to be Vikings with Bridget because it was Bridget's last year of Halloween costume parades at school and it's so fun to have group costumes. Colin said, "I can be Ash next year." I am SO EASY, because that still makes me teary with love and pride.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VtN1f6jR6P4/Wh8DZZ3LaEI/AAAAAAABG5g/-kPrv_XZvQo8Unk9hzZAH9ajEvgYDXoxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1232" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VtN1f6jR6P4/Wh8DZZ3LaEI/AAAAAAABG5g/-kPrv_XZvQo8Unk9hzZAH9ajEvgYDXoxgCLcBGAs/s400/Bridget%2B2.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget had such an amazing costume and I wanted her hair to be awesome too. Thanks to Alicia Cutler I know I can buy bags of hair at Taylor Maid for just such hair situations. I had Alicia do a four-strand braid, then I attached it to the hairdo I did in Bridget's real hair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqMawcy26oI/Wh8ELLvQ1LI/AAAAAAABG8A/NGkd2GsHKlwxUUe4UNqaYBCACsR4OfXtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqMawcy26oI/Wh8ELLvQ1LI/AAAAAAABG8A/NGkd2GsHKlwxUUe4UNqaYBCACsR4OfXtwCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bclose.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Every time I tried to take Bridget's photo her eyes would water like crazy.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iWv8YkfJBA/Wh8IvyAsKeI/AAAAAAABHKI/4Oj-hdtWCVIqcnfNMZOmKell9GV_jLhWwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iWv8YkfJBA/Wh8IvyAsKeI/AAAAAAABHKI/4Oj-hdtWCVIqcnfNMZOmKell9GV_jLhWwCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bfull.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She looks so tough. :) And so different without glasses!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZCeAs-DGrU/Wh8EpP3HNaI/AAAAAAABG9U/0WFipTj-O3kKNmG20hiXehQgupnTUkZgwCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BSami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZCeAs-DGrU/Wh8EpP3HNaI/AAAAAAABG9U/0WFipTj-O3kKNmG20hiXehQgupnTUkZgwCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Band%2BSami.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget and Sami at their last Halloween parade at the grade school :(.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fy3FnQP9esY/Wh8E7dU8HzI/AAAAAAABG-c/MsWAgZdXuwsUinCjjGYdidhK8a6XZObvACLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fy3FnQP9esY/Wh8E7dU8HzI/AAAAAAABG-c/MsWAgZdXuwsUinCjjGYdidhK8a6XZObvACLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Bclose.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I "made" Emil's magnificent cape. Fur from JoAnn's and one of the millions of scraps sewn on like a binding for a tie. I bought the helmet and sword online and we got his awesome beard at Taylor Maid. That facial hair was my favorite thing! I watched Emil hold the mustache and beard back while Bridget put candy into his mouth. HAHAHAHAHAHA! (Mark Cutler made Emil a cool belt out of some of his leather scraps.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-LTsyP_Qz8/Wh8GQ8zV_xI/AAAAAAABHC4/W2IsLzR4p9g0uuOpvOz7B8lFX0m7y1Z-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-LTsyP_Qz8/Wh8GQ8zV_xI/AAAAAAABHC4/W2IsLzR4p9g0uuOpvOz7B8lFX0m7y1Z-gCLcBGAs/s640/Emil.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">There they are at the inaugural trick-or-treating at Daddy's new work. That cape, right? It's so heavy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGU9C0UlnWg/Wh8Go89x0gI/AAAAAAABHD0/zdOaF0qJNDQuBSbvOpDYV2lAHYEcemzagCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGU9C0UlnWg/Wh8Go89x0gI/AAAAAAABHD0/zdOaF0qJNDQuBSbvOpDYV2lAHYEcemzagCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Bclose.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, man! I can't see this sight without cracking up! It's funny because it WORKS. I bought Colin's entire costume online (Costume Craze). I didn't get him any weapons (that's Bridget's shield) because I knew that I'd be walking around every party holding them. I ended up carrying his helmet and putting his mustache in my purse a couple of times. Totally worth it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogOHYyQut_E/Wh8HmiBTEPI/AAAAAAABHGc/e0dbdWr81uQFY44oO5xTYYWV_b76TPa_gCLcBGAs/s1600/TrickorTreating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogOHYyQut_E/Wh8HmiBTEPI/AAAAAAABHGc/e0dbdWr81uQFY44oO5xTYYWV_b76TPa_gCLcBGAs/s640/TrickorTreating.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There they are trick-or-treating in our neighborhood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNUO8zwC0xc/Wh8Hz_JQshI/AAAAAAABHHI/9qXqQi8DdQgnb_2cUBE-GKGlZN6XOc7owCLcBGAs/s1600/With%2BMicah%2Bbefore%2Bthe%2Bward%2Bparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNUO8zwC0xc/Wh8Hz_JQshI/AAAAAAABHHI/9qXqQi8DdQgnb_2cUBE-GKGlZN6XOc7owCLcBGAs/s640/With%2BMicah%2Bbefore%2Bthe%2Bward%2Bparty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was taking photos of my kids in their costumes right before the ward party and Micah came over in his costume. I was crying with laughter at this sight - I could barely take the picture! Why is this the funniest thing I've ever seen?!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Grf9WQlKymA/Wh8IXn_tJkI/AAAAAAABHIg/Ql_H9O5ayfcSbJ72Jn947OgZ-oENtiqkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Band%2BNate%2Bat%2BGrandmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1600" height="608" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Grf9WQlKymA/Wh8IXn_tJkI/AAAAAAABHIg/Ql_H9O5ayfcSbJ72Jn947OgZ-oENtiqkwCLcBGAs/s640/Kids%2Band%2BNate%2Bat%2BGrandmas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course we visited Grandma and Grandpa that night. The kids were looking a bit rough by that time, but we did convince them to keep all the hair on to show Grandma and Grandpa.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-41950241677602974122017-11-18T13:09:00.001-07:002017-11-18T13:09:41.231-07:00September and October Shenanigans I'm getting too far behind! In September the boys had flag football (Brian coached with Tate's Dad Jared), Bridget had volleyball, I made salsa, Brian went to BYU football games and got used to his new job at FamilySearch. It was good times.<br /><br />Brian and I had to lay down the law after the first three or four games. Emil and Colin would constantly ask Brian if they could go to the bench, where they would play tag with the other players on the bench or Tate's brothers. Brian said most of the boys would ask, "Can I run the ball?" If he said no, they'd follow it up with, "Can I go out?" Bother! I finally told our boys that if they ASKED to go out, they'd sit in my lap like a baby instead of playing tag. They had fun when they were in it and both Emil and Colin had some really great plays during the season. We had one of the high school football coach's sons on our team this year - that kid knew what to do! I can see that the games will get more fun soon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkk36aBEfL0/Wg4Ic6HjZBI/AAAAAAABFg4/9iLFdIOtfcMopLMbAr-7Hh5QyuM33STxACLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bhanding%2Boff%2Bto%2BJett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkk36aBEfL0/Wg4Ic6HjZBI/AAAAAAABFg4/9iLFdIOtfcMopLMbAr-7Hh5QyuM33STxACLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Bhanding%2Boff%2Bto%2BJett.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We didn't plan it, but Jett ended up on the team too. He was fearless and awesome - totally ready for that hand-off from Colin.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCm5H6mGdm0/Wg4Iq46slKI/AAAAAAABFg8/foQatKMhlbEyre-10QjbIxLWCMgHDsFAwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bhands%2Boff%2Bto%2BJosh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCm5H6mGdm0/Wg4Iq46slKI/AAAAAAABFg8/foQatKMhlbEyre-10QjbIxLWCMgHDsFAwCLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Bhands%2Boff%2Bto%2BJosh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Emil just handed off to Josh, who knew what he was doing as well. That kid on the other team will just be standing right there for this play.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccU_kIokmTA/Wg4JVpfhlsI/AAAAAAABFhI/KhrnaX1GdEo_5fjS1tPpjBxAkw7nqusuQCLcBGAs/s1600/21569070_247122075813268_7558756984825053184_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccU_kIokmTA/Wg4JVpfhlsI/AAAAAAABFhI/KhrnaX1GdEo_5fjS1tPpjBxAkw7nqusuQCLcBGAs/s320/21569070_247122075813268_7558756984825053184_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was far away when I took this with my phone, but I love how big the smiles are trying to bring down Coach Dad.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OjBTyqyawc/Wg4JwQzO1hI/AAAAAAABFhQ/kw2muon0qpQjDQx1_1WBk9xF9k7IEWXcACLcBGAs/s1600/21480331_116754145711003_8948739140615143424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5OjBTyqyawc/Wg4JwQzO1hI/AAAAAAABFhQ/kw2muon0qpQjDQx1_1WBk9xF9k7IEWXcACLcBGAs/s320/21480331_116754145711003_8948739140615143424_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Never buy the team photo. Colin is wearing Emil's shirt and, apparently, no pants. Sigh. It was a super rainy day when this photo was taken.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bridget was on a volleyball team with Clara and Kodi this season. Kodi's Dad coached them. They had some real servers on the team and Bridget even figured out her overhand serve after the first couple of games. It was so fun to watch tiny Bridget get up there and nail the serve over the net every time. They didn't get very far in the play-offs, but they were seeded highest for the tournament because they only lost one regular season game. Fun for all. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EHe2gZ5u1o/Wg4MKsvLNxI/AAAAAAABFhc/DA1hAmH_i9kj59ICt3fRnAuf_lZEwvGcwCLcBGAs/s1600/22158654_377675055985839_7963233850593640448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1EHe2gZ5u1o/Wg4MKsvLNxI/AAAAAAABFhc/DA1hAmH_i9kj59ICt3fRnAuf_lZEwvGcwCLcBGAs/s320/22158654_377675055985839_7963233850593640448_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clara, Kodi, and Bridget.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0OIUuoG7FQ/Wg4MWS_2lrI/AAAAAAABFhg/feMBMPPQ_v4yRu35ckMmdPVvyZItpyhGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Team%2Bphoto%2BCherry%2BBombers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0OIUuoG7FQ/Wg4MWS_2lrI/AAAAAAABFhg/feMBMPPQ_v4yRu35ckMmdPVvyZItpyhGgCLcBGAs/s640/Team%2Bphoto%2BCherry%2BBombers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Team photo. We had to take this, like, six times because more teammates kept showing up. Ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISm7dhtTkxQ/Wg4MrBef8FI/AAAAAAABFho/upd5bCqBHs0c8oLoVJqh9nHBikow5mfCgCLcBGAs/s1600/21371658_129826157644516_5667423696004841472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISm7dhtTkxQ/Wg4MrBef8FI/AAAAAAABFho/upd5bCqBHs0c8oLoVJqh9nHBikow5mfCgCLcBGAs/s320/21371658_129826157644516_5667423696004841472_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of our glorious tomatoes. Angelyn and I did a total of seven batches of salsa on two different days. We need salsa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTsVV3FM1MM/Wg4Nu8ZogGI/AAAAAAABFh0/Rg_ATAqWzlsIWt9LOu5auh7tiwqRebN0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bsugar%2Bbarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTsVV3FM1MM/Wg4Nu8ZogGI/AAAAAAABFh0/Rg_ATAqWzlsIWt9LOu5auh7tiwqRebN0ACLcBGAs/s640/Kids%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bsugar%2Bbarn.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the stories I did during September was Lehi people in the Utah State Fair. I took the kids to the fair grounds on the last day of the state fair. It was disgusting and harrowing. Everywhere I looked I was seeing cleavage or crack. Why? And so many bad tattoos! I was trying to take pictures for the paper and every time I looked through my camera there was something in it I couldn't put in newsprint. I paid $25 for the kids to go on TWO carnival rides. Weee. For dinner Emil got a corndog the size of a baseball bat. And we had to park a mile and a half away. So, that's it for us! Last time I go to the state fair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-q1Tjtd1cE/Wg4ONV3kJXI/AAAAAAABFh4/SqPxKDUq4TUKO7aMDYeuhA22ropvaY0XgCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-q1Tjtd1cE/Wg4ONV3kJXI/AAAAAAABFh4/SqPxKDUq4TUKO7aMDYeuhA22ropvaY0XgCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Good thing Bridget really loves carnival rides. See that kid standing there like she doesn't know she's in the shot? If you're going to photo bomb, at least do something funny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_qhLzMHea4/Wg4OhXM5XBI/AAAAAAABFiE/ruoSpEZV6QYjlp_XSdPlVfW2-USs5z_PgCLcBGAs/s1600/Petting%2Bthe%2Bsteer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_qhLzMHea4/Wg4OhXM5XBI/AAAAAAABFiE/ruoSpEZV6QYjlp_XSdPlVfW2-USs5z_PgCLcBGAs/s640/Petting%2Bthe%2Bsteer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The one redeeming feature of the fair was getting this close to the animals. This cow's tail is out of focus because it was swishing those pesky kids away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W93mSPhc8Rg/Wg4O5GRiQOI/AAAAAAABFiM/qMgH7Vgcgw8e5OeoHyhVp5ItwLVAMtxiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Band%2BBridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1298" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W93mSPhc8Rg/Wg4O5GRiQOI/AAAAAAABFiM/qMgH7Vgcgw8e5OeoHyhVp5ItwLVAMtxiwCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Band%2BBridget.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colin complained of being dizzy after this ride. That's why I don't ride roller coasters, but I'm surprised he already feels this way at age six. I wonder if having a concussion has ruined this kind of stuff for him.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">October</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had some fun weekend getaways in October. The first was my annual quilt retreat with Kristi and Raenell (I just now realized I don't know how to spell her name!). I always get so much done! This time I bound up Allyn's 40th birthday quilt, made a 38" lone star to hang during the patriotic summer months, and cut and sewed all the little triangles for a winter-y quilt. I went for walks ALONE, ate great food with my friends, and slept like the dead. I was recharged for the next several months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Y7qu-O4_s/Wg4QQM7uyuI/AAAAAAABFiY/GTfiV5F-lesexGQ6DaUXedTmLJ8UrOq6gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Y7qu-O4_s/Wg4QQM7uyuI/AAAAAAABFiY/GTfiV5F-lesexGQ6DaUXedTmLJ8UrOq6gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3585.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Allyn's finished quilt! I made 25 north stars in bright fabrics and peppered cotton solids. I started last year with the middle fabric on the bottom of this photo. It's one of Tula Pink's fabrics where she kind of hides animals in the pattern. The colors are so rich and the pattern is eclectic - I tried to get fabrics that reminded me of Allyn. The background is the peppered cotton with gray and white - like a man's suit-type fabric. Something for Aron. :)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dJIW0rZHsw/Wg4vp-JtLkI/AAAAAAABFiw/gVnPUxGQLMYPTgKcWM37UIgrpzrjsheRACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dJIW0rZHsw/Wg4vp-JtLkI/AAAAAAABFiw/gVnPUxGQLMYPTgKcWM37UIgrpzrjsheRACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Raenell has a fancy embroidery machine and she whipped up a label for me to put on the back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edVWYdwjncI/Wg4v-8EZHEI/AAAAAAABFi0/fhV3uBFPQu821Dfw9A8ewtJLtfXaZuT_ACLcBGAs/s1600/22280051_144916569453865_1692020886158180352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edVWYdwjncI/Wg4v-8EZHEI/AAAAAAABFi0/fhV3uBFPQu821Dfw9A8ewtJLtfXaZuT_ACLcBGAs/s320/22280051_144916569453865_1692020886158180352_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the lone star. I've had two of those fabrics for YEARS. The background is a red/not red peppered cotton.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxWTpFQvG50/Wg4whSidYjI/AAAAAAABFi8/ywgLPvXk8zAwKiMIJFMdfJQ4lRQP9JXfwCLcBGAs/s1600/22636945_721362181380770_158373985577336832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxWTpFQvG50/Wg4whSidYjI/AAAAAAABFi8/ywgLPvXk8zAwKiMIJFMdfJQ4lRQP9JXfwCLcBGAs/s320/22636945_721362181380770_158373985577336832_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the triangle/pinwheel one. Since putting the triangles together took the most time and I did all of that at the retreat, I'm counting it. And I had enough stamina to put it together when I got home. That border fabric is my favorite! Dena Designs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXZkmoZZBEs/WhB_WQ35jqI/AAAAAAABFjw/rByOr8D75oQUYUB5QtPzc7G-OyoxiPSrQCLcBGAs/s1600/23167497_2005739362786569_7052446263836193301_n%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="960" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXZkmoZZBEs/WhB_WQ35jqI/AAAAAAABFjw/rByOr8D75oQUYUB5QtPzc7G-OyoxiPSrQCLcBGAs/s320/23167497_2005739362786569_7052446263836193301_n%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Devoted Sisters - Melissa, Allyn, Nicole (me), Jen, Makenzie, and Katy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The very next weekend I flew to Virginia on a red-eye Thursday night so I could be part of Aron's surprise 40th birthday party extravaganza for Allyn. I booked the same flight as my parents and we met in Salt Lake to drive to the airport together. We were plenty early, so Mom and I visited the temporary American Girl store at City Creek. Mom found a fantastic set for Bridget's dolls to take to Hawaii. I re-discovered that I hate red-eye flights. I can't sleep! And I also can't stay awake. It's a weird middle ground. We got to Norfolk Friday morning, Mom and Dad rented a car and drove us to our hotel. Melissa was already there and she and I went in on a room together, so I had a place to go crash immediately. Jen, Katy, and Makenzie all arrived at the same hotel during the day on Friday and all of us headed to The Spirit of Norfolk for Allyn's surprise birthday dinner cruise that night. Everyone at the party held a paper with a letter on it spelling out Happy Birthday Allyn and we put them in front of our faces while we sang to her as she was walking in. We all lowered the papers after the song was over and Allyn saw Mom and Makenzie in the row of people - she looked confused and then happy as she slowly realized that all her sisters and her parents had flown over just for her. Fun!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorite parts of the night (besides surprising Allyn, sitting on a table with my sisters, eating great food) was when Allyn's brother-in-law Johnny mistook me for Allyn. I was standing with Katy and Makenzie and he introduced himself to them, but not me. I said something like, "You're Johnny, right?" and he laughed and elbowed me in a joke-y way. He thought Allyn was teasing him about gaining weight or something. Ha!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYCXBMc_kwo/WhCFcxb0ZHI/AAAAAAABFlU/7vEVUR5XgbERqgOb0N4OXdYI9aVb1eZOQCLcBGAs/s1600/Family%2Bon%2BAllyn%2527s%2Bporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1154" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYCXBMc_kwo/WhCFcxb0ZHI/AAAAAAABFlU/7vEVUR5XgbERqgOb0N4OXdYI9aVb1eZOQCLcBGAs/s400/Family%2Bon%2BAllyn%2527s%2Bporch.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next morning the Sisters and Mom went to Colonial Williamsburg (after a tour of Allyn's house and giving Allyn birthday presents) because that's the kind of place that is awesome if you're not dealing with screaming children or bugged husbands. I made a dinner reservation for Christiana Campbell's Tavern, but other than that we had no firm plans. Colonial Williamsburg is not part of the National Park Service, so they charged money for any of the demonstrations like cooking or making clothes. Since we didn't know what time we'd get there or how much time we'd want to spend doing stuff, we didn't buy tickets to any of the stuff. Being in Williamsburg and seeing all the beautiful homes, people in colonial costumes, horse-drawn carriages - that was enough. Plus we got to hang out together! Always the best.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSBcbvVsor8/WhCGqYr0TOI/AAAAAAABFl0/IGzS4Z7EMmERk42aMtWxrJn4Hkplhd3lwCLcBGAs/s1600/Melissa%2Band%2BKaty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1135" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSBcbvVsor8/WhCGqYr0TOI/AAAAAAABFl0/IGzS4Z7EMmERk42aMtWxrJn4Hkplhd3lwCLcBGAs/s400/Melissa%2Band%2BKaty.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See? We are all so funny and interesting! For real.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvVGsQ3LiIY/WhCGkNtm4sI/AAAAAAABFlw/Fv8bPUPhFVEwp9S8PnlGiw9TYAFB0I87ACLcBGAs/s1600/Fife%2Band%2BDrum%2Bin%2BColonial%2BWilliamsburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvVGsQ3LiIY/WhCGkNtm4sI/AAAAAAABFlw/Fv8bPUPhFVEwp9S8PnlGiw9TYAFB0I87ACLcBGAs/s640/Fife%2Band%2BDrum%2Bin%2BColonial%2BWilliamsburg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;This group was on the green when we strolled into town. Adorable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddw8fzO6dkg/WhCHJcMp69I/AAAAAAABFl8/6K6ijhBSz6EH2GBhzU0OuKFI5bygcBLHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Beehive%2Bunder%2Ba%2Bpomegranate%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddw8fzO6dkg/WhCHJcMp69I/AAAAAAABFl8/6K6ijhBSz6EH2GBhzU0OuKFI5bygcBLHwCLcBGAs/s640/Beehive%2Bunder%2Ba%2Bpomegranate%2Btree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved this little tableau so much. It's a pomegranate tree! And an amazing beehive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8DF93DZE4Y/WhCHcIZyv_I/AAAAAAABFmI/OIkJYBmcj0sxvd5oF_YxF74mRUQjlQ06QCLcBGAs/s1600/Porch%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8DF93DZE4Y/WhCHcIZyv_I/AAAAAAABFmI/OIkJYBmcj0sxvd5oF_YxF74mRUQjlQ06QCLcBGAs/s400/Porch%2Bshot.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We always need a porch shot. (I bought a hat because, as usual, my hair is OVER in humidity.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyWgttub-Nk/WhCHqRJgXaI/AAAAAAABFmQ/kBlpOFPT3IQqxoP8PVwf-Jwd9eqOR0GYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Melissa%2Btaking%2Bphotos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1218" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyWgttub-Nk/WhCHqRJgXaI/AAAAAAABFmQ/kBlpOFPT3IQqxoP8PVwf-Jwd9eqOR0GYwCLcBGAs/s400/Melissa%2Btaking%2Bphotos.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's Melissa, using the camera she brought. I lugged mine all over the airports and then DIDN'T bring it to Colonial Williamsburg. High-five to my Galaxy 8 phone camera.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvSSYct6wPQ/WhCIEDrCJeI/AAAAAAABFmU/kaRgx_szUlYU-Rq05t6Isy-8jjqT-AhAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nicole%2Band%2Bcostumed%2Bgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvSSYct6wPQ/WhCIEDrCJeI/AAAAAAABFmU/kaRgx_szUlYU-Rq05t6Isy-8jjqT-AhAQCLcBGAs/s400/Nicole%2Band%2Bcostumed%2Bgirls.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sat by these two ladies because I thought they worked in Colonial Williamsburg and their dresses were cool. Nope, just a couple of history nerds who made their own dresses and showed up in Colonial Williamsburg to hang out on a Saturday in October.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sgxzz8b9zs/WhCIhrAJovI/AAAAAAABFmk/jYaUhuXO19Ubr4w-mSwzc4LnziJFh4qFACLcBGAs/s1600/Katy%252C%2BAllyn%2Band%2BMakenzie%2Bat%2BChristiana%2BCampbell%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Sgxzz8b9zs/WhCIhrAJovI/AAAAAAABFmk/jYaUhuXO19Ubr4w-mSwzc4LnziJFh4qFACLcBGAs/s400/Katy%252C%2BAllyn%2Band%2BMakenzie%2Bat%2BChristiana%2BCampbell%2527s.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of nerds - ha! The best kind! Here's Katy, Allyn, and Makenzie on the porch of Christiana Campbell's Tavern. This place was completely restored and rebuilt to match the original specifications as closely as possible. There really was a Christiana Campbell and she really did have a Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. George Washington himself liked to eat there and talk politics with the other Founding Fathers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCcwb6jFC-g/WhCJCS6vX8I/AAAAAAABFmw/yMPCfB18b-QLvMlI6v2nV2t6dJGzDx-CQCLcBGAs/s1600/Jen%2Bon%2BChristiana%2527s%2Bporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCcwb6jFC-g/WhCJCS6vX8I/AAAAAAABFmw/yMPCfB18b-QLvMlI6v2nV2t6dJGzDx-CQCLcBGAs/s400/Jen%2Bon%2BChristiana%2527s%2Bporch.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxHhBCOb438/WhCJLeOUE7I/AAAAAAABFm0/FvNNfu20quEG4FmZ3pyc68FHZ1gnMB0EgCLcBGAs/s1600/Katy%2Band%2Bthe%2Bmenu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxHhBCOb438/WhCJLeOUE7I/AAAAAAABFm0/FvNNfu20quEG4FmZ3pyc68FHZ1gnMB0EgCLcBGAs/s400/Katy%2Band%2Bthe%2Bmenu.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did a Dutch braid in Katy's hair so she would look extra pretty.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5_NrL2IAdE/WhCJkdSqeTI/AAAAAAABFnA/jj_lFz9wMPwDKfzga_3oBkouk3Iv26hvwCLcBGAs/s1600/Melissa%2Bgetting%2Bher%2Bbib%2Bon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5_NrL2IAdE/WhCJkdSqeTI/AAAAAAABFnA/jj_lFz9wMPwDKfzga_3oBkouk3Iv26hvwCLcBGAs/s400/Melissa%2Bgetting%2Bher%2Bbib%2Bon.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's Melissa getting her tablecloth-sized napkin tied around her neck by our amazing waiter, Harold. He took such good care of us! He knew EVERYTHING about Christiana's and he kept bringing me Coke with lemon. (All the water in all of Virginia tasted bad to me.) When they were excavating this site, they found remnants of the china and recreated the pattern for all the plates and bowls at the restaurant. Right?! And we listened to some very talented musicians in the vestibule. Dinner was my favorite part of a pretty great day. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rB8V6ErBd98/WhCKirLLOzI/AAAAAAABFnQ/6n3JqBdpoSINSKVrsC9OrQlnOnjMtai6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Denham%2Band%2BAunt%2BNicole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rB8V6ErBd98/WhCKirLLOzI/AAAAAAABFnQ/6n3JqBdpoSINSKVrsC9OrQlnOnjMtai6gCLcBGAs/s400/Denham%2Band%2BAunt%2BNicole.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to church with Allyn's family on Sunday. More people thought I was Allyn. She told one of her kid's friends that she and I are twins. "I can tell." Ha! Denham and I bonded after I told him I could do a flip on the trampoline. "Try it!" he said. I had to try three times before I landed on my feet&nbsp;<span style="text-align: left;">because their trampoline isn't very bouncy. I think my Dad was watching from the house with his phone in his hand ready to call 911. Please! I can always do a flip on the trampoline!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of us sang together around the old piano that we grew up with, since that's Allyn's piano now. It was magical. Such a great trip! I left the hotel at 4 in the morning and caught my plane back to Utah and went back to work. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayop9EU1JjI/WhCPXHO8QrI/AAAAAAABFng/aefOINBSfqAvaat7hEo-sZ9w2XtZ3dTRgCLcBGAs/s1600/22582393_283047738766909_2517525862581010432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayop9EU1JjI/WhCPXHO8QrI/AAAAAAABFng/aefOINBSfqAvaat7hEo-sZ9w2XtZ3dTRgCLcBGAs/s320/22582393_283047738766909_2517525862581010432_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nothing stops Colin from reading - especially not other people working.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent Fall Break at home getting ready to refinish our wood floor and add wood floor to the upstairs hallway. Fourteen years ago my wise father-in-law told us we should put wood in the hall, but we were weary of spending so much money on our house, so we didn't. Of course Harold was right! Now we just need to put the baseboards back on...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBXMqo-yVPU/WhCPj07_acI/AAAAAAABFnk/tuSR0CGXaD4xPuhSuhmHiZhrfnsZnR-4QCLcBGAs/s1600/22709459_1954837431438377_7713921062169214976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBXMqo-yVPU/WhCPj07_acI/AAAAAAABFnk/tuSR0CGXaD4xPuhSuhmHiZhrfnsZnR-4QCLcBGAs/s320/22709459_1954837431438377_7713921062169214976_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The refinishing and putting new wood down took five days. Three of those we couldn't walk on the floor until after 9PM and before 8AM. We slept downstairs and came in and out of the window well in the guest room for three of the days. Bridget thinks we should do that all the time. Ha! We had all the food downstairs, most of the furniture was downstairs (if it didn't fit into the front room). Our basement is pretty nice - it just needs a fridge.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbE4Oj4HJYk/WhCSzUIF5CI/AAAAAAABFn0/h7YIuRpVd64aGvktuVvnMRvg9jNtqsQbwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_130206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lbE4Oj4HJYk/WhCSzUIF5CI/AAAAAAABFn0/h7YIuRpVd64aGvktuVvnMRvg9jNtqsQbwCLcBGAs/s400/20171118_130206.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_975782420"></span><span id="goog_975782421"></span>Beautiful! And it matches perfectly. And the door to the garage closes now. Ahhh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm going to post this and do Halloween in a different post. Whimper. Too bad the kids looked AWESOME for Halloween, or I could just put that stuff right here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-10539311633453019772017-10-23T12:35:00.000-06:002017-10-23T12:35:00.797-06:00September 2017 Book Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb4jUeu5FdE/We4oG3ACMxI/AAAAAAABCN8/glu5jcacrDAebKCVV8u9O6a1LTq7h7CFgCLcBGAs/s1600/373460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb4jUeu5FdE/We4oG3ACMxI/AAAAAAABCN8/glu5jcacrDAebKCVV8u9O6a1LTq7h7CFgCLcBGAs/s320/373460.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">1. <i>David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormanism</i> by Gregory A. Prince and William Robert Wright</span><br /><br />This is unlike any biography of an LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) leader I've ever read. The source material was mainly the minutes and diaries taken by President David O. McKay's secretary, Claire Middlemiss. All the situations detailed in this book are not sugar-coated. I've seen a little bit behind the scenes of Church leaders working through problems and dealing with emergencies when I worked in the Missionary Department. Honestly, knowing that Church leaders are humans with opinions and failings strengthens my testimony. I loved reading how David O. McKay and those who worked with him reacted in volatile situations.<br /><br />So how did President McKay handle uncomfortable situations? Most of the time he waited. When he would get pressure from many sides to make a decision on something, he would often table the item. From the minutes and diaries of other people in the meeting, it drove a few people bonkers. However, waiting to react was always the right answer. I noticed a few instances when the authors took McKay's slow responses to mean that he <i>couldn't</i> decide what to do. I didn't get that - to me it was inspired to take a step back. Often the First Presidency would get new or more information as time went on.<br /><br />David O. McKay was the first prophet in this dispensation that had no direct, familial connection with Joseph Smith. I think that's a big key to the Church's growth and the shift in how the business of the Church was conducted. It was really cool to see the beginnings of things like the Institute of Religion program. The president of BYU (Wilkinson) wanted to put Church junior colleges all over the country so that members could get an education that included religious studies. It would have been SO expensive - buying land, setting up campuses, getting instructors all over the country. President McKay kept taking a step back over and over on that project until Elder Boyd K. Packer suggested they have an Institute program at colleges that already existed since they would never be able to get to every member with a junior college here and there. Brilliant. Inspired.<br /><br />People sometimes got their feelings hurt when President McKay seemed to be listening to one person and not another. There were hardcore Republicans in the same Quorum as Democrats - and this was right after WWII when everyone was a suspected Communist. Elder Ezra Taft Benson was very politically outspoken - even in his General Conference addresses - and there were leaders who absolutely didn't agree with him. President Benson softened over time - I liked that too. Even these wonderful, compassionate, disciplined disciples still had room for improvement and change.<br /><br />This isn't a book I'd recommend to everyone I know, but I found it very inspiring.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o7m5zhgy9E/We4u0OA8j0I/AAAAAAABCOM/IIMwwAjGzo4Zp7gkYiwll0ssgt2LxkIRwCLcBGAs/s1600/12448586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o7m5zhgy9E/We4u0OA8j0I/AAAAAAABCOM/IIMwwAjGzo4Zp7gkYiwll0ssgt2LxkIRwCLcBGAs/s320/12448586.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">2. <i>Boy&nbsp;+ Bot</i> by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino</span><br /><br />A boy meets a robot in the woods one day. They play together and become friends. The robot gets switched off accidentally and the boy tries to help him. The boy gives the robot applesause, reads him a story - things that make the boy feel better when he's sick. Nothing works! When the robot powers back up, the boy is asleep and the bot thinks the boy is malfunctioning. The robot oils the boy, reads an instruction manual, but none of it works.<br /><br />There's a happy ending, but I won't spoil it. :) Emil and Colin loved this story. The humor was just their speed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7cr6fPCRCQ/We4v_gg1JpI/AAAAAAABCOY/nCnNOSsUEzYFgrqyzuDIKBmN9LEkw7n7ACLcBGAs/s1600/7173336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="299" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7cr6fPCRCQ/We4v_gg1JpI/AAAAAAABCOY/nCnNOSsUEzYFgrqyzuDIKBmN9LEkw7n7ACLcBGAs/s320/7173336.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">3. <i>The Mountain Between Us</i> by Charles Martin</span><br /><br />I saw the trailer for the movie based on this book. Idris Alba! And Kate Winslet is always amazing. A friend told me I <i>had</i> to read the book. Have I told you guys my rule about people telling me what I have to read? I never read something I'm told I have to read. I graduated from college, man! I only read stuff I <i>want</i> to read now! So, I broke my rule for this book and thanks to this book I'll never break it again. (I will always take suggestions, just don't tell me I HAVE to read anything.)<br /><br /><i>The Mountain Between Us</i> is about two gorgeous, healthy strangers who are stuck in the Salt Lake Airport (SLC) and can't get back to important stuff they have going on in their lives unless they get home fast. The man, an orthopedic surgeon (natch) named Ben Payne arranges for a small private plane to take him and his new friend, Ashley Knox, a beautiful ninja who writes for magazines, to the Atlanta Georgia Airport (ATL). Ashley's getting married in two days to a vague fiance who has a good job and a nice car! Let's get that girl home.<br /><br />Their pilot and his dog are professors of love and have all sorts of dumb/obvious advice for Ashley about married life. It turns out that Ben has been married for 15 years and he brings his wife orchids every week. Also, we get to endure flashbacks of Ben and his saintly wife meeting in high school, running together on the cross country team, the wife giving Ben a watch, a compass, some underwear, a jacket, a voice recorder. BAH! We're supposed to be getting this picture of a rock-solid relationship based on the super-important gifts Ben and his wife give to each other. It's hollow.<br /><br />Ashley is the absolute worst, though. When the plane crashes (no spoiler alert there - it's the whole book and the whole movie) in the Uintahs, Ashley has a broken leg. In the book she's never in enough pain for my money. Who makes inane jokes and flirts with a married guy when she's in unspeakable pain and engaged? Most books shy away from the bathroom situation, but this one goes there. A lot. And good thing Ben happened to do some serious hiking while he was at the medical conference in Salt Lake City so he has all the gear you'd ever need if your two-seater airplane crashed in the Uintahs.<br /><br />I'm not having any of this book. It is crap. It isn't romantic for one second and the big twist at the end was obvious to me two chapters in. I read later that this is a Christian book? What does that mean, exactly? Nevermind, I don't care. The dialogue in the few trailers I've seen for the movie is 10 times better than anything in the book, so maybe the movie is good?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xA-T0cECl8/We4z9wU8_AI/AAAAAAABCOk/73DGObjLwSsBmr--8oxw1gjlAz0iB34bgCLcBGAs/s1600/1577317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="165" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xA-T0cECl8/We4z9wU8_AI/AAAAAAABCOk/73DGObjLwSsBmr--8oxw1gjlAz0iB34bgCLcBGAs/s1600/1577317.jpg" /></a></div><br />4.<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Elbert's Bad Word</i> by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood</span><br /><br />One of my Mia Maids used this book in her lesson a few weeks ago. I loved it so much! Elbert says a "bad word" (we don't know what it is) that is represented by a green cloud that floats around the illustrations. The pictures are HILARIOUS. Elbert shares his new word at the worst possible times. It's the perfect thing to get first grade boys like mine thinking about what they say and how it affects the people around them.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-54519641098243518972017-10-01T20:41:00.000-06:002017-10-01T20:41:18.937-06:00The Rest of Summer 2017I thought after all the reunions and church-related camps that I would have that Summer Feeling - lazy, doing what we felt like doing. It never happened. We did some cool stuff, though. Let's start with Bridget.<br /><br />We had to push a birthday party for Bridget to almost the middle of July! We got it done, though - an afternoon at the outdoor pool with five of her favorite people. I didn't bring a camera. Rude. Then pizza at Pizza Pie Cafe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PG3z42vmffA/WdGboDEejyI/AAAAAAABCEU/MLy9vIFdNJUM_YxmSAqx5BbTW1h7t890wCLcBGAs/s1600/19955455_1577894585596692_1328994157057802240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PG3z42vmffA/WdGboDEejyI/AAAAAAABCEU/MLy9vIFdNJUM_YxmSAqx5BbTW1h7t890wCLcBGAs/s400/19955455_1577894585596692_1328994157057802240_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;These three (Bridget, Kodi, and Clara) spent a lot of time on the diving boards.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found a cute picture of my nephew Brennan on my Instagram account and it reminded me that we watched Macey and Brennan overnight in July. I have forgotten EVERYTHING about babies. Almost everything. They were fun and Bridget was the best helper ever, so that made it easy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oILWX0a8rE/WdGca-OxovI/AAAAAAABCJQ/9BljghvLwvQRtHuyKKFs83jU2ZxXTJhTACLcBGAs/s1600/19984709_1754639907896618_107014457414123520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oILWX0a8rE/WdGca-OxovI/AAAAAAABCJQ/9BljghvLwvQRtHuyKKFs83jU2ZxXTJhTACLcBGAs/s400/19984709_1754639907896618_107014457414123520_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Sweetie Pie Brennan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gchAEpW_PIg/WdGDGtZe4iI/AAAAAAABCAQ/CzkdP7NCqyosguUSTs8HKyT6jG7UsWLXgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sami%2Band%2BBridget%2Bgetting%2Bdropped%2Boff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gchAEpW_PIg/WdGDGtZe4iI/AAAAAAABCAQ/CzkdP7NCqyosguUSTs8HKyT6jG7UsWLXgCLcBGAs/s640/Sami%2Band%2BBridget%2Bgetting%2Bdropped%2Boff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sami and Bridget before getting on the bus to Clear Creek.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Months ago I spent an hour on the computer and on the phone with Bridget's friend Sami's Mom, Alicia, trying to get the two of them registered for the same week at Clear Creek Camp. It was very dramatic. The two of us refreshed the page, submitting our information over and over again only to get denied at different points in the process. BAH. Each time we refreshed the page to try again, we could see how many spots were left in the weeks we were hoping to get. We finally chose the week of July 24th since they seemed not to be going as fast. Bridget and Sami were in the Pot Gut Hut at Clear Creek Camp! For MONTHS Bridget talked about Clear Creek. Sometimes she would start in the middle of the conversation in her head that Brian and I couldn't hear. I started assuming she was talking about Clear Creek when that happened. She and Sami did jobs for me and some of the neighbors to earn money for Clear Creek. Two weeks before the camp, Alicia spent EIGHT HOURS braiding Bridget's hair to look like Sami's. Getting ready for Clear Creek was not a joke.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaLbcSsDlRg/WdGdHLkhpYI/AAAAAAABCJc/yzD8QTuyE5gmZG6gbR3_LX7cCJZPl7SpwCLcBGAs/s1600/20346872_251545362001292_3153891087857221632_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaLbcSsDlRg/WdGdHLkhpYI/AAAAAAABCJc/yzD8QTuyE5gmZG6gbR3_LX7cCJZPl7SpwCLcBGAs/s400/20346872_251545362001292_3153891087857221632_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget putting the finishing touches on her critter can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev16R8svO7s/WdGD0tUjnaI/AAAAAAABCAY/Z5-7mizlLo4jxvLqapzHztjOnFmizHM7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bgetting%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ev16R8svO7s/WdGD0tUjnaI/AAAAAAABCAY/Z5-7mizlLo4jxvLqapzHztjOnFmizHM7QCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bgetting%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbus.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />Let's get real, though, Clear Creek is a five-day camp near Scofield and Bridget has never been great at sleeping in her own bed, nevermind a bed miles away from her parents. The kids stay in cabins and do crafts and activities and go on field trips. They have no contact with their parents and the only word I got was an email from the camp director every night of the camp with a bunch of pictures. I had to find my baby in those photos and let my imagination go crazy, which it did. In the first email I had a hard time finding Bridget in the 30 or so pictures. When I did she was wearing a sweatshirt that doesn't belong to her and it was raining. "Why isn't she wearing the rain jacket she brought?" I wondered. (When I picked her up on Friday the first thing she told me was that she puked all over her jacket after getting off the bus the first day. Oh! That explains it! It's just the worst thing that could happen, nothing to worry about there.) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD-vM1jyeoM/WdGaBve5lWI/AAAAAAABCAo/J1-4zTeFpKQ_4rt3H1GOw6NQJL4M_yEFACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2527s%2Bhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD-vM1jyeoM/WdGaBve5lWI/AAAAAAABCAo/J1-4zTeFpKQ_4rt3H1GOw6NQJL4M_yEFACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2527s%2Bhome.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget fresh off the bus from Clear Creek. Her brothers care.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>On the last night of the camp I couldn't find Bridget in ANY of the photos from their field trip to a ghost mining town. I totally panicked. Bridget explained to me later that she was "crying so much" that she made sure she wasn't in any pictures so I wouldn't worry. Mission not accomplished. Even with those terrible reports, Bridget LOVED Clear Creek. She chose to focus on all the good stuff - the friends, the sparkly traps, the amazing crafts, the donuts, the awesome camp counselors who could do back flips. She even said she wants to go back and be a counselor herself. That's kind of an awesome idea - she can tell the kids who struggle, "I puked on the first day and I still loved it!" <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hZl8KJaxio/WdGdnbO_rYI/AAAAAAABCJg/2kazwlDoq3sGmoj2w4wl_KneshxCetKbQCLcBGAs/s1600/20226148_130358360902861_108599970361245696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hZl8KJaxio/WdGdnbO_rYI/AAAAAAABCJg/2kazwlDoq3sGmoj2w4wl_KneshxCetKbQCLcBGAs/s400/20226148_130358360902861_108599970361245696_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I signed Emil and Colin up for a week-long soccer camp during the same week Bridget was at Clear Creek. It was sponsored by the Real Salt Lake soccer team. They spent the last 10 minutes every day learning the fight song.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHbct7feJvg/WdGd_MVwXMI/AAAAAAABCJs/g8dRQU8n4awYARi8NK1uqVFBlLVujzh2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Coach%2BCrazy%2Bsigning%2Bshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1090" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHbct7feJvg/WdGd_MVwXMI/AAAAAAABCJs/g8dRQU8n4awYARi8NK1uqVFBlLVujzh2ACLcBGAs/s640/Coach%2BCrazy%2Bsigning%2Bshoes.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil getting his shoe signed on the last day of camp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cXJC6pFUySs/WdGeMlWyQsI/AAAAAAABCJw/pbssTLMWY_ofUKmost31BbUjvUIwRq9tACLcBGAs/s1600/20225488_147672415810366_7048053156780965888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cXJC6pFUySs/WdGeMlWyQsI/AAAAAAABCJw/pbssTLMWY_ofUKmost31BbUjvUIwRq9tACLcBGAs/s400/20225488_147672415810366_7048053156780965888_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil's new smile.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got through August by going to the outdoor pool a lot and the kids came with me on some of my newspaper assignments. School started on a Tuesday and on Monday was the Total Solar Eclipse. I had decided we could just enjoy our 85% or whatever view and that would be fine. I couldn't get my hands on any glasses, so that was lame. My Mom texted me on Saturday, "You should come." So I did! It was just me and the kids - Brian had started his new job just the week before, so he had zero time off. After church on Sunday, we packed up and headed to Pocatello, Idaho. My Dad's cousin Holly was there with her family, but they were heading to Rexburg on Monday morning so they would be in the totality zone for the eclipse. Holly, her husband and their kids ALMOST made me decide to go to Rexburg and really see the coolest part of the eclipse. The first day of school was the very next day! What if we got stuck in traffic coming home?! (And we would have - it took them almost 7 hours to get from Rexburg to Pocatello after the eclipse.) We made do with our 99% view and eclipse cookies and American Girl Dolls wearing sunglasses. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRZZAbZez3U/WdGgTv-ZGMI/AAAAAAABCKA/fWGUXXI33uoJWPwCa2dMbR44hWXchYcUwCLcBGAs/s1600/20969095_111677652863407_8832682011811381248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRZZAbZez3U/WdGgTv-ZGMI/AAAAAAABCKA/fWGUXXI33uoJWPwCa2dMbR44hWXchYcUwCLcBGAs/s400/20969095_111677652863407_8832682011811381248_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Mom is the Cookie Grandma and she does not mess around!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89kILWox4gI/WdGgnGrzEGI/AAAAAAABCKE/tP7j80UYA-ImrEAd9lK43txco-bROTPLQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bwith%2Bher%2Bdolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1250" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89kILWox4gI/WdGgnGrzEGI/AAAAAAABCKE/tP7j80UYA-ImrEAd9lK43txco-bROTPLQCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bwith%2Bher%2Bdolls.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma Peggy hooked us up with eclipse glasses. She and Bridget were getting the dolls ready right up until the last minute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBc6ME6jQ_4/WdGg4Zr5LII/AAAAAAABCKI/Wc_PorX2YwExod7TgEtVsI2DrnNLDIhpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Band%2Bwater%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bporch%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBc6ME6jQ_4/WdGg4Zr5LII/AAAAAAABCKI/Wc_PorX2YwExod7TgEtVsI2DrnNLDIhpwCLcBGAs/s640/Kids%2Band%2Bwater%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bporch%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We put jars of water out on the porch during the eclipse to create some magical water. I think it was black magic, though, and I gave mine to the tomatoes when we got home.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqTFo0RbBCU/WdGhP5qdEJI/AAAAAAABCKQ/SMhjr5VNmdESmTuAmPjczya4OwknbmphQCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bon%2Bmonkey%2Bbars%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqTFo0RbBCU/WdGhP5qdEJI/AAAAAAABCKQ/SMhjr5VNmdESmTuAmPjczya4OwknbmphQCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Bon%2Bmonkey%2Bbars%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We walked to the playground up the road from my parents' house. This is close to 99% of the eclipse - it was almost noon, but it was eerily dark and our shadows were very stark.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VY6V2bfBgFE/WdGhvoknDJI/AAAAAAABCKY/Qwyf787UQwUfAVkw6RPdcN-eFwE8A6KywCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VY6V2bfBgFE/WdGhvoknDJI/AAAAAAABCKY/Qwyf787UQwUfAVkw6RPdcN-eFwE8A6KywCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Weird light.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubt378MgsTw/WdGh44ASQbI/AAAAAAABCKc/qHUJpJnhbr0VVz4_Rdk8iSxnRlF3kQXkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bchecking%2Bon%2Bthe%2Beclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubt378MgsTw/WdGh44ASQbI/AAAAAAABCKc/qHUJpJnhbr0VVz4_Rdk8iSxnRlF3kQXkQCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Bchecking%2Bon%2Bthe%2Beclipse.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was only a moment at 99%, then the moon was on the other side of the sun. When Colin found out that was all we were getting he threw his eclipse glasses to the ground and stomped off. Hahahaha! Grandpa Bob applied the classic quote to that exit, "Fine eclipse this turned out to be!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We hurried home before the eclipse was totally over and we beat the Idaho Falls/Rexburg crowd. It took us the normal amount of time to get home. I'm so glad we did it! It was weird and wonderful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The very next day was the first day of school! Bridget started sixth grade and the boys started first grade. They're so big!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ8k6E7QXSE/WdGjLv2tgyI/AAAAAAABCKo/p0CAXRQ4Rb0I6ccLZ-H52d0CQ5UJDm8ZACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ8k6E7QXSE/WdGjLv2tgyI/AAAAAAABCKo/p0CAXRQ4Rb0I6ccLZ-H52d0CQ5UJDm8ZACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;Cutest outfit ever! After we took the braids out her hair was so thick and healthy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfoDO_Ytq58/WdGjbu2S2nI/AAAAAAABCKs/Y69vLqnXTFsmlJWjbOuRjfxNb4xoCFtAACLcBGAs/s1600/Pencil%2Bearrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfoDO_Ytq58/WdGjbu2S2nI/AAAAAAABCKs/Y69vLqnXTFsmlJWjbOuRjfxNb4xoCFtAACLcBGAs/s640/Pencil%2Bearrings.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pencil earrings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8n6alRgJ0EM/WdGjiy24SaI/AAAAAAABCKw/WvrRoaB7c7UwNpoJXuYtNjTU0zfXPQiQACLcBGAs/s1600/Emil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8n6alRgJ0EM/WdGjiy24SaI/AAAAAAABCKw/WvrRoaB7c7UwNpoJXuYtNjTU0zfXPQiQACLcBGAs/s640/Emil.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emil is wearing a shirt that says Don't Trust Atoms, and on the back, They Make Up Everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgVS41QI0Wc/WdGjzrJDNJI/AAAAAAABCK0/0-5HhNHMa-MHH20VeTRB_LXKsNcWWlalgCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgVS41QI0Wc/WdGjzrJDNJI/AAAAAAABCK0/0-5HhNHMa-MHH20VeTRB_LXKsNcWWlalgCLcBGAs/s640/Colin.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cute Colin. He is a reading machine! He was READY for first grade to start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TU9xL-OlTHM/WdGkESgyssI/AAAAAAABCK4/phHwQ_J3MbkiFwBuwn6Ac1cSYIdHumz7gCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TU9xL-OlTHM/WdGkESgyssI/AAAAAAABCK4/phHwQ_J3MbkiFwBuwn6Ac1cSYIdHumz7gCLcBGAs/s640/Kids%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bporch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First day of school porch shot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk2xjEYYMM8/WdGkOI9eQAI/AAAAAAABCK8/QHLWTaNBqOQmNLfIP_2JEU4rG920bPDRACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%252C%2BClara%252C%2Band%2BMillie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk2xjEYYMM8/WdGkOI9eQAI/AAAAAAABCK8/QHLWTaNBqOQmNLfIP_2JEU4rG920bPDRACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%252C%2BClara%252C%2Band%2BMillie.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Posing with Clara and Millie at the bus stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxw4THgrIcs/WdGkXxzU-II/AAAAAAABCLA/9QeLUh_NJwIBF4TYryLsBQlypWDyuvwRQCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Band%2BDaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1106" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zxw4THgrIcs/WdGkXxzU-II/AAAAAAABCLA/9QeLUh_NJwIBF4TYryLsBQlypWDyuvwRQCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Band%2BDaddy.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colin is very faithful with goodbye kisses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsOh0Y5sSJg/WdGkiNOSI6I/AAAAAAABCLE/1_cDJAkuGjskwK_dZF3T2vYByQndW46QwCLcBGAs/s1600/Boys%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbus%2Bstop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsOh0Y5sSJg/WdGkiNOSI6I/AAAAAAABCLE/1_cDJAkuGjskwK_dZF3T2vYByQndW46QwCLcBGAs/s640/Boys%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbus%2Bstop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every truck that went by was honking at the kids and I thought it was so cute that they were wishing them luck on their first day. No, just the brothers doing the "honk your horn" gesture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uon4By-bG5c/WdGk8QxdC_I/AAAAAAABCLM/_8Qh-C6CeeE-K1P9A5xtw7q8Uf01ucLRwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Band%2BColin%2Bgetting%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uon4By-bG5c/WdGk8QxdC_I/AAAAAAABCLM/_8Qh-C6CeeE-K1P9A5xtw7q8Uf01ucLRwCLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Band%2BColin%2Bgetting%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There they go.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I miss them, but the time away from each other has been good, I think. Bridget, Emil and Colin all love school. I haven't figured out how to maximize my time yet. I'll get it! </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-59537152044574323362017-09-25T10:24:00.000-06:002017-09-25T10:24:25.944-06:00Summer Book Report: May, June, July, and August 2017Let me start by saying that I thought I was only a month behind on my book reports. Bother. I've read some interesting stuff, though, and I don't want to forget all about those books. Especially since I kind of already have...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nR6rkErPirs/WbGHWmZMlvI/AAAAAAABB48/f41O_Er6kKAmR9fO2xfswJCFYprci-B0QCLcBGAs/s1600/23356969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nR6rkErPirs/WbGHWmZMlvI/AAAAAAABB48/f41O_Er6kKAmR9fO2xfswJCFYprci-B0QCLcBGAs/s320/23356969.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />1. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>A Quiet Life in the Country</i> (Lady Hardcastle Mysteries #1) by T E Kinsey</span><br /><br />I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon mysteries. Lady detectives are my jam! I have always thought that I would make an awesome detective. Lady Hardcastle has moved to a small English town with her maid, Armstrong. She is somewhat recently widowed and Hardcastle and Armstrong (very masculine names, I just noticed) have had adventures before that they allude to. The two women are friends as well as being employer and employee. It's a relationship that the upstairs <i>and</i> downstairs people find inappropriate.<br /><br />On their very first brisk walk through the country, Lady Hardcastle and Armstrong find a body hanging from a tree. What?! Yeah, a little convenient. But there are fun clues like the tipped over stump being too short for the man to stand on and still be hanging from the rope. The game is on for the two women.<br /><br />It's a fun, harmless mystery with no questionable language, some humor, and nothing gory. I enjoyed the audible version, although I did have a hard time keeping so many characters straight.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukK5D0_Z9n4/WbGJvhvLy6I/AAAAAAABB5I/1sCNFAXsraY4-hIBi5rJenS4Pithi94SwCLcBGAs/s1600/fifthbusiness-170x270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="170" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukK5D0_Z9n4/WbGJvhvLy6I/AAAAAAABB5I/1sCNFAXsraY4-hIBi5rJenS4Pithi94SwCLcBGAs/s320/fifthbusiness-170x270.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>2. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Fifth Business</i> by Robertson Davies</span><br /><br />I can't remember where I saw this, but on some list <i>Fifth Business</i> was called a classic in Canadian literature. What? Canadians have classic literature?! Just kidding! Of course they do. Why wouldn't they. I love reading classics from other countries to get perspective. I'm not sure yet what this book says about Canada, though.<br /><br />The narrator of Fifth Business is a man named Dunstan Ramsay. He's a war hero, a teacher, a scholar, and a magician. More like a connoisseur of magic and miracles. Ramsay's life path is diverted one day when he is a boy and he dodges a snowball with a rock in it. The snowball hits the preacher's wife, Mary Dempster, who is very pregnant, in the head. Mary is never the same and Ramsay has the guilts like no one in the history of ever. Mary goes crazy, the baby is premature and sickly, the marriage gets ugly. Ramsay tries to help and he's bad at that.<br /><br />Luckily (?) Ramsay goes off to World War I where he miraculously survives a terrible battle. After the war Ramsay comes back to his hometown. His interest in saints and miracles and magic has made him an easy mark for bullies. For some reason he stays friends with the kid who threw the snowball, spoiled rich guy "Boy" Stauntan. Ramsay is Boy's confession booth for their whole adult lives. Boy is as bad at being an adult as he was at being a kid. Boy marries the prettiest girl in town, makes a lot of money in plastic (I think - I know he made money), cheats on his poor wife and does a weak imitation of a father to his kids. Why does Ramsay stay friends with such a man? Because Ramsay is Fifth Business!<br /><br />"Who are you? Where do you fit into poetry and myth? Do you know who I think you are, Ramsay? I think you are Fifth Business. You don't know what that is? Well, in opera in a permanent company of the kind we keep up in Europe you must have a prima donna - always a soprano, always the heroine, often a fool; and a tenor who always plays the lover to her; and then you must have a contralto, who is a rival to the soprano, or a sorceress or something; and a basso, who is the villain or the rival or whatever threatens the tenor.<br /><br />So far, so good. But you cannot make a plot work without another man, and he is usually a baritone, and he is called in the profession Fifth Business, because he is the odd man out, the person who has no opposite of the other sex. And you must have Fifth Business because he is the one who knows the secret of the hero's birth, or comes to the assistance of the heroine when she thinks all is lost, or keeps the hermitess in her cell, or may even be the cause of somebody's death if that is part of the plot. The prima donna and the tenor, the contralto and the basso, get all the best music and do all the spectacular things, but you cannot manage the plot without Fifth Business!"<br /><br />Isn't that awesome?! And Ramsay does do most of those things that Fifth Business does. I found the second half of the book much darker than the first half, but it was pretty dark all throughout. Not vulgar, but dark. So interesting and a really great ending.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-io2bTsu9bZQ/WbGPTa1bkZI/AAAAAAABB5Y/aPESLy00m_MYnzSbo-uu-FPfIQD6bePfgCLcBGAs/s1600/5408376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-io2bTsu9bZQ/WbGPTa1bkZI/AAAAAAABB5Y/aPESLy00m_MYnzSbo-uu-FPfIQD6bePfgCLcBGAs/s320/5408376.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>3. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Moonshot</i> by Brian Floca</span><br /><br />This is another brilliant historical non-fiction picture book by Brian Floca. This time he's brought his poetry and amazing illustrations to the story of Apollo 11. Floca manages to describe the roar of take-off and the silence of the moon so well that it made me a little emotional. When I read this to Emil and Colin and I had to pause to pull myself together they both turned their heads quickly to see what was wrong with me. Nothing! Just reading a good book. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNxEcMu1mfM/WbGQSpj6a2I/AAAAAAABB5k/99pAC1rIJCcGBb0Z_thP7hFcTuwMSyoLwCLcBGAs/s1600/25241653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNxEcMu1mfM/WbGQSpj6a2I/AAAAAAABB5k/99pAC1rIJCcGBb0Z_thP7hFcTuwMSyoLwCLcBGAs/s320/25241653.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>4. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hero of the Empire: The Boar War, a Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill</i> by Candice Millard</span><br /><br />Candice Millard is one of my favorite authors. She writes about stuff I want to read! And she's really good at it. Thanks to her I know what a Boer is! (A person living in South Africa who has English, Welsh, Portuguese, and Spanish ancestors.)<br /><br />Even when he was very young, Winston Churchill wanted to be prime minister of England. His plan was to be awesome in a battle setting. That was his ticket! He tried to put himself in the most dangerous possible situations during colonial wars in India and the Sudan, but no dice. It was as a journalist covering the Boer War in South Africa in 1899 that Churchill finally had his moment.<br /><br />Churchill is on a train (sitting duck for the enemy) that is derailed and everyone is taken prisoner, including Winston. It's not the worst prison - the Boers wanted to prove to the Englishman that they were not savages. Churchill wrote letters home and complained to everyone who would listen, and some who would not, that he should not be a prisoner of war! He's a journalist, not a soldier! But wait, he had a gun and he was leading the soldiers away from the train wreckage to safety... Churchill hears a couple of friends planning an escape and he's suddenly part of their plan. He's so loud, though! He's going to ruin everything! Ha! And he lives up to his reputation.<br /><br />But! Churchill does escape and it's so thrilling I couldn't even stand it. Who knew?! Just like when I read about American heroes, Churchill appears to have been groomed for a long time to be at the right place at the right time having the right experiences to mold him. This is just a really cool book.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDHACQjTcwg/WbGTuhZc2dI/AAAAAAABB5w/ZRXiynqU_wE8A6ziVYW07MQYaRTP0xFCgCLcBGAs/s1600/122113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDHACQjTcwg/WbGTuhZc2dI/AAAAAAABB5w/ZRXiynqU_wE8A6ziVYW07MQYaRTP0xFCgCLcBGAs/s320/122113.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />5. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Emperor and the Kite</i> by Jane Yolen</span><br /><br />"Largely ignored by her own family, Princess Djeow Seow spends her days playing with a kite made from paper and sticks. But when the Emperor is imprisoned in a high tower, only the Princess can save the day, flying her kite high up into the sky to rescue her father."<br /><br />My boys are mesmerized by books like this. Something about another culture and the stakes being high for a kid speaks to them. The illustrations in this one are amazing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbPWR4KJ_lk/WbRuPLu8TpI/AAAAAAABB6Q/Qr8O2I7huDoapdO7sR4b_QFRKsLSD3NCwCLcBGAs/s1600/853510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbPWR4KJ_lk/WbRuPLu8TpI/AAAAAAABB6Q/Qr8O2I7huDoapdO7sR4b_QFRKsLSD3NCwCLcBGAs/s320/853510.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br />6. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Murder on the Orient Express</i> by Agatha Christie</span><br /><br />I saw a trailer for the movie of this that comes out in December. It looked so stylish and cool and I love Agatha Christie mysteries (my jam, again). Then I saw that Johnny Depp is in it and I thought, "Meh. I'll read the book." Why is he so puffy and gross now?<br /><br />Anyway. A train, the Orient Express, gets stuck in a snow drift and messes up a murderer's plan to kill a guy and get away with it. Now the murderer has to deal with Hercule Poirot being a passenger on the train and being awesome at solving mysteries. The crime is laid out, every person is interviewed, the reader has a reason to suspect pretty much everyone.<br /><br />I have to agree with another sassy Goodreads critique of this book - it's not my favorite Agatha Christie because there is NO WAY to solve the mystery. It's SO convoluted! Come on! I enjoyed it anyway, but I like to at least have a chance of solving the puzzle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHmUgCYjiJ4/WbRv70hDh3I/AAAAAAABB6c/12LvxZHS5Kg2tB9milJhYvf8du5wH9JjACLcBGAs/s1600/690955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHmUgCYjiJ4/WbRv70hDh3I/AAAAAAABB6c/12LvxZHS5Kg2tB9milJhYvf8du5wH9JjACLcBGAs/s320/690955.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>7. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Bad Kitty</i> by Nick Bruel</span><br /><br />This kitty loses it when she's told that her favorite foods are all gone and she's left with only 26 yucky vegetables in alphabetical order. In her rage, the kitty eats homework, bites Grandma, claws the curtains, and so on until she gets to letter Z.<br /><br />Colin reads everything. Out loud. He reads every minute he can before school, on the bus, after school, in the van. I try not to stop him, but sometimes he needs to get dressed and eat and other stuff. I couldn't contain my laughter when he was reading this book. It was cracking him up and he had to stop and laugh several times. Adorable! It's fun to have a kid who is obsessed with reading.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVLtERtssD4/WbRxLKPDz4I/AAAAAAABB6o/knpryTpo4YYDbr1Bii3dgNrA-ccLLVB9gCLcBGAs/s1600/25614492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVLtERtssD4/WbRxLKPDz4I/AAAAAAABB6o/knpryTpo4YYDbr1Bii3dgNrA-ccLLVB9gCLcBGAs/s320/25614492.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>8. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Salt to the Sea</i> by Ruta Sepetys</span><br /><br />This is a book about the refugees who made their way to the ships who would take them to safety. Sepetys focuses on a little group whose paths converged along the way. Each of them has a terrible story of loss and some have regret added to their loss. It's gut-wrenching and then it gets worse. They're all desperately trying to get on the ship the "Wilhelm Gustloff," an intended luxury liner that could accommodate 1500 people. More than 10,000 refugees were crammed onto the boat, which was then torpedoed by the Russians. Thousands of people died. I'd never heard of it. How could I have never heard of it?! I've read lots and lots of books about WWII, fiction and non-fiction. That's still crazy to me!<br /><br />This is Young Adult Historical Fiction. I happened to ask one of my 12 year-old friends what her favorite book was and she said <i>Salt to the Sea</i>. What?! This is pretty heavy stuff. The author does a great job of putting us there and giving us different perspectives that are usually left out of official histories.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGkcUDlG-v0/WbRzyVofMxI/AAAAAAABB68/3W5mODGLbZcS3x3A2bMOKMZ0p-8bCT0gQCLcBGAs/s1600/32969710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGkcUDlG-v0/WbRzyVofMxI/AAAAAAABB68/3W5mODGLbZcS3x3A2bMOKMZ0p-8bCT0gQCLcBGAs/s320/32969710.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>9. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>What She Ate</i> by Laura Shapiro</span><br /><br />Along with lady detectives, food stories are also my jam. We eat every day. We have strong rituals and memories that surround food, but it's never the focus of biography or life story unless the biography is about a chef.<br /><br />I'm FASCINATED by everything that has to do with a food story. Preparing food for someone else is an act of love. Just last night I made rolls, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and steamed carrots with fresh basil. Few things give me more satisfaction than the perfection of that particular Sunday dinner. Making that meal well is my favorite way to show my love for my family.<br /><br />In <i>What She Ate</i>, Laura Shapiro combs through William Wordsworth's sister Dorothy's diaries to get her food story. When Dorothy was young and living in a cottage with her brother while he wrote, she mentioned food in her diary at least every day. They had a garden, she got fresh bread from a local bakery, they got meat from a neighbor with a farm. Happiness! Later when William gets married, Dorothy no longer talks about food, but she becomes obese and a "victim" starved for attention. I find that so interesting.<br /><br />My favorite sidebar in this book was in Rosa Lewis's food story. Lewis started out as a scullery maid and worked her way up to being the most celebrated chef in England during the Edwardian days. Lewis had nothing good to say about any of her contemporaries, but she gushed about Juliette Gordon Low's cook. (Juliette Gordon Low is the founder of the Girl Scouts. She was married to William Low, they had lots of money and they traveled the world. Gordon Low was from Savannah Georgia and she was born in 1860. Her cook was an African American slave.) I tried to find the cook's story, but it didn't exist. Isn't that remarkable, though? Southern food is very distinct and specific and they're proud of it. But, whose story is it? The slave cooks who made it? The people who ate it? What does the food say about them? (I found a book that is next on my To Read list about this very subject! I can't believe it exists!)<br /><br />I thought the best chapter, food story-wise, was Eleanor Roosevelt's. She got into the economics of food for the home, but she was never a good cook. She and Franklin didn't even dine together. Eleanor employed a cook who was TERRIBLE at the White House and I think it was her way of sticking it to Franklin for cheating on her. Food is love. Food is also not love.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP3flqoDnCA/WcknKK8tNeI/AAAAAAABB_A/C1r9cPHnyDoeiF5OaZABuL70h1OA06w6gCLcBGAs/s1600/25785790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP3flqoDnCA/WcknKK8tNeI/AAAAAAABB_A/C1r9cPHnyDoeiF5OaZABuL70h1OA06w6gCLcBGAs/s320/25785790.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor</i> by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Raul Colon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marie Tharp's father was a mapmaker and she was taught to think big. Tharp looked at the ocean as a puzzle that needed to be solved. No one had ever tried to map the ocean floor, but Tharp wanted to try it. She spread out a huge piece of paper and researched all the measurements that had ever been made of the ocean floor. Slowly she put the puzzle together and made the map.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The book ended a little too abruptly, I thought. But, the illustrations are AMAZING. They look like they are part of a map. And anytime I can introduce my children to women like Marie Tharp, I'm happy to do it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCjQ_GeBP34/WckpZzMITXI/AAAAAAABB_I/D4O_19M1N6Ab0v6mXWJELTKm-9dV5E6ZQCLcBGAs/s1600/239239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="271" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCjQ_GeBP34/WckpZzMITXI/AAAAAAABB_I/D4O_19M1N6Ab0v6mXWJELTKm-9dV5E6ZQCLcBGAs/s320/239239.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Prestige</i> by Christopher Priest</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I watched the 2006 Christopher Nolan movie with Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale that was "based" on this book in August. Actually I watched it one and a half times. It was on while I was having a sew day and I couldn't find anything else. I kept pausing in my work and watching it. I have a hard time watching movies when I'm not doing anything with my hands. But I was completely engrossed in The Prestige.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In fact, so engrossed that I needed more. I listened to the Audible version of the book. It was the same basic story, two rival magicians in the late 19th Century who play escalating pranks on each other. The book starts in the 1990s with descendants of both magicians still feeling the effects of this long ago toxic relationship.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The movie came out 11 years ago, so I'm not spoiling it by saying that Christian Bale's character achieves his greatest illusion, The New Transported Man, by being identical twins with his double. The "trick" is always the simplest solution, but audiences want to be amazed so they come up with crazy theories about how the things are done. Same in the book - Hugh Jackman's character (Robert Angier) is so convinced that it's actually Alfred Bordon reappearing in another place on stage that he becomes obsessed with trying to figure out how he did it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a very key difference in the book about how Angier tops Bordon's Transported Man. It still involves electricity (which was new at the time), Nikola Tesla, and creating a facsimile of himself that needs to be disposed of. But the difference BLEW MY MIND. The movie gave me the cold chills, but the book had such an unexpected twist. I don't know. It was deliciously spooky. Halloween reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-15617747856352986592017-09-01T09:55:00.001-06:002017-09-01T09:55:35.073-06:00Searle Family RenionWhere was I?<br /><br />We got home from Lava Hot Springs on a Thursday and on the next Saturday we had a reunion for Brian's Mom's side of the family, the Searles. We figured it had been about 18 years since the last Searle reunion! Brian fondly remembers going to his Aunt Jerry's house and playing in the pool with all his cousins. It was fun for him to be back at Jerry's house visiting with his cousins and watching our kids play in the pool.<br /><br />Jerry and her daughters set up the pool area with umbrella-ed tables and there were even misters under the main area. (It was so very hot that day!) The food was so good! All the favorites were there - chicken, crab salad, seven-layer dip. Each of the Searle siblings got up and introduced their families. We heard a couple of fun stories about Grandpa Searle. Jerry hired a Hawaiian Shave Ice place to come make shave ice for us. Nothing has ever tasted so good to me!<br /><br />My assignment was to take photos of the families who came. Not everyone there knows me very well, so the sarcastic comments were minimal compared to what I've experienced with my family. Ha!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zg_0glsf3k/Wal8x16hpEI/AAAAAAABB3E/SNhWq-8SYAcL7o9yXYzyYyog24lIs2WGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Condie%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zg_0glsf3k/Wal8x16hpEI/AAAAAAABB3E/SNhWq-8SYAcL7o9yXYzyYyog24lIs2WGgCLcBGAs/s640/Condie%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This is the Condie family, Phil and Jerry are seated in the middle. A few of the grandkids had already been in the pool and I put one of them on Phil's lap. Woops! Jerry is the oldest of the Searle siblings.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMR_wUl_4M0/Wal9MBQ0OaI/AAAAAAABB3I/AXXDgp3bl3k2l7CXqnBpA5APTZ5tSonPQCLcBGAs/s1600/Searle%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMR_wUl_4M0/Wal9MBQ0OaI/AAAAAAABB3I/AXXDgp3bl3k2l7CXqnBpA5APTZ5tSonPQCLcBGAs/s640/Searle%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This is the Don Searle family, Phyllis and Don are seated. Again I made the mistake of letting a wet kid sit in Grandpa's lap.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAKd16dIAsI/Wal9notmoqI/AAAAAAABB3M/kfd664I2F54A8ycxV2fMyz-1sx2LVtlpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kunze%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAKd16dIAsI/Wal9notmoqI/AAAAAAABB3M/kfd664I2F54A8ycxV2fMyz-1sx2LVtlpgCLcBGAs/s640/Kunze%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Brian's Mom is the third child and this is her family. Not everyone, but pretty close. We're missing Jed and McKade. We're the mean parents who made our kids wait to go swimming until after the pictures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgUOczigB80/Wal-GDQv8CI/AAAAAAABB3Q/bHpmPRj_vYAMrVqAboiYo2yvT9O8OxoxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Peterson%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SgUOczigB80/Wal-GDQv8CI/AAAAAAABB3Q/bHpmPRj_vYAMrVqAboiYo2yvT9O8OxoxgCLcBGAs/s640/Peterson%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Sandy is the baby of the family and there she is with her husband "Pete." I knew this, but Pete's first name is Harold. Denise and her sister both married Harolds! That's funny to me. :) Everyone calls Sandy's Harold "Pete." Their last name is Peterson. The first time I heard that Brian had an uncle Pete Peterson I was like, "No."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLX9Dp19qZ0/Wal-uNCo42I/AAAAAAABB3Y/369_D9q8JpoTy0hwkjYgvAYblHhf8vRpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sibs%2B%2526%2BSpouses%2BEdit%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLX9Dp19qZ0/Wal-uNCo42I/AAAAAAABB3Y/369_D9q8JpoTy0hwkjYgvAYblHhf8vRpwCLcBGAs/s640/Sibs%2B%2526%2BSpouses%2BEdit%2B1.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>Here they are, Don and Edra Searle's kids: Don Searle, Jerry Condie, Sandy Peterson and Denise Kunze. I want you all to think of someone you know who is 85 years old. Jerry is 85 years old, you guys! #grandmagoals<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JesEbeOzQf0/Wal_SmPAPTI/AAAAAAABB3g/KbWAWF-HMM0rl8ShSi__65bHUxXTjlaxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sibs%2Band%2BSpouses%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JesEbeOzQf0/Wal_SmPAPTI/AAAAAAABB3g/KbWAWF-HMM0rl8ShSi__65bHUxXTjlaxwCLcBGAs/s640/Sibs%2Band%2BSpouses%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here they are with their spouses. That's cousin Sheree next to Denise and Harold.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1cJb5_tRS4/Wal_i27UOkI/AAAAAAABB3k/DASwCZLFV2ctTlQG0W9-gTlsGyp3KkMFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nedra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1cJb5_tRS4/Wal_i27UOkI/AAAAAAABB3k/DASwCZLFV2ctTlQG0W9-gTlsGyp3KkMFQCLcBGAs/s640/Nedra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This is Nedra. She is Denise's aunt. Nedra came with Uncle Tex, who took off before I could get his picture.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQhRmnmU50o/Wal_7PtQGlI/AAAAAAABB3o/vylq8KHrdHQFB7qQ4WzkVwvg6WY3ClSbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Candid%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQhRmnmU50o/Wal_7PtQGlI/AAAAAAABB3o/vylq8KHrdHQFB7qQ4WzkVwvg6WY3ClSbQCLcBGAs/s640/Candid%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I think maybe Don is telling tales out of school here. It's a safe bet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31QqmgWYIdo/WamAEy65CvI/AAAAAAABB3s/YUATj4GLBCU2eOS70N9WTZ9o2jm_TKAhwCLcBGAs/s1600/Candid%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31QqmgWYIdo/WamAEy65CvI/AAAAAAABB3s/YUATj4GLBCU2eOS70N9WTZ9o2jm_TKAhwCLcBGAs/s640/Candid%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>You can tell Brian gets a kick out of his aunts and uncles. Can you see all those beautiful flower pots around the pool? Those Condie ladies have class!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Msw77dy4tcY/WamAZLJ8ooI/AAAAAAABB3w/4tSTHOn3wNAQ_V_8q6Nh1hU6tLZtydI0QCLcBGAs/s1600/Brian%2Band%2BCurt%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Msw77dy4tcY/WamAZLJ8ooI/AAAAAAABB3w/4tSTHOn3wNAQ_V_8q6Nh1hU6tLZtydI0QCLcBGAs/s640/Brian%2Band%2BCurt%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Brian and his cousin Curt look like the could be brothers. Brian definitely favors his Mom's side of the family.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3QsJRSNUhk/WamBbahXdHI/AAAAAAABB38/oy9HBZ90ZKELua9VIgNfga2mD3FHlHKpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Candid%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J3QsJRSNUhk/WamBbahXdHI/AAAAAAABB38/oy9HBZ90ZKELua9VIgNfga2mD3FHlHKpgCLcBGAs/s640/Candid%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Denise is close with all her siblings, but especially her sisters. I had to sneak a photo of Sandy smiling and I could only do that when she was with Denise.<br /><br />We loved seeing everyone and hearing stories we haven't heard for a long time, or ever. Brian comes from a hard-working, fiercely loyal, generous family. Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-72188899490874261842017-07-24T10:17:00.001-06:002017-07-24T10:19:13.139-06:00Official Family PhotosRemember how Melissa did all the family and individual pictures for everyone at our family reunion? I do! I'm going to post them here because then they'll be in our blog yearbook.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWXC3s-8qVM/WXYbDhYuhSI/AAAAAAAA-44/1SPGszCQzMAhfRF5Z0wmvs-Lq9LA3Q_JwCLcBGAs/s1600/THO_7659%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWXC3s-8qVM/WXYbDhYuhSI/AAAAAAAA-44/1SPGszCQzMAhfRF5Z0wmvs-Lq9LA3Q_JwCLcBGAs/s640/THO_7659%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Is there a computer screen big enough to see everything in this photo?! So many people! Let's see if I can name them all (from left to right): Rob, Claire, Ian, Moira, Marco, David, Gabriel, Makenzie, Claire, Ruby, Weston, Jen, Ben, Henry, Ethan, Taylor, Lilja, Noah, Adam, Emma, Banks, Allyn, Denham, Aron, Peggy, Chance, Bob, Bryce, Matt, Vivien, Katy, Anya, Evie, Helena, Eliza, Emil, Brian, Nicole, Colin, Bridget, Harrison, Jeff, Miles, Chloe, Melissa, Lori, Brennan, Aaron, and Macey. What do I win?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwIErKhcGaQ/WXYb4vQCcCI/AAAAAAAA-64/yBRvFfUKprcASqrhTzhqzMp8wevZZ7vTwCLcBGAs/s1600/THO_8198perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwIErKhcGaQ/WXYb4vQCcCI/AAAAAAAA-64/yBRvFfUKprcASqrhTzhqzMp8wevZZ7vTwCLcBGAs/s640/THO_8198perfection.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Our family was toward the end and my kids were very patient. And no one destroyed their clothes! Melissa was able to swap Emil's "blah" face for the smiling one and put it on the photo where everyone else was smiling. The magic of Photoshop!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQJq8iK7tjM/WXYcfl2i0dI/AAAAAAAA-7s/jzdrCwaYYQAVph9t7-qxNHztarDzG4fAACLcBGAs/s1600/THO_8234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQJq8iK7tjM/WXYcfl2i0dI/AAAAAAAA-7s/jzdrCwaYYQAVph9t7-qxNHztarDzG4fAACLcBGAs/s640/THO_8234.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbJci1092XA/WXYdGoPVhCI/AAAAAAAA-8g/slmLo4hEZDAqnyDs0zYj-r_HsTmfDufRQCLcBGAs/s1600/THO_8327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xbJci1092XA/WXYdGoPVhCI/AAAAAAAA-8g/slmLo4hEZDAqnyDs0zYj-r_HsTmfDufRQCLcBGAs/s640/THO_8327.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MEYguxl0fY/WXYdU5LcV2I/AAAAAAAA-80/CSRWzDHOeW4dCnIF0TZoCdrM9UyIBZNUgCLcBGAs/s1600/THO_8295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MEYguxl0fY/WXYdU5LcV2I/AAAAAAAA-80/CSRWzDHOeW4dCnIF0TZoCdrM9UyIBZNUgCLcBGAs/s640/THO_8295.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4kPLuCHQCQ/WXYdZf2YdDI/AAAAAAAA-88/wSyUDW4kQiQdf2VzmQg3W54c6zKuY6YgQCLcBGAs/s1600/THO_8253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4kPLuCHQCQ/WXYdZf2YdDI/AAAAAAAA-88/wSyUDW4kQiQdf2VzmQg3W54c6zKuY6YgQCLcBGAs/s640/THO_8253.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-28800435767339658832017-07-07T17:20:00.000-06:002017-07-07T17:20:40.229-06:00Isn't It Lava LeeIt's been five years since the last <a href="http://whodoesthesethings.blogspot.com/2012/07/topsail-island-north-carolina.html">Lee Family Reunion</a>. We've added seven more people (which brings our total to 49), families have moved, Aaron got married, Taylor went on a mission, Grandpa Bob retired, and much much more. This time we were in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho and Soda Springs, Idaho. That added a fun family history element to the reunion since my Grandma Carol Chester Furniss grew up in Soda Springs.<br /><br />My family arrived at "The Lodge" on Sunday afternoon and I immediately put my funeral potatoes in the oven since Jen and I were on dinner detail. Grandpa had all the families introduce themselves, then he chose a random grandchild to quiz after each introduction. They did great! The Lodge had a giant room where we could all sit around tables and eat together. I brought six 9" x 13" pans of funeral potatoes and six dozen rolls. Jen brought four hams and buckets and buckets of fresh green beans. Brian made homemade root beer and Grandma brought ice cream for root beer floats.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh9Onq04zRg/WV-0QVcGYeI/AAAAAAAA9N4/bwkeqiTMCmkkR-TodSUzANJ7v3ze5H23gCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh9Onq04zRg/WV-0QVcGYeI/AAAAAAAA9N4/bwkeqiTMCmkkR-TodSUzANJ7v3ze5H23gCLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>That's Jen's youngest, Henry. He is a silent observer - very shy. Brian hooked him by letting him help with the root beer. Science and root beer! What kid could resist that?!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mByRgblqCuk/WV-0v8J5i-I/AAAAAAAA9Oo/eWA8shHfQTUO9F1DP--D0rwkE4HU69_qgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1113" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mByRgblqCuk/WV-0v8J5i-I/AAAAAAAA9Oo/eWA8shHfQTUO9F1DP--D0rwkE4HU69_qgCLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B4.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>The kids spent a lot of time on this weird slide in the backyard. Emil is stepping on a big, fake snake at the bottom of the slide. (Someone warned me early on that a kid had already peed on the snake. Ha! Take that, snake!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--o6OMi1ymC4/WV-1OoBGsDI/AAAAAAAA9Pc/OB20x8jI_ncHmRym-9PjCOn1PA-PAGzRQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--o6OMi1ymC4/WV-1OoBGsDI/AAAAAAAA9Pc/OB20x8jI_ncHmRym-9PjCOn1PA-PAGzRQCLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Root beer floats! That's Claire, Chloe, and Helena. Makenzie's two little girls, Claire and Ruby, worshiped all the older girls. As they should - they have some fantastic older cousins.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wE_7oAStI6Q/WV-1n836lLI/AAAAAAAA9QA/DXNLSeMYnbEI-7HROmMcZXqDCYuSRaxnQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wE_7oAStI6Q/WV-1n836lLI/AAAAAAAA9QA/DXNLSeMYnbEI-7HROmMcZXqDCYuSRaxnQCLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One of the great pleasures of the reunion was seeing the cousins hanging out and talking and laughing. It seemed like everyone was cool to sit with whomever and have fun. This is Ethan, Harrison and Emma.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFwk44y1rPg/WV-2BYEvSfI/AAAAAAAA9Qk/QNpEqEOAoTAfN7IbC8q9Fd3GgZMMDwikQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFwk44y1rPg/WV-2BYEvSfI/AAAAAAAA9Qk/QNpEqEOAoTAfN7IbC8q9Fd3GgZMMDwikQCLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>There's Adam, Weston, Henry, and Taylor. You can see in the background four of the uncles in the kitchen. Another favorite thing - seeing the in-laws work together and enjoy each other's company.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_30E3TcfYO4/WV-2bHAZOFI/AAAAAAAA9RM/CkWJPaFn79MFSz1ZWCpVeNFOkqHEsZhqACLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1097" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_30E3TcfYO4/WV-2bHAZOFI/AAAAAAAA9RM/CkWJPaFn79MFSz1ZWCpVeNFOkqHEsZhqACLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B9.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>One of the things my family does not mess around with is getting a family photo. That was Melissa's assignment this year and she crushed it. For about two and a half hours Melissa arranged people, coaxed smiles from little ones, and endured the sarcasm of many while she captured this amazing moment in time - all 49 of us in the same place at the same time. (That's Allyn's youngest, Denham, looking like a sweet little angel.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNDBvPGm1Z8/WV-3EKkynzI/AAAAAAAA9SE/2jNOaHqe5WsqeT1ZmqABJwsMOpYpHD8EQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNDBvPGm1Z8/WV-3EKkynzI/AAAAAAAA9SE/2jNOaHqe5WsqeT1ZmqABJwsMOpYpHD8EQCLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>That's Melissa's family waiting their turn. I pushed the button for their photo, but not until everyone else had their turn.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkSSYk5igas/WV-3VxciXDI/AAAAAAAA9SU/5yn_BBHnJ2AH_NrGjqGwGTLAcjiGLRtxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkSSYk5igas/WV-3VxciXDI/AAAAAAAA9SU/5yn_BBHnJ2AH_NrGjqGwGTLAcjiGLRtxgCLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The view at The Lodge included beautiful green hills with a lazy train going by several times a day. There's Helena and Evie (two of Katy's girls) enjoying a train with Makenzie's youngest, Marco.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgxoKX-3nFE/WV-3v4pUBQI/AAAAAAAA9S8/MaH4DlmRg0kc34JnuDQus657GYFz92a1ACLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1380" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgxoKX-3nFE/WV-3v4pUBQI/AAAAAAAA9S8/MaH4DlmRg0kc34JnuDQus657GYFz92a1ACLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B17.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>Bridget got a sliver while we were waiting for our turn. She can't endure slivers! Thankfully we were close to the end so she could dry her tears and get hugs from Grandma Peggy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpK9eDxe5xA/WV-4GFtBODI/AAAAAAAA9TU/XQs_JD_B5bQeAh_exx3JyyfvDDQBf0KpACLcBGAs/s1600/Sunday%2BImage%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpK9eDxe5xA/WV-4GFtBODI/AAAAAAAA9TU/XQs_JD_B5bQeAh_exx3JyyfvDDQBf0KpACLcBGAs/s640/Sunday%2BImage%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It was fun to see nieces and nephews interacting with aunts and uncles. That's Katy's two oldest girls, Eliza and Vivien, talking with their Uncle Ben. They should really listen to that guy. :)<br /><br />Monday was our first day at Lava Hot Springs Olympic Pools. It's a huge complex with giant slides, medium slides, small slides, and diving boards and platforms. It was the 3rd of July and it seemed like the entire state of Idaho came to play. Our kids are at the public pool here in town all the time, so we kind of know what's going to happen, but the crowd at Lava Hot Springs was insane! Every time I turned around I'd lost one of our kids. I tried to throw some of the toys for them to dive and retrieve, but other kids would pick them up and sometimes even adults would bring them back to me. (Seriously? Did you think I dropped that on accident?) My blood pressure was up most of the day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOwAWZm_zbY/WV-5p0AIBWI/AAAAAAAA9Vs/Rp8d4MAwkdUghn628TloE8uwHw-6b8iCACLcBGAs/s1600/19624718_1553956721342779_5120885680204939264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOwAWZm_zbY/WV-5p0AIBWI/AAAAAAAA9Vs/Rp8d4MAwkdUghn628TloE8uwHw-6b8iCACLcBGAs/s400/19624718_1553956721342779_5120885680204939264_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>During one of our breaks we got all the six year-old cousins together for a photo. That's Ian, Chance, Colin, and Emil holding Ruby. Makenzie thought up this pose and we were all surprised that Ruby was game to do it. Looking at the photo afterward Emil said, "I got the best part, the feet." Cooties! Hahahahaha! Seriously, though, how crazy to have five kids all in the same grade in our family!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zBQRS1gpEU/WV-6UzB8m4I/AAAAAAAA9V0/QeHteMKkt78sTLVDRJDYNeryrkSNpeZvACLcBGAs/s1600/19623252_455738971452431_6581234570127998976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zBQRS1gpEU/WV-6UzB8m4I/AAAAAAAA9V0/QeHteMKkt78sTLVDRJDYNeryrkSNpeZvACLcBGAs/s400/19623252_455738971452431_6581234570127998976_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My boys got along really well with their cousin Claire. She's fun and she knows what's up. :) Behind them you can see that our family and some of the Furniss cousins who joined us took up the whole hillside. Toward the end of the day Brian and I got on a raft with the kids and floated down the river. Aron had been shuttling people back and forth all day in his van - dropping them off, then picking up where we got out. On one of the first runs of the day Ben cut open his lower back on a rock and had to go get seven stitches. Thanks to him everyone knew to avoid that particular drop and also yell out, "Butts up!" when we came to the rapids. Brian and I were on high alert through that whole run down the river with the kids, but Bridget, Emil and Colin were howling with laughter and delight the whole time. "This is just like that ride at Lagoon!" Except way more dangerous.<br /><br />After a quick shower, everyone met back at The Lodge for a secret dinner. We followed Grandma and Grandpa through Lava Hot Springs and out to a cute little farm. We took a wagon ride to a beautiful spot for a chuckwagon dinner and play time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-So6rtloFYWc/WV-7w3PkA-I/AAAAAAAA9V4/RnuUAvGhRNU7wedDGdd5meqe1FXA9gLEwCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-So6rtloFYWc/WV-7w3PkA-I/AAAAAAAA9V4/RnuUAvGhRNU7wedDGdd5meqe1FXA9gLEwCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>First I had to give Emma her T-shirt quilt that I finished the Saturday before the reunion. Like a boss.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYY0ofOKBFk/WV-8AMUqpEI/AAAAAAAA9V8/bQNYOUVevMoRSTF-t8Mitv-M1rRp-YtOACLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FYY0ofOKBFk/WV-8AMUqpEI/AAAAAAAA9V8/bQNYOUVevMoRSTF-t8Mitv-M1rRp-YtOACLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Grandma gave everyone a bandanna to wear. There's Lilja and Eliza getting Brennan all fixed up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVfByZXm8xQ/WV-8OM5xyWI/AAAAAAAA9WA/s69fbZH3poIr0HHBighFGhyrVvKES7J7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVfByZXm8xQ/WV-8OM5xyWI/AAAAAAAA9WA/s69fbZH3poIr0HHBighFGhyrVvKES7J7QCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Grandpa and Grandma were in our wagon. (And so was Melissa - we should have had a camera in both wagons!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptyrW9ofa9c/WV-8dowteOI/AAAAAAAA9WE/jKBly8bMqwE0HoDjpyoCRULNDSvjFIPNwCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ptyrW9ofa9c/WV-8dowteOI/AAAAAAAA9WE/jKBly8bMqwE0HoDjpyoCRULNDSvjFIPNwCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>There we are! I have pool hair, but Brian always looks good.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnVdQtfo9wA/WV-8pWveHpI/AAAAAAAA9WI/7yqXmpr4HOUBjNQpXucdpPh7_m6rlgmwACLcBGAs/s1600/MOnday%2BImage%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnVdQtfo9wA/WV-8pWveHpI/AAAAAAAA9WI/7yqXmpr4HOUBjNQpXucdpPh7_m6rlgmwACLcBGAs/s640/MOnday%2BImage%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We were packed in pretty tight, but all these cute girls didn't mind holding the little ones. From left to right, Vivien holding Bryce, Lilja holding Chance, Emma, Evie, Helena, Anya, and Bridget.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzbU0mZKLms/WV-9AwCuLhI/AAAAAAAA9WM/7UnwcQBY_9Eph_57GZmx3ZFjuGDF4iw3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzbU0mZKLms/WV-9AwCuLhI/AAAAAAAA9WM/7UnwcQBY_9Eph_57GZmx3ZFjuGDF4iw3wCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>There's Marco wondering what the heck is happening. He probably could have fallen asleep right there.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HLuTUbprmg/WV-9NOe83gI/AAAAAAAA9WY/b6fbJyCjNOYIrG3AZh3hGxxUKeuyjEBxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1262" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HLuTUbprmg/WV-9NOe83gI/AAAAAAAA9WY/b6fbJyCjNOYIrG3AZh3hGxxUKeuyjEBxwCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B9.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Makenzie and Marco</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NOoyjdSiQQ/WV-9fAu5HyI/AAAAAAAA9Wc/67JCBJILrf8vT5xFrut9m8JVzCnD5EE-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NOoyjdSiQQ/WV-9fAu5HyI/AAAAAAAA9Wc/67JCBJILrf8vT5xFrut9m8JVzCnD5EE-wCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The wagon driver let the kids take turns riding shotgun. Colin insisted on wearing his bandanna like a ninja. He is cool 100% of the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwwrUGAcz3c/WV-9uUY2dvI/AAAAAAAA9Wo/lpWl0rtsgO8fXb__d1hyXFjW6_26WbsUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwwrUGAcz3c/WV-9uUY2dvI/AAAAAAAA9Wo/lpWl0rtsgO8fXb__d1hyXFjW6_26WbsUQCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cutie cousins - Anya, Chloe and Bridget. They're all 11 right now. Bridget is six months younger than they are and right now it's a big six months. She'll hit a growth spurt and catch up, but the difference is pretty stark between them. They still get along great - I'm so glad they're friends. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xwvcSdY8xo/WV--bZiiczI/AAAAAAAA9Ww/vdlEGNJUF9g5fQ0wSOgG4cmH1MALnBeUACLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xwvcSdY8xo/WV--bZiiczI/AAAAAAAA9Ww/vdlEGNJUF9g5fQ0wSOgG4cmH1MALnBeUACLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B14.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brennan and Lori (and Melissa taking photos in the background).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hk5SDJ_sjgQ/WV--v0rSV0I/AAAAAAAA9W0/5A0IXinD-HIgPTz7by7FBhCANyDQPWxSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hk5SDJ_sjgQ/WV--v0rSV0I/AAAAAAAA9W0/5A0IXinD-HIgPTz7by7FBhCANyDQPWxSQCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had to get a photo of all the in-laws because they wouldn't stop crying about not getting a photo on Sunday. It's so fun to have all these awesome brothers and sisters! It was getting dark and my camera likes to lose focus when it's dark. Still...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PAzRdT19EQ/WV-_N8c_hnI/AAAAAAAA9W4/vz5xHtWg4nMzOn6nIuHNjOJuvwPQn5p4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Monday%2BImage%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PAzRdT19EQ/WV-_N8c_hnI/AAAAAAAA9W4/vz5xHtWg4nMzOn6nIuHNjOJuvwPQn5p4QCLcBGAs/s640/Monday%2BImage%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right?! That's the other wagon full of our family coming down the hill at sunset. It was so beautiful!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tuesday was Race Day. Katy's family knows their stuff when it comes to races. They do Spartan races together. They put together a 4.5K (in honor of my parents being married 45 years) that included challenges our ancestors faced when they came over on the Oregon Trail (which was very near The Lodge). After a flag ceremony and the National Anthem (it was the 4th of July), everyone eight and older did the race. Bridget walked with Chloe and I was looking forward to a leisurely walk with Brian, but he made me run most of the time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our first obstacle was "crossing a river in the rain" - crawling on a blue tarp under a yarn maze while being sprayed by Matt with a water gun. Ha! We ran down the hill to Evie and she helped us shoot at buffalo with Nerf guns. I think the next thing wasn't until Lori and Brennan at the halfway mark where we got a snake bite and had to hop on one foot for a while. Helena helped us with picking up buffalo chips (putting golf balls in a bucket) and then Eliza gave us a nasty drink of soda water from one of the Hopper Springs and a bite of buffalo jerky. The second half of the run was mostly uphill and very difficult for this old lady. Katy gave us dysentery about 20 yards from the finish line (putting our foreheads to a bat and spinning around 10 times) and then it was over!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLws3Mg0pMc/WWAKvserpKI/AAAAAAAA9Zw/aIGzAHJNnZccSrMcKNW4fIn8iCh7MaNagCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170704_085144%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLws3Mg0pMc/WWAKvserpKI/AAAAAAAA9Zw/aIGzAHJNnZccSrMcKNW4fIn8iCh7MaNagCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20170704_085144%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Totally earned that finisher's medal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txPTmUVP6ek/WV_QbC4FZqI/AAAAAAAA9XI/1gn4merrwUEMfbP0bkMd0Jfqglx4evZJgCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txPTmUVP6ek/WV_QbC4FZqI/AAAAAAAA9XI/1gn4merrwUEMfbP0bkMd0Jfqglx4evZJgCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;Everyone who finished got an awesome medal. Ethan won the race and his Dad, Ben, came in last (with those fresh stitches in his back).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Vkewlb0-g/WV_Q1xeSwaI/AAAAAAAA9XM/p0AayL3n4iA1YTDgfcCEKjZqDq3QMwHdwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Vkewlb0-g/WV_Q1xeSwaI/AAAAAAAA9XM/p0AayL3n4iA1YTDgfcCEKjZqDq3QMwHdwCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another father and son, Harrison and Jeff. Look at those young boys - they don't even look winded! "We're all in such great shape!"&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJLn63QFeHA/WV_TOlYUaII/AAAAAAAA9Xk/IR1RMbAxKYYrPaJJ1xb8nVxma-QkJeayQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJLn63QFeHA/WV_TOlYUaII/AAAAAAAA9Xk/IR1RMbAxKYYrPaJJ1xb8nVxma-QkJeayQCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Katy and her family quickly shortened the course for the under-8 crowd to do their race. All the little kids had been watching us and making plans. They were ready! (Allyn's own children encouraged her as she came up the hill, "You can do it, Aunt Nicole!" Hahahahaha! Emil and/or Colin said, "Go, Mom!" They should have known I'd be behind her. Haha!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_mi-9C82jg/WV_Rt95fBrI/AAAAAAAA9XQ/M-CKwkU415cEdlBjY3K28sPSqkTnaRL2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_mi-9C82jg/WV_Rt95fBrI/AAAAAAAA9XQ/M-CKwkU415cEdlBjY3K28sPSqkTnaRL2wCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B4.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Denham! Hahahaha! All the little kids needed a big kid or adult "buddy" and Colin asked me to be his. Emil chose Lilja because "she's my favorite cousin - don't tell anyone."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw70U5ZAYQg/WV_SGUWEIlI/AAAAAAAA9XU/YTDqigtjHUwH-U1wd2zdMOykfBPF6XUVACLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1223" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw70U5ZAYQg/WV_SGUWEIlI/AAAAAAAA9XU/YTDqigtjHUwH-U1wd2zdMOykfBPF6XUVACLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B5.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I should have let Bridget or Brian follow Colin 'cause I was hurting! I gave her my phone instead so she could take photos. Aren't those shirts awesome! Ben designed the logo and I helped him pick colors, then I ordered the shirts and picked them up. Of course I ended up with two extra ladies shirts and we have two men who need shirts. Missed again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmNrYWWUB-Y/WV_SlHVz5kI/AAAAAAAA9XY/4fRchdXCP4wPO3vrDqed_oQXN39RwnhNgCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmNrYWWUB-Y/WV_SlHVz5kI/AAAAAAAA9XY/4fRchdXCP4wPO3vrDqed_oQXN39RwnhNgCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bryce and Chance crossing the river. So cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmhfHxZAVU/WV_SxL4cVBI/AAAAAAAA9Xc/hUuVsW7J27Mek9p5bZsEP9UdeIRKVLFVACLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1130" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQmhfHxZAVU/WV_SxL4cVBI/AAAAAAAA9Xc/hUuVsW7J27Mek9p5bZsEP9UdeIRKVLFVACLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B7.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Harrison came back and pumped Miles up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86W6kVr_9dk/WV_S9gYuLeI/AAAAAAAA9Xg/gwAMv8ZbzbMy-p7UYnoxUfdPHNLqqHCBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86W6kVr_9dk/WV_S9gYuLeI/AAAAAAAA9Xg/gwAMv8ZbzbMy-p7UYnoxUfdPHNLqqHCBQCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love how hard Emil tried. He threw up after eating the jerky and drinking soda water. Then he kept running. Champion material!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyZQmSmNkHI/WV_TeEHNjzI/AAAAAAAA9Xo/OI063ToQTUorMB2P_K3x8EhuTdDjx_mlQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1101" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyZQmSmNkHI/WV_TeEHNjzI/AAAAAAAA9Xo/OI063ToQTUorMB2P_K3x8EhuTdDjx_mlQCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B9.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Mom, can I get a piggyback ride?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed_8G8GNXBg/WV_TtZVkiSI/AAAAAAAA9Xs/Q7HV6OcB1j4VQtw_VVPJ-EZ_7bRoLmK7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed_8G8GNXBg/WV_TtZVkiSI/AAAAAAAA9Xs/Q7HV6OcB1j4VQtw_VVPJ-EZ_7bRoLmK7QCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma helped him finish strong. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y43PqU5id1k/WV_T4MpmFJI/AAAAAAAA9Xw/1hX9F2TOLsQVMfuiAfez0htuGVpO_gvVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y43PqU5id1k/WV_T4MpmFJI/AAAAAAAA9Xw/1hX9F2TOLsQVMfuiAfez0htuGVpO_gvVwCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This photo makes me so happy! How lucky is Bryce to have five awesome sisters! Vivien (on the right) was the first female to finish the regular race. Power!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtnfUXeGemE/WV_UOOz9xBI/AAAAAAAA9X0/BE2iU-v9c1U9tdWYczg7tOla29LOYZvFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtnfUXeGemE/WV_UOOz9xBI/AAAAAAAA9X0/BE2iU-v9c1U9tdWYczg7tOla29LOYZvFQCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Denham is ready for that medal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After an awards ceremony, Allyn and Aron served us grits casseroles and fruit for brunch. Everyone was hungry and sweaty - it's probably the best food I've ever had. :) Then it was back to the swimming pool. On Tuesday Brian mostly helped people run the river while I took care of the kids at the pool. There were a lot less people there, so we could play easier. Later in the afternoon, Brian and I took the kids down the river again. When he got back to the pool I filmed him jumping off the top platform - it's three-stories high. Not a joke.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcV118kn944/WV_VAPfneEI/AAAAAAAA9X4/o6K25Al-D5caB9_PnWOnVUqy1iBVT7zeACLcBGAs/s1600/19623012_1232372256872857_8044939680640139264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcV118kn944/WV_VAPfneEI/AAAAAAAA9X4/o6K25Al-D5caB9_PnWOnVUqy1iBVT7zeACLcBGAs/s400/19623012_1232372256872857_8044939680640139264_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's Brian on the top waiting for his turn.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner (hamburgers and hot dogs by Makenzie and Melissa) we went to an old baseball diamond near the church in Lava Hot Springs for kickball. This activity was led by Aaron and Lori. They found a sport everyone could do! Genius.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfxcHE_kc7k/WV_VlP2BILI/AAAAAAAA9X8/4hQdVEYtRQIyujS9qPgqWeCdISwONuujQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfxcHE_kc7k/WV_VlP2BILI/AAAAAAAA9X8/4hQdVEYtRQIyujS9qPgqWeCdISwONuujQCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone is listening closely to Uncle Aaron's instructions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1EoD97SR40/WV_VxfHH3UI/AAAAAAAA9YA/gO62_rCyj6AbwDA_J_5bRpo4rZhLD_AnQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1EoD97SR40/WV_VxfHH3UI/AAAAAAAA9YA/gO62_rCyj6AbwDA_J_5bRpo4rZhLD_AnQCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looks like Jeff and Allyn are taking this a little more seriously than the rest of the people in this photo. Ha! Brian and I weren't on the same team. I was hiding out in deep center field when he was up to kick and of course he kicked it right to me. I called it and hoped and hoped I wouldn't drop it. After I caught it, Allyn grabbed me around the waist, she said to keep me from falling down and losing the ball. The whole play was so funny - I couldn't stop laughing for several minutes. I got him out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbVdysmpSMw/WV_WfephVjI/AAAAAAAA9YE/eZViwdhKSjsGcCfqaw21WMHuva3Ec5c9QCLcBGAs/s1600/Tuesday%2BImage%2B21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbVdysmpSMw/WV_WfephVjI/AAAAAAAA9YE/eZViwdhKSjsGcCfqaw21WMHuva3Ec5c9QCLcBGAs/s640/Tuesday%2BImage%2B21.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Jeff's fire pit at sunset after the game.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wednesday was our big family history reunion ranger activity in Soda Springs, Idaho. I made a booklet similar to the ones we've filled out at national parks. Grandpa Bob had the "ranger talk" where he told stories about his grandparents. I had a page with a photo of Grandma Carol and Grandpa Lloyd Furniss standing on the bridge in Hopper Springs in 1947 and 1991 where the kids wrote what they thought of the taste of naturally carbonated water. Grandma Peggy was at the spring with little red shot glasses of the soda water and she was wearing a cute apron and a hat. The kids told me later that people thought Grandma was official and she was handing out samples to people who weren't with our group. HAHAHAHAHA! I told the kids about mail delivery in the 1870s when their great-great-great grandfather, William Chester, did it. Then they carried a bag full of mail while riding a stick horse to deliver it to aunts and uncles who were posted around the little park area.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We started, though, at the geyser and the cemetery. The kids were supposed to find their name (first, middle, OR last) on a headstone and their birth date. There was also a BINGO game in the booklet with activities for them to complete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfx7ZAKakvk/WV_YPlfwtUI/AAAAAAAA9YI/fXEqDSWTMv8bfie66EsM7Puv7XaBjnx5gCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfx7ZAKakvk/WV_YPlfwtUI/AAAAAAAA9YI/fXEqDSWTMv8bfie66EsM7Puv7XaBjnx5gCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B2.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anya and Bridget look for their name and birth date.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uo-5YS9NmY/WV_Yd5ysjZI/AAAAAAAA9YM/Pc-TdD1ABw0HzrIrv8Ymqozf3_SnKlNvQCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uo-5YS9NmY/WV_Yd5ysjZI/AAAAAAAA9YM/Pc-TdD1ABw0HzrIrv8Ymqozf3_SnKlNvQCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the BINGO items was "Give Grandma a hug" - so Grandma got lots of love in Soda Springs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqgWTQqdLJc/WV_YrDGGdSI/AAAAAAAA9YQ/ZmnGoonNcgUqKvcJ4-uT3EwPWTyg8ESFACLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqgWTQqdLJc/WV_YrDGGdSI/AAAAAAAA9YQ/ZmnGoonNcgUqKvcJ4-uT3EwPWTyg8ESFACLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget commented that it was unusual to have a photo of Harrison smiling and Chloe not smiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MEFD0NpTBI/WV_Y6YQFzHI/AAAAAAAA9YU/aaKcGXfBnBs9khysKwcjzNKFFDBb7uEpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MEFD0NpTBI/WV_Y6YQFzHI/AAAAAAAA9YU/aaKcGXfBnBs9khysKwcjzNKFFDBb7uEpwCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil walked up to Uncle Ben and asked if there was a headstone with his birthday over there. Uncle Ben answered, "Over where? Oh! I mean under where?" (One of the BINGO items was, "Get someone to say 'underwear.'" Hahahaha! I'm so funny.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUVYqBSa9ig/WV_ZT717_MI/AAAAAAAA9YY/qnvu5JGx26Ur_TvVOVP0LgDedQ2N9RFbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUVYqBSa9ig/WV_ZT717_MI/AAAAAAAA9YY/qnvu5JGx26Ur_TvVOVP0LgDedQ2N9RFbwCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another BINGO item was to have a thumb war with an aunt or uncle. Gabriel and Chloe challenged me and they did not win. Look at these two freckly guys! Fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwRs0CUg0K8/WV_ZrIeOODI/AAAAAAAA9Yc/vnHPOohiz8oGbhcKBy8ehNzcnkLcrB01QCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwRs0CUg0K8/WV_ZrIeOODI/AAAAAAAA9Yc/vnHPOohiz8oGbhcKBy8ehNzcnkLcrB01QCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Henry and Weston secretly loving reunion ranger activities. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-traXF4Jxk2Q/WV_Z6_a9STI/AAAAAAAA9Yg/mkngpeoFpGowcwBJGZ4SfR0pZlAzjSmXwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-traXF4Jxk2Q/WV_Z6_a9STI/AAAAAAAA9Yg/mkngpeoFpGowcwBJGZ4SfR0pZlAzjSmXwCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B16.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Noah finding Uncle Matt's mail while Taylor does a creepy photo bomb. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xpoNRxznAM/WV_aJVmgjCI/AAAAAAAA9Yk/UECHx7AB6nMz1FgN2tzgdWaMqnZ859QfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xpoNRxznAM/WV_aJVmgjCI/AAAAAAAA9Yk/UECHx7AB6nMz1FgN2tzgdWaMqnZ859QfgCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting to deliver mail: Bryce, Adam, Ruby, and Evie. (Adam ended up taking home a prize for completing his booklet, getting the fastest time on delivering the mail, and getting black-out on the BINGO game. See? Secretly loving it.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0q6SNF6PGw/WV_ahZHl5PI/AAAAAAAA9Yo/DHUqGZYidmQeT-XtGxVoqCM4G31fRQxdACLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0q6SNF6PGw/WV_ahZHl5PI/AAAAAAAA9Yo/DHUqGZYidmQeT-XtGxVoqCM4G31fRQxdACLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B19.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Moira found TWO pencils. That is literally the only time I've ever seen her without her hair done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bw1GdwdH58k/WV_axDTtttI/AAAAAAAA9Ys/eWoazOseTkQxyhw-QIV0bDSjX2btFsbAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bw1GdwdH58k/WV_axDTtttI/AAAAAAAA9Ys/eWoazOseTkQxyhw-QIV0bDSjX2btFsbAgCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Allyn helping Colin identify his cousins' baby pictures in the booklet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tv6UT3RId5A/WV_bLL0BoOI/AAAAAAAA9Y0/h0E6lQayOKwCkqRew2nale4uECTH3uPHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tv6UT3RId5A/WV_bLL0BoOI/AAAAAAAA9Y0/h0E6lQayOKwCkqRew2nale4uECTH3uPHQCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another BINGO item was singing the ABC Song with Grandpa Bob. Eliza and Grandpa sang it in French.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ro6dWPDUIUg/WV_bZCVl6gI/AAAAAAAA9Y4/_MVeV1fh66IzZJrCwPQjS33-eNzlk2VGQCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1220" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ro6dWPDUIUg/WV_bZCVl6gI/AAAAAAAA9Y4/_MVeV1fh66IzZJrCwPQjS33-eNzlk2VGQCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B25.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma, Grandpa and me on the bridge by Hopper Springs. I got a little emotional driving back to Lava Hot Springs after doing all this stuff in Soda Springs. I felt like my Grandma Carol would have loved everything we did. I know it made her happy. All that work was worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2r6UCymipU/WV_cDsLw-uI/AAAAAAAA9Y8/i7_b8heNp4wIEuvp0NyWNj6kth4FNAHigCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q2r6UCymipU/WV_cDsLw-uI/AAAAAAAA9Y8/i7_b8heNp4wIEuvp0NyWNj6kth4FNAHigCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My kiddies standing where their great grandparents have stood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWohJK02RL0/WV_mDeUYDUI/AAAAAAAA9ZQ/iTiWPs2zKgsRVxNi_SdMLgOsoWovDdQvACLcBGAs/s1600/Lloyd%2B%2526%2BCarol%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbridget%2Bat%2BHooper%2BSprings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="640" height="434" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWohJK02RL0/WV_mDeUYDUI/AAAAAAAA9ZQ/iTiWPs2zKgsRVxNi_SdMLgOsoWovDdQvACLcBGAs/s640/Lloyd%2B%2526%2BCarol%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbridget%2Bat%2BHooper%2BSprings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are Lloyd and Carol in approximately 1947 on the same bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByA6PAURCFw/WV_m2vioriI/AAAAAAAA9ZU/tqFZjBggE2sW2GVgi5FcE21UjE5aSeIQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ByA6PAURCFw/WV_m2vioriI/AAAAAAAA9ZU/tqFZjBggE2sW2GVgi5FcE21UjE5aSeIQwCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When we got back to The Lodge Grandpa Bob had the reunion rangers pledge to keep the stories of their grandparents for the next generation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For months Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Bob have been telling us about a surprise guest on Wednesday afternoon. Who could it be?! We all made guesses, we were all wrong. Our special guest came soon after the pledge, escorted by my Dad's cousin Jolynn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-318nJvfQ7js/WV_nblDHqLI/AAAAAAAA9ZY/vRvGD50W6x4AOqYAwqYL_BPWqgDfdIDTACLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-318nJvfQ7js/WV_nblDHqLI/AAAAAAAA9ZY/vRvGD50W6x4AOqYAwqYL_BPWqgDfdIDTACLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B30.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the grandkids waiting for our special guest and looking in the wrong direction for him/her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNGLLn9FGbM/WWALTsRMEZI/AAAAAAAA9Z0/s3nzYfYtF-Yoy-yXH7CYw9tAA8TRRPAiwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170705_170709%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNGLLn9FGbM/WWALTsRMEZI/AAAAAAAA9Z0/s3nzYfYtF-Yoy-yXH7CYw9tAA8TRRPAiwCLcBGAs/s640/20170705_170709%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our special guest turned out to be my Great Grandpa Edward Lee's 1933 Model A Ford! Is that the coolest thing ever or what?! This is the actual vehicle (different paint job) that my great grandparents drove nine children (including my Grandpa Curtis) around in. Edward Lee took such good care of it and the people he sold it to took great care of it. My Grandpa Curtis's brother, Wayne, tracked the car down and bought it from the last owner when it wasn't even for sale. Now his daughter, my Dad's cousin Jolynn, owns it. I still can't believe it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWC_hKWUlS8/WWAMZ9hAW4I/AAAAAAAA9aI/xJj7_ue67W8YosTs4rG0Z4HO9NkdFNOAACLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vWC_hKWUlS8/WWAMZ9hAW4I/AAAAAAAA9aI/xJj7_ue67W8YosTs4rG0Z4HO9NkdFNOAACLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the many reasons this makes me so happy is because Emil is a car guy. He wanted to see everything inside and out of the car and he stood by and listened closely to everything they told us about it. (Original interior and original engine!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxjYZsp-e2k/WWAM__BoM-I/AAAAAAAA9aQ/kMtbYnmBMBs7la8KWpnk6NvI1U5VNypiACLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxjYZsp-e2k/WWAM__BoM-I/AAAAAAAA9aQ/kMtbYnmBMBs7la8KWpnk6NvI1U5VNypiACLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Dad told us about going to Lee reunions and all the siblings, his aunts and uncles, parking their cars and popping the hoods so that Grandpa Ed Lee and all the brothers could look at the engines. The Model A is a relic from our family history that we can see and touch even though my great grandparents and even my Grandpa Curtis Lee are gone now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P11-biBKo-A/WWANpL4ObwI/AAAAAAAA9aU/JOir6SrbIFoY66r2_RM8vA0kWnlCm5bvQCLcBGAs/s1600/Wednesday%2BImage%2B36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P11-biBKo-A/WWANpL4ObwI/AAAAAAAA9aU/JOir6SrbIFoY66r2_RM8vA0kWnlCm5bvQCLcBGAs/s640/Wednesday%2BImage%2B36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil stayed outside listening to the adults talking and looking at the car long after the other kids had wandered away. Jolynn's husband, Richard, noticed and told Brian, "We're going to get him a ride in the car." Emil couldn't stop smiling. Later that night Emil said his favorite thing about the reunion was getting to ride in "that old car." He went swimming with his cousins! He went down the river in a raft! He did a fun race! But it was riding in that car that he liked the best. My heart! I love that so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Katy and Claire made dinner, Hawaiian Haystacks while I played Farkle with other people who had nothing better to do :). Brian and I were on clean up duty and after that we just got to chill and talk with my awesome siblings and in-laws. Brian went with Aron and some of the older kids to float the river again. Colin found cousins inside to play with and Emil found some to play with outside. So many options!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't believe it's over! All I can think about is when and where we can do it again. Thanks, all my family. You guys are the actual best.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-49589021260747475892017-07-06T20:11:00.001-06:002017-07-06T20:11:11.129-06:00You're Killing Us, JuneWe did all the stuff in June and now we are dead.<br /><br />The first Sunday in June we got to meet our newest cousin, Brennan, at his blessing in Salt Lake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwZb-BnrJXc/WV60f1GtuaI/AAAAAAAA7tg/gSIbnw_CNzA7xAfTvLUdmuAgStFXPO73ACLcBGAs/s1600/Brennan%2Band%2BAaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwZb-BnrJXc/WV60f1GtuaI/AAAAAAAA7tg/gSIbnw_CNzA7xAfTvLUdmuAgStFXPO73ACLcBGAs/s640/Brennan%2Band%2BAaron.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Awww! He is a carbon copy of his Dad, my brother Aaron. I know this because I held his Dad a lot. Aaron's head was a little more narrow, but they are so close! Aaron gave Brennan a beautiful blessing. As always, it was fun to be at church with family.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDxNbu6Wdas/WV61qF9O9FI/AAAAAAAA7vI/VcQxGN3O0NIczYIXakPhCx25GYa_RyjxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Taylor%252C%2BBrennan%252C%2Band%2BGrandpa%2BBob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDxNbu6Wdas/WV61qF9O9FI/AAAAAAAA7vI/VcQxGN3O0NIczYIXakPhCx25GYa_RyjxQCLcBGAs/s640/Taylor%252C%2BBrennan%252C%2Band%2BGrandpa%2BBob.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We brought Taylor with us just so Grandpa Bob could get in a photo with his oldest and youngest grandchild.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSMTGtUvK80/WV616NTjmKI/AAAAAAAA7vg/Au4bxz_QrOkVTh_Zj7pWogbweCA_CxncgCLcBGAs/s1600/Brennan%2Bsmiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSMTGtUvK80/WV616NTjmKI/AAAAAAAA7vg/Au4bxz_QrOkVTh_Zj7pWogbweCA_CxncgCLcBGAs/s640/Brennan%2Bsmiling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Daddy's funny and dimples are the best.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V27jZwCtrEU/WV62DbeKd-I/AAAAAAAA7vw/VtPXjci1k2wpZkir7wqK0HiX87dqeI-HwCLcBGAs/s1600/Cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V27jZwCtrEU/WV62DbeKd-I/AAAAAAAA7vw/VtPXjci1k2wpZkir7wqK0HiX87dqeI-HwCLcBGAs/s640/Cousins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Our kids are so sweet with babies. As long as Bridget is the one holding Brennan, he is perfectly safe. ;)<br /><br />The next day I went to Stake Girls' Camp at Heber Valley Camp. I haven't been to girls' camp since I <i>was</i> a girl. I went as a stake leader and stayed in a cabin with the other 12 stake leaders. We didn't have cell reception and minimal responsibilities for most of the day, so I had a chance to listen and talk to a lot of really amazing women. I led the second year girls on a hike the first day. Since I was the only one with a map they had to trust me. I'd never been on this hike and the old couple missionaries made it sound like a piece of cake, but it was pretty difficult. The girls had so much energy for it and they didn't even care if we were lost - they were just having fun. The leaders probably thought I was doing it wrong. :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ts4trtlSwo/WV66hN-4QlI/AAAAAAAA72E/Xye-J8gEWew6nJQwiL8tko2etrSIyBi3wCLcBGAs/s1600/39th%2Band%2B7th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ts4trtlSwo/WV66hN-4QlI/AAAAAAAA72E/Xye-J8gEWew6nJQwiL8tko2etrSIyBi3wCLcBGAs/s640/39th%2Band%2B7th.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We started every day with a flag ceremony and every night we had skits and really fantastic devotionals. It was a feast! Oh, and we also had a feast every night. What am I saying? We ate well for ever meal. Luckily there was a lot of hiking and physical activity, too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnL4r8O0Wfk/WV67F4Ia6VI/AAAAAAAA728/6YHr1KqLL_41BTlNkIjkh82POONOh2rrgCLcBGAs/s1600/39th%2BSkit%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnL4r8O0Wfk/WV67F4Ia6VI/AAAAAAAA728/6YHr1KqLL_41BTlNkIjkh82POONOh2rrgCLcBGAs/s640/39th%2BSkit%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The girls from our ward were the best. I knew when I went to camp that I was getting called into the Young Women's presidency, so I tried to pay close attention to the girls who would be in my class. Most of the time, though, I just went where I was needed and tried to be useful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-surGrBXOGyU/WV67qsNuWsI/AAAAAAAA730/zlcgKyGsykQ84gNDKeNCGojrFfFymt21QCLcBGAs/s1600/Second%2BYear%2BHike%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1097" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-surGrBXOGyU/WV67qsNuWsI/AAAAAAAA730/zlcgKyGsykQ84gNDKeNCGojrFfFymt21QCLcBGAs/s640/Second%2BYear%2BHike%2B4.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7-Gjh4w4UA/WV68BphQkWI/AAAAAAAA74Y/RWYu_y2YorAC2pcUsCrdFlPBEdOoGUcAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Challenge%2BCourse%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7-Gjh4w4UA/WV68BphQkWI/AAAAAAAA74Y/RWYu_y2YorAC2pcUsCrdFlPBEdOoGUcAgCLcBGAs/s640/Challenge%2BCourse%2B9.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>I was trained on The Wall in the Challenge Course, but then I didn't end up doing that. I did get to go on the zip line (which was much scarier than it looked) and take some photos until a lady told me to move.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7h85iaZPd4/WV68-CCyeAI/AAAAAAAA754/vDCjVp0P8pkP_pf0r8CPFCQhBRsFdnPSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bea%252C%2BAnnie%252C%2BMarissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7h85iaZPd4/WV68-CCyeAI/AAAAAAAA754/vDCjVp0P8pkP_pf0r8CPFCQhBRsFdnPSQCLcBGAs/s640/Bea%252C%2BAnnie%252C%2BMarissa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Beatrice, Annie, and Marissa - three of my favorite girls. I enjoyed every day so much. Once a day I would take a hike to the lake and talk to Brian. I couldn't do it at night because BEARS, so I didn't get to talk to the kids for four whole days. That was so much harder than I thought it would be. While I was at the lake I wrote each of them a long text message. On Thursday evening Brian came because he's in the bishopric. We stayed for dinner, testimony meeting with our ward, and dessert. Fun week, but kinda nice to get it out of the way. :)<br /><br />We had two weeks of swimming lessons for Emil and Colin in June. I signed Nate up for the same weeks, so Grandma and Nate joined us for Jan Lamb's Swim School. Emil was in the Stingray class (the second level) and Nate and Colin were in Minnows for the first week.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4F8086qY4U/WV6-y6c8p1I/AAAAAAAA78k/rULervs9SI8iquV2TcV6YP2d8L3S-OUyACLcBGAs/s1600/19120689_1347795978650747_7973189546131062784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4F8086qY4U/WV6-y6c8p1I/AAAAAAAA78k/rULervs9SI8iquV2TcV6YP2d8L3S-OUyACLcBGAs/s400/19120689_1347795978650747_7973189546131062784_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur9NWGn57CI/WV6-9rA5UgI/AAAAAAAA780/utL2xoqjgLsbZRy9z_-rqhRma4p3iDJmACLcBGAs/s1600/19052214_1911429242433320_4587157352825749504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur9NWGn57CI/WV6-9rA5UgI/AAAAAAAA780/utL2xoqjgLsbZRy9z_-rqhRma4p3iDJmACLcBGAs/s400/19052214_1911429242433320_4587157352825749504_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Emil had improved his kick and his cannonball. He likes to name his jumps before he goes in and yell them from the side of the pool or the diving board before he goes. By the second week Colin was doing everything the Stingrays were doing, but the Stingray class was too big. I love that Colin was cool with that - he still swam hard and did everything his teachers asked and made several friends. I always forget how much time swimming lessons take even though the lesson is only an hour (for Colin they were half an hour for the first week). So much prep, drive time, all the stuff. I had a hard time keeping all the balls in the air that week. We had a church activity every night that week, Bridget was still doing track, and the boys still had T-ball games.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUtLi9xZ7SY/WV7qcqqm8qI/AAAAAAAA8m0/lKp9VZsMOwQrUDGycTiL45UarrldW09rwCLcBGAs/s1600/Porch%2Bshot%2Bnormal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUtLi9xZ7SY/WV7qcqqm8qI/AAAAAAAA8m0/lKp9VZsMOwQrUDGycTiL45UarrldW09rwCLcBGAs/s640/Porch%2Bshot%2Bnormal.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pVX0KGTkWg/WV7qlEN2S8I/AAAAAAAA8nA/OSSikTH7Njs354cHd9VU8_N4_xoPqLDyQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tongues%2Bout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pVX0KGTkWg/WV7qlEN2S8I/AAAAAAAA8nA/OSSikTH7Njs354cHd9VU8_N4_xoPqLDyQCLcBGAs/s640/Tongues%2Bout.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>The third Sunday in June, after having a nice Father's Day at church, we went to Sand Hollow (near St. George) for Brian's family's yearly vacation. Every day we were there was a record-breaking heat day. Winners! Oh, man! It was HOT. We had Sunday dinner at Dena and Darin's place in Hurricane, then we went to our very cool, very fancy condo. Hooray for AC!<br /><br />We spent two days at the beach at Sand Hollow. Dena reserved us a very shady spot with tables and the water was refreshing. The kids had a blast!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AqNrimOS8k/WV7CAq11wKI/AAAAAAAA8BY/tMY3TOspOPcsNN0_6hHeUwzxfcKl8j2VQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BBrighton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AqNrimOS8k/WV7CAq11wKI/AAAAAAAA8BY/tMY3TOspOPcsNN0_6hHeUwzxfcKl8j2VQCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Band%2BBrighton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget and Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOXF_2id46U/WV7CLSqNsQI/AAAAAAAA8Bs/yDQiNXWFE58fMqW84YBc5ip38vFdkIxCQCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bjumping%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bwhale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1238" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOXF_2id46U/WV7CLSqNsQI/AAAAAAAA8Bs/yDQiNXWFE58fMqW84YBc5ip38vFdkIxCQCLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Bjumping%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bwhale.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For some reason Emil had a hard time staying on this killer whale. Hmmm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKhR1OLJBvQ/WV7CbGDkESI/AAAAAAAA8CE/4WHOwycAcz4XDIaacePH_pSTeBullU1JwCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Band%2BGrandma%2Bthrowing%2Ba%2BFrisbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pKhR1OLJBvQ/WV7CbGDkESI/AAAAAAAA8CE/4WHOwycAcz4XDIaacePH_pSTeBullU1JwCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Band%2BGrandma%2Bthrowing%2Ba%2BFrisbee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Colin threw the Frisbee around with Grandma for a while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yItzdqxZzw/WV7BeeJpNKI/AAAAAAAA8Ak/U-ubLnEc6iYBDkpMe3qBsDettbU1DGwVACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yItzdqxZzw/WV7BeeJpNKI/AAAAAAAA8Ak/U-ubLnEc6iYBDkpMe3qBsDettbU1DGwVACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget tried for two days to ride this pool noodle like a horse in the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn21F4sRu4s/WV7Cxm-8T6I/AAAAAAAA8Ck/Tl6aMRvoUlQDmWDH3dTywBp1c7mGCNLeACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Blaughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn21F4sRu4s/WV7Cxm-8T6I/AAAAAAAA8Ck/Tl6aMRvoUlQDmWDH3dTywBp1c7mGCNLeACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Blaughing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not often successful. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvoJpdy-dMw/WV7C85vZfVI/AAAAAAAA8C4/-2SIwGgvpRQ9wtkxDEoDNHMWmC8RqXAJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Brian%2Band%2BBrighton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvoJpdy-dMw/WV7C85vZfVI/AAAAAAAA8C4/-2SIwGgvpRQ9wtkxDEoDNHMWmC8RqXAJwCLcBGAs/s640/Brian%2Band%2BBrighton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brighton asked Brian a few times, very sweetly, if she could "drown" him. No, thanks?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SyOCLBVNmA/WV7DJc0VAOI/AAAAAAAA8DM/f1hcxN_kdYUvLKEH-jnfBrpJMmdn93VOACLcBGAs/s1600/Brian%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bwhale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SyOCLBVNmA/WV7DJc0VAOI/AAAAAAAA8DM/f1hcxN_kdYUvLKEH-jnfBrpJMmdn93VOACLcBGAs/s640/Brian%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bwhale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He did steal her whale, so... It was his birthday, though! Nothing wrong with a 43 year-old man riding a blow-up killer whale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kCU8l2GSqs/WV7DXXBYl2I/AAAAAAAA8Dk/VJJ5ukpDxnsvIClrzVdXZSSrQLJ2fb-NgCLcBGAs/s1600/Nicole%2Bon%2Bpaddle%2Bboard%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kCU8l2GSqs/WV7DXXBYl2I/AAAAAAAA8Dk/VJJ5ukpDxnsvIClrzVdXZSSrQLJ2fb-NgCLcBGAs/s640/Nicole%2Bon%2Bpaddle%2Bboard%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cousin Abby tried several times to do a headstand on her paddle board. I'm The World's Best Headstander, so I gave it a try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AR3omcVuvNo/WV7Dos6Ex8I/AAAAAAAA8EA/ZqJ1EKp_FHQozJILZ5PRimTYqrFkSnv2wCLcBGAs/s1600/Nicole%2Bheadstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AR3omcVuvNo/WV7Dos6Ex8I/AAAAAAAA8EA/ZqJ1EKp_FHQozJILZ5PRimTYqrFkSnv2wCLcBGAs/s640/Nicole%2Bheadstand.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stayed up until Brian assured me he had photos, but really, I could have stayed like that for a lot longer. ;) So funny to hear my kids warning me how hard it was and to be careful.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8z0-qDzDhI/WV7EPDPvBEI/AAAAAAAA8Ew/441EkfLr0s0G_h8yaCat5RF-pIesOjYoACLcBGAs/s1600/Brighton%2Btipping%2BEmil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8z0-qDzDhI/WV7EPDPvBEI/AAAAAAAA8Ew/441EkfLr0s0G_h8yaCat5RF-pIesOjYoACLcBGAs/s640/Brighton%2Btipping%2BEmil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's Brighton purposely trying to tip Emil into the water. Carry on, Brighton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-ADlv5dtys/WV7EeNxHJbI/AAAAAAAA8FE/mko1mS85qpUUYCG7yurA-lhX-aUwwf4EACLcBGAs/s1600/Grandpa%2Bin%2Bclass%2Breunion%2Bshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-ADlv5dtys/WV7EeNxHJbI/AAAAAAAA8FE/mko1mS85qpUUYCG7yurA-lhX-aUwwf4EACLcBGAs/s640/Grandpa%2Bin%2Bclass%2Breunion%2Bshirt.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa went to his 60 year class reunion a few weeks ago and got this awesome shirt.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ9-8LdtrEQ/WV7Ex1ZLeJI/AAAAAAAA8Fc/hICUYTxO_WQOpOQTs82kIZI-XzZAWbA_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpaddle%2Bboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ9-8LdtrEQ/WV7Ex1ZLeJI/AAAAAAAA8Fc/hICUYTxO_WQOpOQTs82kIZI-XzZAWbA_ACLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpaddle%2Bboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil correctly doesn't trust Kalvin in this situation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_qhhyBWbWQ/WV7FBla_dtI/AAAAAAAA8F0/5QMkP9lbcmUjKV5QAUmsOCJgcAjSIXZtACLcBGAs/s1600/Janessa%252C%2BBrighton%252C%2BColin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_qhhyBWbWQ/WV7FBla_dtI/AAAAAAAA8F0/5QMkP9lbcmUjKV5QAUmsOCJgcAjSIXZtACLcBGAs/s640/Janessa%252C%2BBrighton%252C%2BColin.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Colin pretending to be chased by a killer whale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSP4UuW_6p4/WV7FQnQoN9I/AAAAAAAA8GM/XXCspW2irJIRUNon28mFs8sY5idaW1WwwCLcBGAs/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bdeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSP4UuW_6p4/WV7FQnQoN9I/AAAAAAAA8GM/XXCspW2irJIRUNon28mFs8sY5idaW1WwwCLcBGAs/s640/View%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bdeck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The view from our condo was sweet. We saw all kinds of rabbits invading the golf course once the sun went down. The kids played in the pool until after bedtime because it was still 100 degrees outside and what else do you do when it's that hot?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FwWhnUumZk/WV7Id-gktoI/AAAAAAAA8LI/DtxOpkLEA5gCBQrUe-pp2TAIDUAahCBRQCLcBGAs/s1600/19227186_145879085960741_3400613328102359040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--FwWhnUumZk/WV7Id-gktoI/AAAAAAAA8LI/DtxOpkLEA5gCBQrUe-pp2TAIDUAahCBRQCLcBGAs/s400/19227186_145879085960741_3400613328102359040_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The pool! After swimming all day in a reservoir, what could be better?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kO4s19R2Enk/WV7IpiiIlaI/AAAAAAAA8Lg/OaCp7YcbezIOJNS6xNxyid7Wk-QSD4abACLcBGAs/s1600/19121998_458837374478838_5913353484719095808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kO4s19R2Enk/WV7IpiiIlaI/AAAAAAAA8Lg/OaCp7YcbezIOJNS6xNxyid7Wk-QSD4abACLcBGAs/s400/19121998_458837374478838_5913353484719095808_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil woke up early one morning and Grandma did his bidding and let him choose a show until everyone else was up. Lucky!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psH99HW-7Pc/WV7I11GB_LI/AAAAAAAA8L4/U1d0ZDEGz2gRllFVMvjAyMVFfkbMQBItQCLcBGAs/s1600/19228314_142282649679670_816456236244402176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psH99HW-7Pc/WV7I11GB_LI/AAAAAAAA8L4/U1d0ZDEGz2gRllFVMvjAyMVFfkbMQBItQCLcBGAs/s400/19228314_142282649679670_816456236244402176_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brighton and Colin relaxing on the deck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLALcE8mVqs/WV7FzL75q5I/AAAAAAAA8HE/PhVikUvjRpoF6f9ZP5BBdIUpWzlHRccBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Band%2BBrian%2Bon%2Bthe%2BRzr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLALcE8mVqs/WV7FzL75q5I/AAAAAAAA8HE/PhVikUvjRpoF6f9ZP5BBdIUpWzlHRccBgCLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Band%2BBrian%2Bon%2Bthe%2BRzr.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil would have loved to ride in the side-by-side all day, but it was TOO HOT and it kept getting stuck. They discovered that Grandpa's four-wheeler didn't get stuck and had fun riding around in that for as long as they could stand it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSJ4icucIrE/WV7GQCxW3lI/AAAAAAAA8H0/z4i_SaHLy_IbIu3cDlhaNYiCAIKb9UxuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpaddleboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSJ4icucIrE/WV7GQCxW3lI/AAAAAAAA8H0/z4i_SaHLy_IbIu3cDlhaNYiCAIKb9UxuQCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpaddleboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, there was a parasite in the water where we were and almost everyone ended up with itchy bumps where their skin was exposed. Poor Nate got the worst of it. So sad! Colin had a rash all over his body, but Benedryl took care of it after a couple of days. Otherwise it was a perfect little vacation. One of the nights I stayed up watching a show on the Food Network with Emil. I hardly ever get one-on-one time with either of the boys and getting it only makes me want more. I love how fun my kids are - they mostly have a great attitude about whatever we're doing and they make the most and the best of it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We came home to the last three days of Lehi's Round-Up Week. The kids and I went to Lehi's Animals Got Talent, which was awesome, but made the kids want a dog even more. Thursday night we took the kids to their first rodeo (I think we took Bridget when she was a baby, but it doesn't count). We didn't know what The Deal was with the rodeo burger and didn't think we could wait until 8:00 (when the rodeo started) or later to feed the kids, so we ate out at Culver's first. The boys were riveted by the rodeo events. Bridget put her hands in front of her eyes because she didn't want to see anyone get hurt. I'm somewhere in between. It's a pretty primal show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxGq6PCuZhA/WV7IRsKP1_I/AAAAAAAA8K0/S7JaT5NG6VcVohTP7pEudQoAgnF10qOxQCLcBGAs/s1600/19379466_779150112254897_1940766610050514944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxGq6PCuZhA/WV7IRsKP1_I/AAAAAAAA8K0/S7JaT5NG6VcVohTP7pEudQoAgnF10qOxQCLcBGAs/s400/19379466_779150112254897_1940766610050514944_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Friday night Brian and I were signed up to help our ward with concessions at the North Shack at the rodeo. I did a story for the paper about the <a href="https://www.lehifreepress.com/2017/06/29/round-up-rodeo-volunteer-army/">volunteer army</a> that it takes to put on the rodeo, so my appreciation for this undertaking and the purpose of it has grown 100%. Brian fried burgers and I assembled them for four hours straight, and yet it was super fun working with neighbors and serving the neighbors who came to get a burger. Also, now we know the secret of the rodeo burger. Priceless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ew2QFKj96pE/WV7Jv69-9CI/AAAAAAAA8NU/xPwUvHBnUM0QRY54G_eAPDS-T8p97jDRgCLcBGAs/s1600/19379896_1915210758748872_8034896333410140160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ew2QFKj96pE/WV7Jv69-9CI/AAAAAAAA8NU/xPwUvHBnUM0QRY54G_eAPDS-T8p97jDRgCLcBGAs/s400/19379896_1915210758748872_8034896333410140160_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I got my fancy Mother's Day apron all gross with sauce. This is inside the concession shack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYU0ANGDc20/WV7KPGJtNmI/AAAAAAAA8OI/osk8R4n7irovRiXP5S4o8El0w_DdPA_QQCLcBGAs/s1600/RodeoArmy%2BImage%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYU0ANGDc20/WV7KPGJtNmI/AAAAAAAA8OI/osk8R4n7irovRiXP5S4o8El0w_DdPA_QQCLcBGAs/s640/RodeoArmy%2BImage%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brian frying up burgers. Same thing he does every day, Pinky.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometime on Friday my boss Sally asked if I could ride on the Lehi Free Press "float" in the parade. They had a 1957 Chevy truck pulling a flatbed trailer with a rock band on it playing "Footloose" and "Devil Came Down to Georgia." I hurried and found "Newsies" hats for the kids and we sat in the bed of the truck and threw candy. It is so much more fun to be IN the parade! The parade goes down four streets and the kids threw so much candy that it was gone after the second street.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHapo6MNQ3c/WV7n-O-LUcI/AAAAAAAA8i4/HSR7cdG2cHwTdnde614eyL_1cpttTCFjACLcBGAs/s1600/19436373_825746154264058_2274067101696131072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MHapo6MNQ3c/WV7n-O-LUcI/AAAAAAAA8i4/HSR7cdG2cHwTdnde614eyL_1cpttTCFjACLcBGAs/s400/19436373_825746154264058_2274067101696131072_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50t7dvDYrXA/WV7oFCjNivI/AAAAAAAA8jA/w5jfbmyYZgEIiCdLrZQE2IRI2g2E15CfQCLcBGAs/s1600/19379727_1684224175212692_2480938277431934976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50t7dvDYrXA/WV7oFCjNivI/AAAAAAAA8jA/w5jfbmyYZgEIiCdLrZQE2IRI2g2E15CfQCLcBGAs/s400/19379727_1684224175212692_2480938277431934976_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's Colin throwing ALL the candy. We had a blast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sunday, June 25th was Bridget's 11th birthday! It seems like it would be a bummer to have your 11th birthday on a Sunday, BUT when you have a summer birthday it just means that a bunch of people you wouldn't see on a weekday get to tell you happy birthday. We made her wait until after church to open presents so that Daddy could be there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUoh5TadY_I/WV7oqYZLF-I/AAAAAAAA8j8/1a8u8QXGwuQiVx1jBXzIQQSmCE7CBBwbACLcBGAs/s1600/19429470_1950422831843334_1174226238907088896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUoh5TadY_I/WV7oqYZLF-I/AAAAAAAA8j8/1a8u8QXGwuQiVx1jBXzIQQSmCE7CBBwbACLcBGAs/s400/19429470_1950422831843334_1174226238907088896_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She wore dangle-y earrings for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJhzTmnpPG8/WV7o_YLr4yI/AAAAAAAA8kc/0NfgIraBpW8MEuHJniolEA0mF2SH7nIJgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ski%2Bpoles%2Bfrom%2BDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AJhzTmnpPG8/WV7o_YLr4yI/AAAAAAAA8kc/0NfgIraBpW8MEuHJniolEA0mF2SH7nIJgCLcBGAs/s640/Ski%2Bpoles%2Bfrom%2BDad.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Daddy gave her new ski poles. And they match her dress! Bonus. (The kitchen is a mess because I was making a Dr. Seuss caramel cake.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e67L0qnlFy4/WV7pRwESWWI/AAAAAAAA8k8/moT3K-AHydYtkykzdVUgNedGOJo0C4IaACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BFelicity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e67L0qnlFy4/WV7pRwESWWI/AAAAAAAA8k8/moT3K-AHydYtkykzdVUgNedGOJo0C4IaACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Band%2BFelicity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I got Bridget an American Girl doll - Felicity. She's from 1774 and her story goes along with the Revolutionary War. Bridget immediately dressed Felicity in modern clothes. Hahahahaha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUV0okJnb0o/WV7psJPW_gI/AAAAAAAA8lk/Xy6Z0teXeZk0XtlTRJm3kynyLzJv5DRzQCLcBGAs/s1600/Birthday%2Bsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUV0okJnb0o/WV7psJPW_gI/AAAAAAAA8lk/Xy6Z0teXeZk0XtlTRJm3kynyLzJv5DRzQCLcBGAs/s640/Birthday%2Bsong.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma made us dinner and we brought the sad (but delicious) cake and the sadder birthday candles. We're never prepared with candles! It was a nice, relaxing little party. Perfect for 11 year-old Bridget.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two days later Brian backpacked into the High Uintas for a week-long scout trip. We didn't hear from him the whole time! The boys had their second week of swimming lessons while he was gone and I frantically completed my assignments for my family's reunion that started just hours after Brian got home. Whew! Next year we'll plan more carefully, don't you think Drusilla?</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-76398313444607946362017-06-26T07:25:00.001-06:002017-06-26T07:25:20.694-06:00Capitol Reef LoveWe have a semi-tradition (we haven't done it every year) of taking off right after the dance festival for a quick getaway with just our family. This year Field Day was on Thursday, so we left after that and went to Capitol Reef National Park. Are you wondering why you haven't heard of Capitol Reef National Park? It's north of Zion National Park and, to me, just as stunning. Also, they have working orchards at Capitol Reef. And not as many people.<br /><br />I secured us a little house in Bicknell, Utah, through airbnb 20 minutes away from the entrance of the park. It was a cute little grandma-type house and the TV was very old-school. The kids watched "Little House on the Prairie" while Brian and I made breakfast Friday morning. (Nellie was inviting everyone over for a party and I predicted that she was up to no good. Colin said, "But she's having a party!" Ha! Never trust Nellie Ohlsen, kids.)<br /><br />After a huge and delicious breakfast, I packed up snacks and lunch for all of us and we headed to the park. First stop, get Junior Ranger booklets, then to Grand Wash for a hike.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YawijMX2Nzg/WVEBQtKFWWI/AAAAAAAA640/5rdMlrUcf_kVpIeduHIqnkrYpEqOSRMzACLcBGAs/s1600/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YawijMX2Nzg/WVEBQtKFWWI/AAAAAAAA640/5rdMlrUcf_kVpIeduHIqnkrYpEqOSRMzACLcBGAs/s640/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B10.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRNduxuArsw/WVEBc48t_lI/AAAAAAAA644/IHY7S6nHL1clqJ9VCLrfnVFWzkNvnySAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRNduxuArsw/WVEBc48t_lI/AAAAAAAA644/IHY7S6nHL1clqJ9VCLrfnVFWzkNvnySAQCLcBGAs/s640/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B7.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>The kids are experienced junior rangers - notice the water in their pockets and the binoculars around their necks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBrGD19naUI/WVEBufJmJfI/AAAAAAAA648/Rm9_3NqxjQYXIxjoEtbjNQ7hOPbKxaeVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1147" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBrGD19naUI/WVEBufJmJfI/AAAAAAAA648/Rm9_3NqxjQYXIxjoEtbjNQ7hOPbKxaeVwCLcBGAs/s640/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B6.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget found this guy and we studied him for a few seconds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEv0Q-CEbQc/WVEB9x0V3OI/AAAAAAAA65A/K4TUsdr648w4EJd-olz-K4M1_8w8zrs2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEv0Q-CEbQc/WVEB9x0V3OI/AAAAAAAA65A/K4TUsdr648w4EJd-olz-K4M1_8w8zrs2ACLcBGAs/s640/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCn_JsgPWpY/WVECDtpIHcI/AAAAAAAA65E/q8rtbnymg8QaD9--FAEKiQ-7IUFYVo2JQCLcBGAs/s1600/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCn_JsgPWpY/WVECDtpIHcI/AAAAAAAA65E/q8rtbnymg8QaD9--FAEKiQ-7IUFYVo2JQCLcBGAs/s640/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXlMpfDHaHk/WVECMDEw4FI/AAAAAAAA65I/9T6hH1UpVh0ZB25BEg4KPg6eRhVZSK4lwCLcBGAs/s1600/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXlMpfDHaHk/WVECMDEw4FI/AAAAAAAA65I/9T6hH1UpVh0ZB25BEg4KPg6eRhVZSK4lwCLcBGAs/s640/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil loves to show off his climbing skills when we go on hikes. Years off my life, but it is fun to see him push himself.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zth3O1nlcNg/WVECrJVjClI/AAAAAAAA65M/jrsz2PjDWrEiYrskjnsp-rjUJKbHw6uVwCLcBGAs/s1600/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zth3O1nlcNg/WVECrJVjClI/AAAAAAAA65M/jrsz2PjDWrEiYrskjnsp-rjUJKbHw6uVwCLcBGAs/s640/Grand%2BWash%2BHike%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCKLJr1uNBM/WVEJpvimLHI/AAAAAAAA66w/lnlVd0jF_48ZgZK6xj4rus6NA5cw-4dHACLcBGAs/s1600/Petroglyphs%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCKLJr1uNBM/WVEJpvimLHI/AAAAAAAA66w/lnlVd0jF_48ZgZK6xj4rus6NA5cw-4dHACLcBGAs/s640/Petroglyphs%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids found a caterpillar on the bridge where we were looking at petroglyphs. Nature!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ate lunch on a picnic table outside the Ripple Rock cabin where we would listen to a ranger talk about...erosion? No, it was Junior Geologist.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uix721W-mj8/WVEDHcSqQAI/AAAAAAAA65U/8Z10q36hMssny6b2LDBXhVxA2MyclU-KQCLcBGAs/s1600/Ripple%2BRock%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uix721W-mj8/WVEDHcSqQAI/AAAAAAAA65U/8Z10q36hMssny6b2LDBXhVxA2MyclU-KQCLcBGAs/s640/Ripple%2BRock%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When there are no obstacles, they will create the obstacles. The Ripple Rock cabin was surrounded by beautiful trees and a creek running behind it. The Fremont Indians created an intricate irrigation system, then they disappeared (aliens?). When the Mormon settlers arrived, everything was in place to irrigate their farms and orchards.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXIpuyNnhTE/WVEDxbJL4_I/AAAAAAAA65c/Iocsj7anT1IioAG_YoCkutyPhu4eQzSEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Gifford%2BHouse%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1153" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXIpuyNnhTE/WVEDxbJL4_I/AAAAAAAA65c/Iocsj7anT1IioAG_YoCkutyPhu4eQzSEQCLcBGAs/s640/Gifford%2BHouse%2B1.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of farmers, this is Gifford House, down the road from Ripple Rock.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brian and I decided to drive back in to Bicknell and go to the pizza place for dinner, then go back to the park for a sunset hike. The pizza place (oh, man! I forgot the name of it) was a great little family-run restaurant with high school paraphernalia all over the walls. The Mom and Pop running the place even had photos of their missionary right next to the cash register. The Pop brought the kids free cookies when the pizza was almost gone. We loved it. :) Back to the park!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before we went for a hike, we drove the Scenic Drive until we felt like turning around. One of my favorite sights was the orchards.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZFRk4H3qu8/WVEGqlGm7YI/AAAAAAAA66E/krNTyh8IpSYe2q6O8ATbpLP5t5KvPi_WgCLcBGAs/s1600/Orchard%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZFRk4H3qu8/WVEGqlGm7YI/AAAAAAAA66E/krNTyh8IpSYe2q6O8ATbpLP5t5KvPi_WgCLcBGAs/s640/Orchard%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil was more interested in the tractor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odFsMF0vvC0/WVEG5UlpdJI/AAAAAAAA66I/RoX75h4o3eMCaQMsSt0IShioHTpJngTcQCLcBGAs/s1600/Orchard%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odFsMF0vvC0/WVEG5UlpdJI/AAAAAAAA66I/RoX75h4o3eMCaQMsSt0IShioHTpJngTcQCLcBGAs/s640/Orchard%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Colin likes tractors and adventure too. Sometimes I forget because Emil is OBSESSED with vehicles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made our way back to the Fremont Hike that started across the street from the Ripple Rock cabin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpqrOxrK8tA/WVEE1BlzNWI/AAAAAAAA65o/XV7fo7OxXscNTLcKHLJ8LN1qS4yllV4ewCLcBGAs/s1600/Fremont%2BHike%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpqrOxrK8tA/WVEE1BlzNWI/AAAAAAAA65o/XV7fo7OxXscNTLcKHLJ8LN1qS4yllV4ewCLcBGAs/s640/Fremont%2BHike%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're so doing a sunset hike every time we visit a national park from now on.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9da0quOi5R4/WVEFGsf6PSI/AAAAAAAA65s/A4awmmbdC4sg3LPW7o8yj7xMsXCPTmuVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Fremont%2BHike%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9da0quOi5R4/WVEFGsf6PSI/AAAAAAAA65s/A4awmmbdC4sg3LPW7o8yj7xMsXCPTmuVgCLcBGAs/s640/Fremont%2BHike%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ym8gvuCLc/WVEFNcnDa3I/AAAAAAAA65w/bQ32mWh4MdUeDFjAjs2WIes9uWKCHN4gQCLcBGAs/s1600/Fremont%2BHike%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ym8gvuCLc/WVEFNcnDa3I/AAAAAAAA65w/bQ32mWh4MdUeDFjAjs2WIes9uWKCHN4gQCLcBGAs/s640/Fremont%2BHike%2B4.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLQtFWzdvTw/WVEFUMzA_TI/AAAAAAAA650/JMJi57dTvIImgjAwzVoIYeIXLRNw3zUlwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fremont%2BHike%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLQtFWzdvTw/WVEFUMzA_TI/AAAAAAAA650/JMJi57dTvIImgjAwzVoIYeIXLRNw3zUlwCLcBGAs/s640/Fremont%2BHike%2B5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had this hike all to ourselves. It was the perfect temperature, the perfect light, the perfect company. And it wasn't super easy.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1d64vi7w0I/WVEF3_-Ed_I/AAAAAAAA658/zLel4mg_iWQkRsaTsg1jjZ4CtvpQAaf6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Fremont%2BHike%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1d64vi7w0I/WVEF3_-Ed_I/AAAAAAAA658/zLel4mg_iWQkRsaTsg1jjZ4CtvpQAaf6wCLcBGAs/s640/Fremont%2BHike%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The view was pretty amazing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We came back to the house and played Farkle and went to bed. The next morning we went back to Capitol Reef for a "moderate" hike to Hickman Bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iV4mR1dVPf8/WVEHnxNtmHI/AAAAAAAA66Q/0jU4o9dWla4jCxPwfiIEMasHbVTKemtbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iV4mR1dVPf8/WVEHnxNtmHI/AAAAAAAA66Q/0jU4o9dWla4jCxPwfiIEMasHbVTKemtbwCLcBGAs/s640/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xckDNLpq_M/WVEHvJeVuFI/AAAAAAAA66U/5uGHKKto27MiqMrZ8EaB6vd77n-fcEOGQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1173" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xckDNLpq_M/WVEHvJeVuFI/AAAAAAAA66U/5uGHKKto27MiqMrZ8EaB6vd77n-fcEOGQCLcBGAs/s640/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B2.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the rangers told us that there are more arches in Capitol Reef than there are at Arches National Park. Crazy! I mean, shhhh - I liked that this park was less crowded and there were no buses or disgusting outhouses at the beginning of every trail. That's right - not so much, Zion National Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ObyZ2rhO3g/WVEIVdnfsbI/AAAAAAAA66c/deG82qc3jzgmO6tIqElMPwLlo_2KiE97wCLcBGAs/s1600/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ObyZ2rhO3g/WVEIVdnfsbI/AAAAAAAA66c/deG82qc3jzgmO6tIqElMPwLlo_2KiE97wCLcBGAs/s640/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B4.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget, as always, is the ideal hiking buddy. No complaining, no craziness, no telling us halfway into a hike that she needs to go to the bathroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pHv_r3YtFc/WVEIrM-kp5I/AAAAAAAA66g/UX7ClwCgm2AR7W980ApypJZJCug75ar-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pHv_r3YtFc/WVEIrM-kp5I/AAAAAAAA66g/UX7ClwCgm2AR7W980ApypJZJCug75ar-gCLcBGAs/s640/Hickman%2BBridge%2BHike%2B6.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was a great cave-ish place on the way to Hickman Bridge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The kids finished up their booklets (we stopped at one of the orchards for Bridget to see what kind of trees they are and she and Colin got very muddy) and we went back to Ripple Rock to take the oath and get their badges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFXQOxdZr94/WVEJJvHpNlI/AAAAAAAA66k/atq1-XJfQHUzzfaQKAut7JdoubbHHh0FgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ranger%2BOath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFXQOxdZr94/WVEJJvHpNlI/AAAAAAAA66k/atq1-XJfQHUzzfaQKAut7JdoubbHHh0FgCLcBGAs/s640/Ranger%2BOath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The boys raised the wrong hand. Again. They got their badges anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbyD601fQoI/WVEJXsqTlbI/AAAAAAAA66s/J_g8ULTjVMUH3TPkeOyqyT67H5mloU4DgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kids%2Bby%2BCapitol%2BReef%2Bsign%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbyD601fQoI/WVEJXsqTlbI/AAAAAAAA66s/J_g8ULTjVMUH3TPkeOyqyT67H5mloU4DgCLcBGAs/s640/Kids%2Bby%2BCapitol%2BReef%2Bsign%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That was so fun! Let's do it again.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-46903195344251554162017-06-14T09:56:00.000-06:002017-06-14T09:56:49.455-06:00Goodbye, School! Helllooooo, Nurse.So we all agree that May is worse than December when it comes to kids and programs, right? We had all kinds of stuff every night and all day on Saturdays. It was hard to keep it together sometimes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eF60lto0zPA/WTBCL1cLh8I/AAAAAAAA3Lw/rEoMrLVwI58rJNJHxUkZuCligQN9XA38gCLcB/s1600/18443498_248072035662522_602330036111933440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eF60lto0zPA/WTBCL1cLh8I/AAAAAAAA3Lw/rEoMrLVwI58rJNJHxUkZuCligQN9XA38gCLcB/s320/18443498_248072035662522_602330036111933440_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I had a piano recital on Saturday, May 13. I had scheduled the library in American Fork, as usual, for a May recital. They called me on the Monday before and said the pedals on the piano had been broken when someone knocked it over (!) and I may want to reconsider having my recital there since they wouldn't be able to fix it in time. I decided I didn't need the pedals that much and to go ahead. On Wednesday the same woman called and told me some of the keys were broken too and I couldn't have my recital there. BAH. I called a few other places (and they laughed at me) before resorting to the Primary room at our church. My students' parents were very understanding about the whole thing. Brian wasn't going to be able to come because of a Scout training meeting he was teaching, but another piano Dad helped him leave a little early to catch his kids' performances. Bridget played the Barber of Seville Overture like a pro. She's done enough of these recitals that she can play through her nerves - and she knows how much she needs to practice to be able to do that. Kodi couldn't make it to the recital, so I filled in for her on the Chopsticks duet with Bridget. I love playing duets with Bridget! Emil and Colin made their debut at my May recital. Colin bobbed his head to keep time and he did very well. Emil didn't make any mistakes and kept perfect time. I've had enough students to know that being able to keep time is a big deal. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ61qmbg4ZY/WTA9RcKwSXI/AAAAAAAA3Ks/xCzqN7bj64oSmZYpe9hRYw5-o1TPrnE4ACLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Btongue%2Bout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ61qmbg4ZY/WTA9RcKwSXI/AAAAAAAA3Ks/xCzqN7bj64oSmZYpe9hRYw5-o1TPrnE4ACLcB/s640/Emil%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Btongue%2Bout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Emil and Colin played soccer in April and May on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The two games that Bridget and I missed, Colin made lots of goals and their team won. Emil was great on defense, but would overthink kicking the ball. He'd take too many steps and then end up kicking it with his left foot. They were on a team with Micah, which was very fun for them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTNsUT2iV1I/WTA9wmTiRhI/AAAAAAAA3K0/iK-ZZQ9QXd8OAWx2VpBUjK_fXQMJR07ugCLcB/s1600/Micah%2Band%2BColin%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTNsUT2iV1I/WTA9wmTiRhI/AAAAAAAA3K0/iK-ZZQ9QXd8OAWx2VpBUjK_fXQMJR07ugCLcB/s640/Micah%2Band%2BColin%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrzXX06HpUY/WTA92RgzSrI/AAAAAAAA3K4/hpb1QLw9AKQGy2akwFh7dcDgGY626C3FgCLcB/s1600/Defending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrzXX06HpUY/WTA92RgzSrI/AAAAAAAA3K4/hpb1QLw9AKQGy2akwFh7dcDgGY626C3FgCLcB/s640/Defending.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I've signed the boys up for a soccer camp later this summer so they can learn some skills. They need more skills, y'all.<br /><br />Bridget was in the big Hope of America concert at the Marriott Center with all the other fifth graders in the world. Ha! Just Utah County. I covered it for the paper and interviewed the lady, Kathy McDonald, who started this big concert in 1996 (the centennial of Utah becoming a state). She had so much energy! Bridget loved being part of something so big and patriotic.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvkdtb-IBfA/WTA-hpsf4MI/AAAAAAAA3LA/5LNCxC3fF1I23cDgFiLjSjgAQC74l26EgCLcB/s1600/Bridget%2B%2526%2BSami%2Bat%2BHope%2Bof%2BAmerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvkdtb-IBfA/WTA-hpsf4MI/AAAAAAAA3LA/5LNCxC3fF1I23cDgFiLjSjgAQC74l26EgCLcB/s640/Bridget%2B%2526%2BSami%2Bat%2BHope%2Bof%2BAmerica.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This is a terrible picture - I should have brought my telephoto lens. Five rows from the bottom of this shot Bridget and Sami are playing a hand-clapping game. They're in white and Sami has a braid down the back of her head.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXJ734aBiAY/WTA_AK8yACI/AAAAAAAA3LE/QtXVfqN4ovsTfPv-4dgXlO6hwdnwiadagCLcB/s1600/HopeofAmerica%2BImage%2B7%2Bby%2BNicole%2BKunze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JXJ734aBiAY/WTA_AK8yACI/AAAAAAAA3LE/QtXVfqN4ovsTfPv-4dgXlO6hwdnwiadagCLcB/s640/HopeofAmerica%2BImage%2B7%2Bby%2BNicole%2BKunze.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This was our view. Emil said to Brian, "If they had stars in the blue they would look like a flag." AHAHAHAHAHA! Brian and I laughed and laughed at that. So close. :) The concert was long and the traffic was really bad, but it was inspiring. I love that there are people out there willing to go to so much trouble to help kids have a meaningful experience.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnJLknrWTV4/WTA_kSZJQtI/AAAAAAAA3LM/n1tGL1PDku8q9eZCeFSK8JGXHQ-xW1YggCLcB/s1600/HopeofAmerica%2BImage%2B5%2Bby%2BNicole%2BKunze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnJLknrWTV4/WTA_kSZJQtI/AAAAAAAA3LM/n1tGL1PDku8q9eZCeFSK8JGXHQ-xW1YggCLcB/s640/HopeofAmerica%2BImage%2B5%2Bby%2BNicole%2BKunze.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />Emil and Colin got to come with me for a lot of cool newspaper stories during May. The coolest was Fire Ops 101. Emil put on all his firefighter gear (Halloween 2015) and the firefighters could not get enough of him. Colin wore a crazy get-up and a bad attitude. They are contractually obligated to not be happy at the same time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cseLb7kAoBk/WTBANN4RrdI/AAAAAAAA3LU/4RE1dBXT8Z8psIzuo2GxyiUS1rbSP4e4ACLcB/s1600/FireOps101%2BImage%2Bfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cseLb7kAoBk/WTBANN4RrdI/AAAAAAAA3LU/4RE1dBXT8Z8psIzuo2GxyiUS1rbSP4e4ACLcB/s640/FireOps101%2BImage%2Bfive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We got to watch them set a car on fire so the civilian volunteers could put it out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzrtNwuMNIM/WTBAaGnk9bI/AAAAAAAA3LY/tzEYBxsk5XAuqNuVPSDrjhtrahyrpVc2wCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bwatching%2Ba%2Bcar%2Bfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzrtNwuMNIM/WTBAaGnk9bI/AAAAAAAA3LY/tzEYBxsk5XAuqNuVPSDrjhtrahyrpVc2wCLcB/s640/Emil%2Bwatching%2Ba%2Bcar%2Bfire.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh316PQIWjE/WTBAgMl0g0I/AAAAAAAA3Lc/ihhzsHKIVp49RpzmVR70I--nAehjKWz-gCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bholding%2Bthe%2Bjaws%2Bof%2Blife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kh316PQIWjE/WTBAgMl0g0I/AAAAAAAA3Lc/ihhzsHKIVp49RpzmVR70I--nAehjKWz-gCLcB/s640/Emil%2Bholding%2Bthe%2Bjaws%2Bof%2Blife.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil's holding the jaws of life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6izgzJCauz4/WTBAqe3vy9I/AAAAAAAA3Lg/QlCiHtCrRh4UM-UtszMuwTanyTvFyuYXACLcB/s1600/FireOps101%2BImage%2Bthree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6izgzJCauz4/WTBAqe3vy9I/AAAAAAAA3Lg/QlCiHtCrRh4UM-UtszMuwTanyTvFyuYXACLcB/s640/FireOps101%2BImage%2Bthree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He also got to hold that ax and the hose. Like I said, the firefighters couldn't get enough of him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bridget had her big state report due in May. She worked on it all the time, researching all the cool stuff in Ohio. We brainstormed together quite a bit, but she did all the work herself. I was so proud of her! She had it done plenty early and when we saw the other tri-folds at the "state fair" at school, I was even more proud.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEDgTdeF7OU/WTBB-Uao0fI/AAAAAAAA3Ls/Z7HezXBLCyw9emBqkWsTh-YvYmQtawnMACLcB/s1600/18579829_800217010142836_2918023793337171968_n_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEDgTdeF7OU/WTBB-Uao0fI/AAAAAAAA3Ls/Z7HezXBLCyw9emBqkWsTh-YvYmQtawnMACLcB/s400/18579829_800217010142836_2918023793337171968_n_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Colin and Emil had their Kindergarten Showcase during the last week of school. They were on opposite ends of the stage and I fell into the trap (again) of trying to take pictures when I should have just sat down and enjoyed the moment. They were so cute singing and dancing with their classmates. Colin was standing by his friend Nash and I didn't know it, but I was standing next to Nash's Mom in the audience. They were pointing at us and smiling and talking to each other and I didn't know why until later. How adorable is that! "Look! Our Moms are standing by each other and so are we!!" Awesome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QdkPmup-RE/WTBC5MTCPQI/AAAAAAAA3L4/kTl_3qlWLIs8Q09ocAuJnmvkvu8nljrMgCLcB/s1600/Colin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bcrowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QdkPmup-RE/WTBC5MTCPQI/AAAAAAAA3L4/kTl_3qlWLIs8Q09ocAuJnmvkvu8nljrMgCLcB/s640/Colin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bcrowd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mcOtoD9ijw/WUFQ7461CFI/AAAAAAAA6Gg/CI5MXMtRC7AQ0a59yfFzEggwv7FJsokIQCLcBGAs/s1600/Boys%2Bwith%2Btheir%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mcOtoD9ijw/WUFQ7461CFI/AAAAAAAA6Gg/CI5MXMtRC7AQ0a59yfFzEggwv7FJsokIQCLcBGAs/s640/Boys%2Bwith%2Btheir%2Bart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I'm going to miss this version of Colin and Emil so much. I loved watching them get on the bus every day with their backpacks on. Both boys gave me a kiss as they got out of the van and then Colin would come running back for another hug and kiss as the bus came around the corner to their stop. Can you even stand it?! They are my sweethearts.<br /><br />Then! It was finally time for the Dance Festival. If you read this blog, you know of my love/hate relationship with the Dance Festival. The principal talks too much, Bridget is always as far away from where we sit as she can possibly be, the boys are usually bonkers. On the other hand, I always start crying for joy and pride when I see the kids dancing together. Why? It's not like they are the best dancers I've ever seen. Maybe knowing they have no inhibitions and that it won't last? I don't know. This year, the boys could be bonkers sitting with the other kindergartners, so I thought we were home free. Then I was asked to do a story about the dance festival for the paper, so I had to take pictures of everything. And I could feel the part in my hair getting sunburned. Still love/hate, I guess.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heLycTVGcMo/WUFS09CXTDI/AAAAAAAA6Gk/BpeuzD34C5AxXJLm0DW5w29zVY5SEQJlACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bafter%2BHope%2Bof%2BAmerica%2Bsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1156" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heLycTVGcMo/WUFS09CXTDI/AAAAAAAA6Gk/BpeuzD34C5AxXJLm0DW5w29zVY5SEQJlACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bafter%2BHope%2Bof%2BAmerica%2Bsong.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>Bridget's class sang one of their Hope of America songs and I got a sneak peek at where she'd be for the dance. Back row on the left, naturally. Standing next to what looked like grown women. For the love of all that is holy!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1jSz8vM9RI/WUFTL-kq9jI/AAAAAAAA6Go/F5aFDM3SZHIrmh8_RR6M5lG1EGeOP2xjACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bduring%2B5th%2Bgrade%2Bdance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1jSz8vM9RI/WUFTL-kq9jI/AAAAAAAA6Go/F5aFDM3SZHIrmh8_RR6M5lG1EGeOP2xjACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bduring%2B5th%2Bgrade%2Bdance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtyVVpwQRUo/WUFTSDW-IwI/AAAAAAAA6Gs/M2R8h9G2dMgbZQBRgmXPmZ8bUAlOu_4LACLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bdancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtyVVpwQRUo/WUFTSDW-IwI/AAAAAAAA6Gs/M2R8h9G2dMgbZQBRgmXPmZ8bUAlOu_4LACLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bdancing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dk6yqVFbqiw/WUFTZnbsYNI/AAAAAAAA6Gw/02Y7rHZ4afMdE9kaeQcxrpNzsyt-RqfLQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bridget%2Bfinal%2Bpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dk6yqVFbqiw/WUFTZnbsYNI/AAAAAAAA6Gw/02Y7rHZ4afMdE9kaeQcxrpNzsyt-RqfLQCLcBGAs/s640/Bridget%2Bfinal%2Bpose.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Bridget is the shortest person in her class. By a lot. She says she was absent (at Bring Your Child to Work Day) the day they were assigned their spot. Really? We can't put her next to someone who isn't a head taller? They danced to Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling" and every time it comes on the radio in the car the boys yell, "Bridget's song!" :)<br /><br />The kindergarten kids always go last because they are the most anticipated dance. This year they did "Friends are Family" from the Lego Batman movie. Their teachers had them wear black garbage bag capes with the bat signal on the back. So cute! And so very very hot.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51PgSJWfSHQ/WUFUnQKl4RI/AAAAAAAA6G0/yKlmqfuQT1I_lMnOsR96mriFdrh5p3sbgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kindergartners%2Brunning%2Bon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51PgSJWfSHQ/WUFUnQKl4RI/AAAAAAAA6G0/yKlmqfuQT1I_lMnOsR96mriFdrh5p3sbgCLcBGAs/s640/Kindergartners%2Brunning%2Bon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Oh my goodness. My favorite part is watching the kids RUN onto the field to take their places. Can you see the girls on the left who fell down and kinda got trampled by their classmates who DID NOT care what their deal was, they were getting to their spot. Colin, as always, looks like a character in a 1960s book. Hahahahahaha!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9fYWiKLULs/WUFV2LCDHUI/AAAAAAAA6HA/-m6f9NsJwvY71iA_ledJAezw_R6FqC93wCLcBGAs/s1600/Batman%2Bdance%2Babout%2Bto%2Bstart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U9fYWiKLULs/WUFV2LCDHUI/AAAAAAAA6HA/-m6f9NsJwvY71iA_ledJAezw_R6FqC93wCLcBGAs/s640/Batman%2Bdance%2Babout%2Bto%2Bstart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vIn4fXLjTk/WUFVIt70tFI/AAAAAAAA6G4/g3S5Zuvxn1gSvtM8w5cKmIxnRZ9IlXqMwCLcBGAs/s1600/Hey%2BRobin%2BWhat%2BTime%2Bis%2Bit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vIn4fXLjTk/WUFVIt70tFI/AAAAAAAA6G4/g3S5Zuvxn1gSvtM8w5cKmIxnRZ9IlXqMwCLcBGAs/s640/Hey%2BRobin%2BWhat%2BTime%2Bis%2Bit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Signature move, pretending to make a call on a cell phone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4DNEpLjeiI/WUFVT7wsySI/AAAAAAAA6G8/7V22-8EiWF8idmEumgLGyFn-e8COF5iZACLcBGAs/s1600/Gavin%2Band%2BColin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4DNEpLjeiI/WUFVT7wsySI/AAAAAAAA6G8/7V22-8EiWF8idmEumgLGyFn-e8COF5iZACLcBGAs/s640/Gavin%2Band%2BColin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Colton is not a real super hero, so that cape got in his way several times. No capes! (I was sitting RIGHT in front and Colin was on the front row. He's in the 1.88% for kids his age. Sigh.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouXm_bWOCWE/WUFWBB5o8nI/AAAAAAAA6HE/EO_JRpenBUMsPj7FUSK4YfYp4VL-5DrggCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil%2Bdancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouXm_bWOCWE/WUFWBB5o8nI/AAAAAAAA6HE/EO_JRpenBUMsPj7FUSK4YfYp4VL-5DrggCLcBGAs/s640/Emil%2Bdancing.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil can really dance. Look at those fingers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCDcQW0PKdQ/WUFWLJVMmtI/AAAAAAAA6HI/FZjB-7_c6q0e29dG3nfTzpahifB4B8kxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1265" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCDcQW0PKdQ/WUFWLJVMmtI/AAAAAAAA6HI/FZjB-7_c6q0e29dG3nfTzpahifB4B8kxgCLcBGAs/s640/Emil.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He could do that dance for you right now, that's how well he learned it. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3XMVij3DHo/WUFWYh8YbkI/AAAAAAAA6HM/Gq7-1g_YwNEwPd9K1bFp954qxu9xZwXoACLcBGAs/s1600/Batman%2Bdancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3XMVij3DHo/WUFWYh8YbkI/AAAAAAAA6HM/Gq7-1g_YwNEwPd9K1bFp954qxu9xZwXoACLcBGAs/s640/Batman%2Bdancing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Running in place, the other signature move.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm getting stressed out just thinking about the last two weeks of May. It was nice to check things off the list as they happened. Bridget did the rec league track this year with her bff, Sami. They went to practices twice a week and they had a meet once a week. The meets lasted for three hours. (Note to self: three hours.) Bridget ran the 4 x 100 with Sami and two other girls their age, the 100m and the javelin. That's a total of four minutes of action in a three hour meet. Where are my emojis? I need that one eye roll face...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCVsNqbKjdo/WUFX9bqkaPI/AAAAAAAA6HQ/p0lpd1g8qOQa61u-hzbAlx4vgb8gvfdPQCLcBGAs/s1600/18443417_221774044980335_132762266662600704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCVsNqbKjdo/WUFX9bqkaPI/AAAAAAAA6HQ/p0lpd1g8qOQa61u-hzbAlx4vgb8gvfdPQCLcBGAs/s320/18443417_221774044980335_132762266662600704_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the first couple of meets they let Sami's little sister, and Emil's dream girl, Lizzy run in the 4 x 100 with them. Pretty adorable. Maybe not three hours of sitting on a bench and freaking out because I can't see Emil or Colin adorable, but adorable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Toward the end of May the boys started playing T-ball. Brian had sworn off coaching T-ball FOREVER, but the moms of the other kindergarten kids in the ward convinced us that it would be awesome to have all the friends on the same team and Brian could coach them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzMfHSatVaY/WUFY4KC962I/AAAAAAAA6HU/DP6qsMfyi4cgtepJbS9atT0Ewncn7f7OQCLcBGAs/s1600/Team%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yzMfHSatVaY/WUFY4KC962I/AAAAAAAA6HU/DP6qsMfyi4cgtepJbS9atT0Ewncn7f7OQCLcBGAs/s640/Team%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Front row: Micah, Colin, Lydia&nbsp; Back row: Pierce, Weston, Gavin, Emil, Jett, Hazel, and Coach Dad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love knowing all the kids' names so I can cheer for them. They can get a little crazy waiting to bat, but they all work together and encourage each other. It's sweet. Also, Emil figured out how to hit home runs off the T the last few weeks and he's pretty proud of himself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXG5hZihqiI/WUFZodpl45I/AAAAAAAA6HY/1Sh3XI1UoqoMd6PtTM2dTfbwrKIWnywwwCLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2Bswinging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXG5hZihqiI/WUFZodpl45I/AAAAAAAA6HY/1Sh3XI1UoqoMd6PtTM2dTfbwrKIWnywwwCLcBGAs/s640/Colin%2Bswinging.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdITECLS4iQ/WUFZvOl-kxI/AAAAAAAA6Hc/du4aPiIAxwUrDMIkuQMXXfxTUJalFbObwCLcBGAs/s1600/Emil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1120" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdITECLS4iQ/WUFZvOl-kxI/AAAAAAAA6Hc/du4aPiIAxwUrDMIkuQMXXfxTUJalFbObwCLcBGAs/s640/Emil.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmcqnEN5VJ0/WUFZ24VziXI/AAAAAAAA6Hg/Noxcr-Maj8UPvpPTzkpfrG2lfcWJN3h3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Team%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmcqnEN5VJ0/WUFZ24VziXI/AAAAAAAA6Hg/Noxcr-Maj8UPvpPTzkpfrG2lfcWJN3h3QCLcBGAs/s640/Team%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is as close to all of them looking and smiling as I got. (I took the team photo.) We're missing Henry and there is one other little girl who didn't sign up for the team. We have eleven kindergartners in our ward!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nt4iKqXvPZw/WUFaSF6_N9I/AAAAAAAA6Hk/alcvkdmKdCQdINGFclutyqlof4flZy9ewCLcBGAs/s1600/Coach%2BDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nt4iKqXvPZw/WUFaSF6_N9I/AAAAAAAA6Hk/alcvkdmKdCQdINGFclutyqlof4flZy9ewCLcBGAs/s640/Coach%2BDad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brian coaching, herding, whatever you want to call it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIy2S9AlH7M/WUFajs8clsI/AAAAAAAA6Ho/Zyfkv_hKuc4n6rppOarDEVz8uXSYi4kFwCLcBGAs/s1600/Team%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIy2S9AlH7M/WUFajs8clsI/AAAAAAAA6Ho/Zyfkv_hKuc4n6rppOarDEVz8uXSYi4kFwCLcBGAs/s640/Team%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who can't find their hats? Hmmm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After field day (the second to the last day of school) we whisked the kids away on a little adventure, but I'm going to do a separate post about Capitol Reef. That little End of School Getaway is more for Brian and me than the kids, I discovered. Sometimes you just have to get the heck out of Dodge! So long, May!</div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-23306435647387482017-05-18T09:28:00.000-06:002018-01-01T13:11:22.961-07:00March and April 2017 Book ReportBetter late than never!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5GY4hI3-h8/WQta3XqwcUI/AAAAAAAA2Nw/AFJhX7ye248jqLf30s_UWlgwZqx68hp5gCLcB/s1600/6693d8767255814f5dce60d5a1d0e5afb4f80b0a714b700a508c1a89b156f622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5GY4hI3-h8/WQta3XqwcUI/AAAAAAAA2Nw/AFJhX7ye248jqLf30s_UWlgwZqx68hp5gCLcB/s320/6693d8767255814f5dce60d5a1d0e5afb4f80b0a714b700a508c1a89b156f622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />1.<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood</i> by Howard Pyle</span><br /><br />It's a classic and everyone on Goodreads gave it many stars and kudos. I listened to a fun British guy read it on Audible, too. And YET, I didn't like it and I didn't finish it. All the chapters I listened to were familiar - how he meets Little John and how Robin sneaks into an archery contest. Yes, but did you know how he BECAME Robin Hood? I didn't. He killed a guy who made him mad. The guy bet Robin that he couldn't hit a deer with an arrow from 200 meters away (or some ridiculous distance). Robin did it, then the guy wouldn't pay up. So Robin killed him. I got the feeling I was supposed to be on Robin's side in this dispute, but I wasn't.<br /><br />I did keep reading/listening after that. Then Robin robs and embarrasses a guy simply because the guy had a warrant for Robin's arrest. Robin killed a guy! He <b>should</b> go to jail! Of course there is a warrant out for his arrest. I don't know. Breaking the law and getting away with it doesn't sound like a good time to me. The Merry Men split up their earnings and gave food to widows and children, which is nice. It seemed like they were doing it to keep people quiet more so than out of kindness, though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TuiPNQGH7U/WQtc-wqPCwI/AAAAAAAA2OA/o2NfZaXhtQI1gNLtWT4vlSF52UVOrIIDQCLcB/s1600/11737316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TuiPNQGH7U/WQtc-wqPCwI/AAAAAAAA2OA/o2NfZaXhtQI1gNLtWT4vlSF52UVOrIIDQCLcB/s320/11737316.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>2. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Camping Trip That Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and Our National Parks</i> by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mordecai Gerstein</span><br /><br />Remember how I'm a National Parks Nerd and a big fan of Theodore Roosevelt? This children's book imagines the exchange between John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt during their famous camping trip in what is now Yosemite National Park in 1903. Roosevelt got a first-hand look at the wilderness that needed protecting with the most famous advocate for wilderness preservation, John Muir. As a result of that camping trip, Roosevelt would establish the National Parks System.<br /><br />Historical non-fiction picture books are my favorite! This one is so good. The illustrations are fantastic.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fifr_segTU8/WQtembAdyLI/AAAAAAAA2OM/51L1IfJn9AEDgBaGD0m84cyYPxKNAqTrQCLcB/s1600/7466695-Alexander-Hamilton-portrait-on-ten-US-dollars-banknote-Isolated-on-white-Black-and-white-picture--Stock-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fifr_segTU8/WQtembAdyLI/AAAAAAAA2OM/51L1IfJn9AEDgBaGD0m84cyYPxKNAqTrQCLcB/s320/7466695-Alexander-Hamilton-portrait-on-ten-US-dollars-banknote-Isolated-on-white-Black-and-white-picture--Stock-Photo.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>3. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Alexander Hamilton</i> by Ron Chernow</span><br /><br />I was more than halfway through <i>Alexander Hamilton</i> when we went to New York in March. After seeing where he lived and worked, I had to finish the book. He is hands-down the most interesting Founding Father. The attention his life is getting after all these years is kind of awesome.<br /><br />"Americans often wonder how this moment could have spawned such extraordinary men as Hamilton and Madison. Part of the answer is that the Revolution produced an insatiable need for thinkers who could generate ideas and wordsmiths who could lucidly expound them. The immediate utility of ideas was an incalculable tonic for the founding generation. The fate of the democratic experiment depended upon political intellectuals who might have been marginalized at other periods."<br /><br />By now everyone knows the story of Alexander Hamilton, growing up father-less and then orphaned completely in the West Indies. He submitted poetry to the local newspaper and a letter of his describing a terrible storm that mostly destroyed the city he lived in was published in the newspaper. That letter ended up catching the eye of people with money who were willing to send him to America to get an education. They hoped he'd come back to the West Indies after that and be an asset to them, but he ended up staying.<br /><br />Hamilton spoke French and English fluently and the amount of words that he wrote down in his life makes it seem as though that's all he did while he was alive. He became General Washington's aid de camp (sp) during the Revolutionary War. It sounds glamorous, but it was copying hundreds of letters, responding to minutiae, and bunking with five or six other guys in uncomfortable places. Nope! Hamilton wanted to head his own regiment and make a name for himself as a war hero, like, the whole time he was with Washington. (One of my favorite stories from this time period in the book was Benedict Arnold's betrayal. Chernow did a fantastic job laying out the facts, but keeping the emotion.)<br /><br />Since Hamilton was hitched to Washington's star (even when they didn't agree, Washington always believed in Hamilton's abilities), he became a political heavyweight in New York. People either loved him or hated him. He made an enemy of New York's governor, which hurt him during the Continental Congress. Hamilton made enemies of quite a few people by never shutting up. Like, ever.<br /><br />The big scandal with him and Mariah Reynolds was teased for what seemed like forever in the book before we actually got to it. Washington was President, Hamilton was Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton loved to rescue women in distress - his own mother was a woman in distress. If he'd had therapy today, they would definitely make a connection there. Anyway, Mariah Reynolds came to Hamilton and cried and told him her husband abused her and if only she could get Hamilton's help... Reynolds was setting him up. She and her husband made the plan to extort him together and they sound like super trashy people. Someone saw Hamilton at the Reynold's home (many low-brow discussions took place between Hamilton and Mariah's husband and Hamilton did pay them several times to keep the affair secret) and thought he was giving away financial secrets he would know about because he was Treasury Secretary.<br /><br />Like a dummy, Hamilton spent hours confessing every disgusting detail of his infidelity to the two men investigating him (one was James Monroe) as proof that he was not selling state secrets. No one wants to know all that! Also, interesting that it meant so much more to him for people to know he wasn't that kind of liar, only the kind of liar who cheats on his wife. Tomato/Potato.<br /><br />The *spoiler* I found at the museum was one of Hamilton's sons was killed in a duel. Awful. So sad. It was very similar to Hamilton's duel with Aaron Burr later. Hamilton advised his son to throw away his shot (did you sing that part? I do every time). In Hamilton's view, obviously missing his opponent would mean both of them would live and his son would come away honorably. The other guy, however, didn't know Hamilton Jr (can't remember his name!) had missed on purpose. What a stupid way to die.<br /><br />Alexander and Eliza got over the very public and humiliating cheating scandal with Mariah Reynolds, but Hamilton's political career never recovered. He went back to being a lawyer to try to get out of the money pit of working in public service. I loved that Hamilton argued for the law instead of going with the waves of emotion against pro-British citizens. Anyway - the Hamiltons enjoyed a few years at Hamilton Grange, their country house north of Manhattan (now Harlem). They had lots of kids and even took in orphaned children. Eliza became a great advocate for orphans. And she championed her husband and defended him until she died, which was on the eve of the Civil War.<br /><br />So, yeah, Hamilton wasted his own shot and dueled with Aaron Burr in an effort to defend his honor. Burr was finished after he killed Hamilton. He went on living, of course, but he was finished.<br /><br />I haven't even scratched the surface of all the interesting stories in this book. Chernow is amazing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVqWs7XsOnA/WRH0fB161sI/AAAAAAAA2eM/bUIlPK2OUwk0aIyuWVZO2k-Y1GMtaVXXQCLcB/s1600/6429404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVqWs7XsOnA/WRH0fB161sI/AAAAAAAA2eM/bUIlPK2OUwk0aIyuWVZO2k-Y1GMtaVXXQCLcB/s320/6429404.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br />4. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Brat Farrar</i> by Josephine Tey</span><br /><br />This is a story about a 13 year-old boy named Patrick Ashby, a twin, who appeared to commit suicide just a few months after his parents were both killed in a boat accident. Eight years later, a close friend of the Ashby family meets a man who is a dead ringer for Patrick in a bar in London. This "friend" decides to coach the man (Brat Farrar) and have him claim the family fortune instead of his twin, Simon.<br /><br />I think the British (all Europeans?) were obsessed with this scenario. Probably a lot of people were lost during the war, lost at sea and presumed dead, ran away... It must be excruciating to not know what happened to a loved one.<br /><br />Anyway! Brat seems to be pulling off his acting job brilliantly for everyone, except the twin brother. Simon is POSITIVE this is not Patrick. When Simon sees that he can't convince anyone else and he's starting to look crazy, he subtly tries to get rid of Brat.<br /><br />There are side stories about horses and breeding and Brat starts falling in love with one of the Ashby girls (ew). The writing is engaging and the Audible performance is great. I mostly knew what was going to happen, which is always a little disappointing with a mystery. There was a final twist that I didn't see, so that's fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRdFVdHAQQw/WR2z2gQ3XXI/AAAAAAAA2fA/980TBBAn8Awj_CrUz_9rURw7dNts7k7XgCLcB/s1600/19486412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRdFVdHAQQw/WR2z2gQ3XXI/AAAAAAAA2fA/980TBBAn8Awj_CrUz_9rURw7dNts7k7XgCLcB/s320/19486412.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />5.<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Big Little Lies</i> by Liane Moriarty</span><br /><br />This is a pretty trashy, soap opera-y novel. I watched the HBO mini-series for 15 minutes and it was so disgusting and so far off the mark that I couldn't endure it. The reason I kept reading, and mostly enjoying, the book was because it was making me ask questions about my own life and my own parenting. I think it's a good thing to examine those things.<br /><br />The story is following a handful of moms (the book takes place in Australia, so "mums") of kindergarten-age children. (The TV version has them in California with first graders. Meh.) One of the mums, Celeste, even has twin 6 year-old boys - like me! There is a whole hierarchy of mothers and lots of posturing to show the other mothers how they should be doing the whole parenting thing. The women seem all wrapped up in their little kindergartners lives and how their education and socialization might affect their precious psyches. Then we look at their home lives and every single one of these mothers is a bona fide MESS. They expect this 23 year-old kindergarten teacher to be acutely aware of every little thing their child is experiencing, yet these mothers (and fathers) are blind to how their marital relationships are affecting their children.<br /><br />The longer I'm a parent of children who attend school, the more I recognize that what happens at home to reinforce any learning is THE THING. Teachers can spend every minute doing the best possible job teaching my child, but if nothing happens at home then it won't catch.<br /><br />I already knew that nobody's life is perfect no matter how it may look on the outside, so that message wasn't revelatory to me. For one of the 40 year-old mums, it is a revelation that someone's "perfect" family isn't so perfect. Sad to go that long in life and not recognize that. On the other hand, there are people (and I feel like I'm one of them) who&nbsp;<i>do</i> live happy lives and don't feel like they need to hide things. So, not everyone is secretly miserable and putting on a show of being happy and put-together.<br /><br />Moriarty did a good job of portraying strong female friendship. I really liked that part. From what I saw (and what I've read in reviews) of the HBO series, the main focus was the sex lives of the women. Why? Aren't we all bored by that? Let's talk about the million other things that make up relationships and marriage and life experience in general. Moriarty showed that you can't hide from your children - they pick up on everything. Didn't someone say in a recent General Conference talk to give children something great to imitate? Also, seeing your life through the eyes of your child makes decisions much easier. (It's the ONLY way Celeste finally sees her marriage clearly. That was interesting.)<br /><br />There are swears and a few scenes of violence in the book. I listened to Caroline Lee (no relation) read it and her Australian accent is a delight. I think this might be a beach read.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03EpfEltGjg/WR268PFiX_I/AAAAAAAA2fQ/Q-1xffwD5Zk50QQECqtgodYkNayYEsWJACLcB/s1600/802348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03EpfEltGjg/WR268PFiX_I/AAAAAAAA2fQ/Q-1xffwD5Zk50QQECqtgodYkNayYEsWJACLcB/s320/802348.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br />6. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Anatole</i> by Eve Titus, illustrated by Paul Galdone</span><br /><br />In the mouse world created by Eve Titus, mice husbands and fathers provide for their families by going out at night and "stealing" leftovers and garbage from humans to feed their families. Anatole hears humans complaining about mice eating their food and he is shocked. What?! Humans don't like mice being in their kitchens and scurrying around their food?!<br /><br />Anatole can't live with this information and decides to find a way to "pay" for the food he takes. He sneaks into a cheese factory and finds his solution. Anatole takes a bite of every cheese (shudder) and leaves a note on each one telling them how to improve the flavor or when the flavor is just right. The humans see these notes and are, like, "Awesome! Now our cheese factory will be the best in the world!" No, really. That's what they do.<br /><br />The take-away is, earn your own way in life. And, always trust notes that are left on your food even if all the doors were locked and there are no signs of a break-in... No, man! It was a mouse! A mouse was eating your cheese and writing reviews of it! :)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-50741416839132093132017-05-04T10:40:00.000-06:002017-05-04T10:41:19.711-06:00What Just Happened, April 2017?Thank goodness for Instagram or I'd have no idea where the last 30+ days have gone. We got home from New York and got back on the Crazy Train with a second trip to the doctor for Colin the day after he went off his anti-biotics for strep that he finished the day after we got home. He was walking from his classroom to the bus when he threw up all over the sidewalk. It was literally the first sign that anything was wrong. The school secretary called me while I was teaching a piano lesson and told me all my children were in the office ready for me to pick them up. Eh? Anyway, Colin had strep again (or still).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXaE1MbkRS4/WQUX5LH56ZI/AAAAAAAAA-o/k1lA4Qzs4rI0bC2S0gRw93r88r_8gs9wQCEw/s1600/17595960_195331364300615_8629244001003765760_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IXaE1MbkRS4/WQUX5LH56ZI/AAAAAAAAA-o/k1lA4Qzs4rI0bC2S0gRw93r88r_8gs9wQCEw/s320/17595960_195331364300615_8629244001003765760_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The following weekend was General Conference and Bridget got a job watching a dog for a friend at church. We also had a quick visit from Aron and Banks, here to go to the Priesthood Session in person, a fun tradition in their family. On Conference Sunday we &nbsp;picked up Taylor and ate fun food (take 'n bake wings from Wing Shack, veggie tray with dip, chips, and other stuff I can't remember now). Bridget was a champion dog sitter and Cocoa was very good. She became very protective of Bridget.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzVh1-9c7dI/WQUYFq1myrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/gsbUF1t6aQwFMZRo32fICcMiqkjJ2XX9gCLcB/s1600/17495167_220923358385979_1705778692904452096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzVh1-9c7dI/WQUYFq1myrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/gsbUF1t6aQwFMZRo32fICcMiqkjJ2XX9gCLcB/s320/17495167_220923358385979_1705778692904452096_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otN7ukbVSls/WQUYJe_h-BI/AAAAAAAAA-w/2xMrSFYhVUQWHQI-TRDJqh14YtRlkLXOwCLcB/s1600/17586971_316134425468774_2366096474049085440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-otN7ukbVSls/WQUYJe_h-BI/AAAAAAAAA-w/2xMrSFYhVUQWHQI-TRDJqh14YtRlkLXOwCLcB/s320/17586971_316134425468774_2366096474049085440_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPyucpNZD2U/WQUYLvYG1hI/AAAAAAAAA-0/-P9-Hppw1LUuW3Y-GnUWQwBNcP1WKGLqwCLcB/s1600/17587373_416526612044621_1697259114171727872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPyucpNZD2U/WQUYLvYG1hI/AAAAAAAAA-0/-P9-Hppw1LUuW3Y-GnUWQwBNcP1WKGLqwCLcB/s320/17587373_416526612044621_1697259114171727872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I tried to keep the kids happy during Spring Break by taking them on an adventure every day. I combined the first outing with a story I was doing on a family farm. Bridget and I milked a goat (for her I'm guessing it was the first and last time she'll be doing that), the kids found eggs all over the place and I got sniffed and manhandled by a lot of goats and a couple of enormous dogs. I took the kids to Gardner Village where we had lunch and found some cute stuff for Grandma Peggy's dolls at the doll store there. Another day we went to the University Mall to eat lunch with Brian and spend the kids' hard-earned money at The Disney Store. On the final day of Spring Break, a Saturday, Brian took the kids skiing one last time. They had The Best Day Ever.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAnme8sBfFE/WQUYSy6kP5I/AAAAAAAAA-4/WIdWjeWAJ4gIVD2SgxiT_HU0UwBVo6vHQCLcB/s1600/17663476_652692471588609_6074635558292815872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAnme8sBfFE/WQUYSy6kP5I/AAAAAAAAA-4/WIdWjeWAJ4gIVD2SgxiT_HU0UwBVo6vHQCLcB/s320/17663476_652692471588609_6074635558292815872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7weXEmeElig/WQUYWA_9S0I/AAAAAAAAA-8/eddC7cvJFlAYr6Rd0v2V3tQRiHsbOFpUQCLcB/s1600/17663612_1592993290713346_5966311204572889088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7weXEmeElig/WQUYWA_9S0I/AAAAAAAAA-8/eddC7cvJFlAYr6Rd0v2V3tQRiHsbOFpUQCLcB/s320/17663612_1592993290713346_5966311204572889088_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After Spring Break it was the week of the final choir concert FOR THE YEAR. We had an assembly on Wednesday and an evening concert on Thursday. My friend and accompanist, Elisa, and I both thought the assembly was in the morning, because they're always in the morning. THIS one, though, was in the afternoon. Elisa and I both had piano students during the assembly, so we requested that the choirs go first (they usually go last). It was a revelation! The junior choir kids were only trapped in the art room for 15 minutes, they came out and sang their songs, then joined their classes in the audience. Ta DA! On Thursday night the choir had to go last, after the band and chime choir. Our little kids (none of them are in band or chime choir) were trapped for an hour and ten minutes in the art room with Elisa and me begging them to be quiet the whole time. (I have to write this down or I will forget to try to change this tradition if I'm still doing choir next year.) The fun part was having Bridget, Emil, Colin and me all in the same performance. :) Grandma Peggy and Brian's parents came to watch, which made it very special for the kids... and me, really. During my hour and ten minutes as warden of the art room, I set my music down on a desk (the better to clap "Shave and a Haircut" until my hands turned blue) and I accidentally left my copy of the final number on that desk. I didn't realize it until we were ready to sing, so I had to run out of the room to try to find it after the Senior Choir's second number. Grandma Peggy said it was her favorite part. Ha!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A_i4bsn2X4/WQUYcAZl0gI/AAAAAAAAA_A/iNKYQhzNFuIC6PazFl-eLAob_x16bQ9VACLcB/s1600/17881758_805976452888799_5707001875472056320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0A_i4bsn2X4/WQUYcAZl0gI/AAAAAAAAA_A/iNKYQhzNFuIC6PazFl-eLAob_x16bQ9VACLcB/s320/17881758_805976452888799_5707001875472056320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The boys and I on our way to the music assembly. Triplets!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lJfmYLFTAAc/WQUYouzAWtI/AAAAAAAAA_E/XqDn8Bh_yO43VUmIykndsLhvwNc13dycACLcB/s1600/17881532_989381954531888_4473569701368168448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lJfmYLFTAAc/WQUYouzAWtI/AAAAAAAAA_E/XqDn8Bh_yO43VUmIykndsLhvwNc13dycACLcB/s320/17881532_989381954531888_4473569701368168448_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting in the art room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next up, Emil's long-awaited one-on-one field trip with me to Salt Lake City. He started planning it right after<a href="http://whodoesthesethings.blogspot.com/2016/07/girl-cousin-road-trip.html"> Bridget and I went to North Carolina </a>together last year. I got tickets to Lion King at Eccles Theater and planned around that. Emil wanted to stay in a hotel, go to the Family History Library (hahahaha!), go shopping, and go see a show. He had the spinning chair in the hotel room all to himself, and the remote. Even though I suggested we could go somewhere for dinner, he wanted to order a pizza and stay in the hotel room watching whatever he wanted on TV.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70oRYP7UvTI/WQUaPxG9YeI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/RhBt7SNG-scb0Knew_j3Nwyw-TTObtsmwCLcB/s1600/17882825_414694058881892_3734611313846910976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70oRYP7UvTI/WQUaPxG9YeI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/RhBt7SNG-scb0Knew_j3Nwyw-TTObtsmwCLcB/s320/17882825_414694058881892_3734611313846910976_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We slept in the next morning, then walked to City Creek for breakfast at Kneaders. It was about a block and a half to walk (the street was already full of homeless people staring us down - what's up, Salt Lake City?) and Emil complained several times that we should have taken the train. The station was two blocks away, but Emil was not hearing that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98_0R2PFFMA/WQUavkeBfQI/AAAAAAAAA_U/xa1WEPYXYiY4Seeb5vVFTDnBGOxsmCqFwCLcB/s1600/17882945_226280837851645_742358936467800064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98_0R2PFFMA/WQUavkeBfQI/AAAAAAAAA_U/xa1WEPYXYiY4Seeb5vVFTDnBGOxsmCqFwCLcB/s320/17882945_226280837851645_742358936467800064_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">He complained about the train before and after this photo. We walked across the street to Temple Square where the flowers smacked us in the face with their beauty. I can't remember when flowers have been so gorgeous! We've had a very wet Spring, that must be it. At the Family History Library Emil got to hold the iPad and rush to all the stations so he could check off all the stuff. I joined him in one of the sound booths to record a story and he lost his mind. He wanted to be alone! He didn't want me to talk! I left the room so I could count to ten and he came out a minute later and apologized and told me he loves me. Getting everything he wanted kinda ruined his life for a few hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpF4vMUU3Ps/WQUgq51xD-I/AAAAAAAABA8/-E4-ikJzchcdcO6zJCDow-l5WoN1BgVEACLcB/s1600/17881728_411602299224989_3931969368950308864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpF4vMUU3Ps/WQUgq51xD-I/AAAAAAAABA8/-E4-ikJzchcdcO6zJCDow-l5WoN1BgVEACLcB/s320/17881728_411602299224989_3931969368950308864_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We rode Trax around downtown in the free zone for a while. One of the drivers saw Emil and let him come up front and honk the horn. So happy! We went to the Gateway mall (my first time in about 10 years) to go to lunch and it was a very scary ghost town. What is going on, Salt Lake City?! Once again we were stared down by homeless people and there was a lot more security at that mall than I remember. We made our way back to the theater for lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvbNNUTgYBY/WQUcZx2Y0MI/AAAAAAAAA_s/PWG49yuXj9EX8tOKdwZXRUoZ9Hwmj5qxACLcB/s1600/17932193_434879203526472_8854304462022377472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvbNNUTgYBY/WQUcZx2Y0MI/AAAAAAAAA_s/PWG49yuXj9EX8tOKdwZXRUoZ9Hwmj5qxACLcB/s320/17932193_434879203526472_8854304462022377472_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Emil ate his whole lunch, which was a weird soup, then said he needed to go potty. I told him I thought the bathrooms were downstairs, then turned to see if I could confirm that with our waiter. When I turned back Emil was gone. I hadn't paid for our food and I had no idea where he went. It's a big theater. I found someone and paid our bill as fast as I could, then ran downstairs to find Emil. There are three bathrooms downstairs and I am not a man. I called Emil's name at the door of each of the men's bathrooms and he answered casually, "What?" at the last one. I almost started crying with relief. It took almost the whole show for me to calm down. It was an impressive production and I loved the music, but I have to admit I didn't love the puppets. After the show we came home to dye eggs because the next day was EASTER.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EusbF2xrPlI/WQUeCL-gZFI/AAAAAAAABAE/BvoOb6odlPEcr0QPAUK9WUEHQvdgpBu5wCLcB/s1600/17881224_137130900158212_731117641254567936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EusbF2xrPlI/WQUeCL-gZFI/AAAAAAAABAE/BvoOb6odlPEcr0QPAUK9WUEHQvdgpBu5wCLcB/s320/17881224_137130900158212_731117641254567936_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Easter morning was fun - the kids found their baskets and we ate a nice breakfast of Kneaders cinnamon bread made into French Toast, and hard-boiled eggs. Colin was acting strange during sacrament meeting at church. He fell asleep in my lap and didn't want to sing with the Primary. I took him home and made a cake while he slept. Spoiler alert: it was strep AGAIN. Third time in five weeks.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQlMbVpFXWc/WQUe9pC_DNI/AAAAAAAABAY/MbWSh5sTHTsGelmkpOpMwlCwwWmLvWcSgCLcB/s1600/Kids%2Bwith%2Bbaskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQlMbVpFXWc/WQUe9pC_DNI/AAAAAAAABAY/MbWSh5sTHTsGelmkpOpMwlCwwWmLvWcSgCLcB/s640/Kids%2Bwith%2Bbaskets.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DLG0DX4tGw/WQUfDp66yOI/AAAAAAAABAc/b_5XY_CJjXU6zU48mRBELU83gGQFu8KdwCLcB/s1600/Kids%2Bin%2Brocker%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DLG0DX4tGw/WQUfDp66yOI/AAAAAAAABAc/b_5XY_CJjXU6zU48mRBELU83gGQFu8KdwCLcB/s640/Kids%2Bin%2Brocker%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When Brian, Bridget, and Emil got home from church I made Colin put his blue shirt back on for an Easter photo on the porch rocker. That's as friendly as Colin was willing to look for the group photo. Sigh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDCdk0Gs2-0/WQUfXpL8q9I/AAAAAAAABAg/NlsLYQ030dgisRaH5vrzLJAsVF9XQqepgCLcB/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDCdk0Gs2-0/WQUfXpL8q9I/AAAAAAAABAg/NlsLYQ030dgisRaH5vrzLJAsVF9XQqepgCLcB/s640/Colin.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liYVmjstkuE/WQUffOWSLcI/AAAAAAAABAk/LJP015pK1losGRCmg-ktSEeODTOeJkA5wCLcB/s1600/Emil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-liYVmjstkuE/WQUffOWSLcI/AAAAAAAABAk/LJP015pK1losGRCmg-ktSEeODTOeJkA5wCLcB/s640/Emil.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MusPO6cfbs/WQUfktYmDjI/AAAAAAAABAo/i3Z3niYXLLMyw3sMVurtNq9h-5VpWt6rwCLcB/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MusPO6cfbs/WQUfktYmDjI/AAAAAAAABAo/i3Z3niYXLLMyw3sMVurtNq9h-5VpWt6rwCLcB/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to the extra hours, I was able to get our Easter dinner on the table at a reasonable hour and I made a coconut cake, too. Silver lining of having a sick boy come home during church on Easter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEEcZJojmrY/WQUgAGXVfnI/AAAAAAAABAs/Zy678gIcnnYsuhqSSGvrpqUeTsW2Hi-oACLcB/s1600/17932477_1832344740425660_7929542164323762176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jEEcZJojmrY/WQUgAGXVfnI/AAAAAAAABAs/Zy678gIcnnYsuhqSSGvrpqUeTsW2Hi-oACLcB/s320/17932477_1832344740425660_7929542164323762176_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYSoAqZ1DbU/WQUgDdDVDDI/AAAAAAAABAw/Em7zk7h3wEYSieJd_b48J9n8i4e24ggDQCLcB/s1600/17934305_1254370118012901_4463097201005953024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYSoAqZ1DbU/WQUgDdDVDDI/AAAAAAAABAw/Em7zk7h3wEYSieJd_b48J9n8i4e24ggDQCLcB/s320/17934305_1254370118012901_4463097201005953024_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bridget got a Rubiks Cube in her Easter basket and she and Brian and Colin are obsessed with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x96aGtRjruk/WQUgUQ52Q4I/AAAAAAAABA0/gpTSCLOFaDEvQIE2n6fzmowsloy2ep-3ACLcB/s1600/Colin%2Band%2BBridget%2Bdoing%2Bthe%2BRubiks%2BCube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x96aGtRjruk/WQUgUQ52Q4I/AAAAAAAABA0/gpTSCLOFaDEvQIE2n6fzmowsloy2ep-3ACLcB/s640/Colin%2Band%2BBridget%2Bdoing%2Bthe%2BRubiks%2BCube.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yEMTHl4IoM/WQUga5px6zI/AAAAAAAABA4/T-V7mzzsAh4WQwzMCOmnc-9AtyYARw5ZQCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bplaying%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bcars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yEMTHl4IoM/WQUga5px6zI/AAAAAAAABA4/T-V7mzzsAh4WQwzMCOmnc-9AtyYARw5ZQCLcB/s640/Emil%2Bplaying%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bcars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil got a set of desert vehicle Matchbox cars.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The boys started soccer the Saturday Emil was on his field trip, but not to worry! There are plenty more games where that one came from. The next Friday it was Colin's turn for a field trip. He wanted to go to the zoo and he asked if Emil could come with us. I cannot love Colin more, you guys. We got there right when the zoo opened and enjoyed free reign of the place for more than an hour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEaalU-jgm8/WQUhe3ojInI/AAAAAAAABBE/damV9oIrliIBJ-BCZoZV7tci0BsMg--jwCLcB/s1600/Boys%2Bby%2Bthe%2Brhino%2Bstatue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEaalU-jgm8/WQUhe3ojInI/AAAAAAAABBE/damV9oIrliIBJ-BCZoZV7tci0BsMg--jwCLcB/s640/Boys%2Bby%2Bthe%2Brhino%2Bstatue.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The boys had their big animal report due the next week. Colin's report was on the rhinoceros. We did some very hands-on research for that story. (Colin and Emil came with me to interview a couple about their 100 year old home. Colin told me later, "Mom, this is a big story." I broke it wide open.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tzEsC5EdCM/WQtUIaWS81I/AAAAAAAA2MY/5RipY6tyk7ILw5eqBoMM-gV184xNf9d0ACLcB/s1600/Colin%2Band%2Bthe%2Brhinos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tzEsC5EdCM/WQtUIaWS81I/AAAAAAAA2MY/5RipY6tyk7ILw5eqBoMM-gV184xNf9d0ACLcB/s640/Colin%2Band%2Bthe%2Brhinos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Colin posing by his report subjects.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJf6wzp9rGU/WQtUR6De2bI/AAAAAAAA2Mc/oz_11QSWDZUpBsttaAKpE3UzIVWaienrgCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bgrizzlies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VJf6wzp9rGU/WQtUR6De2bI/AAAAAAAA2Mc/oz_11QSWDZUpBsttaAKpE3UzIVWaienrgCLcB/s640/Emil%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bgrizzlies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Emil chose the grizzly bear. They kept sleeping even though we were there to visit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWXKrLNG9bA/WQtUaoIrSoI/AAAAAAAA2Mg/W2BK47BkOh0tTagUxWAp0BQbER6rB72MgCLcB/s1600/Boys%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWXKrLNG9bA/WQtUaoIrSoI/AAAAAAAA2Mg/W2BK47BkOh0tTagUxWAp0BQbER6rB72MgCLcB/s640/Boys%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbears.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This could just as easily be a statue of me with the boys.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DAJs--JPK4/WQtUl860SEI/AAAAAAAA2Mk/8sTJNKuJ0QMX6x2L3cP04wDni2JAR22TACLcB/s1600/Checking%2Bthe%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DAJs--JPK4/WQtUl860SEI/AAAAAAAA2Mk/8sTJNKuJ0QMX6x2L3cP04wDni2JAR22TACLcB/s640/Checking%2Bthe%2Bmap.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>We had the hardest time finding the "small animals" building (where the snakes are) even though we had two expert map readers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oo3uBZnuAm0/WQtUyL9pcKI/AAAAAAAA2Mo/2hXC04mHrU8R_dOzoAjh-De_hSpiZ680wCLcB/s1600/Carousel%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oo3uBZnuAm0/WQtUyL9pcKI/AAAAAAAA2Mo/2hXC04mHrU8R_dOzoAjh-De_hSpiZ680wCLcB/s640/Carousel%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We did find the carousel. Happy day!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UPAM8o51lM/WQtU8doR0YI/AAAAAAAA2Ms/0crI9Ys5E70UjP9gI5x6Ezh6ONNuy8C8gCLcB/s1600/Peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UPAM8o51lM/WQtU8doR0YI/AAAAAAAA2Ms/0crI9Ys5E70UjP9gI5x6Ezh6ONNuy8C8gCLcB/s640/Peacock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One of the fun things about Hogle Zoo is the peacocks. They wander around like they own the place and we saw several. This guy was being flashy for a female peacock nearby. She was not having it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The very next day we had our annual trip to the sand dunes to play on four-wheelers and hunt for Easter eggs with Brian's family. Except we weren't allowed on the actual sand west of Utah Lake, so we made do with dirt and sage brush. It was just as fun and we didn't get sand in our food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iRAxRzGnyA/WQtVwVnKX3I/AAAAAAAA2Mw/rpcl0yJ0Dq0dvyqrgqXK9WiOmcQGgC9QACLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Bdriving%2Bthe%2B4%2Bwheeler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iRAxRzGnyA/WQtVwVnKX3I/AAAAAAAA2Mw/rpcl0yJ0Dq0dvyqrgqXK9WiOmcQGgC9QACLcB/s640/Bridget%2Bdriving%2Bthe%2B4%2Bwheeler.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After a few rides with Dad, we let Bridget drive the four-wheeler by herself in a wide circle around our camp. She was awesome at it! Safety first with her, so she went nice and slow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BDievb-9sc/WQtWH5ipiFI/AAAAAAAA2M0/7fuiSM6lzUMJXPtsv6zCxXGogp-THn30QCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Beating%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bboys%2527%2Blounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BDievb-9sc/WQtWH5ipiFI/AAAAAAAA2M0/7fuiSM6lzUMJXPtsv6zCxXGogp-THn30QCLcB/s640/Emil%2Beating%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bboys%2527%2Blounge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The little boys set up their own little bistro in the bed of Uncle Hal's truck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxtHgLA-VtE/WQtWUj49e7I/AAAAAAAA2M4/DFbHDuag7-YPdFewnk9PAB3Q9MSVlkKjACLcB/s1600/Colin%252C%2BEmil%252C%2Band%2BAiden%2Bin%2Bthe%2Brazr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxtHgLA-VtE/WQtWUj49e7I/AAAAAAAA2M4/DFbHDuag7-YPdFewnk9PAB3Q9MSVlkKjACLcB/s640/Colin%252C%2BEmil%252C%2Band%2BAiden%2Bin%2Bthe%2Brazr.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lucky for them one of the Rzrs broke down after only a couple of rides and they could use Aiden's walkie-talkies in it and pretend to have all kinds of adventures. We heard Colin say into his walkie-talkie, "Do you copy?"&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuh73UJVVGQ/WQtWqN5TLoI/AAAAAAAA2M8/jgKtHDtQGk0P3UKdJ_4JwohliINr2sXBACLcB/s1600/Aiden%2Band%2BColin%2Bwith%2Bwalkie%2Btalkies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuh73UJVVGQ/WQtWqN5TLoI/AAAAAAAA2M8/jgKtHDtQGk0P3UKdJ_4JwohliINr2sXBACLcB/s640/Aiden%2Band%2BColin%2Bwith%2Bwalkie%2Btalkies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wonder if they can hear each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzqumMySU5w/WQtWySHiYuI/AAAAAAAA2NA/BluJHJE6iY42AXzZAvMXujljV-yhiRYCACLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bwaiting%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzqumMySU5w/WQtWySHiYuI/AAAAAAAA2NA/BluJHJE6iY42AXzZAvMXujljV-yhiRYCACLcB/s640/Emil%2Bwaiting%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bride.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil will wait here all day for someone to take him for a ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx_TGgNJhzc/WQtW7Qrfz9I/AAAAAAAA2NE/SXBYjsJ47X8XxGhI2qlcKfmIZ1YKeDvDwCLcB/s1600/Abby%2Btaking%2BEmil%2Band%2BColin%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx_TGgNJhzc/WQtW7Qrfz9I/AAAAAAAA2NE/SXBYjsJ47X8XxGhI2qlcKfmIZ1YKeDvDwCLcB/s640/Abby%2Btaking%2BEmil%2Band%2BColin%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bride.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cousin Abby obliged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIKpQsNhAjM/WQtXDGMqcwI/AAAAAAAA2NI/3qBimOZOCvQWPZ0RuyBRkc_W9_oB7rRzwCLcB/s1600/Before%2Bthe%2Begg%2Bhunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIKpQsNhAjM/WQtXDGMqcwI/AAAAAAAA2NI/3qBimOZOCvQWPZ0RuyBRkc_W9_oB7rRzwCLcB/s640/Before%2Bthe%2Begg%2Bhunt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Time for the egg hunt! Back row: McKade, Kalvin, Jake, Janessa, Abby and Bridget. Front row: Nate, Aiden, Colin, Brighton, and Emil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8W-Gl0aBIMs/WQtXUlIkQEI/AAAAAAAA2NM/gN8uISqINaYjguUk7DKQ3JZ81pqsN0UGQCLcB/s1600/Colin%2Bfinds%2Ban%2Begg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8W-Gl0aBIMs/WQtXUlIkQEI/AAAAAAAA2NM/gN8uISqINaYjguUk7DKQ3JZ81pqsN0UGQCLcB/s640/Colin%2Bfinds%2Ban%2Begg.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Colin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_O2wZOFZxm0/WQtXcDmjesI/AAAAAAAA2NQ/qwIFCpukIW4sj07jCFjYGMqmO_cDUADBwCLcB/s1600/Grandpa%2Band%2BBrian%2Bwatch%2BEmil%2Bhunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_O2wZOFZxm0/WQtXcDmjesI/AAAAAAAA2NQ/qwIFCpukIW4sj07jCFjYGMqmO_cDUADBwCLcB/s640/Grandpa%2Band%2BBrian%2Bwatch%2BEmil%2Bhunt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil showing off his bounty to Grandpa and Dad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLsqxkVnw3E/WQtXnZSgQkI/AAAAAAAA2NU/my_clYdWrF0ovtgDU9ZQYWmxkXPWOsX6QCLcB/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLsqxkVnw3E/WQtXnZSgQkI/AAAAAAAA2NU/my_clYdWrF0ovtgDU9ZQYWmxkXPWOsX6QCLcB/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget was on the other end of the hunt this year. She's a big kid now! :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imNhLmjpBR4/WQtXyMmLIOI/AAAAAAAA2NY/272NlNwA_jQsy8tEqFvdie49WjlSpD9SgCLcB/s1600/Grandma%2Bhelping%2BColin%2Bwith%2Bmarshmellows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imNhLmjpBR4/WQtXyMmLIOI/AAAAAAAA2NY/272NlNwA_jQsy8tEqFvdie49WjlSpD9SgCLcB/s640/Grandma%2Bhelping%2BColin%2Bwith%2Bmarshmellows.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma rigged up a branch to roast our marshmallows since we couldn't find our sticks in the garage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For our final trick in April, Bridget had her ballroom performances. The ballroom class was every Friday before school. They had a couple of Saturday practices and a Wednesday evening dress rehearsal. It gave Bridget a taste for what would be in store if she became serious about ballroom dancing, so she says she's done with it. She was partnered with one of the neighborhood boys, which was so cute to watch. :)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgHCcN9wKR8/WQtY1ua1KhI/AAAAAAAA2Ng/ddAqsvKzF3Au68zJMSR88dsQ2qsf8mTCQCLcB/s1600/18094479_1263187807083121_1040807314694602752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgHCcN9wKR8/WQtY1ua1KhI/AAAAAAAA2Ng/ddAqsvKzF3Au68zJMSR88dsQ2qsf8mTCQCLcB/s320/18094479_1263187807083121_1040807314694602752_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget will participate in anything if she gets to wear red lipstick. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdud84P8Zws/WQtY8wW7qQI/AAAAAAAA2Nk/WOiJ2Ci_1qUr49XeUH8SqvBq00AP19pIQCLcB/s1600/18094666_1880337185523233_7091990264197152768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdud84P8Zws/WQtY8wW7qQI/AAAAAAAA2Nk/WOiJ2Ci_1qUr49XeUH8SqvBq00AP19pIQCLcB/s320/18094666_1880337185523233_7091990264197152768_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa came just to watch Bridget in two dances.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And that's it! May is already full of stuff, so we won't get a break anytime soon. It's a fun time of year and a fun time of life, though.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01172682386050159361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-82425231956310026972017-03-28T11:27:00.004-06:002017-03-28T11:27:42.611-06:00New York is for NerdsAs much as I love planning a vacation, I love being on vacation even more. Brian and I celebrated being married for 20 years by taking a trip to New York City last week. Our anniversary was back in November, but we planned this trip to coincide with Chubbuck, Idaho's Spring Break for obvious reasons (my parents came and stayed with our children). I have been fine tuning our itinerary for MONTHS and most of my reading for the last few months has been New York related. Here's what we did...<br /><br /><b>Tuesday, March 21</b><br /><br />We left our home just before 7am after kissing the kids and having some last minute briefing with my brave parents. Brian drove into the wrong parking lot at the airport and we snuck into the correct one through an exit because we were LATE. Coming up the stairs to the security check we were directed to the back of a very long line. We were certain that we weren't going to catch our plane after seeing that. A guy kept telling us they were getting "the dog" set up and then the line would go quickly. What was that a euphemism for? It wasn't! A real dog showed up and sniffed everyone's bags instead of having a human open them up and dig through everything. We were through security lickety-split.<br /><br />When we arrived at JFK, we took a taxi to my cousin Allison's place on the Upper West Side. She and her family (husband Noah and two impossibly cute girls, Scout and Fern) live in a small apartment near Central Park, several great restaurants and subway stations. They had said goodbye to their previous house guests earlier that day, I think. So, extremely generous people and very knowledgeable about the city. Perfect hosts. We talked so much that Brian and I decided not to risk trying to find a place to eat near their apartment and we immediately took a subway going the opposite direction from our show on Broadway. Ah! We hurried and got off at the next stop and got on the correct one. I tried to memorize our surroundings when we emerged from an unmarked doorway on 42nd and Broadway and walked to 44th for Hello Dolly!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8Fdr5Wk4LE/WNk8hOWhB0I/AAAAAAAAz6I/G22HSgdBA4AAifMvqs4c8S9YPXwaaswKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170321_190405_279%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8Fdr5Wk4LE/WNk8hOWhB0I/AAAAAAAAz6I/G22HSgdBA4AAifMvqs4c8S9YPXwaaswKgCLcB/s320/IMG_20170321_190405_279%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Since it was a Tuesday night, we got into Guy Fieri's restaurant right across the street from the theater. The line to get into the theater went all the way around the block and down another street. This was our first show on Broadway, so we figured this was normal, but people in line told us it was not. We were on the tippety top of the balcony, so we had to lean forward when the action was in front of the orchestra. Still! It was BETTE MIDLER as Dolly! She rolled onto the stage on a "trolley" and had to pause for a full minute while the audience cheered. She owned the stage. Owned. It. Hello Dolly! is my family's musical. My Dad played Cornelius Hackle in college and again when we lived in Oakley, Idaho. I know all the words to all the songs. It was THRILLING to watch an actual production of it! And it was the best anyone could do, too. When "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" started, I had to fight tears. Bette Midler got a standing ovation when she appeared at the top of the stairs at the Harmonia Gardens. She's 71 years old, you guys! Remarkable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_D5rePjTUpI/WNm261IdyCI/AAAAAAAAz7I/hkx2mrJ_fVs58HgYLYbLaXXwOSdc7kchACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170321_200727_164%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_D5rePjTUpI/WNm261IdyCI/AAAAAAAAz7I/hkx2mrJ_fVs58HgYLYbLaXXwOSdc7kchACLcB/s320/IMG_20170321_200727_164%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Brian and I walked right by our subway station coming back (of course) and ended up on an express that took us to a stop 11 blocks from Allison and Noah's when we did find it. I had packed a skirt and tall boots for our theater nights. Like a dummy. I was whimpering in pain by the time we made it to Allison and Noah's. Never have a bunion and be too short for flats walking all over New York City.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday, March 22</b><br /><br />Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island! Allison fed us delicious oatmeal first thing in the morning before we got back on the subway and headed south for Battery Park. We had tickets for a Statue Cruise and had to run for it after getting out of the subway. Security is tight when you go to the Statue of Liberty! We went through one security check to get on the boat and another one when we got off at the island. I had tickets to walk up into the pedestal, but not the crown. I thought that would make me sad, but it was COLD and WINDY and not going to the top was fine with us. The museum just under the pedestal was great - they had examples of Lady Liberty's face without the patina on the copper, stories and amazing photos of the process of getting the statue put back together once it was in the United States. One of my favorites was an example of the copper "skin" on the statue. It's something like 3/8" of an inch thick and they pound it out over the statue.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNe0SkN8pdQ/WNm6SAoQLuI/AAAAAAAAz7U/mA-O-WuRu2QWGJyWicUkJyAphX7rUTHfwCLcB/s1600/Statue%2Bof%2BLiberty%2Bbehind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNe0SkN8pdQ/WNm6SAoQLuI/AAAAAAAAz7U/mA-O-WuRu2QWGJyWicUkJyAphX7rUTHfwCLcB/s640/Statue%2Bof%2BLiberty%2Bbehind.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Then we walked up the steps inside the pedestal. Lots and lots of steps. We walked out a door and the wind took my breath away. My hair was ridiculous.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Y7VwicEYI/WNm6mlDedMI/AAAAAAAAz7Y/KGiMwZ_ELq4TuwN3xAIzqmBIvNW9WOCMACLcB/s1600/Brian%2Blooking%2Bup%2Bat%2Bthe%2BStatue%2Bof%2BLiberty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Y7VwicEYI/WNm6mlDedMI/AAAAAAAAz7Y/KGiMwZ_ELq4TuwN3xAIzqmBIvNW9WOCMACLcB/s640/Brian%2Blooking%2Bup%2Bat%2Bthe%2BStatue%2Bof%2BLiberty.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLCHBSIueJ4/WNm6uL6XC2I/AAAAAAAAz7c/ZFS2vGFfy1YP5orbH7nR5XLv0olqGkuXgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170322_113614_679%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLCHBSIueJ4/WNm6uL6XC2I/AAAAAAAAz7c/ZFS2vGFfy1YP5orbH7nR5XLv0olqGkuXgCLcB/s320/IMG_20170322_113614_679%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We shopped a little at the gift shop and found the most beautiful snow globe for Bridget (she collects them). It was exactly what I had in mind to get her - the Statue of Liberty with a cityscape behind her in gold. It contains more than six ounces of liquid, for those of you who like foreshadowing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4HOOgN_SDQ8/WNm7tQ6UdJI/AAAAAAAAz7o/cxd6F-KivIw_qW-VTLz7UQVCnRgge0AygCLcB/s1600/Statue%2Bof%2BLiberty%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4HOOgN_SDQ8/WNm7tQ6UdJI/AAAAAAAAz7o/cxd6F-KivIw_qW-VTLz7UQVCnRgge0AygCLcB/s640/Statue%2Bof%2BLiberty%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bboat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next we caught the boat to Ellis Island. What an amazing place! I've been reading <i>City of Dreams</i> by Tyler Anbinder and there is a lot about what the travel was like for emigrants on the boats and getting checked out by doctors once they arrived. To be in the very place where they had been and to see that incredible museum was emotional. There were so many different reasons people left their homelands to come to America not knowing what was here, but counting on it being better than where they lived. We have it so easy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmHSE_ULOkY/WNm8ek1lgfI/AAAAAAAAz7w/Z3xWQEI5Yu8pLtd4EkoFuJibFH5UKyr6wCLcB/s1600/Ceiling%2Bat%2BEllis%2BIsland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmHSE_ULOkY/WNm8ek1lgfI/AAAAAAAAz7w/Z3xWQEI5Yu8pLtd4EkoFuJibFH5UKyr6wCLcB/s640/Ceiling%2Bat%2BEllis%2BIsland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We spent probably more than two hours at Ellis Island and it was absolutely not enough. We were getting hungry and I wanted to see Federal Hall before it closed, so we got back on the boat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm7Yb-HjHmQ/WNm9HzE5XmI/AAAAAAAAz74/mSwtHaV3vhIqaBehUSJAdIDS0xbxe0J2ACLcB/s1600/Brian%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tm7Yb-HjHmQ/WNm9HzE5XmI/AAAAAAAAz74/mSwtHaV3vhIqaBehUSJAdIDS0xbxe0J2ACLcB/s640/Brian%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bboat.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Brian borrowed a scarf from Noah (because Noah insisted) and he never would have survived without it, but also he is pulling. it. off. It was my favorite part of the trip being on a week-long date with Brian.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKimJED_V90/WNm9qaHDQmI/AAAAAAAAz78/uoyoa5sNk_wKGMSUCql7fhJ69YGGv-8sACLcB/s1600/Castle%2BClinton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKimJED_V90/WNm9qaHDQmI/AAAAAAAAz78/uoyoa5sNk_wKGMSUCql7fhJ69YGGv-8sACLcB/s640/Castle%2BClinton.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>We did stop at Castle Clinton, the place where our ancestors would have stopped first. (Ellis Island didn't exist before 1892.) I went to get our National Park Passport stamped and someone had stolen the Castle Clinton stamp. (Who does these things?) One of the rangers had to find the back up stamp for us. From there we walked to Federal Hall where George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--z0FTvq1eg0/WNm-a84G4lI/AAAAAAAAz8E/fKoEaZ9a8fUROuydgD1b30I6fiz2vEsbQCLcB/s1600/Outside%2BFederal%2BHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--z0FTvq1eg0/WNm-a84G4lI/AAAAAAAAz8E/fKoEaZ9a8fUROuydgD1b30I6fiz2vEsbQCLcB/s640/Outside%2BFederal%2BHall.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>I've read Ron Chernow's <i>Washington</i> and I'm about halfway through <i>Alexander Hamilton </i>so this was a stop I was really looking forward to. The very place where our nation began!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZQh6SUCArE/WNm--HRgrjI/AAAAAAAAz8M/UirHfO9Z15A1Zydg732T7OcJzD2QboHMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170322_153947_404%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZQh6SUCArE/WNm--HRgrjI/AAAAAAAAz8M/UirHfO9Z15A1Zydg732T7OcJzD2QboHMwCLcB/s320/IMG_20170322_153947_404%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first thing I did was stamp the passport, then I noticed the date was October 39, 2017. Come on, field trip kids! Oh well. It's by all the other stamps with the correct date. Also, the bible Washington used for his inauguration wasn't there because the free masons of New York City (or something) were using it. For what?! Couldn't they find another copy somewhere?! The bible belongs to the free masons, so they have dibs, but that was quite lame. We walked a few blocks to a restaurant called Frounces, which is supposed to be the very spot where George Washington said goodbye to his troops after the Revolutionary War.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJnt9j4fsHo/WNm_uyHWRDI/AAAAAAAAz8U/YzjVbvJSIEsQPydkCWIAgyyYfP3lpWtXACLcB/s1600/Looking%2Bout%2Bat%2BFederal%2BHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJnt9j4fsHo/WNm_uyHWRDI/AAAAAAAAz8U/YzjVbvJSIEsQPydkCWIAgyyYfP3lpWtXACLcB/s640/Looking%2Bout%2Bat%2BFederal%2BHall.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>Between Federal Hall and Frounces we saw The Bull and The Fearless Girl on Wall Street. Kind of. Pesky tourists.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--roEgT4WYHw/WNnAuO-YQWI/AAAAAAAAz8g/uY00kEIruIYOUUzOrcTyh5NK4cSCHIL3ACLcB/s1600/Warrior%2BGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--roEgT4WYHw/WNnAuO-YQWI/AAAAAAAAz8g/uY00kEIruIYOUUzOrcTyh5NK4cSCHIL3ACLcB/s640/Warrior%2BGirl.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>By the time we got back to Allison and Noah's that evening we were spent. Allison suggested a few places we could go for dessert, but then we just kept sitting on the couch instead.<br /><br /><b>Thursday, March 23</b><br /><br />My plan was to go see Teddy Roosevelt's Birthplace at 9:00am, then head to our Brooklyn Food Tour that started on Cornelia Street. Allison and Fern offered to come with us to Roosevelt's and if they hadn't, Brian and I would probably still be wandering the subway right now. Ah! :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9E7pJdP3zk/WNnB8D6VJCI/AAAAAAAAz8s/iTGQ9RwPoyYec-cd9CwimipDcsDXY6oWACLcB/s1600/Sitting%2Bon%2BRoosevelt%2527s%2Bfront%2Bporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9E7pJdP3zk/WNnB8D6VJCI/AAAAAAAAz8s/iTGQ9RwPoyYec-cd9CwimipDcsDXY6oWACLcB/s640/Sitting%2Bon%2BRoosevelt%2527s%2Bfront%2Bporch.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>Emil says I have Mickey Mouse ears in this photo. Ha! They didn't give tours until 10:00, so we couldn't go upstairs. So sad! We were in the house! The rangers turned on a movie for us. Meh. It was all stuff I knew from reading <i>Mornings on Horseback</i> by David McCullough. I got a stamp in the passport and a children's book about Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir. I guess the male ranger felt bad for us (and we were the only people there) because he finally said he'd take us on a quick tour of the upstairs. Yay! We stood in the room where Teddy Roosevelt was born! It made my nerd heart burst with joy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_Os0u2whf8/WNpo-EoxR_I/AAAAAAAAz_o/DQOH6aU_evEqmGjSxER6YxobM-7p6vCqwCLcB/s1600/Roosevelt%2Bfamily%2Bquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_Os0u2whf8/WNpo-EoxR_I/AAAAAAAAz_o/DQOH6aU_evEqmGjSxER6YxobM-7p6vCqwCLcB/s640/Roosevelt%2Bfamily%2Bquote.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>My favorite thing that I learned about Roosevelt at the museum was that he had a standing appointment to play with his children at 4:00 every day. Sometimes dignitaries were invited to join him, because it was happening.<br /><br />Allison led us to Cornelia Street (which we NEVER would have found) and our bus for our <a href="http://www.foodsofny.com/brooklyn.php">food tour of Brooklyn</a>. We had a small group, more than half of which were Asian students with their teachers from Boston. Our tour guide, Rick, had us introduce ourselves and that's when he discovered that one of the guys in the tour was the librarian at his high school in San Francisco in the late 1960s, early 1970s. "Mr. Rogers?!" Ha! Small world.<br /><br />Our first food stop was The Meatball Shop in North Williamsburg. Each of us got a meatball in a little bowl. They had a meatball leftover and I claimed it. Yum! Next we went around the corner to a Middle Eastern place called Oasis for a veggie ball with a name I can't remember and a hummus-y sauce.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr6qTC8N5wQ/WNpr42gC9DI/AAAAAAAAz_0/-w-5zaRlVt0KBa_GwDIj9gRsFWHh_jU0QCLcB/s1600/Brian%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bfood%2Btour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vr6qTC8N5wQ/WNpr42gC9DI/AAAAAAAAz_0/-w-5zaRlVt0KBa_GwDIj9gRsFWHh_jU0QCLcB/s640/Brian%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bfood%2Btour.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>It turns out I really like Middle Eastern food. The flavors and spices and especially the hummus speak to me. We got back on the bus and went to a Polish place called Krowlewskie Jadlo (King's Feast, I think).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9iPSbW9D3_w/WNptBJ37lGI/AAAAAAAA0AA/FrYJiZdUxawyvTK7yduXGu7G_tSixOG1QCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170323_125921_763%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9iPSbW9D3_w/WNptBJ37lGI/AAAAAAAA0AA/FrYJiZdUxawyvTK7yduXGu7G_tSixOG1QCLcB/s320/IMG_20170323_125921_763%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At this place we sat down and had lots of different stuff - Kielbasa Sausage, Pierogies, carrot and beet salad with horseradish. Brian and I were the last ones to file into the restaurant and they had a long table set up for our group. We had to sit across from each other and he ended up between two of the Asian students. Hee! Funny because he looked so out of place.<br /><br />Our next stop was farther away and we had more time in the bus with Rick telling us about hipsters and underground clubs where famous bands got their start and finding bodies in the canal and... zzzzz. I fell asleep. That's what I do on public transportation. When I woke up we were at Table 87 in Brooklyn Heights for coal-fired Margarita Pizza. I've been craving it ever since. So simple, but so good! Then it was off to Monteleone Bakery for a cannoli. Delicious.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90yUIhp5ha0/WNqAqQAGgoI/AAAAAAAA0Ag/jN-mXs-LsqwJiz2nEyA_anIcotQCRn77ACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170323_142513_886%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90yUIhp5ha0/WNqAqQAGgoI/AAAAAAAA0Ag/jN-mXs-LsqwJiz2nEyA_anIcotQCRn77ACLcB/s320/IMG_20170323_142513_886%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our last stop was chocolates at Jacques Torres. Brian and I were the only ones in the group who were going to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get back to Manhattan. It was cold and windy all day and we were a little nervous about our plan. We both ordered hot chocolate at Jacques Torres, then got back on the bus. Rick led us right to the steps to the Brooklyn Bridge, probably so Brian could give him a tip discreetly. (A subject for another time is tipping. Why is 20% considered standard now? Who gets tips? Why aren't people paid enough to not need to ask for more? Shouldn't it be a matter of pride and honor like in Japan and Denmark to just pay the price listed on the menu at a restaurant? Discuss.)<br /><br />Once we were on the Brooklyn Bridge promenade, the sun was shining and the wind had calmed. Of course I'd read <i>The Great Bridge</i> by David McCullough and it was surreal to be there. I even asked Rick before we were dropped off where Washington Roebling's house was because I knew that he watched the progress of the bridge from his window. (Rick pointed out where the building used to be, by the way.) Brian and I took our time and soaked in the view. It was one of my favorite things we did on our trip.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRy-CWIsaE4/WNqDkf-NW6I/AAAAAAAA0As/be6FYa3w3oUSl0Jd5GDtJn5Pv9gLPoY6wCLcB/s1600/First%2Btower%2Bon%2BBrooklyn%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRy-CWIsaE4/WNqDkf-NW6I/AAAAAAAA0As/be6FYa3w3oUSl0Jd5GDtJn5Pv9gLPoY6wCLcB/s640/First%2Btower%2Bon%2BBrooklyn%2BBridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3AHrnf2pQ/WNqDrcLv5oI/AAAAAAAA0Aw/WDdFIRcRtv4JbHuG82B0mXYOLxSuP8ZNwCLcB/s1600/Drawing%2Band%2Bcity%2Bfrom%2BBrooklyn%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3AHrnf2pQ/WNqDrcLv5oI/AAAAAAAA0Aw/WDdFIRcRtv4JbHuG82B0mXYOLxSuP8ZNwCLcB/s640/Drawing%2Band%2Bcity%2Bfrom%2BBrooklyn%2BBridge.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>We met Allison and a sleeping Scout near City Hall and they led us to the 9/11 Memorial. We went into the building above all the subway stations right there. It looks like a very clean dinosaur skeleton.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHYxo2VCMAM/WNqEdx7_3-I/AAAAAAAA0A4/-YUCWWuitcQrCqWjzQ1BUtCUPiV6Z80ZwCLcB/s1600/9-11%2BMemorial%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHYxo2VCMAM/WNqEdx7_3-I/AAAAAAAA0A4/-YUCWWuitcQrCqWjzQ1BUtCUPiV6Z80ZwCLcB/s640/9-11%2BMemorial%2B1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxtRf_gtlhs/WNqEjxq705I/AAAAAAAA0A8/mV_znieQgzM3smHMgHOb9hdI6CeR3itrgCLcB/s1600/9-11%2BMemorial%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YxtRf_gtlhs/WNqEjxq705I/AAAAAAAA0A8/mV_znieQgzM3smHMgHOb9hdI6CeR3itrgCLcB/s640/9-11%2BMemorial%2B2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Outside on the plaza is the actual memorial with the names of all the victims surrounding infinity pools. When I saw it I was surprised to feel exactly what I should feel even though I couldn't describe it. What a beautiful tribute.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNo-inQ_H6A/WNqFGsq0piI/AAAAAAAA0BE/Y_zr0H5BH3ELRE7BXbAUL2fgq7XfAGODwCLcB/s1600/9-11%2BMemorial%2BAllison%2Band%2BBrian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNo-inQ_H6A/WNqFGsq0piI/AAAAAAAA0BE/Y_zr0H5BH3ELRE7BXbAUL2fgq7XfAGODwCLcB/s640/9-11%2BMemorial%2BAllison%2Band%2BBrian.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTMrC2udQ7Y/WNqFNMH6ZUI/AAAAAAAA0BI/vAZUlFnpUhMic0HxQDKae3-go_0EFJHzwCLcB/s1600/9-11%2BMemorial%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTMrC2udQ7Y/WNqFNMH6ZUI/AAAAAAAA0BI/vAZUlFnpUhMic0HxQDKae3-go_0EFJHzwCLcB/s640/9-11%2BMemorial%2B4.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Remarkably, Brian and I were hungry enough to eat dinner and Brian wanted to try a restaurant Allison had pointed out that morning called Beecher's. We walked there and they were slammed, so we decided to get on the subway and go to The Meatball Shop near Allison and Noah's place. I beat my previous step record (which I made on Memorial Day last year when I did a 10K with Makenzie) by 8000 steps on Thursday. My heels hurt! I was wearing good shoes, but I probably should have been wearing running shoes.<br /><br /><b>Friday, March 24</b><br /><br />We slept in a little and took our time getting ready Friday morning. Brian didn't think he'd ever need to eat again, but we went to Maison Pickle for brunch anyway. Biscuit French Toast with strawberries and homemade syrup! Duh. That's happening. After brunch we walked across Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Secretly we could have spent 12 hours a day for a week at that museum and still not see everything. Amazing!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ifl1FDPz60/WNqG2DIFYSI/AAAAAAAA0BU/r9pPqKdhivoT96UO15RXHzyvSAp7uIbsACLcB/s1600/Washington%2BCrossing%2Bthe%2BDelaware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ifl1FDPz60/WNqG2DIFYSI/AAAAAAAA0BU/r9pPqKdhivoT96UO15RXHzyvSAp7uIbsACLcB/s640/Washington%2BCrossing%2Bthe%2BDelaware.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>We spent the bulk of our time in the American Wing since it was kind of the theme of our trip. :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83fv0Jxvraw/WNqHBl1ED6I/AAAAAAAA0Bc/GlnUF6FN7eMdmzfCCR0Hqp4t--C1IqZdQCLcB/s1600/Entrance%2Bto%2BAmerican%2BWing%2Bat%2BMet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83fv0Jxvraw/WNqHBl1ED6I/AAAAAAAA0Bc/GlnUF6FN7eMdmzfCCR0Hqp4t--C1IqZdQCLcB/s640/Entrance%2Bto%2BAmerican%2BWing%2Bat%2BMet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This is inside the Met - one of the entrances to the American Wing. We walked through a gallery with a baseball card collection. Adorable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr0LmlSdH8o/WNqHh6oUlQI/AAAAAAAA0Bs/vo4EA2S3h7Y1tJ2HRln9pjuUDYErNXY7QCLcB/s1600/Nicole%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr0LmlSdH8o/WNqHh6oUlQI/AAAAAAAA0Bs/vo4EA2S3h7Y1tJ2HRln9pjuUDYErNXY7QCLcB/s640/Nicole%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyjXXpQDRRY/WNqHt4FRjyI/AAAAAAAA0Bw/A6dGbHGQ1mAxi0tofvkfK8-uWP-A8q3EgCLcB/s1600/Painter%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyjXXpQDRRY/WNqHt4FRjyI/AAAAAAAA0Bw/A6dGbHGQ1mAxi0tofvkfK8-uWP-A8q3EgCLcB/s640/Painter%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMet2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After the Met it was time to go to our hotel, Library Hotel, on Madison and 41st near the New York City Library and our second Broadway show of the trip, Anastasia.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkcJBhqQkRk/WNqIdWs3PrI/AAAAAAAA0CA/V2KJ9UZ-RQADkvxp7zau0ZuKdKGmfH9aACLcB/s1600/Library%2BHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RkcJBhqQkRk/WNqIdWs3PrI/AAAAAAAA0CA/V2KJ9UZ-RQADkvxp7zau0ZuKdKGmfH9aACLcB/s640/Library%2BHotel.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>We are in our 40s, y'all. It was time for a nap. And it was a glorious nap. We found some greasy pizza for dinner, then walked to 44th and Broadway for Anastasia.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqcv0KsWswI/WNqJUYUkgDI/AAAAAAAA0CI/X-ulW3TtD1A_bn_L1j5hDqEk4PEO-iJ6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170324_195803_744%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqcv0KsWswI/WNqJUYUkgDI/AAAAAAAA0CI/X-ulW3TtD1A_bn_L1j5hDqEk4PEO-iJ6gCLcB/s320/IMG_20170324_195803_744%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We had great seats this time (I bought the tickets as soon as they were available last October). The musical has three songs from the movie and the story line followed the movie in most ways. There was no Rasputin - the bad guy was the son of one of the officers who killed the rest of the Romanov family. The singing, dancing, and costumes were incredible - top notch. There was a bit too much of the reaching out longingly during a song and the actor playing Anastasia/Anya was trying really hard. If we hadn't seen Bette Midler's confidence a few nights before, I would've thought Anastasia was the best show in the world. The ending is very different from the movie as well. The woman playing Lily, Carolyn O'Connor (the dowager's last lady-in-waiting) was our favorite part of the show. There's a fantastic scene in a Russian night club in Paris where she dances and sings and it's just the best.<br /><br /><b>Saturday, March 25</b><br /><br />We slept in FOR REAL Saturday morning. AAAHHHH! Then we walked to the Library and Brian found the perfect gift for Colin. (I bought Emil's gift at the Met.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dL7m_9kiLM/WNqL5djdF4I/AAAAAAAA0CU/N_shmpdZd6cND906iEhtIPSiYl0Dt1UbwCLcB/s1600/New%2BYork%2BCity%2BLibrary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dL7m_9kiLM/WNqL5djdF4I/AAAAAAAA0CU/N_shmpdZd6cND906iEhtIPSiYl0Dt1UbwCLcB/s640/New%2BYork%2BCity%2BLibrary.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Then it was back to the subway for our journey north to Harlem to see Hamilton Grange, Alexander Hamilton's "country" home.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0TXfSpF0a8/WNqMIVo9yPI/AAAAAAAA0Cc/Hl_Wlki79psMVionmw-k4pUpDj2tUhjrQCLcB/s1600/Brian%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsubway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0TXfSpF0a8/WNqMIVo9yPI/AAAAAAAA0Cc/Hl_Wlki79psMVionmw-k4pUpDj2tUhjrQCLcB/s640/Brian%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsubway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One of the few times Brian sat on the subway. He is a gentleman. And a germaphobe.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1zr4lar4dU/WNqMVtws8aI/AAAAAAAA0Cg/ADJH-ysH1yM_7zLKCr3j_DAnxxt_wGNGQCLcB/s1600/Hamilton%2BGrange%2Boutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1zr4lar4dU/WNqMVtws8aI/AAAAAAAA0Cg/ADJH-ysH1yM_7zLKCr3j_DAnxxt_wGNGQCLcB/s640/Hamilton%2BGrange%2Boutside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The museum in the basement was pretty cool (except there were spoilers I didn't know about because I haven't finished listening to the book), but I thought they could have tried harder with the exterior of the building. The tour of the main floor rooms was self-guided, which was also a little disappointing. Still, very cool to see where one of the Founding Fathers lived. (Emil has become interested in American history and he talks about Washington and Lincoln more often than a normal six year-old. One time he asked me who the Founding Mothers are. Love.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpWnu-D20-E/WNqNQWkpTtI/AAAAAAAA0Co/z0tgyYVCclAq-8Ed1vqLZ8VBcvq_IbUUQCLcB/s1600/Hamilton%2BGrange%2Bdining%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpWnu-D20-E/WNqNQWkpTtI/AAAAAAAA0Co/z0tgyYVCclAq-8Ed1vqLZ8VBcvq_IbUUQCLcB/s640/Hamilton%2BGrange%2Bdining%2Broom.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The dining room at Hamilton Grange.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jffahVZfGTY/WNqNhfIuvjI/AAAAAAAA0C0/Be0fdmiOxHo636X4QY75DiR0S9wkUQkMQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170325_123015_871%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jffahVZfGTY/WNqNhfIuvjI/AAAAAAAA0C0/Be0fdmiOxHo636X4QY75DiR0S9wkUQkMQCLcB/s320/IMG_20170325_123015_871%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The parlor - there was a card game set up on a table in there. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There were a couple of other memorials on the north end of town, but we could only get there by walking and it would have taken way too long to do that, so we headed back to Manhattan. Brian wanted to get the kids Yankees hats, so we went to Times Square to a store we'd passed going to and from the Broadway shows. Guys. If I never see Times Square again it will be too soon. It's an assault on every sense! My eyes! My nose! My ears! Bleh. A guy advertising a comedy show stopped Brian to compliment him on his "girl." Fist bump for the "silver fox." Brian laughed and told him I'm older. Then we found a Japanese Ramen place for lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FvM5IP7ZaE/WNqO0Ml-q5I/AAAAAAAA0DA/wuhAuKvV3CM-ULG5RICDmLDYRASlkwqsACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170325_142747_405%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6FvM5IP7ZaE/WNqO0Ml-q5I/AAAAAAAA0DA/wuhAuKvV3CM-ULG5RICDmLDYRASlkwqsACLcB/s320/IMG_20170325_142747_405%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd seen an episode of Chef's Table on Netflix about Japanese Ramen restaurants, then I got the lowdown from my nephew, Taylor (he served his mission in Japan). The moment we walked into this little place I was completely disarmed. It was a U-shaped bar with 11 people sitting down slurping ramen. I've never experienced anything like that at a restaurant - it was a cultural eye-opener. So cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From there we took the subway to the Tenement Museum. My Aunt Julie (Allison's Mom) told us about the Tenement Museum a few weeks ago and then every single person on our food tour told us we SHOULD NOT miss it. They are all correct. We went to the Irish Outsiders tour with a genuine Irish Catholic tour guide. The tour started in the basement with the replicated bathroom facilities - wooden outhouses that were for all the residents of the tenement and the customers at the bar on the street level. Never. They took us up the stairs to a room that looks exactly as it did when people lived there. It took my breath away. So small and dark! What would it have been like to try to take care of babies in that place! We learned about the people who actually lived in the apartment we were standing in. Just an amazing museum.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZFlaOXdYcA/WNqR8ZHUz1I/AAAAAAAA0DQ/PmoJOoHsPfUN7N1fS4jQcPhBr0wUVo1kACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170325_192932_788%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZFlaOXdYcA/WNqR8ZHUz1I/AAAAAAAA0DQ/PmoJOoHsPfUN7N1fS4jQcPhBr0wUVo1kACLcB/s320/IMG_20170325_192932_788%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We arranged to meet Allison and Noah at Cheeky's, which was a short walk from the Tenement Museum according to the address they gave us. Brian and I got there and stood in front of a door and window covered in pencil drawings on paper. I called Allison because I assumed we'd walked right by the place or we were on the wrong street or something. She said, "I can see you!" Yikes! And, Hahahahahaha! We opened the door and there they were. We ate fried chicken on biscuits and beignets while Fern danced on the table and Scout slept in the stroller. (That sweet little girl slept in the noisiest, brightest places!) Then we all rode the subway together, Brian and I getting off many stops before Allison and Noah. They are the best! It's a good thing we're related because I'm positive I'm not cool enough to hang out with them. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brian and I went right to Grand Central Station to get some cheesecake from Juniors to enjoy while I listened to Women's Conference at the hotel. Juniors is no longer in Grand Central Station. It's gone. We got cupcakes instead.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bridget's Statue of Liberty snowglobe cost me $25 more and three trips through the same security line at JFK. Then I left my cell phone in the bathroom at the Salt Lake Airport and we had to go back and find a kind person who would be good enough to find it for me. Anniversary miracle, that. The kids were alive and well when we picked them up and it was all worth it. I'm so glad we did this trip! What an amazing time of life and what a gift that my parents could handle our household so well for almost a week! I'm feeling the love. :)</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-12029132126494894392017-03-02T14:51:00.000-07:002017-03-02T14:51:13.902-07:00February 2017 Book Reports<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJqoJcPVC8o/WLiCfArsuKI/AAAAAAAAyCI/YUUguLbWVLY1Ni3MqHmNko1N83nRuVEGQCLcB/s1600/26031159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJqoJcPVC8o/WLiCfArsuKI/AAAAAAAAyCI/YUUguLbWVLY1Ni3MqHmNko1N83nRuVEGQCLcB/s320/26031159.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>1. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Old MacDonald Had A Truck</i> by Steve Goetz, illustrated by Eda Kaban</span><br /><br />Emil, Colin and I sang this book instead of reading it. Old MacDonald has all kinds of heavy equipment on his farm in this book. They're building something, but what could it be? When we reached the last page Emil was so delighted that he declared, "The is the best book EVER!" It truly combined every single thing Emil loves the most. We recommend it to anyone who likes to sing or who likes heavy equipment and big tires.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EthJer0a6I8/WLiDbd7Vx8I/AAAAAAAAyCQ/gW-Gf2A3w6k4Z90m5WDBtWkylGlXzyQLQCLcB/s1600/23358986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EthJer0a6I8/WLiDbd7Vx8I/AAAAAAAAyCQ/gW-Gf2A3w6k4Z90m5WDBtWkylGlXzyQLQCLcB/s1600/23358986.jpg" /></a></div>2. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lady Pancake &amp; Sir French Toast</i> by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney</span><br /><br />This is the story of a pancake and a piece of French toast racing to get the last drop of maple syrup in the well-stocked, talkative fridge. I think I liked this more than the boys because I was the one reading out loud and there was rhyming in addition to all the fun interpretations of what kind of personalities the foods had. My favorite was the surprise ending - hint; what else needs syrup?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjiCtswoEUg/WLiEnxysM6I/AAAAAAAAyCY/z5fyi7FrMxwAGHt2YjaPbuZ8R6po1QlpwCLcB/s1600/13547235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kjiCtswoEUg/WLiEnxysM6I/AAAAAAAAyCY/z5fyi7FrMxwAGHt2YjaPbuZ8R6po1QlpwCLcB/s320/13547235.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>3. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Boot &amp; Shoe</i> by Marla Frazee</span><br /><br />Boot and Shoe are dogs who were born on the same day (like Emil and Colin). They like to eat at the same time (like Emil and Colin), go to sleep in the same place (like Emil and Colin), and pee on the same tree (hopefully not like Emil and Colin). Boot and Shoe DO NOT like to sit all day in the same place, though. One likes the front porch and the other likes the back porch.<br /><br />One day a squirrel disrupts the dogs' lives and they end up chasing the squirrel ALL OVER the place. The squirrel walks away after all that chasing, but the dogs are on the wrong porches and are worried about the other. That would TOTALLY happen to Emil and Colin! Ha! Very fun book to read out loud.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aP4NSiNZ-YI/WLiFwbZYNiI/AAAAAAAAyCg/8fmcEuTlpZAvmpZ7g8aPmxGoyuNpMLWiwCLcB/s1600/23716232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aP4NSiNZ-YI/WLiFwbZYNiI/AAAAAAAAyCg/8fmcEuTlpZAvmpZ7g8aPmxGoyuNpMLWiwCLcB/s320/23716232.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>4. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dealing with Dragons</i> by Patricia C. Wrede</span><br /><br />This was a too-long book for Battle of the Books that Bridget and I read together. It takes place during Medieval Times when there are all kinds of rules about what princesses were supposed to do. Princess Cimorene (Bridget and I did not agree on how to pronounce her name, but I deferred to Bridget since she is more of a princess expert than I am) breaks the mold, of course. She wants to know how to sword fight! She wants to learn Latin! She wants to learn magic! Every time her father catches Cimorene learning anything that isn't "proper" for a princess, he puts a stop to it.<br /><br />Cimorene is betrothed to Prince Therandil and after meeting him and seeing what a dum dum he is, Cimorene runs away and becomes the princess of the dragon, Kazul. I guess in this world dragons have princesses who work for them as a status symbol. (Eye roll.) Cimorene and Kazul get along well. Cimorene can make cherries jubilee! And she can organize the many books in the dragon library and catalog all the treasures. Cimorene is also really great at foreshadowing, if by great I mean obvious. Bridget and I always knew what was going to happen next.<br /><br />There were some interesting elements in the book - how dragons live, their politics and all that. One of my beefs with the book was all the superfluous filler. Too many words that didn't advance the plot or reveal anything about the character. And, of, course all the predictability.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSZu2WNHuiM/WLiINBmXGQI/AAAAAAAAyCo/fd61CD31ON0QKN7WY_eOR3wJeYIWHQDDACLcB/s1600/29780253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSZu2WNHuiM/WLiINBmXGQI/AAAAAAAAyCo/fd61CD31ON0QKN7WY_eOR3wJeYIWHQDDACLcB/s320/29780253.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>5. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood</i> by Trevor Noah</span><br /><br />Trevor Noah is the host of The Daily Show. I've enjoyed what I've seen of him, which is mostly clips and an episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee with Jerry Seinfeld. Noah was born in South Africa during Apartheid when it was literally a crime to be an interracial couple. Noah's mother couldn't be seen with him in public as his mother - she had to pretend to be his nurse.<br /><br />This book has a lot of swears, but I still recommend it because I learned so much. I've never thought for a moment about what it might be like to grow up in South Africa, let alone to be a colored (mixed race) person growing up in South Africa. Trevor Noah is not a victim - he doesn't want pity and he speaks in a strong, insightful voice (I listened to him read the book). His words about race and language blew my mind!<br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“Language, even more than color, defines who you are to people.”</i></span></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /><br />Most of the stories Noah tells from his childhood are kind of unbelievable, but yet they had to be true. Who would make that stuff up? :) One of the most fascinating to me was the one about Trevor and his friends deejaying for an interfaith conference. He and his buddies were representing hip-hop culture and the mostly-Jewish audience was loving their performance until Noah asked them to welcome their principal dancer, a kid named Hitler. At the time, Trevor thought they got kicked out of the venue because of the provocative dancing. South African kids had not been taught about Adolf Hitler the way some parts of the world had learned about him. They were taught that he was a dictator and a bad guy, but Noah points out that there have been many millions of Africans murdered because of their race. Their names weren't recorded as the Jews' were during the Holocaust. Whoa.&nbsp; Genocide being part of life is beyond my comprehension.<br /><br />There were many times during the book that I thought about things I've never thought about before. Trevor Noah is brilliant in a strange and exciting way.&nbsp; One more quote:<br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">“I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done in life, any choice that I’ve made. But I’m consumed with regret for the things I didn’t do, the choices I didn’t make, the things I didn’t say. We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer. Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to. “What if…” “If only…” “I wonder what would have…” You will never, never know, and it will haunt you for the rest of your days.”</span></i></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3iFwx16ZH0/WLiNrwqHN-I/AAAAAAAAyC0/IzLYkkqkAC4wiQxXt78BC-G1yrVni_wnwCLcB/s1600/21975925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3iFwx16ZH0/WLiNrwqHN-I/AAAAAAAAyC0/IzLYkkqkAC4wiQxXt78BC-G1yrVni_wnwCLcB/s320/21975925.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>6. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy</i> by Rainn Wilson</span><br /><br />I was binge-ing on The Office during February and Rainn Wilson's performance as Dwight Shrute makes me so happy, I thought I'd enjoy his book. Meh, not so much. Wilson is a very talented actor - I could watch him all day (maybe only as Dwight). I could not read him all day, though.<br /><br />Wilson's childhood is pretty unusual (not growing up in South Africa-unusual, but still) because his parents were members of the Baha-i faith and he lived in Nicaragua when he was a toddler. Other than that, it felt like he was attaching too much meaning and drama to a situation (parents getting a divorce, Dad getting a new job, moving to a new state) that is mostly normal for a lot of people.<br /><br />When he was in high school, Wilson moved to Chicago where he had a chance to re-invent himself. I remember this part of my life, except my re-invention as a new kid in 8th grade was several steps down from the status I enjoyed in my previous junior high. Suddenly I was getting threatened by a "rocker" in my Home Economics class. In Rainn Wilson's case, he could act like he was a super-cool, funky drama guy. Hard pass on that personality. He sounded disproportionately proud of this part of his life.<br /><br />There was a lot of odd and not delightful stuff leading up to his time on The Office. I loved hearing that they often couldn't get through a scene because they were laughing so hard. Wilson said the very worst instance of that was a scene where he and John Krasinski (Jim Halpert) are the party planning committee and they've forgotten Kelly's birthday. Dwight makes a sign that says, "It is your birthday." He also barely blows up black and brown balloons to decorate the room. Both men are totally out of their element, sweating and fighting like two 11 year old boys. It is one of the funniest things on that whole series. I really liked that they thought it was as funny as I did.<br /><br />Then it was back to boring ol' Rainn Wilson thanking every person he loves by name. I absolutely agree with his philosophy on how to love and show love to another person. I'm happy for him that he found a religion and philosophy that brings him happiness. I was left wishing that he had a weird cousin named Mose who would come run alongside my car if I visited his house.<br /><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-26878283519838066452017-03-02T13:34:00.000-07:002017-03-02T13:34:57.923-07:00February We Hardly Knew YeFebruary went by pretty fast. I did a lot of stories for the Lehi Free Press because I wanted more foldin' money for our trip to New York. I got to go to Roots Tech for free this year because I was covering it. Once again, I was inspired and energized by the speakers, the classes, and the amazing concert Brian and I went to at the Conference Center.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0L-8doNToE/WLh7GUi9f4I/AAAAAAAAyBY/H2Oz9jqUiNsx3BZMEO1SAyhbsITYsnn4wCLcB/s1600/Sponsor%2Bposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0L-8doNToE/WLh7GUi9f4I/AAAAAAAAyBY/H2Oz9jqUiNsx3BZMEO1SAyhbsITYsnn4wCLcB/s640/Sponsor%2Bposter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I shot this from the balcony above the Exhibit Hall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIS3p_W0tVc/WLh7T5vXdWI/AAAAAAAAyBc/Zzz1k__-tRQZJSnsnsQPQpJcDhQ1cq_sgCLcB/s1600/Kermit%2Band%2BTiny%2BTim%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIS3p_W0tVc/WLh7T5vXdWI/AAAAAAAAyBc/Zzz1k__-tRQZJSnsnsQPQpJcDhQ1cq_sgCLcB/s640/Kermit%2Band%2BTiny%2BTim%2Bcake.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a CAKE, you guys!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pB7vCb9dNyc/WLh9HHmdXmI/AAAAAAAAyBo/tJP6pNMYgogLLuKqUo9dfPkzO_51qhASACEw/s1600/IMG_20170211_162451_441%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pB7vCb9dNyc/WLh9HHmdXmI/AAAAAAAAyBo/tJP6pNMYgogLLuKqUo9dfPkzO_51qhASACEw/s640/IMG_20170211_162451_441%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They had free cake after the keynote speakers. Yaaassss!</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Emil and Colin had a ski lesson on the Family Discovery Day, so Bridget and I went to the Salt Palace on the train to go, just the two of us. We heard President and Sister Nelson speak, looked at the unbelievable cakes in the cake contest, listened to Sister Sheri Dew and two former Philadelphia Eagles, Vi Sikahema and Reno Mahe (Mahe lives in Lehi and his wife was Bridget's volleyball coach a few years ago). The food and the music spoke to me this year. :) I'm on board with my callings now (church calling and self-imposed family historian calling). Git 'er done.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there was Valentine's Day. The boys picked out Valentines during one of our Field Trip Fridays, so they were set. Bridget procrastinated like crazy and I ended up at JoAnn's the day before getting stuff to make a box as well as Valentines to hand out.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SbijCQF99Q/WLh9ka7wIXI/AAAAAAAAyBs/ZZMC7Zm7tHIMU9qYpOIKDRHcEyUQOyN-wCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170213_172410_702%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SbijCQF99Q/WLh9ka7wIXI/AAAAAAAAyBs/ZZMC7Zm7tHIMU9qYpOIKDRHcEyUQOyN-wCLcB/s640/IMG_20170213_172410_702%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;The boys signing their Valentines. They both remarked at how hard this project was. Sigh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cURh0eH6L0g/WLh9pTD7A9I/AAAAAAAAyBw/p61rjlCVoQ0aGEdKALriVKMuNvQ-Ky1uACLcB/s1600/IMG_20170214_083650_034%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cURh0eH6L0g/WLh9pTD7A9I/AAAAAAAAyBw/p61rjlCVoQ0aGEdKALriVKMuNvQ-Ky1uACLcB/s640/IMG_20170214_083650_034%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget was so excited to take her Chewbacca Valentine box to school! I totally STOLE the idea from a friend who posted her son's Chewbacca box on Instagram. Stealing feels good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brian took the kids to Grandma and Grandpa's house, picked up some wings from Wing Shack in American Fork, and came home to watch a terrible movie (Jack Reacher 2) with me for our Valentine's date. :) Later that week we learned how to country swing at a ward party, then we did some Victorian dancing at Brian's cousin's fundraiser ball the very next night. It was kind of exhausting doing all that stuff, now that I'm remembering it. We had something every night that week!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Probably the biggest event in February, though, was Cousin Janessa getting home on the 28th. She's been <a href="http://whodoesthesethings.blogspot.com/2015/09/farewell-janessa-and-september-birthdays.html">in Peru for 18 months</a> serving a mission. Bridget and Colin had shy attacks at seeing her again, but Emil was cool. She's been in our prayers for so long and she's been gone for almost a third of Colin and Emil's lives, so I kind of get it. We're so happy she's home safe and so proud of how brave and awesome she is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHvcZ8t2QwM/WLiAPX9eZYI/AAAAAAAAyB4/AEWFAq_BpbUnxISMwfNaZKV14Fm9Gqd0QCLcB/s1600/Diamonds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHvcZ8t2QwM/WLiAPX9eZYI/AAAAAAAAyB4/AEWFAq_BpbUnxISMwfNaZKV14Fm9Gqd0QCLcB/s640/Diamonds2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Darin, Dena, Janessa holding Brighton, Jake, Kelsey holding Olivia, Jed together again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxZm26CZXt4/WLiAeQyBbaI/AAAAAAAAyB8/yPYlSeYWm4U62lhIX6rjx9LFIG3Epk4pACLcB/s1600/Grandma%2Band%2BJanessa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxZm26CZXt4/WLiAeQyBbaI/AAAAAAAAyB8/yPYlSeYWm4U62lhIX6rjx9LFIG3Epk4pACLcB/s640/Grandma%2Band%2BJanessa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm putting this here because Janessa's missionary tag was filthy and it makes me Olympic cry to see that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCPS1uCA0os/WLiA57l_9nI/AAAAAAAAyCA/jrxtulEFVaQuRALwYz1C-UmBXB95a_MkgCLcB/s1600/Janessa%2Band%2BOlivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCPS1uCA0os/WLiA57l_9nI/AAAAAAAAyCA/jrxtulEFVaQuRALwYz1C-UmBXB95a_MkgCLcB/s640/Janessa%2Band%2BOlivia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Olivia met Janessa for the first time when Janessa got off the plane. Now we know Olivia understands Spanish! Good to know. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-13991907053327039962017-02-04T20:47:00.002-07:002017-02-04T20:47:36.981-07:00Front Room Make-OverI've been meaning to do a post about our front room makeover for so long that I forgot if we painted last year or in 2015. How could I forget something like that?! I know it was a week at the beginning of summer and that I spent a lot of time sitting in the driveway to be out of the way. We hired painters and they did all the upstairs living areas, the hallway, and the upstairs bathroom. (I painted the entire basement, master bedroom and both kids rooms by. my. self. so I knew I couldn't take on vaulted ceilings with three little kids running circles around my ladder for a month.) We chose the same paint I used for the master bedroom "Natural Choice" with "Dover White" on all the trim and white on the ceiling. Behind our cabinets in the kitchen we used "Revere Pewter," which is the shade just darker than "Natural Choice." The metamorphosis in the kitchen isn't complete, so I'll save that for another post.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc4XL-Dh0Js/WJZ6xUsyfNI/AAAAAAAAx0Y/xt3TVZ0a-oQds4hz1PBLTcir-nx5febzACLcB/s1600/Before%2BNorth%2BWall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc4XL-Dh0Js/WJZ6xUsyfNI/AAAAAAAAx0Y/xt3TVZ0a-oQds4hz1PBLTcir-nx5febzACLcB/s640/Before%2BNorth%2BWall.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>&nbsp;We were almost done breaking down the room before I thought to take "before" pictures. I had family photos on those ledges and a big photo of my immediate family over the piano.The photos are pretty much the only thing I liked in the room. <i>That couch</i>. We bought it because we needed something in our guest room in our first house. It is a fold-out single bed. We got it second-hand and I hated it from the first, but thought it would be a place-holder until we got something we really wanted in the room. Thirteen and a half years later...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVInAt9foOA/WJZ78hdnksI/AAAAAAAAx0k/mENxifet0oERM3BCuF6QkSGLt1V2_ZF6ACLcB/s1600/North%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVInAt9foOA/WJZ78hdnksI/AAAAAAAAx0k/mENxifet0oERM3BCuF6QkSGLt1V2_ZF6ACLcB/s640/North%2Bwall.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>I had a nice lady paint the piano blue (with chalk paint) and I got those shelves from Ballard Designs (marked down 50%!). My goal in this teeny, tiny room (11' x 11.5') was to make the furniture seem less imposing. Painting the piano a light color makes it take up less space, see. (Not really, it's an <i>illusion</i>.) The corners of the room were useless space before and now we have storage for our favorite books and games. I had the big canvas print of the family photo <a href="http://jubileefamilyphotography.com/">Melissa</a> took last year made at Costco for pretty cheap. The baskets under that couch have my piano books in them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBRJNfV30Vs/WJZ9-NiJbeI/AAAAAAAAx0w/p5nSe9N-a587L06UZa8P1z7rMpJOHT5vgCLcB/s1600/Before%2Beast%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBRJNfV30Vs/WJZ9-NiJbeI/AAAAAAAAx0w/p5nSe9N-a587L06UZa8P1z7rMpJOHT5vgCLcB/s640/Before%2Beast%2Bwall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I did have curtains up, but they started under the "eyebrow" of the window. Not great. The chairs were another purchase I made because they were cheap and we needed something to sit on in the front room. When the home teachers came, our whole family of five would cram into the chair and a half and the home teachers took the chairs. Elbows! The file cabinet was part of my brilliant plan to store my piano books for my students in file folders. When I got the drawers home I discovered they do not fit standard hanging files. The Worst.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTAd8_oCNAg/WJaaz6iWD-I/AAAAAAAAx1A/HApmsgMg9HUkrYisHwnhqDPjGKWV7iwIQCLcB/s1600/East%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTAd8_oCNAg/WJaaz6iWD-I/AAAAAAAAx1A/HApmsgMg9HUkrYisHwnhqDPjGKWV7iwIQCLcB/s640/East%2Bwall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I researched couches for a year before we bought these. They had to fit width-wise, but I didn't want them coming into the room too much, so they had to be shallow too. I wanted couches that didn't invite lounging. Sitting only. These are from Crate &amp; Barrel and they are 33" deep (most couches are at least 36" deep). We went back and forth for a long time, then decided on one couch and one love seat in the same fabric (platinum). The curtains are from Ballard Designs and we placed the curtain rod above the window "eyebrow" to make the room seem taller/bigger. I put the same crown molding ledges up and the same photographs are in the room as well, with a few added.<br /><br />I'm in this room a lot because I teach piano in here. Before we redecorated, the room made me grumpy. Now I love to be in it. All my favorite books and pictures are in the room. (I thought it would take pressure off the other bookshelves in the house, but somehow they're still full too. I may need a support group for people who buy pretty books.) Here are some of my favorite views of our front room:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctJoO3qBbc8/WJadaCrhhXI/AAAAAAAAx1M/RBEH-adtPjoxmtU8GLCTYWibeaUlU4zNACLcB/s1600/Northwest%2Bcorner%2Bdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctJoO3qBbc8/WJadaCrhhXI/AAAAAAAAx1M/RBEH-adtPjoxmtU8GLCTYWibeaUlU4zNACLcB/s640/Northwest%2Bcorner%2Bdetail.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Aren't those the most gorgeous books?! On the wall is a photo of my Grandpa Furniss as a baby with his parents.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akTHmjqwHYs/WJadsiUbuLI/AAAAAAAAx1Q/N1gJIv67x8IPAWvKYNuK2aKgTx28L2yVgCLcB/s1600/South%2Beast%2Bcorner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akTHmjqwHYs/WJadsiUbuLI/AAAAAAAAx1Q/N1gJIv67x8IPAWvKYNuK2aKgTx28L2yVgCLcB/s640/South%2Beast%2Bcorner.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>This corner has my favorite pictures of Brian and me and my favorite books.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3ZUKYNqGfs/WJaeOIiV12I/AAAAAAAAx1c/UvX57I3nXdoa7WMZ4omn1fOmHT9iMcNMgCLcB/s1600/Looking%2Binto%2Bentry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z3ZUKYNqGfs/WJaeOIiV12I/AAAAAAAAx1c/UvX57I3nXdoa7WMZ4omn1fOmHT9iMcNMgCLcB/s640/Looking%2Binto%2Bentry.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Looking out of the room you can see whichever quilt I have hanging up and a photo of my Grandma Furniss when she was a toddler (the bottom photo), and a photo of my Grandpa Furniss and his sister, Lola as toddlers. Lola introduced my Grandparents to each other. :)<br /><br />That concludes our make-over tour for today. :)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-20330494248145533942017-02-02T13:01:00.000-07:002017-02-02T13:01:53.827-07:00January 2017 Book ReportsThat's right! I'm going to do book reports monthly again. They're for me. I love going back and reminding myself of the great, terrible, and in-between books I've read. It's happening. I'm including stand-out books I read with Emil and Colin (they are six years-old) and Bridget (she is 10 years-old).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZ5e0ewRZXk/WJNy2-gXRuI/AAAAAAAAxr8/ZRBQcXNumVYCgg2i0v2nVCrtFJJRWfijgCLcB/s1600/28439451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZ5e0ewRZXk/WJNy2-gXRuI/AAAAAAAAxr8/ZRBQcXNumVYCgg2i0v2nVCrtFJJRWfijgCLcB/s320/28439451.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br />1. <i><span style="font-size: large;">Scandinavian Gatherings: From Afternoon Fika to Midsummer feast: 70 Simple Recipes and Crafts for Everyday Celebrations</span></i> by <span style="font-size: large;">Melissa Bahen</span><br />This is a cookbook, but it's also a tribute to family history. I cannot get enough of it. I have Swedish ancestors (on my maternal grandfather's side) and I have read a few Scandinavian novels. I'm fascinated by the style, the art and colors, and the connection to the ocean.<br /><br />Bahen goes through uniquely Scandinavian celebrations and describes her Norwegian family gatherings, includes recipes and directions for crafts to make. I bought this book a few weeks before Christmas and right in time to have a St. Lucia celebration on December 13th. I had Bridget wear a white dress with a red sash, we decorated the table with a white tablecloth and green wreath and lots of sparkly votive candles. I made Swedish Meatballs (even though that wasn't part of St. Lucia in particular) and we had gingerbread cookies. It was fun to talk about traditions our ancestors had and the meatball recipe was so good.<br /><br />I noticed after reading the book that my Christmas decorations and the colors I've used in my house (blue piano, red and white in almost every room) fit right in with the Scandinavian decor in the book. Strong vibes from my Swedish ancestors? I think so. :)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QY7GVvxifQ4/WJNy-oLjDQI/AAAAAAAAxsA/xwzdmv-4c2gbHxOwa4oKl8cjtaPK8Jm9wCLcB/s1600/9642662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QY7GVvxifQ4/WJNy-oLjDQI/AAAAAAAAxsA/xwzdmv-4c2gbHxOwa4oKl8cjtaPK8Jm9wCLcB/s1600/9642662.jpg" /></a></div><br />2. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Me...Jane</i> by Patrick McDonnell</span><br />This is the true story of Jane Goodall. The illustrations are very sweet. At the end of the book there is a cute photo of little Jane with her stuffed chimpanzee. Since Goodall went on to fight to keep chimpanzees from becoming extinct, this book made me take a hard look at the boys' stuffed toys; Scooby-Doo, a T-Rex, a couple of bears, and Mike Razowski. What seeds am I planting, you guys?!<br /><br />The book shows Jane's normal yard and home transforming into a jungle in her imagination. She was never afraid and she wanted to learn everything. That reminds me of Emil. :) At a book store a few weeks ago Colin was too afraid to ask one of the employees where the Pokemon books were. Emil walked right up to a guy and said, "My brother wants to know where the Pokemon books are." They have such different gifts! Anyway, <i>Me...Jane</i> is really great. The boys loved that it was a true story, too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nYIW5s-6XM/WJN1JUErDnI/AAAAAAAAxsM/3Dd98LQMzvokzbqYqOMfJcG7faf5vuZ8ACLcB/s1600/4285471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nYIW5s-6XM/WJN1JUErDnI/AAAAAAAAxsM/3Dd98LQMzvokzbqYqOMfJcG7faf5vuZ8ACLcB/s320/4285471.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br />3. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Lieutenant</i> by Kate Grenville</span><br />I can't remember why I bought this. I think it was super cheap somewhere and I'd heard of Kate Grenville. I usually enjoy Man Booker Prize-winners, too. (I didn't realize when I got it that she'd won the prize for a different book.) The Lieutenant is about a young man, Daniel Rooke, who is very smart, but mostly awkward. He gets a very good education, but ends up going to war (navy) for the British during the American Revolution. (I couldn't think of a book I've read about the American Revolution that wasn't from the American perspective. Hmmm.) Rooke sees terrible things. He comes home injured and very shaken up.<br /><br />One of Rooke's navy buddies, Silk, tells him about a ship headed for New South Wales, on the east side of Australia, to colonize. Rooke decides to go on this voyage as the astronomer. His mentor had predicted a comet even bigger than Halley's Comet and this would be a great place for an observatory.<br /><br />Once the ships get to New South Wales, it's pretty grim. Rooke manages to convince the captain that he should build an observatory (i.e. get away from all the other people) farther inland so that he can watch for the comet. Rooke is also trained in linguistics, but he doesn't really think it will be part of his assignment. But of course, that is exactly what his calling turns out to be. The regiment doesn't see the native Aboriginal people living in their soon-to-be colony as human. Rooke begins communicating with a young Aboriginal woman - he teaches her English words and she teaches him her language.<br /><br />"But language was more than a list of words, more than a collection of fragments all jumbled together like a box of nuts and bolts. Language was a machine. To make it work, each part had to be understood in relation to all the other parts."<br /><br />When Rooke and the girl start understanding each other, he has a moment of joy and clarity. He recognizes that it is his calling to record this language, to understand them. Of course his captain is not on board, nor is anyone else. Rooke comes to a crossroads - he finds himself part of a "hunting" party with other soldiers to drive the natives off their land. There is a terrible moment when he has to choose between doing the job he was hired to do, or quitting and getting hanged. Reminds me of a scripture I read recently where in a lists of opposites was "joy and remorse of conscience." So the opposite of joy is regret. That spoke to me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd84x9uDTr0/WJN6ehdCQEI/AAAAAAAAxsc/fHjXGam35R83mTb-nOOFeMuQUYNXzoDNwCLcB/s1600/16074914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd84x9uDTr0/WJN6ehdCQEI/AAAAAAAAxsc/fHjXGam35R83mTb-nOOFeMuQUYNXzoDNwCLcB/s320/16074914.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>4. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton </i>by Meghan McCarthy</span><br />Betty Skelton rode motorcycles, raced cars, jumped out of airplanes, flew jets and helicopters. And she was a LADY in the 1930s! What is the meaning of this?! The illustrations in the book are great - lots of red and white, very whimsical. The writing isn't the best. I didn't like that McCarthy kept pointing out that Betty was fired BECAUSE SHE WAS A WOMAN. Or Betty couldn't be a pilot BECAUSE SHE WAS A WOMAN. I think I would have had a much better discussion with Emil and Colin if they'd had to ask the question, "Why was she fired?" or "Why couldn't she be a pilot?" Nothing to explore or talk about when the reason was stated so flatly on every other page.<br /><br />I want to know more about Betty Skelton! I'm interested in interesting people. :) There were a few places where I thought more explanation was required. On one page Betty is shown as a 7 year-old kid "flying" an airplane while her Dad kept a lookout so she wouldn't get in trouble. I think she just sat in the cockpit of the plane, but the book made it sound like she actually flew the plane. When none of the other experiences were imaginary, it was odd to have that one thrown in without explaining that she got to <i>pretend</i> to fly. Again, though, the boys always like hearing true stories.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h6KRlmVt3Y/WJN8ksiOGnI/AAAAAAAAxso/l3reId3gT_wkl_oxKU-CY9-DBM1ukzAsACLcB/s1600/31752129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h6KRlmVt3Y/WJN8ksiOGnI/AAAAAAAAxso/l3reId3gT_wkl_oxKU-CY9-DBM1ukzAsACLcB/s320/31752129.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />5. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Great Bicycle Experiment:The Army's Historic Black Bicycle Corps, 1896-97</i> by Kay Moore</span><br />In 1896 Lt. James Moss tried to get the Army to use bicycles instead of horses. He led an infantry of Buffalo Soldiers in Missoula, Montana and this all-black regiment made several experimental bicycle rides to see if bicycles were a viable option.<br /><br />This is one of the books for Battle of the Books this year. Bridget is her team captain! She and I are reading some of the books on the list together. I found this story so fascinating, but Bridget and I agree that it is one of the most boring books we've ever read together. The writing is not up to the story.<br /><br />The Bicycle Corp. rode to Yellowstone (fun pictures) and from Missoula to St. Louis, 2000 miles! It's truly an amazing story. They had to be in amazing physical condition. The Army ended up passing on using bicycles for the main transportation, though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFUiP00XzQ/WJOHBMPhngI/AAAAAAAAxs4/31SJpuHgCwEhsL24gKEomIgw-0vviosowCLcB/s1600/13261057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XFUiP00XzQ/WJOHBMPhngI/AAAAAAAAxs4/31SJpuHgCwEhsL24gKEomIgw-0vviosowCLcB/s320/13261057.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />6. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge</i> by David McCullough</span><br />I'm a huge David McCullough fan and I'm visiting New York City for the first time in a few months. One of our activities is walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, so I wanted to do some research. (The other day Bridget commented that Brian and I sure are doing a lot of studying for our vacation. Hahahahaha! I want to have an immersive experience, what can I say?) I listened to this book and I probably should have read a hard copy. I need to see pictures of a caisson. I don't get it.<br /><br />Every time McCullough was recounting the human parts, the political machinations behind getting the bridge built, the absolute decency of Washington Roebling, the role Emily Roebling played, the con artists who tried to make a buck... that's when I was so interested that everything else in life took a backseat. A guy won the bid for the cables that would hold up the bridge and he went to very great pains to deliver inferior cables that hadn't passed the inspection. WHY?! Why on earth would you risk killing or injuring hundreds of people? Of toppling a work of art that had already taken 12 years to get this far? People who work so hard to deceive and make a quick dollar are the dumbest.<br /><br />I heard a lot about caissons and Caisson Disease (The Bends). I think I might have it. I shouldn't joke. It was interesting to see the doctors and Roebling and the other engineers trying to figure out what was going on with workers who were having paralysis, headaches, memory loss - all hours and sometimes days after they'd been working dozens of feet underwater in the caissons. They'd get "this close" to figuring it out, but never all the way. Washington Roebling was one of the most tragic victims of Caisson Disease (several guys died from it - including his father, John Roebling, who was the original architect of the Brooklyn Bridge, but he didn't live to see even the first pillar coming out of the water). He still had everything in his head, though. And Emily Roebling became an engineer and ambassador for her husband as a result of his disease. Theirs was a pretty inspiring marriage. It's my favorite to read about and know couples who become better because they are together. The Roeblings weren't competing for attention or recognition, they were trying to build a bridge that would stand the test of time and elements. Emily did what she had to do to help her husband execute his vision.<br /><br />I'm so excited to see the Brooklyn Bridge in person! McCullough is the master at conveying the emotion of historical events. One of my favorite parts of the book was his chapter on the ceremony for the official opening of the bridge. They had no microphones, so people (of which there were thousands) who were sitting more than 50 feet away couldn't hear a word. Back in that day, speeches would go on for HOURS. (We got a taste of that at the Golden Spike reenactment a few years ago. The humanity! Stop talking!!) The crowd got very restless because all these old guys were going on and on and finally a trumpet player got up and played the Star Spangled Banner. He was cheered and cheered (people could hear him!). The guy played an encore. More cheering! The next speaker pulled the guy off stage before a third song and the smiling trumpet player started playing a song off stage, which delighted President Chester Arthur and many people in the audience. Ha! Fun.<br /><br />Truly, the Brooklyn Bridge is a triumph.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Or25ISH76sE/WJOMpazCzRI/AAAAAAAAxtI/SrDyJdJKI_AYcLNLcyPrCungQecOG935QCLcB/s1600/20708761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Or25ISH76sE/WJOMpazCzRI/AAAAAAAAxtI/SrDyJdJKI_AYcLNLcyPrCungQecOG935QCLcB/s320/20708761.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br />7. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sam &amp; Dave Dig a Hole</i> by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen</span><br />I bought this book for Emil for Christmas in 2015. (I always get the kids a book for Christmas.) The story of boys digging a hole speaks to Emil. :) Sam and Dave vow to not stop digging until they find something "spectacular." Every time they decide to start digging in a different direction, we pan out to see that they are a few shovels-full of dirt away from a huge jewel. Emil and Colin both go crazy when they see that jewel! The three of us end up laughing hysterically every time we read it. Then Emil talks about digging holes every day for a week. :)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-35873104877937057312017-02-02T10:41:00.000-07:002017-02-02T10:41:04.623-07:00Year of the RoosterI had a story assignment at the Community Chinese New Year Celebration at Skyridge High School last weekend. There was so much to do and the kids were INTO it. I took a lot of photos. I've already wrung 300 words out of this, so I don't have much to add, but I would like to write that I love taking my kids to do stuff and see stuff. They are always interested and "all in" when we are having an adventure. I saw and heard many kids screeching at their parents that they wanted to go home and mine were busy planning what we were going to do first, second and third. I really love Bridget, Emil, and Colin, but I also like them and being with them. To the photos!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyQT2xtMFvg/WJNs3msJJ4I/AAAAAAAAxrM/NayiCawNfRwBOcwkTUCaeMEctjM_X4DsgCLcB/s1600/Lion%2Bparade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyQT2xtMFvg/WJNs3msJJ4I/AAAAAAAAxrM/NayiCawNfRwBOcwkTUCaeMEctjM_X4DsgCLcB/s640/Lion%2Bparade.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This one ended up on the front page of the paper. Someday their grandchildren will be looking through the archives of the Lehi Free Press from 2016 to 2017 and be able to find a photo of grandma or grandpa in almost every issue. Ha!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yr81sxGL6Uw/WJNtPJa5flI/AAAAAAAAxrQ/M-3l9VDCmjU0FMiukn9voAO_SJmy6wNNgCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bin%2Ba%2Bmini%2Blion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yr81sxGL6Uw/WJNtPJa5flI/AAAAAAAAxrQ/M-3l9VDCmjU0FMiukn9voAO_SJmy6wNNgCLcB/s640/Emil%2Bin%2Ba%2Bmini%2Blion.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>Emil insisted on going back to try on the smaller lion since he couldn't carry the bigger one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzXd2AcL4Cw/WJNtYHnCRVI/AAAAAAAAxrU/2Nth7IZq2u8219Ifzpu9x40E42eYK9F7wCLcB/s1600/Painting%2Bsoldiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzXd2AcL4Cw/WJNtYHnCRVI/AAAAAAAAxrU/2Nth7IZq2u8219Ifzpu9x40E42eYK9F7wCLcB/s640/Painting%2Bsoldiers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Painting terra cotta soldiers. Bridget and Colin were super careful and Emil was done first. :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VprDNtTekNg/WJNtlsR2fcI/AAAAAAAAxrc/557KNUYAZ5od7RB2p4jo-NTrWBadhLc-QCLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Bbrave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VprDNtTekNg/WJNtlsR2fcI/AAAAAAAAxrc/557KNUYAZ5od7RB2p4jo-NTrWBadhLc-QCLcB/s640/Bridget%2Bbrave.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Bridget chose the Chinese characters for "Brave." We think. It probably says "Girl with Freckles."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1vNmGffFw/WJNt1zhJjbI/AAAAAAAAxrg/ccimdAYK-ZI9CCDneu5DUUANGgG9GyemgCLcB/s1600/Fan%2BDance%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1vNmGffFw/WJNt1zhJjbI/AAAAAAAAxrg/ccimdAYK-ZI9CCDneu5DUUANGgG9GyemgCLcB/s640/Fan%2BDance%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I took a video of them learning a fan dance and I watched it 100 times. I was sitting in front of the mirror they're looking into and they forgot I was there. Best time to observe. :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVI9uK7PYmI/WJNuLmEXNAI/AAAAAAAAxro/aKMqV6u0H_sSjniYjCauOwvEC0FabZ75ACLcB/s1600/Fan%2BDance%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVI9uK7PYmI/WJNuLmEXNAI/AAAAAAAAxro/aKMqV6u0H_sSjniYjCauOwvEC0FabZ75ACLcB/s640/Fan%2BDance%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>So cute. Skyridge is the biggest high school I've ever been in. I enjoyed high school, but I think I would have retreated way into my shell if I'd gone to a school as big as Skyridge. I can feel the anxiety of many young people every time I'm there. They do have a very clean, very nice building, though.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-41244536838370064032017-01-12T13:59:00.001-07:002017-01-13T08:30:01.671-07:00Ski WeekendBrian's Christmas present for the boys was ski lessons. He scheduled the first two lessons on the first Friday and Saturday in January thinking they were still on Winter Break from school. Instead, we had to take the kids out of school, BUT it was totally worth it.<br /><br />I do not ski. I carried the bags, took the pictures and cried the Olympic happy tears. It took a lot to get the boys situated the first day, but then Bridget and Brian went off to the lift and I went to the Alta Grill to watch out the windows. My first view of Brian and Bridget coming back in was this:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yRBcST4CMA/WHfnJYaRH-I/AAAAAAAAxnE/W-VUTjqjy0QGxLH6zU1UbX8GQv0EHwKEgCLcB/s1600/Brian%2Band%2BBridget%2Bskiing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yRBcST4CMA/WHfnJYaRH-I/AAAAAAAAxnE/W-VUTjqjy0QGxLH6zU1UbX8GQv0EHwKEgCLcB/s640/Brian%2Band%2BBridget%2Bskiing.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I knew they weren't talking to each other, and yet they were communicating. Something about watching them skiing together made me teary. They've been going together for five years. Bridget is a good little skier now - she doesn't care to go fast, she wants to make the turns and learn how to do everything. Brian patiently follows her. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Then they get on the lift where Bridget can open her chatterbox until they get to the top. They went down a few Black Diamond runs together - Bridget has complete trust in her Dad. I do too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2jV1MjZ_fY/WHfoLtfmyFI/AAAAAAAAxnI/znS3wDVQP9odCzIiJD-W6Cs7JDG3AvINwCLcB/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2BBridget%2Bon%2Bthe%2Blift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2jV1MjZ_fY/WHfoLtfmyFI/AAAAAAAAxnI/znS3wDVQP9odCzIiJD-W6Cs7JDG3AvINwCLcB/s640/Daddy%2Band%2BBridget%2Bon%2Bthe%2Blift.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><br />I went to see what the boys were up to over at the Magic Carpet for a minute.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJGP4Nl_VUY/WHfokYPTU0I/AAAAAAAAxnM/AmlLB9selKcAH3RbC-cq7L14-8dpipFmQCLcB/s1600/Colin%2Bon%2Bthe%2Borange%2Bteam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJGP4Nl_VUY/WHfokYPTU0I/AAAAAAAAxnM/AmlLB9selKcAH3RbC-cq7L14-8dpipFmQCLcB/s640/Colin%2Bon%2Bthe%2Borange%2Bteam.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_4xpP2nayI/WHfooxq8IoI/AAAAAAAAxnQ/S3mBgaR5JiYV1sS-wofs3BnZeMp9hY0GQCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bat%2Bclass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_4xpP2nayI/WHfooxq8IoI/AAAAAAAAxnQ/S3mBgaR5JiYV1sS-wofs3BnZeMp9hY0GQCLcB/s640/Emil%2Bat%2Bclass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfgAB8XbeMU/WHfot-Q0lRI/AAAAAAAAxnU/698fkoOGhpIWw3zU95b2ik8VRQi-XxBvwCLcB/s1600/The%2Bboys%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmagic%2Bcarpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfgAB8XbeMU/WHfot-Q0lRI/AAAAAAAAxnU/698fkoOGhpIWw3zU95b2ik8VRQi-XxBvwCLcB/s640/The%2Bboys%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmagic%2Bcarpet.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>They'd ski down on either side of that conveyor belt (the "Magic Carpet"), then get back on it to the top.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-S2fsbJf54/WHfpIAFtT1I/AAAAAAAAxnY/phqUU-RsMtI6jgh2j2I5r2BluxwX4VXxQCLcB/s1600/The%2Bboys%2Band%2Btheir%2Binstructors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-S2fsbJf54/WHfpIAFtT1I/AAAAAAAAxnY/phqUU-RsMtI6jgh2j2I5r2BluxwX4VXxQCLcB/s640/The%2Bboys%2Band%2Btheir%2Binstructors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Their instructors are giving them snowballs to hold as they ski down. For balance, maybe? I know nothing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhSU0b2SzIA/WHfpZkuW-tI/AAAAAAAAxnc/uq7jeylIVLYxEbH18FZofJx9vjTskq-PACLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Bdrinking%2Bhot%2Bcocoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhSU0b2SzIA/WHfpZkuW-tI/AAAAAAAAxnc/uq7jeylIVLYxEbH18FZofJx9vjTskq-PACLcB/s640/Bridget%2Bdrinking%2Bhot%2Bcocoa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It was only in the single digits while we were there the first day, so Brian and Bridget came in to warm up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdjtC_org0w/WHfpsEEoJrI/AAAAAAAAxng/Cp6ewjn777gYOGKdZ7d3pcS3AeCHkYYvwCLcB/s1600/Kids%2Band%2BDad%2Bskiing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdjtC_org0w/WHfpsEEoJrI/AAAAAAAAxng/Cp6ewjn777gYOGKdZ7d3pcS3AeCHkYYvwCLcB/s640/Kids%2Band%2BDad%2Bskiing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>After a very expensive lunch at the Alta Grill (we are such amateurs), Brian and the kids got bundled back up and we all went to the tow rope. (I inadvertently ended Colin's lesson early when I called to him and waved from the balcony 10 minutes before he was supposed to finish. He saw me, waved excitedly, took off his skis and left them where he was standing and ran into the building to get me. Ha!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Txf9GSJpVbM/WHfq_03mn8I/AAAAAAAAxnw/5WW9B1KdZCc1bYZOiGxch-vAjz8V5SfhwCLcB/s1600/Emil%252C%2BDaddy%252C%2BBridget%252C%2BColin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Txf9GSJpVbM/WHfq_03mn8I/AAAAAAAAxnw/5WW9B1KdZCc1bYZOiGxch-vAjz8V5SfhwCLcB/s640/Emil%252C%2BDaddy%252C%2BBridget%252C%2BColin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Skiing is a bit like bowling for Colin.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNseY9sDHvM/WHfqDFsSKNI/AAAAAAAAxnk/nVrfZnoovDUy-OoE0mK1h4-kArreGcbpACLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BColin%2Bskiing%2Bpast%2BEmil%2Band%2BDaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNseY9sDHvM/WHfqDFsSKNI/AAAAAAAAxnk/nVrfZnoovDUy-OoE0mK1h4-kArreGcbpACLcB/s640/Bridget%2Band%2BColin%2Bskiing%2Bpast%2BEmil%2Band%2BDaddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Emil struggled a lot that first day - he fell and fell and fell. Colin seemed to pick it right up. Emil always got up when he fell, though, and he couldn't wait to try again. It's his best "feature," as Bridget says. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGtzuNBZWYA/WHfqdgl_w8I/AAAAAAAAxno/o6-yHLufYkU-skgh9vzZk2fSfhi30o68wCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Band%2BDaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGtzuNBZWYA/WHfqdgl_w8I/AAAAAAAAxno/o6-yHLufYkU-skgh9vzZk2fSfhi30o68wCLcB/s640/Emil%2Band%2BDaddy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brian is the World's Best Backward Skier. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUgybf7wdl4/WHfqot6tRjI/AAAAAAAAxns/Myf1hOmxI1UKwvjTIO2mh2-sRnOalDdqwCLcB/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2Bkids%2Bskiing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUgybf7wdl4/WHfqot6tRjI/AAAAAAAAxns/Myf1hOmxI1UKwvjTIO2mh2-sRnOalDdqwCLcB/s640/Daddy%2Band%2Bkids%2Bskiing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">My favorite.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got to our hotel at about 3:00 and all three of the kids were laughing and bouncing around with happiness. Our room was on the top floor, so we had a great view. We hurried and dressed for the pool. Because it's always Go Time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMG8A27o_Ts/WHfrknxlRTI/AAAAAAAAxn0/aiyQi-vdnIwa2siFyaaYA6ZUd2F7vtacACLcB/s1600/Kids%2Bat%2Bwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMG8A27o_Ts/WHfrknxlRTI/AAAAAAAAxn0/aiyQi-vdnIwa2siFyaaYA6ZUd2F7vtacACLcB/s640/Kids%2Bat%2Bwindow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The pizza we ordered (after a few hours at the pool) took forever and I think we could have eaten another pizza. (I did have carrot sticks and string cheese too, but they'd all worked so hard that they couldn't stop eating.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our second day at Alta was a lot like the first, but there were more people at the resort. Emil used all his experience from the first day to ROCK the second day. He made it onto the Red Team. I think Colin was still tired from the day before because he fell down more the second day. Even though they were both tired from their lessons, they were happy to go to the tow rope with Brian and Bridget again.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We're already planning our ski trip for next year. It's our Thing. :)&nbsp;</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-44763005439795051472017-01-01T20:26:00.001-07:002017-01-01T20:26:35.047-07:00Christmas Day 2016Our family had a very successful Christmas. I made good on my promise not to have noisy toys this year. Except Bridget's pink ukulele. On Christmas Eve they all opened their new pajamas; Bridget and Analy got matching American Girl pajamas, Emil got Darth Vader pajamas and Colin got BB8 pajamas (remember, he can't be on the Dark Side).<br /><br />Bridget claims she was up for HOURS Christmas morning before she finally came into our room at 6:20 and asked if we could open presents. I was going to make her wait until 7:00, but Brian was weak. They woke up the brothers while I plugged in the tree and got the camera ready.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JlPKH3_D0w/WGm7L_67lKI/AAAAAAAAxFU/tBZc0jdkYMEbTbWz9i7Z4WX9rSi1EHJYQCLcB/s1600/Kids%2Bbefore%2Bpresents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JlPKH3_D0w/WGm7L_67lKI/AAAAAAAAxFU/tBZc0jdkYMEbTbWz9i7Z4WX9rSi1EHJYQCLcB/s640/Kids%2Bbefore%2Bpresents.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Poor Colin. He'd rather keep sleeping, I think. All the presents from Santa were arranged by the kids' stockings, as usual.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxSkXm6hBzc/WGm7rAlT2xI/AAAAAAAAxFY/dohDcEmm3TcFXnLH2gwA04eBJ8ByaL0zwCLcB/s1600/Cute%2BColin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxSkXm6hBzc/WGm7rAlT2xI/AAAAAAAAxFY/dohDcEmm3TcFXnLH2gwA04eBJ8ByaL0zwCLcB/s640/Cute%2BColin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Santa realized on December 20th that the Radio Flyer wagon Emil asked for was a lot more money than he thought, so Emil got the mini version. I'm sure Emil had a 100 thoughts cross his mind when he saw that tiny wagon, but he chose, "I guess I really didn't say what size the wagon needed to be..." Whew! He's been perfectly happy with it. Colin got his favorite movie, "Kubo and the Two Strings" in his stocking. Fist pump.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEVlDDqx3tY/WGm8TpL7UVI/AAAAAAAAxFg/fVviAZGOFWgxywwrRCLPY8s0kYmliRzMACLcB/s1600/Kids%2Band%2Bpresents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TEVlDDqx3tY/WGm8TpL7UVI/AAAAAAAAxFg/fVviAZGOFWgxywwrRCLPY8s0kYmliRzMACLcB/s640/Kids%2Band%2Bpresents.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I think that's Bridget noticing she got the skateboard she asked for. I see now that I've put these photos out of order.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcvXhtPFPFk/WGm8v5z4YgI/AAAAAAAAxFo/Ap1WyVckIooiQvCxroDPoAVQf-wH5y14gCLcB/s1600/Stocking%2Bgoodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcvXhtPFPFk/WGm8v5z4YgI/AAAAAAAAxFo/Ap1WyVckIooiQvCxroDPoAVQf-wH5y14gCLcB/s640/Stocking%2Bgoodies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Magnet Checkers (regular and Chinese) for the boys, smelly markers for Bridget. Stocking gifts are so fun! The present on the couch is Lego Mind Storm for the whole family... mostly Dad. We opened the rest of the gifts after I put the camera down.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SaB7b5WU4ws/WGm9Zt-oibI/AAAAAAAAxFw/qfpHgLzbzW4c8p2HjC5fd3CcoMmIbyF7ACLcB/s1600/Presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SaB7b5WU4ws/WGm9Zt-oibI/AAAAAAAAxFw/qfpHgLzbzW4c8p2HjC5fd3CcoMmIbyF7ACLcB/s640/Presents.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Brian is helping Bridget figure out the lava lamp I gave her. He's wearing the neck cozy from Grandma Peggy and he's got the T-shirt quilt I made him covering his legs. Now that I've had a chance to take a nap with that quilt, I officially need one for myself. Also, the boys are busy studying their Pokemon cards. (They had to memorize them because they knew the cards would be in the wind in a few hours.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5enEmXpZtpI/WGm-LC6GntI/AAAAAAAAxF0/TmEregWxZ8IEqM7-ztxJxPf584PS6-FrgCLcB/s1600/Bridget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5enEmXpZtpI/WGm-LC6GntI/AAAAAAAAxF0/TmEregWxZ8IEqM7-ztxJxPf584PS6-FrgCLcB/s640/Bridget.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>I had the kids pose with as many of their presents as they could. Bridget got a ski helmet and a balaclava from Dad, the skateboard and ukulele from Santa, a necklace from her birth mother, fake nails from Colin, sparkly clay from Emil, the lava lamp and Princess in Black books from me, a pretty jacket from Grandma and Grandpa Lee, and a hammock from the Boney family.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mclPIHaTO2w/WGm_asbCgoI/AAAAAAAAxF8/pfIYTs5Jthg9lm63ZLM-6u4ArCAzNeEbQCLcB/s1600/Emil%2527s%2Bhaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mclPIHaTO2w/WGm_asbCgoI/AAAAAAAAxF8/pfIYTs5Jthg9lm63ZLM-6u4ArCAzNeEbQCLcB/s640/Emil%2527s%2Bhaul.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Emil wasn't as cooperative for a present photo. He got a wagon and a bucket of Legos from Santa, ski lessons and a balaclava from Dad, the illustrated Harry Potter book and piano books (with lessons) from me (there was a little drama when he saw the piano books and loudly said he didn't want them), a truck with a trailer and side-by-side from Bridget, a scratch art dinosaur book from Colin, hoodie and book from Grandma and Grandpa Lee (and the neck cozy), markers and case from Mom and Dad, and a hammock from the Boney family. (I'm writing all of this down because we are getting the Thank You cards out this year if it KILLS me.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqG9KmKf6T8/WGnBOy32mQI/AAAAAAAAxGE/7b689YMSCS47ggd1cBFNmofHlrHvjJ91wCLcB/s1600/Colin%2527s%2Bhaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqG9KmKf6T8/WGnBOy32mQI/AAAAAAAAxGE/7b689YMSCS47ggd1cBFNmofHlrHvjJ91wCLcB/s640/Colin%2527s%2Bhaul.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>Colin got a Lego 3 in 1 house set (Santa didn't think Power Ranger Legos existed), Mini Pixel Art (which he LOVED and finished quickly), and the Charmander Pokemon figures he's been dreaming about from Santa. Colin got ski lessons and a balaclava from Dad, an illustrated Harry Potter book and piano books with lessons from Mom, markers and case from Mom and Dad, paints and paper from Bridget, a stuffed T-Rex from Emil, a hoodie and book from Grandma and Grandpa Lee, and a hammock from the Boneys.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGa8mknUdaI/WGnCYdcCPOI/AAAAAAAAxGM/SqcwXe-0ctkAVMRVGBnGRjoBGxtqAs9BwCLcB/s1600/Colin%2Band%2BHarry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGa8mknUdaI/WGnCYdcCPOI/AAAAAAAAxGM/SqcwXe-0ctkAVMRVGBnGRjoBGxtqAs9BwCLcB/s640/Colin%2Band%2BHarry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't stand how much I love this photo. He told Grandpa Harold later that he got to page four in Harry Potter. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROq8DNzvcIA/WGnCoGAo2uI/AAAAAAAAxGU/Z5FpPX7KA7EgreJTAfKvmR37QI7dhkIVwCLcB/s1600/Bridget%252C%2BAnaly%252C%2Band%2Bthe%2Bdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROq8DNzvcIA/WGnCoGAo2uI/AAAAAAAAxGU/Z5FpPX7KA7EgreJTAfKvmR37QI7dhkIVwCLcB/s640/Bridget%252C%2BAnaly%252C%2Band%2Bthe%2Bdog.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Analy got a dog! She was pretty stoked.</div><br /><br />We went to church, which is really my favorite about Christmas on Sunday. What better way to remember what it's all about? I accompanied a violin duet on the piano and had a harrowing moment when the last page of the piece floated off the piano and out of my reach while I was on the second page. I had to choose a spot to stop playing, stand up and get the last page, sit down and figure out where the violins were and start playing again. It all worked out, of course. Some people didn't even notice me stand up. An advantage of being so short. ;)<br /><br />After church we went to Brian's parents house to open presents from them, show off the kids' favorite gifts, eat, and visit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HmJ_brDfC8/WGnEDWMMOnI/AAAAAAAAxGc/KezTGu3wqFk-Orxw-GJTDTOfHAICtydAQCLcB/s1600/Grandma%2Bplaying%2BBridget%2527s%2Bukulele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HmJ_brDfC8/WGnEDWMMOnI/AAAAAAAAxGc/KezTGu3wqFk-Orxw-GJTDTOfHAICtydAQCLcB/s640/Grandma%2Bplaying%2BBridget%2527s%2Bukulele.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget brought her ukulele to show Grandma and Grandma sang and played a little song.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hV55zGrZjzs/WGnEelegtdI/AAAAAAAAxGk/60N8D6GgsFYagSQH11UZtrZ4a_tJmX7wQCLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BColin%2Bat%2BGrandma%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hV55zGrZjzs/WGnEelegtdI/AAAAAAAAxGk/60N8D6GgsFYagSQH11UZtrZ4a_tJmX7wQCLcB/s640/Bridget%2Band%2BColin%2Bat%2BGrandma%2527s.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids got mini drones from Grandma and Grandpa. Yay!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-903RNOP3phU/WGnEtfutS1I/AAAAAAAAxGo/wLhqXMB4grwRMDblcLLfga_jjqtPy-ZngCLcB/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2BEmil%2Bat%2BGrandma%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-903RNOP3phU/WGnEtfutS1I/AAAAAAAAxGo/wLhqXMB4grwRMDblcLLfga_jjqtPy-ZngCLcB/s640/Daddy%2Band%2BEmil%2Bat%2BGrandma%2527s.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy was behind this gift, I think. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xeON2VYpOXw/WGnE4W6a0OI/AAAAAAAAxGs/ahm4ofcRyZoxa_WiGHa-r0r5dNVFcEk7QCLcB/s1600/Colin%2Bdoing%2Bmini%2Bpixel%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xeON2VYpOXw/WGnE4W6a0OI/AAAAAAAAxGs/ahm4ofcRyZoxa_WiGHa-r0r5dNVFcEk7QCLcB/s640/Colin%2Bdoing%2Bmini%2Bpixel%2Bart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Colin brought his pixel art (so many little pieces!!!) and Grandpa set up a card table for him.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSX6JtY_xRk/WGnFI7EUrqI/AAAAAAAAxGw/oaEnHiCeVwcI2B_4SWakbzvFBZfwn18OACLcB/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2BColin%2Btalk%2Bto%2BJanessa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSX6JtY_xRk/WGnFI7EUrqI/AAAAAAAAxGw/oaEnHiCeVwcI2B_4SWakbzvFBZfwn18OACLcB/s640/Daddy%2Band%2BColin%2Btalk%2Bto%2BJanessa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We got to see and talk to Cousin Janessa on her mission in Peru! She and her companion sang us a Christmas song in Spanish.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FTzdfoOqC4/WGnFtIB-25I/AAAAAAAAxG4/Sbf31qlG6w4RyrGZ3j8-FKqCMCT8NH9twCLcB/s1600/Colin%2527s%2BLego%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FTzdfoOqC4/WGnFtIB-25I/AAAAAAAAxG4/Sbf31qlG6w4RyrGZ3j8-FKqCMCT8NH9twCLcB/s640/Colin%2527s%2BLego%2Bhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though we were exhausted, I had to finish this house before Christmas Day was over. Colin would help me when his drone was charging, then run downstairs and fly it with Dad and Bridget and Emil. Emil's box of Legos has the most possible wheels and he likes to do his own thing, so it was just right for him. Emil asked Colin to build the house with the garage first so he could park his yellow car in it. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I got a waffle iron from the boys! We had <a href="http://sevenbumkitchen.blogspot.com/2016/12/waffles-and-raspberry-syrup.html">waffles with raspberry syrup</a> for Christmas breakfast. Brian gave me a Wonder Woman suitcase and Bridget gave me an electric pencil sharpener (nailed it!). It was the best - no one was sick this year, my favorite gift of all.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-82725502347851142902016-12-26T15:36:00.001-07:002016-12-27T13:22:51.111-07:00December is Our FavoriteWe've made so many lovely memories this December and they will all be forgotten if I don't write some of it down.<br /><br />On December 1, we all went to the Festival of Trees where the kids sang in the elementary choir and I directed the choir. There are about 120 kids in choir. The morning of December 1st we had our first practice with everyone together (the senior choir sang three songs, the junior choir sang three songs, and they all sang one song together). My hands hurt for the rest of that day because I clapped "Shave and a Haircut" so many times trying to get their attention. We passed out the new music T-shirt at that rehearsal, too. The last time I sweat that much was during a hot yoga workout. Kids be crazy, y'all.<br /><br />We got to the South Town Expo Center in plenty of time, but I had no idea where to go because we were on the South Stage and we've only ever been on the North Stage. The adult volunteers hurried to get a bow tie on all the kids (except for the girl who wore the sparkly red dress - for the love) and then we led a line of 120 kids through the back stage area to sit next to the big stage. Depending on where you were standing in the audience, they sounded great or strange. Ha! It was a blast to see the kids waving at their parents and especially to see my own kids singing. Bridget was half of the duet accompaniment for one of the junior choir songs, "Fum, Fum, Fum." She messed up a little bit and she was a bundle of tears afterward. Poor thing! It was a big stage and a big audience and no one noticed because there were so many crazy kids dancing and acting weird, but she took it pretty hard. I have no photos of this event because I was already doing a job. ;)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmkLclO2hYo/WGGF5ieSE3I/AAAAAAAAw3c/iEVei5wRxqUqqtwER2tw_8H-PaCTfbgzwCLcB/s1600/Kids%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmkLclO2hYo/WGGF5ieSE3I/AAAAAAAAw3c/iEVei5wRxqUqqtwER2tw_8H-PaCTfbgzwCLcB/s640/Kids%2Bby%2Bthe%2Bdoor.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>The first Saturday in December we went to This Is the Place Monument Park for their authentic German Christmas Market. We thought we'd spend an hour or so, but it was so fun and amazing that we were there most of the day. Brian went to a Christmas Market in Germany three or four years ago and he said it was very similar. We visited a petting zoo, shopped at the cute little booths, ate bratwurst and sauerkraut, went on a train ride, and bought Daddy a cool hat. It was magical. (And Brian and the kids saw President Uchtdorf and his wife all dressed up in traditional German clothes for the parade.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRwSpCEOyo8/WGGG4x4phtI/AAAAAAAAw5U/Ju4VTplzBPsOQOMZqWBQCYbBysCyjaZaACLcB/s1600/Colin%252C%2BEmil%252C%2BSheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tRwSpCEOyo8/WGGG4x4phtI/AAAAAAAAw5U/Ju4VTplzBPsOQOMZqWBQCYbBysCyjaZaACLcB/s640/Colin%252C%2BEmil%252C%2BSheep.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOIYaLdOd-g/WGGGihm6KHI/AAAAAAAAw4s/jiBeAOXqg0MikHgia17ySF4Kt57hP3atACLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2Bthe%2Bgoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOIYaLdOd-g/WGGGihm6KHI/AAAAAAAAw4s/jiBeAOXqg0MikHgia17ySF4Kt57hP3atACLcB/s640/Bridget%2Band%2Bthe%2Bgoat.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSGsxZv7sDI/WGGGo-rx0TI/AAAAAAAAw44/Wvx_nkR5RPQCgg36wPGaH5GbWAAZrfBUQCLcB/s1600/Colin%2Band%2Ba%2BGerman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSGsxZv7sDI/WGGGo-rx0TI/AAAAAAAAw44/Wvx_nkR5RPQCgg36wPGaH5GbWAAZrfBUQCLcB/s640/Colin%2Band%2Ba%2BGerman.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ca6kiBUo5LU/WGGGyM1fc7I/AAAAAAAAw5I/k7ncSEmAz0koIZ6o0IQGYStAJgE2msrfgCLcB/s1600/Daddy%2Band%2Bkids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ca6kiBUo5LU/WGGGyM1fc7I/AAAAAAAAw5I/k7ncSEmAz0koIZ6o0IQGYStAJgE2msrfgCLcB/s640/Daddy%2Band%2Bkids.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>I would totally do this one again. Next time maybe we should go on Thursday or Friday instead of the busiest time on Saturday. Other than the crowd, it was wonderful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THdkNiOc52w/WGGYt85yTBI/AAAAAAAAw_k/G-xfdEDlbSsCp18DpZSLIm8uw0M5DFGgwCLcB/s1600/Choir%2Bkids%2Bin%2Bhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-THdkNiOc52w/WGGYt85yTBI/AAAAAAAAw_k/G-xfdEDlbSsCp18DpZSLIm8uw0M5DFGgwCLcB/s640/Choir%2Bkids%2Bin%2Bhall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A sampling of the 120 kids in choir.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The choirs performed for an assembly on Monday the 5th and then at an evening concert on Thursday the 8th. I will be losing my voice (and my mind) trying to keep all those kids quiet in Mrs. Jones's room while we wait to go on. The senior choir always went first at the performances and I had them do Pat-a-pan for the first number every time. It's a tricky song and too hard for them, so I have to pay close attention to the music and bringing them in at the right times. At the last two pages of the song, I flipped my page over to see that they were missing and the song just kind of ended because no one knew what to do. Fail. But! The final number, Once Upon a December, was a huge hit. The kids did dynamics without me prompting them (I got to the point where I was happy if they were singing words at the same time) and we had the Chime Choir do a beautiful solo in the middle of the song. It was everyone's favorite.<br /><br />Next, the boys were invited to Pierce's house to make gingerbread houses. For some reason, that's been Emil's dream for a few months. With all the stuff going on, I couldn't wrap my brain around making gingerbread houses, so Pierce's mom, Janeen, kinda saved my life. All of Emil and Colin's kindergarten friends were there and Janeen had the gingerbread (graham cracker) houses all ready, the icing in mini Zip-lock bags, and the candy in bowls. What?! A Christmas Miracle for sure.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-or6GtsGgmMc/WGGIJuRafHI/AAAAAAAAw7c/IhdhJhxp6UoOTjEBeI5rlPckpgucqYarACLcB/s1600/Emil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-or6GtsGgmMc/WGGIJuRafHI/AAAAAAAAw7c/IhdhJhxp6UoOTjEBeI5rlPckpgucqYarACLcB/s640/Emil.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm_reszw6Dw/WGGISqp50-I/AAAAAAAAw7s/Ob5xX7KRM1IxrFAX-6DkwUxtJXjdYZGLACLcB/s1600/Colin%2Bfrosting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm_reszw6Dw/WGGISqp50-I/AAAAAAAAw7s/Ob5xX7KRM1IxrFAX-6DkwUxtJXjdYZGLACLcB/s640/Colin%2Bfrosting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>After doing the houses and playing frantically, all the kids went to the same bus stop to wait for the bus.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FeqqiKb3nM/WGGIh3UTjNI/AAAAAAAAw8M/691bUdYo-hIXSvNKGLihZDuizBEYEElvwCLcB/s1600/Lydia%2Band%2BColin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FeqqiKb3nM/WGGIh3UTjNI/AAAAAAAAw8M/691bUdYo-hIXSvNKGLihZDuizBEYEElvwCLcB/s640/Lydia%2Band%2BColin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's Colin flirting with Lydia.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We celebrated St. Lucia Day on the 13th by having Swedish meatballs, molasses cookies, lots of candlelight and Bridget dressed in white with a red sash. There was a lot happening that night, Brian had meetings and it was the night of our neighborhood party. For the neighborhood party this year we donated stuffed toys to Project Teddy Bear through Bank of American Fork. I did a story on it for the paper, so I got to take a fun picture of neighborhood kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7xlbmhWfi4/WGGJS3ha62I/AAAAAAAAw9A/aEeW66W0UBE6OCV2gxsuE9H4Zsqzs2CbwCLcB/s1600/Neighbor%2BKids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7xlbmhWfi4/WGGJS3ha62I/AAAAAAAAw9A/aEeW66W0UBE6OCV2gxsuE9H4Zsqzs2CbwCLcB/s640/Neighbor%2BKids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back row: Cooper, Henry, Jace, Ryder, Aleah, JD (TJ?), Jackson. Middle row: Flossy, Bridget, Millie, Natalie, Freddy, Quinn. Front row: Archer, Isaak, Emil, Jett, and Colin. And this is only from six families in our neighborhood! So many kids.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The boys had their first ski lesson on the 16th, the day of a huge blizzard. We let them skip school and Brian took them to Park City with Bridget. From 9:00AM until about 1:00PM, Bridget and Brian skied and the boys were learning how to ski. Then they had to close everything down because the blizzard was awful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Saturday the 17th, we had our Christmas party with Brian's side of the family.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4iAnP2Xv-g/WGGMYLe6ZgI/AAAAAAAAw90/4xa0RnBVADwUp81-M9E-yqbP5X14I02TACLcB/s1600/Grandma%2Band%2BGrandpa%2527s%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_4iAnP2Xv-g/WGGMYLe6ZgI/AAAAAAAAw90/4xa0RnBVADwUp81-M9E-yqbP5X14I02TACLcB/s640/Grandma%2Band%2BGrandpa%2527s%2Bhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a pretty sunset and I thought I'd get a shot of Grandma and Grandpa's house as it looks in December before it got too dark.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoSwORcuC28/WGGMvCeUDHI/AAAAAAAAw94/T22yxIXkXCQDO-l5vkC7dPngc0J513RygCLcB/s1600/Nate%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bcatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoSwORcuC28/WGGMvCeUDHI/AAAAAAAAw94/T22yxIXkXCQDO-l5vkC7dPngc0J513RygCLcB/s640/Nate%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bcatch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course we had the fishing pond right after dinner. There's Nate with a triumphant catch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raFcDrXxls4/WGGM8DeIwhI/AAAAAAAAw98/vgAgpPZqf_oQ_VGuZSE73JR1NVOcK6LJQCLcB/s1600/Emil%2Bfishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raFcDrXxls4/WGGM8DeIwhI/AAAAAAAAw98/vgAgpPZqf_oQ_VGuZSE73JR1NVOcK6LJQCLcB/s640/Emil%2Bfishing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil loves fishing in all forms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxOe3YFe2aI/WGGNJR-UNsI/AAAAAAAAw-E/MpMq_bAo4d0E_4VNdfZGcmv-vueL_OhxQCLcB/s1600/Brighton%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bfish%2Bpond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxOe3YFe2aI/WGGNJR-UNsI/AAAAAAAAw-E/MpMq_bAo4d0E_4VNdfZGcmv-vueL_OhxQCLcB/s640/Brighton%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bfish%2Bpond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brighton and I bonded when I went to pick her up earlier in the day. She'd been in the van with me for several minutes when she asked sweetly, "Do I know you?" :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FB-ZjGRoAg8/WGGNcx3JfRI/AAAAAAAAw-Q/DKtiY0xho2MB8GmTYAOdV6RBhmxq2tmhgCLcB/s1600/Kunze%2Bmen%2Bdoing%2Bthe%2Bfish%2Bpond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FB-ZjGRoAg8/WGGNcx3JfRI/AAAAAAAAw-Q/DKtiY0xho2MB8GmTYAOdV6RBhmxq2tmhgCLcB/s640/Kunze%2Bmen%2Bdoing%2Bthe%2Bfish%2Bpond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is fun for me. Grandpa, Brian, and Hal fixing the hook. Grandpa set up the blue blanket this year for the fishing pond. Much more realistic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfaVd347LAE/WGGNwkhtcaI/AAAAAAAAw-U/eVq4X8dqBDk5tgUvVKfRxZ2Xwu1hg4y1QCLcB/s1600/Candy%2Bcane%2Bstory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfaVd347LAE/WGGNwkhtcaI/AAAAAAAAw-U/eVq4X8dqBDk5tgUvVKfRxZ2Xwu1hg4y1QCLcB/s640/Candy%2Bcane%2Bstory.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Dena told the kids a story about the candy cane. I loved the sight of Emil's toes here, so I had to get a picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOoGlieP39Y/WGGN9slcZjI/AAAAAAAAw-c/LAacNGA2BvoRK8IpYDsVvetfmEpAycRfQCLcB/s1600/Great%2BGrandma%2Band%2BOlivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOoGlieP39Y/WGGN9slcZjI/AAAAAAAAw-c/LAacNGA2BvoRK8IpYDsVvetfmEpAycRfQCLcB/s640/Great%2BGrandma%2Band%2BOlivia.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Denise is snuggling her great granddaughter, Olivia. (Olivia is a Good Baby.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jOKfFI_dl8/WGGONT25KjI/AAAAAAAAw-g/sSDi3pWtFg84DWiy5gMhbVCGCQy9MIrAwCLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BAbby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jOKfFI_dl8/WGGONT25KjI/AAAAAAAAw-g/sSDi3pWtFg84DWiy5gMhbVCGCQy9MIrAwCLcB/s640/Bridget%2Band%2BAbby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget and Abby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYE3h_GDj5A/WGGOXsesFhI/AAAAAAAAw-k/JzD7HpJCE_QsXOlp62w2waf4A7HLFYnUgCLcB/s1600/Grandma%2Band%2BGrandpa%2Bopening%2Btheir%2Bgift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYE3h_GDj5A/WGGOXsesFhI/AAAAAAAAw-k/JzD7HpJCE_QsXOlp62w2waf4A7HLFYnUgCLcB/s640/Grandma%2Band%2BGrandpa%2Bopening%2Btheir%2Bgift.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Grandpa opened their present from their kids. New phones!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivCMwF-tQj0/WGGO5q6lWzI/AAAAAAAAw-o/RUYoM3pdpOkBMZkiT-qm1Be9rw1uTi5PACLcB/s1600/IMG_20161217_174759%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivCMwF-tQj0/WGGO5q6lWzI/AAAAAAAAw-o/RUYoM3pdpOkBMZkiT-qm1Be9rw1uTi5PACLcB/s640/IMG_20161217_174759%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We celebrated December birthdays with cake and the Birthday Song. I stole this off my Instagram account because I was having an Exceptional Hair Day and this is the only proof.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPIt3H_5j0/WGGPPkffZuI/AAAAAAAAw-s/r-1QvDa67womjpcPeR2Cu8m3BAsBN76igCLcB/s1600/Santa%2Band%2BColin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPIt3H_5j0/WGGPPkffZuI/AAAAAAAAw-s/r-1QvDa67womjpcPeR2Cu8m3BAsBN76igCLcB/s640/Santa%2Band%2BColin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Santa came and Colin was Jonny-on-the-spot going to sit on his lap and ask him for Pokemon cards and Power Ranger Legos (they do not exist).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MK8bd8q8VUo/WGGPhSFmdhI/AAAAAAAAw-w/67VNVeIQJyAfnejSG_SCIFOqO3i_1xLagCLcB/s1600/Santa%2Band%2BEmil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MK8bd8q8VUo/WGGPhSFmdhI/AAAAAAAAw-w/67VNVeIQJyAfnejSG_SCIFOqO3i_1xLagCLcB/s640/Santa%2Band%2BEmil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emil asked for a wagon and a drone. (He looks green because Colin is sitting out of the frame with his new green mini light saber from Santa.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IzPYAdY7Po/WGGP0vuwyOI/AAAAAAAAw-0/gdgIYkpgriAeJOFGkQXBS9dN43e6j9NfwCLcB/s1600/Bridget%2Band%2BSanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IzPYAdY7Po/WGGP0vuwyOI/AAAAAAAAw-0/gdgIYkpgriAeJOFGkQXBS9dN43e6j9NfwCLcB/s640/Bridget%2Band%2BSanta.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridget wins at Christmas every year because she is SPECIFIC about what she wants, she doesn't change her mind and she asks for things that exist. Who knew that was so hard?! She asked for a skateboard and a pink ukulele.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1ScLBz5sdo/WGGQLcvsOfI/AAAAAAAAw-4/SYaS1cOGQXcfM2d1lRFt9RuP4FPEamTlACLcB/s1600/Grandkids%2Bwith%2BSanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1ScLBz5sdo/WGGQLcvsOfI/AAAAAAAAw-4/SYaS1cOGQXcfM2d1lRFt9RuP4FPEamTlACLcB/s640/Grandkids%2Bwith%2BSanta.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It seems like there were more of them. Perhaps it's the four little boys being super loud? Maybe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On Monday the 19th we celebrated the boys 6th birthday! The Sunday before was rough for me. I stood behind the island counter in our kitchen and made food, served food, cleaned up food, refereed fights, answered the same questions every five minutes, then lost my mind. Monday was a new day and I decided to be Yes Mom no matter what happened. The boys asked to go to the Natural Curiosity Museum and I said, "YES." They were so happy. In the van on the way over Colin said, "Mom! Let's only do fun stuff today!" So we did. :) I arranged with both of their teachers to read a book to the combined classes (I read <i>Snowflake Bentley</i>) and I brought fruit roll-ups for all the kids. I'm their teachers' favorite now because I brought an easy snack. Brian came home a little early and the boys opened presents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0vgxGns-sc/WGGRUN_sJ2I/AAAAAAAAw_E/wmvmmR-KkeQDo6wWvVSc-wQLRZoZRc-wgCLcB/s1600/Pac-Man%2Bgame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0vgxGns-sc/WGGRUN_sJ2I/AAAAAAAAw_E/wmvmmR-KkeQDo6wWvVSc-wQLRZoZRc-wgCLcB/s640/Pac-Man%2Bgame.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Colin got Emil a mini Pac-Man game. I'd taken 1000 trips to Teton Toys over the last few weeks, each time with a different kid or by myself. When I went with Colin to buy for Emil's birthday and Christmas he spent a lot of time looking at Pokemon stuff that Emil is just kinda interested in, unlike Colin. When we found this Pac-Man game, Colin knew he had a winner. "I hope he shares," Colin said on the way out. Ha! Colin also tried to buy Emil "homework." When I showed him stuff I knew Emil liked, Colin checked the price tag and exclaimed, "$12.99?! No way."&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8NTWDYv90U/WGGR3qt7UTI/AAAAAAAAw_I/skOg6nJcmGIu0-wTGSSrcbT8rwZeu8D7wCLcB/s1600/Colin%2Bwith%2BPokemon%2Bcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8NTWDYv90U/WGGR3qt7UTI/AAAAAAAAw_I/skOg6nJcmGIu0-wTGSSrcbT8rwZeu8D7wCLcB/s640/Colin%2Bwith%2BPokemon%2Bcards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The coveted Pokemon cards. They're for the floor, it turns out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnDAHGr9gq4/WGGSApGcbjI/AAAAAAAAw_M/09Kzbpu9-EIlPeIXlLEydJqgHdzeqT9XwCLcB/s1600/Pokemon%2Bcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnDAHGr9gq4/WGGSApGcbjI/AAAAAAAAw_M/09Kzbpu9-EIlPeIXlLEydJqgHdzeqT9XwCLcB/s640/Pokemon%2Bcards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there's Emil hoping Colin will share.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The boys requested Pizza Pie Cafe for dinner and we got there long before the rush, so all the running around wasn't bothering too many people. After dinner we came home and got bundled up for Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point. They stopped doing the drive-through lights and created this walking tour of lights in Ashton Gardens to take the place of the drive-through. It was amazing. We saw the luminaries filling the big green first and that was pretty spectacular, but then we walked through the Peppermint Forest or something and there were red and white lights shaped like candy canes. Brian and I looked at each other at the same time and asked, "Do you smell peppermint?" That's when it became amazing! We all got tired and it was cold, but no one broke down or cried (unlike many young kids we saw). Success!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the 21st, my 43rd birthday, I didn't plan anything big. I went to the Provo City Center Temple with Brian to do sealings after dropping the boys off at the bus stop. That's always nice - we do it all the time, so I know how long it's going to take and where to go now. Brian had to get back to work, so I ate lunch by myself (my secret favorite thing to do) and went to Pioneer Book on Center Street in Provo. They had this tree on display and I thought it made my day:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3M5XAOmf9B8/WGGU66Zlz6I/AAAAAAAAw_U/tFC71rKJy7M0DHQ6rVNnwSOPe5_wlnTwQCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161221_145429_924%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3M5XAOmf9B8/WGGU66Zlz6I/AAAAAAAAw_U/tFC71rKJy7M0DHQ6rVNnwSOPe5_wlnTwQCLcB/s640/IMG_20161221_145429_924%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes! I browsed for a little while and bought a couple of pretty, hard-bound classics. When I got to the register the guy told me I had a $10 credit for being a frequent customer and my total came to $2. Happy birthday to ME. I opened presents from the kids when I got home (socks from Colin, water bottle from Emil, a scarf from Bridget) with Brian listening on the phone. (Brian got me new couches for the front room. I've been researching it for months, so I hope it turns out. They'll be here tomorrow!) I went to get my hair cut and my stylist (what DO you call them?) was 40 minutes late so she wouldn't let me pay her for the haircut. What she doesn't know is that I'm fine sitting by myself and reading without being interrupted for 40 minutes so she gave me two presents for my birthday. ;)&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm thinking Christmas Day needs a separate post. Whew! My fingers are tired from typing.&nbsp;</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2897710562041393560.post-68045728329990783922016-12-16T10:04:00.003-07:002016-12-16T10:05:09.859-07:002016 Book ReportsI don't know what my problem was for the first three or so months of 2016, but I do know I started a new job in May this year (staff writer for the <a href="https://www.lehifreepress.com/">Lehi Free Press</a>) and then another new job in September (elementary school choir director). My reading time got cut way back since I stopped folding laundry (that's when I listen to audio books) and hard copy books put me to sleep after a page and a half. I'm an old woman! I'm going to do a round up of the books I read this year.<br /><br />1. <i>Code Name Verity</i> by Elizabeth Wein<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; A World War II story where the main characters are a female pilot and a female spy. They use their brains and their femininity to get out of crazy situations and to outsmart the men. It's very clever and I enjoyed it. I finished it in January when I was working on a huge quilt (listened to it on Audible) and I remember it made the time fly by. That is all I remember about it, though. And that's why I always have to do a book report!<br /><br />2. <i>The Cenote</i> by Chelsea Dyreng<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; This was written by my sister Melissa's friend and I've always enjoyed Chelsea's blog posts (stalker). I've never read anything like it, which is a huge bonus. There is a definite message and I thought it was beautifully told. I wrote on Goodreads that I liked that the love story came after the marriage. Twist!<br /><br />3. <i>Ender's Game</i> by Orson Scott Card<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; Brian and I read this together. I can see why it's a science-fiction classic. It was very thought-provoking, Brian and I had many interesting conversations because of this book. I had no desire to read the rest of the series, though. I feel that way about almost every series, though. Also, the movie is crap.<br /><br />4. <i>Eisenhower in War and Peace</i> by Jean Edward Smith<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I'm going to quote my Goodreads review because all that has stayed with me about this book is training for Bolder Boulder while listening to it and being SO BORED I thought I might die. "It's such a thorough biography, which I appreciate. I have to admit that there was a big section of Eisenhower's life when I didn't like him much. The ambition, the temper, the cheating on his wife, the smoking... Not a great impression. Even during all that, I can appreciate his leadership and decisiveness. He was never afraid to take responsibility, even when it made him look bad. Also, I have to be grateful that he was the one making decisions when it came to dropping more atomic bombs. He wasn't having that - I'm glad he could see we didn't need them to win. This is such a long book! Hard not to get bored."<br /><br />5. <i>Not My Father's Son</i> by Alan Cumming<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I watched Alan Cumming's episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" and I remembered his grandfather's story. I can't believe all that was going on in Alan's life at the time (that's what this memoir covers). Family history is one of my favorite subjects and I agree with Cumming - knowing the stories of our ancestors can only make us better. Knowing anyone's story makes us more compassionate toward them. Alan Cumming is a weird guy, but I feel like I know him now and I "get" him.<br /><br />6. <i>The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</i> by Douglas Adams<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I gave this book more of a chance than I normally would have because Brian listened to it and laughed a lot. We laugh at the same stuff, so I thought I'd love it. I only smiled a few times. It was like a science fiction version of Three's Company. So much miscommunication and misunderstandings. Bah! I can't like that.<br /><br />7. <i>The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys: An American Saga</i> by Doris Kearns Goodwin<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; Now we're talking! I had to have little sticky arrows next to my bed when I was reading this because I flagged so many things. Goodwin started with the immigrant grandparents of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy and established a pattern of personality and ambition that ran through both the Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys. Fascinating! I'd never really heard Kathleen Kennedy's story (President Kennedy's older sister) and I still can't get over it. She fell in love with a duke when her father was an ambassador in England. They got married, but only after Kathleen had to renounce her religion and lose her mother's love. That's for real, Rose Kennedy wouldn't even look at her daughter even after Kathleen's husband was killed only a few months into their marriage (it was during WWII). Then there's the whole hiding Rosemary's mental illness and then Joe secretly having her lobotomized while Rose was on vacation. And John becoming president! How did THAT happen? This book is so well done.<br /><br />8. <i>Artemis Fowl</i> by Eoin Colfer<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; Artemis Fowl is a 12 year-old millionaire, devious genius. Captain Holly Short is special agent and a fairy. Artemis wants to collect the fairy gold he's sure is hidden somewhere and he will do almost anything to get it. The thing that I liked most about this book is being in the head of the bad guy AND the good guys. Fun! And easy.<br /><br />9. <i>Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident</i> by Eoin Colfer<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; That's right, I read the next one. Artemis and Holly team up! I think I liked the second one even more than the first. Even though I missed Evil Artemis Fowl - he was much more like a regular, scared 12 year-old in the second one.<br /><br />10. <i>Pollyanna</i> by Eleanor H. Porter<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I had a similar experience with <i>Pollyanna</i> as I did with <i>Little Women</i>. I'm reading along thinking, "This is so sentimental! Bleh." Ten minutes later I'm crying like a FOOL. It's timeless and it's about love and family. A few notes; the Glad Game is on EVERY PAGE of the book. Also, Mrs. Snow ("PILLS AND BILLS") is 40 years old in the book. You know, the Mrs. Snow who is bedridden and referred to as an old lady? Yeah, that one. Forty years old. Not cool, Eleanor H. Porter.<br /><br />11. <i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</i> by John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, and J.K. Rowling<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; Here's what I wrote in my Goodreads review (because Bridget and Brian are reading it now and asking me questions that I can't answer because I FORGOT): "I loved reconnecting with my old friends! It was too short and I definitely missed all the fleshing out that a novel format would have given me, but it was still a pleasure from start to finish. Especially appreciated what they did with Draco. Who knew?"<br /><br />12. <i>The Underground Railroad</i> by Colson Whitehead<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; You may recall that I avoid Oprah's Book Club picks because she can't tell me what to read. I heard about this book before Oprah chose it, though. <i>The Underground Railroad</i> is an amazing, important book. I've read historical fiction and non-fiction that delves into slavery before and after the Civil War, but this is not like anything I've ever read. The slaves aren't part of the background, they're not being saved by a white person. This is from the perspective of the slaves - how being owned by other humans affected them. It feels so true. Finally.<br /><br />13. <i>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i> (Hercule Poirot #4) by Agatha Christie<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I watched the BBC version of "And Then There Were None" (because Poldark was in it) and I'd read that book a long time ago. I found a review that said <i>The Murder of Roger Ackroyd</i> was secretly Christie's best, so I wanted to try it. In another life I fancy I could be an excellent detective, see. I thought I had all the clues pointing in one direction and then Christie tricked me! I didn't see the end coming and that's delightful.<br /><br />14. <i>Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between</i> by Lauren Graham<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I binge-ed on the original Gilmore Girls in anticipation of the revival that came out the day after Thanksgiving. Then I watched the revival with my Mom and sister-in-law, Claire. And still I was in the mood for more Lauren Graham. My favorite chapters were the ones about Gilmore Girls. I admit I was hoping for something more juicy than her saying Scott Patterson is so nice and everyone is so talented. I wouldn't have said anything more either, but I wished she had had a terrible first impression of any of her co-workers before they got to know each other. Come on! I laughed several times - Graham is funniest when she's talking about her own life.<br /><br />15. <i>The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge</i> by David McCullough<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I'm about halfway through this one. McCullough is my favorite! So far the biggest surprise is John Roebling having seances to talk to his departed wife. Man! What a different time. All the caisson sicknesses and deaths must have been so terrifying and confusing. I love reading about people with so much passion and courage to make stuff happen.<br /><br />16. <i>The Lieutenant</i> by Kate Grenville<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; I just saw that this is part of a series and it's the second book. What?! I think I got this at Pioneer Book because it was on the dollar table or something. So far I like it. It takes place in 1788 in New South Wales. The main character, Daniel Rooke, has just been badly injured in the Revolutionary War and now he has to figure out his life. This is the hard-copy book I'm reading right now (I always have one on the nightstand and one that I'm listening to), so it's going about a page and a half a day. Struggle.<br /><br />I should start keeping track of the books I read to the boys. We get about 15 books from the library every three weeks and I read one to them almost every night. (The other nights we read a classic from our own library or one of their assigned books from school.) Last night I read them <i>Ninja Baby</i> by David Zeltser and illustrated by Diane Goode. The three of us laughed and laughed. Colin asked if we could read it again tonight. :) Brian and Bridget have gone through all the Percy Jackson books and I think one of the Artemis Fowl books this year.<br /><br />So, it was a pretty good year for reading, but not so much for reporting. :)<br /><br /><br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08947921741748444654noreply@blogger.com1
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