Memorial Weekend

We had lots of fun this Memorial Weekend we headed to Mackay for a visit.

 Grandma had lots of projects for the kids to do.

 We made cool paper with paint and bubbles.

 This is how they turned out.  They also made little ladybugs, and owls out of sculpy, but I didn't get any pictures of those.  That's just how I roll.

 Jason took us on an "adventure" to see the pictographs.  This is Jason deciding that we couldn't make it up this in the Travers.

 After we had already gone up this.  It was actually good that we didn't go the rest of the way because we may not have made it back out because of the mud.

You may ask yourself, is that snow?  Yes, yes it is.  This was one of those "adventures"  that didn't turn out so swell.  It was snowing, and the wind was blowing, it was cold.

 We only brought jackets for the kids, not coats and gloves.  This is a picture after we had hiked halfway.  Jason is the little orange speck (in his awesome Jerome jacket) waaaayyyy ahead of Elleree and me.  The boys were way ahead of him.  We are headed to the place where the rocks make that V shape. 

 

 After a lot of whining and complaining (by me) we finally got to our destination.  I only fell in the snow twice.

 There was a little spring at the end where this picture was taken.  Elleree pretty much had that face the whole time and I don't blame her.

 Here are some of the pictographs.  I love the little round guy.  They always make me wonder who painted them and why, and how old they are.

 They  boys actually really enjoyed this adventure. We made it back to the car, wet, cold, and muddy.  I was sore the next day from carrying Elleree all the way down the hill.  Mostly it would have been fine, if it hadn't sucked.  But I'm still glad Jason is willing to take us on "adventures" even when they don't turn out quite the way he planned.

 Next day Jason and Dillon helped my dad plant some more trees.  It probably wasn't very good for my dad because we tired him out a ton, but he refuses to slow down not even with the Chemo.  Dillon got to drive the 4-wheeler, which was the highlight of his day.

 Mom took the kids for a walk and let them play in the puddles.  She says all kids should get to play in the puddles,  that is such a grandma thing to say.

 My dad and grandpa took us on a 4-wheeling ride.  Dillon and Truman got to drive part of the way so it was a lot of fun for them.

 This is my grandpa with Jason and the boys. 

 Mackay has some really fun and cool 4-wheeling trails.  We went on the mine hill trail.  This is the old head house, they haven't restored it so it is amazing it is still standing.

 Some people in the area have put together a really cool museum about the ore that was mined there, and have really help to preserve the history of this place. 

 Here are all the boys, we had a really good time.

 

  I have to say I was really impressed with all the work that has been done!  Go Mackay citizens!  

It was an action packed weekend, and I am glad that we went.

Bunches of Stuff

 Last weekend Jason decided to take us on an "adventure".  Yeap you know what that means.  Only this time it wasn't bad at all.  He took us up to a hot spring outside of Carry that was really nice.  Hot springs can be questionable sometimes if you know what I mean....  This one was not too bad.  We swam around for a bit and then he took us to some old dam and we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.

   

Once again I suck and I forgot my camera.  Jason decided to take these pictures with his phone.  The kids went for a little walk after dinner, there were cows all over the place.  Truman came back and said "We found Moose tracks all over down there".  It just had to be a moose, it couldn't possibly be anything else.

Next day was mother's day and what an awesome day it was.  I got spoiled rotten.  The kids made all sorts of fun stuff for me and Jason made sure that I didn't have to lift a finger.  I also got this little beauty.

 Jason says the kids bought it, but I'm not so sure.  The other one I have is actually my aunts, and it is kind of old.  I was worried that I'm not a good enough sewer to have a machine like this.  Turns out this thing is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!  I love sewing like ten million times better now.  I sewed a skirt, and a slip, and this apron.  

I really like it.  I got the pattern for free from this site.  I love it when people let you use their stuff!

Yesterday I told Elleree to clean her room.  I told her that after I was done eating breakfast I would come and help her.  So when I was done I go down the hall, and I see this.

Now he was already out of bed that morning.  So I say to him, "how did you get back in there".  Elleree comes in and says "he was being a bad boy, so I put him in there".  Well there you go.  Don't even ask me how she got him in there I don't want to know!

Last year I made a kind of wind chime thing with the boys soccer, football, basketball and wrestling medals.  Unfortunately......... it didn't work very well, it was always getting tangled up.  I decided to try something just a little different with them.

I made a mobile instead.  It chimes a little bit, it was kind of difficult getting all the things to balance, but I like things like that.  Hopefully it will work a little better.  Who knows.

Dillon's 9

My little man is nine.  Where did the time go?  I remember when he was just a little guy.  

 He always thought he could ride anything, and he did.

 He was sometimes naughty.  Anyone remember my birds Ollie and Stan? 

 We knew he would be studious and so far he has not disappointed us.  He just recently got excepted in to the Gifted and Talented program here.

 For his birthday he wanted an ice cream cake, which makes it easy for me.  I know you were on the edge of your seats to see what sort of crazy creation was coming from me.  

 My mom and dad came with my grandma, Dillon's great grandma. 

 I took lots of pictures, because that is one of my regrets with my grandma that passed away, I didn't take any pictures. 

 He got water skis that will fit him, a life jacket that does not fit him, shirts that do, books, a Wii game, and got to eat at the Golden Coral (his choice). What more could a kid want?  He did ask for an iPad and didn't get it, poor kid.

Here is one with all my kids and their great grandma.  You can almost hear them saying, "Cheese". Wonderful!

Lots of Firsts

We had a few things that happened this week for the first time.  Dillon just received his wolf.  How exciting.  It really is pretty amazing considering who his parents are.  Jason who is a huge procrastinator, and me who really doesn't care that much.  I know I should, but recognitions like this are not my bag.  As long as he is being a good kid and participating, those are the things I think are important.  Anyway....what a soap box. 

 Dillon got his wolf, one gold arrow, four silver arrows, and his conservation award.  Prrrreeetty impressive.

 His leader Patrica ( I never realized how much bigger I am than her gesh) is a real peach.  She is great with the boys, and I know Dillon is going to miss her.  No comments on how awesome I look okay.  I got all four kids to the pack meeting, maybe not on time, by myself.  Dinner and homework done too, no small feat. 

 Next big first was, we had ourselves a yard sale.  We had a big pile of stuff we needed to take to the DI, and it just kept growing.  Mostly just clothes the kids had grown out of, and I don't have anyone to give them to.  We were to lazy to take it to the DI.

 So we decided why not.  We put very little effort into it.  No advertising, only on Craig's list, and a sign on the road.  We live on a really busy street.  Which is why we had anyone come.

  I was actually really worried about the road when we first moved into this rental.  We have never had any problems with the kids (believe it or not I watch them pretty close) until the yard sale.  I was putting out the sign and Beckett and Elleree were following me.  I was on my way back, and told them to come with me.  Elleree did, and I thought Beckett did too.  I turned around, and he was right on the edge of the street.  I screamed at him to stop and just started running.  He did stop turned around looked at me, and then kept right on walking.  I grabbed him just as he hit the pavement.  Luckily there were no cars coming.  I hate things like that, they make me feel so grateful, and at the same time so angry at myself for not thinking. 

 I love this picture.  These are some of the three boxes of toys the kids not longer, or never did play with.  What cracked me up, is as soon at they are marked for the sale, don't you know they are their favorite toys.  Elleree and I had many a tantrums about some of her toys. 

They did keep the kids occupied the whole day though.  Plus, I was surprised no fits when they were actually bought by someone and taken away.  Do they miss them, no they don't!  Do I miss them, no I don't.  When all was said and done we made something like $196.00.  Not to bad.

It's Been a Bit

It's been a little bit since I posted last.  I'm just gong to tell you it's because I have no life and really nothing to blog about, until now.  Well okay not really even now, but I have a few pictures, so I am going to blog.  Deal with it.

 First up, my new birthday board.  My mom saw these at Porter's and thought it would be fun to make them.  So she cut the wood and we made some.  I did it to match my M&M theme kitchen.  Are you feeling it, can't you just taste it?  Whatever.

Second, Sunday Jason took us on an "adventure".  If you read my blog you know what that means....well take that back, you never know what that means.  This time we went to pick asparagus.  Yeah, who knew that it grew in the "barrow pit" (for all of you Idahoans) aka ditch, aka, side of the road.

 The boys loved getting out and hunting for them.  Really they just like to see if they can spot field mice, snakes and throw sticks in the canals. Boys!!  They were very tasty though, the asparagus, not the boys!  

Last Twin Falls Idaho Public Library got a grant, so they brought in author Brandon Mull.  Dillon is like his #1 fan.  He has read all of his books Fablehaven, Candy Shop Wars, and Beyonders.  Dillon's awesome mom (that's me FYI) got all four kids down there early so we could have seats, and stayed for the presentation he did.  Then I stood in line for like ever, so that Dillon could get his books signed, and picture taken with him.  Jason came halfway through standing in line, so I left him to deal with the crowds and took the other three kids home.  Anyway this is the picture of the momentous occasion. 

Easter 2012

Easter has come and gone already?  That just seems crazy!  Like most other weekends if we can we leave to someplace else we do.  Easter was no exception.  We decided to spend it with Jason's family in Blackfoot.

 We shopped on Saturday, because I love shopping anywhere but here.

 Then Saturday night we decorated eggs.

 I think I have pictures of all of my kids at this age decorating eggs.  I love it they are so funny.  They always think it is fabulous, and make a huge mess. 

 Truman and Dillon are at the age were this egg stuff is serious business.  I guess I should just be happy they are still at the age that they are willing to do it.

 Elleree had to throw one of her usual temper tantrums, complete with foot stomping.

 Oh yeah and they love to lick and eat them at this age too.  Crack me up.

 Here is the finished product.  Pretty impressive wink wink.

 Sunday morning was a frenzy.  Trying to find all the Easter baskets that the Easter bunny left, and getting ready for church by 9:30.  Kill me now!

 Beckett's baskets were not hidden very well.

 The kids as always got spoiled, but not in the way they wanted.

 The Easter bunny brought stupid things like shirts, flip-flops, and only a little candy.  Thank goodness for Grandma Ann who made sure they got plenty of toys and Grandma Kay who made sure they got plenty of candy.

 Here we are in our finest.

 Speaking of candy Grandma Kay put together an Easter egg hunt for the kids. 

 Jason's brother's family came, and so did his sister.  My kids love spending time with their cousins.

 They played some basketball, with a soccer ball.

 Played some games of the IPad, IPhone, pretty much anything they could get their little hands on.  It was a pretty good weekend, if you ask me. 

Last thing.  I finally got done with my wreath.  This is what I was Plasti-dipping a while back.  I wasn't sure it would turn out at first, but after I spray painted the stars I don't think they look too bad.  I only Plasti-diped the card board stars so that they would be water proof.  I was to cheap to go and buy a bunch of metal ones to make it.