Today's Little Moments

Porter got Baptized!

2011-09-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Porter got baptized this past Friday and it was a wonderful day. He was baptized on the same day as his best friend Ryun and it really couldn't have worked out better for those two cute little boys! Jodi (his mom) and I both gave talks, Aunt Krissy led the music, Grandpa Liddell and Uncle Eric were witnesses, Makenna and Elise (Ryun's sister) sang a song with the boy's primary teacher Brother Anderson (so sweet), Aunt Trish played her flute while the boys were changing (soooo beautiful), Peter gave a wonderful, sweet, emotional confirmation blessing, and Grandma Liddell gave the closing prayer. We feel so blessed that so many members of the family were there - and we know those that live far away were there in spirit.

Peter had to wear a double xl jumpsuite because the lady in charge had forgotten her key and had only brought a few sizes - he didn't mind though, it was extra roomy! In fact he's thinkin' it might be nice to have one of those at home to lounge around in!

The best attempt at a family shot after the baptism - Charley did not want to cooperate and Porter did not want that shirt tucked in anymore!

We're proud of you Porter, way to go! It really is "great to be 8"

Rango and a Birthday

2011-08-19T00:00:00.001-07:00

Peter had a birthday, shout hooray!

We love you love love love you!

The other exciting news in our family is that we got a cool new pet! It all came about in a rather interesting way . . . but let's just say "Reptopia" was great incentive for a little boy who had a big tooth problem. Once that tooth was out we gladly welcomed "Rango" the chameleon into our home!

He loves to climb and perch - Makenna loves it too!

Charley however, was not quite so sure about the climbing and the perching!

I'd say they're quite a pair, wouldn't you? They even wore matching shirts!
We've learned lots of fascinating things - but the most fun thing to watch is Rango sticking out his long fat tongue to eat crickets! Wowee, that sucker's fast! He also shed his skin about a week after we had him, completely cool to watch. We love our new pet!

B'ham Trip 2011

2011-08-18T22:56:00.001-07:00

So our annual trip to Bellingham proved once again to be SO MUCH FUN AND JUST WHAT THE DR.ORDERED! A little beach, a few games, long walks, good food, great weather, what more could we have asked for? (Accept for maybe Peter to be able to come!!) We were so glad we could be there for Papa's last two home games with the Bells. The kids loved everything about it: the yummy peanuts, cheering for Pops and Kai from the stands, watching Papa sign autographs after the game, getting to run the bases with him, getting to go in the dugout, grandma doing face paint, hangin' out in the bleachers with all the fam - and of course the fireworks show on the final night!

The pictures in this post are all mixed up and out of order - but quite honestly I don't care! I'm pretty proud of myself that I got pictures on the blog!

She wants this coat for school so bad! I should have just got it!

Birch Bay

Annual trip to the "C" Shop

Let's go fly a kite!

Getting a signed ball from all the players was one of their favorite things, but I think they would have felt the same if only Kai had signed it - they sure adore him!

The kids were standing off to the side watching Papa be famous and give out autographs, they thought that was pretty awesome!

Dinger the Belling"Hamster"

Give you one guess who's glasses Kenna is wearing!

Downtown Fairhaven

Papa and a bag 'o Peanuts = Port's in heaven

Thanks for all the fun Mom and Dad! We always wish we could stay longer!

Summer Fun on the Oregon Coast

2011-08-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Sweet Moments

2011-05-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

Hatcher is one of the sweetest little 3 year olds I think I've ever known. In that little body of his is one giant, bigger than life, sized spirit. He has been through quite the journey over the last 6 weeks. From open heart surgery, to being on an ecmo machine, to plastic bronchitis, this cowboy is one tuff cookie. It has been more than I could bear to hear what my sister and her little boy and their family were going through and not be able to be there for them .... or with them .... or anything! Finally this last week I was able to fly into CA to share in the craziness that their life is right now. Since the diagnosis of Plastic Bronchitis - the Dr.s and nurses have been on full attention to Hatcher's condition, since it is so rare and there is currently no known cure. The treatments he is currently undergoing are extreme, and frequent. He wears a vest that shakes the living daylights out of him every 3-4 hours as well as an inhaled Rx of TPA. Needless to say, he's not a big fan. But honestly, I had no idea that I would come on the scene to see a happy, witty, delightful Hatcher. He has had a really good week - and I feel so grateful to have gotten to spend the sweet moments that I did with him (as well as with Jaxyn, Britt, Randy, and my Mom).

He caught on quick to Candy Land and loved trying to make his way to King Candy first! It was so sweet to watch the way Jaxyn and Hatcher respond to each other, with so much love and tenderness. Jaxyn - I feel like we had a lot of bonding moments this last week, and I miss you SOOOOOO much! I hope when you start school at the hospital next week it is so much fun and you love it! I will treasure the times we played bananagrams, yahtzee, and uno in our pjs, snuggled, slept every night together, went on soooo many elevator rides, played in the playroom, made projects, read books, held hands, and watched you be the most amazing sister anyone could be. I love you so much.

They are really trying to put those calories on Hatcher - so many nights he got ice cream or a popsicle and he was always a big fan of that! Raise the roof buddy!

Everyday that I was there they got to take walks out onto the terrace and get a little vitamin D! It was thrilling to watch him slowly make his way down the hall and out those doors, shovel in hand! Randy was sure Hatcher got lots of time to do that - and I know it's helped him get so much stronger!

My favorite thing about this kid is that he is cowboy, true blue through and through! He got those chaps and all his gear on, that's when he felt the best. In spite of all the cords and rigamarole he was tangled with, he still managed to get on the gear. He's got spirit - but also this angelic quality that is endearing to everyone who meets him. All of the Dr.s and Nurses just love their family, but are especially enamored with Hatcher. Not only by what an amazing miracle he is, but also by what an adorable, charming little boy he is. (In fact I think Nurse Amy and Nurse Rachel are fighting over him as we speak!) Right now the future is unknown for Hatcher, but all I know is - his future is bright!

I love you Hatcher, Jaxyn, Britt and Randy. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your world this last week. You amaze me with your strength, patience, love, and especially your faith. All will be well. I hope the next couple of weeks bring answers and guidance to your hearts and minds. I miss you already.

Easter

2011-05-06T22:14:00.001-07:00

Easter time is a lovely time of the year - a time to brush off the cobwebs of winter, get out the flip flops and watch the snow fall as we decorate Easter eggs! It has been one chilly spring this year, but somehow it never keeps Easter . . . or that Easter bunny from coming!

We did get to join in a little Easter hunt, but our highlights of Easter were the Easter baskets and having a wonderful dinner with all of our family and remembering our Savior.

HAPPY EASTER!

Quick Trip to Seattle

2011-05-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

We zipped off to Seattle on a clear Friday evening to watch Peter play in his last rugby game of the season. We stayed at a hotel that night and the kids were DEELIGHTED - swimming when we woke up, breakfast in the hotel, cable TV . . . so fun!A fun fact about Peter's last rugby game was that they played on one of the fields he played soccer at many times growin' up! Robin and Greg came with their kids to watch which was so fun and the weather was even pretty nice! They played great and Peter once again got man of the match! I was bummed I didn't get a picture with he and his teammates - however Robin did represent and honor him with another of her "Amazing Cakes" - yes she is talented in so many ways.A spitting image, don't you think? And it was tasty too!

We also got to see 3 great grandmas and 1 great grandpa, which was quite the treat! We went up to Bellingham after Peter's game Saturday and got to spend the night with Mom and Dad. We enjoyed seeing Nan and Pop (I sadly didn't take any pics with them, what was I thinking?) and then Sunday morning got a quick visit with Grandma Carr.

We then hopped back in the car and headed to Whidbey Island where Peter's grandma is living. We haven't seen her in a really long time and now that she is battling Alzhiemers, she doesn't recognize us anymore. It was so good to see her though and for our kids to be with her. There is something so grounding about being with those who have given so much to making our family what it is today.

Of course Peter was able to talk about some memories with Grandma that did bring a light into her face and a little smile. He loved being with her and seeing her again, we all did.

Our family and Robin and Greg's family decided to explore Fort Casey before we left the island- what a cool place! Then after being blown to smithereens we were treated to delicious chili and hot chocolate at Rich and Myrna's house - it was exactly what we needed!

It was sure nice to escape the cold wind in this cool lighthouse - it was so beautiful! What a fun trip we had - and packed in SOOOO much! Thanks Mom and Dad for feeding us and having us crash for the night, just wish it was a longer visit! Thanks again for hosting us Robin, we loved sleeping over and playing all morning!

Spring Break

2011-05-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Since we get 2 weeks off for spring break it feels like we really get time to enjoy that time off. We didn't go anywhere special, just a few things here and there nearby. I think our favorite part of it all was just sleeping in and snuggling! The kids did have a blast when we took them to the Sun Mountain Fun Center and they got to play all the fun games, win tickets and get prizes! One other favorite day was when we saw "Tangled" at McMinnemons and they got to drink Shirley Temples! Love those special moments that cost so little but create such fun memories! Too bad I didn't have the camera that day!

We got the bumper cars all to ourselves
and we had a blast ramming into each other!

Hatcher's Heart Surgery

2011-03-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

My nephew Hatcher is a cowboy at heart and this little guy sure has one big heart. He is so full of joy and life - and everyone that meets him feels his strong spirit. He was born with a serious heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and has had several heart surgeries in his young life. He has been due for another surgery, called the Fontan, for quite a few months now and finally the Doctors feel he is big and strong enough. The initial surgery date was for Friday March 18th, but had to be postponed. He will finally be able to have his much needed surgery tomorrow, bright and early Tuesday March 22nd at 6am at the Standford University Hospital. We would love to invite anyone to pray for our little fighter! Love you Hatcher pants! (If you want to learn a little more about HLHS and the fontan surgery, go to Youtube and view:
Surgery-Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome - HLHS - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)

Young Women's Fun

2011-03-16T00:37:00.001-07:00

Being in Young Women's has kept me busy with lots of fun activities this year! We went rollerskating/blading at an indoor rink as a joint activity. It brought back fond memories of our Bellingham roller rink and all the good times I had in my younger years grasping on to the carpeted walls. Ahhh, those were the days.

Cheer - my 1st counselor - love her!

Haley and B-B-B-Bower!
My Secretary and Personal Progress Extrordinair!
(How do you even spell that?!)
Lover her too!

Cheyenne - so fun that she's in YW now!

Uncle Rico Rico Rico Rico!

All of the brave contestants - "sticky balls" we love you!

AND ... the Crawford family + Pres. Head and Eric! Debbie is my 2nd Counselor - yep, another woman I love! (Her girls are pretty great too:)!

The Wearing O' the Green!

2011-03-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

A little while back we got to have the Hardy kids overnight and we had SO much fun! Fortunately it had started feeling springy, so we spent a couple hours at the park. The funny thing was - all of them were wearing green, except for Charley! She was not too happy when she realized it!

It feels like spring came and went a few times this year - but I think it might be here to stay (if we can handle a little rain first)! We love you Hardy kids - thanks for playing!

Christmas RE-CAP!

2011-03-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

So many fun things happened over Christmas . . .
here are just a few fun memories:

A visit from Grandma Great - love that lady!

Setting up our favorite snow scene - that I set up with my family growing up.
EVERY kid that came to our house at Christmas time would stand in front of this table
and the kids would explain all the little pieces of the scene - priceless.

Charley - our baby - turned 5! She is getting to be
such a big girl and can't WAIT for Kindergarten!

She had a "monkey" party and
we did banana splits for dessert!

Krissy and Ray hosted our "quiet Christmas Eve" this year!
So many were missing - but it was SO FUN
to have Mom and Dad here with us!

Lots of fun games - including a white elephant game -
kid version and adult version!
(Krissy's creepy goodwill doll was a popular item)

Always fun to be had when Papa's around!

Christmas Eve right after opening their X-mas PJ's!

Christmas morning stockings

More games!

I always regret the amount of pictures I take during Christmas and when Mom and Dad come to town - never enough. We sure did love that they climbed in the car and made the snowy drive over! It made Christmas so special this year!

Somethin' Fishy

2011-03-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Somethin' fishy has been goin' on around here - and it goes by the name of Guppie. Fortunately for Guppie, Porter has all the time in the world to feed him, talk to him, wash his tank, and just plain love him. Unfortunately for my fellow bloggers out there - I haven't had that kind of time for you! My blog has gone completely underwater and its high time to bubble up to the surface again! Here's hoping for some more updates to come soon! (Lots to catch up on - like Christmas with Mom and Dad to name one!)

Santa Sighting!

2010-12-13T18:11:00.001-08:00

Yes - there was a Santa sighting here in Sisters! The day after Thanksgiving - Santa paraded through town on this very wagon. Do you think he might be checking up on us to be sure he has us on the right list?! Better be good for goodness sakes!

Thanksgiving Recap

2010-12-13T17:47:00.001-08:00

Having a whole week off at Thanksgiving time is the best thing ever! We had lots of snow - so that made it so much fun for the kids. We had a snow play date at our house with cousins to start off the fun week!

We made these yummy, festive Pilgrim Hat cookies and guzzled the hot chocolate of course!

On Thanksgiving Day we enjoyed our normal traditions: Mom cooking up the favorite family recipes, Dad playing in the Turkey bowl with our branch, having a soak in the hot tub . . .

And Makenna busy making crafts! She is our little crafter and got to spend much of her break from school creating and crafting (mostly Christmas gifts) - she's just so talented!

It was fun to get a little inspiration from the "Button Girl" book
since her new passion is buttons!

Unfortunately I took "O" pictures of our beautiful Thanksgiving spread - but believe me it was big and it was delicious! After dinner I entertained the kids with some fun music and dancing games and then they wanted to perform! I think our favorite was Turkey in the Straw - with our two turkeys (Porter and Josh) in the middle!

The end of the week we hunted for a Christmas tree, went to the Christmas Parade, and just enjoyed playing games and spending time together!
I am SOOOO Thankful for so many things - but I'm definitely the most thankful for my crazy amazing family! I LOVE YOU!

Thankful Li'l Turkeys!

2010-12-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

This year we made Thankful Turkeys - and the kids were so creative with them! They each wrote what they were most thankful for on each feather and then we did some Turkey bowling baby! We lined them up at one end of the table, made a barricade with leggos and blocks - then we bowled with marbles. What a fun FHE night!

Makenna's

Charley's

Porter's

Christmas Tree Hunt

2010-12-13T17:06:00.001-08:00

Trish and Eric's family along with ours hit the forest (just up the road from our house) to hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. It wasn't long until we found the perfect spot to park and hike around. The snow was deep and it was still coming down - good thing we brought along our sleds!

Of course the boys were all about the snowball fight!

Trish and I found some beautiful boughs, branches and manzanita to Christmas-fy our homes - it's beauteeful stuff!

The perfect sledding spot for the kids while we looked for a tree

It's a keeper! We love this tradition!

Sunday Funnies

2010-11-01T22:41:00.001-07:00

Since this year Charley wanted to be a pumpkin, I let her get some orange face paint. For both the Friday and Saturday festivities we never did use the face paint. Sunday afternoon came along and we stumbled upon that fabulous face paint. Makenna thought it would be fun to do Charley's face makeup and I gave her the green light. About a half hour later they walked into the office and presented this masterpiece - it was all I could do to not fall off my chair laughing.
Soon after, our Home Teachers came over and we were all in fits and giggles as she strutted in, thinking she was the cat's meow. I don't think I could have made this face look as good as you did Makenna.
The best part is after the make up session was over, Makenna took Charley outside for a photo shoot - complete with about 20 different poses. When I popped open the camera to see these beauties, I felt like now Halloween was complete.
Little did we know that Charley would wake up the next morning with a bit of a rash from that orange oompla loompa face mask - ahhh, what we women won't go thru for the sake of beauty.
That Sunday afternoon didn't fully reach it's climax until Porter came out of the closet in this "crazy cat lady" get up - what you'll do when you can' t go trick or treating on Sunday!

The Branch Halloween Party

2010-11-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

When Halloween falls on a Sunday - it seems like it's just an excuse to extend this sugar lovin' holiday for 3 days! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining (well maybe just a little). They sure did get lots of candy though and I'm already tired of saying, "Don't ask me for another piece of candy today!" Here are some pics from our Saturday night Halloween Party with the branch.The kids got to jump in a jumpy house, play fun halloween games, we had a chili feed, a cake walk (which Kenna won by the way!), and to top the night off - a trunk or treat!

One of our family's favorite people and favorite babysitters:Felicia!
They also had THE BEST trunk - you're so creative!

For this event Charley changed from being a pumpkin
to being a Snow Princess,
and she definitely fits the part these days.

Can you guess who this creeper is with his hand around my daughter's shoulder? Are we letting just anybody come to the Church parties these days? I think I need to take it up with the Activities Committee.

The one picture I did not get that I really regret: Grandma and Grandpa dressed up as pumpkins - you are just a couple of pumpkin heads, but that's why we love you! Thanks for a great party Debbie!

Halloween Parade thru Sisters

2010-11-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

Since we moved to Sisters 4 years ago, we have made it a yearly tradition to attend the "Halloween Parade" through Sisters. TONS of families and friends gather at the City Park and go in groups on a special route through town and trick or treat to all the local businesses. We were blessed with BEEUTEEFUL weather and the kids had tons of fun!

There's no place like home?

Baby Emma!

Counting the spoils with your best bud - does it get any better?

The "Mad Scientist" and his Dad

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween Parties

2010-11-01T21:49:00.001-07:00

It's always fun to come to school and be a part of the class Halloween parties. This is Porter and Makenna just before they left for school. If you didn't notice, Port tucked his pants into his socks because "then no one will notice my pants are too short." We sure know how to breed 'em - but thanks again Josh for letting us borrow that awesome skeleton costume!

In Kenna's class their desk groups got to play "wrap the mummy" and Makenna was picked to be victim. Her classmates thoroughly enjoyed mummifying her in strips of toilet paper - it was so fun to watch!

In Porter's classroom one of the parents read them a Halloween story and brought ghost necklaces to make.
I think he enjoyed the treats the most.

Charley's always happy to come along for the ride - and to get to see what "the big kids" are doing at school . . .
it's definitely a novelty to her!

Of Their Own Design

2010-11-01T21:42:00.001-07:00

So we FINALLY carved our pumpkins - I think they'd been sitting by the front door, hollowed out for 2 weeks! The kids designed their own pumpkin face and I helped carve - Makenna did most of her own accept for that tricky mustache! Love those creative kids of mine!

Porters

Kenna's (at first she thought it looked like
Santa Claus so she gave him a sweat band!)

Charley's (a cat)

Port's Show Off Day

2010-10-25T19:50:00.001-07:00

This past Friday the first graders at Sisters Elementary School got to show off some of the fun things they've been learning and doing in PE and in Music. We started off in the gym and they showed us their HUGE parachute and the cool things they do with it.

Mr. Lamont the PE teacher said, "We'll take four steps in and then everyone goes under and we'll make our mushroom." Once they were all hidden under the mushroom we could hear Mr. Lamont say, "OK class, anyone have a good joke?" We hear Porter's voice pipe up, "Yeah. Why did the bumble bee get married? Because he finally found his honey!" All the parents laughed - it was so cute! Porter told us that wasn't planned - he just thought of that joke!

We got to play with all the fun equipment in the gym too -
and there was a lot Porter wanted do and show to us.

I think he was the most proud of his chin-up skills.
That kid held it there for quite a while -
I think his chin might have helped him just a little!

We then went to the commons area where the kids sang us some songs, played some games, and showed us their new found skills on the "glockenshpeel" - no this is not how it's spelled. Three of the kids were chosen to lead their class in their school song - Porter was one of those kids. I asked he and his good buddy Ryun why Porter was one of the leaders and his friend said, "Oh it's because Porter just does a really good job."

So fun to see all the fun things you're learning Porter!
Way to go buddy!

Proud Parents!

2010-10-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 22nd, Makenna was awarded the Pizza with the Principal lunch! This is what her teacher, Mr. Hewett, wrote about why he picked her: "You're a good friend to everyone. You always work hard and set a good example for all of us." On the same day she was awarded with the "What a Star" in Music class. You are so awesome - what an awesome kid and how lucky we feel to have you in our family!

Portland Temple Trip

2010-10-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Our Youth had a temple trip last Friday and it was so fun! It's always a special time to be together in the Temple - I love this gospel! It's so true! Powerful things happen when you're living the way you should and doing God's work. Here's just a couple fun pics.

Cheer, Me and Deb - the dynamo presidency! Love these ladies!

Pumpkin Heads

2010-10-22T10:35:00.001-07:00

I wish this border was pumpkins instead of roses -
that would be so much more appropriate for this post!
Even still, we are just a couple of pumpkin heads In spite of our best efforts to get to a pumpkin patch this year,
we still ended up at Ray's Grociery store to pick pumpkins, pretty pathetic!

On the up side, the kids were still pumped about it and we let them pick out a festive treat for our FHE dessert. They ended up with sprinkley donuts - yum yum!

Even with a busted hand, Petey was still able to hollow out a pumpkin like a pro.
Of course Porter did most of the scooping - the funnest part!

Phase 2 is still to come - the actual carving! It just got too late to do it all in one night!
Happy Halloween from a future skeleton, witch, and pirate (can you guess who will be what?)

First School Morning!

2010-08-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we're already back at it for another year of school! Got up early . . . moments later Porter's footsteps down the hall . . . "it's the first day right Mom?" Yep - then he's on the couch and says, "Mom, the first day of school is just like Christmas!" So glad you feel that way buddy - waffles for you!

Charley's pretty excited too - I'm not sure if it's to eat waffles or if it's because she knows she gets Mommy to herself for much of the day!

My 4th Grader and my 1st Grader -
and yes I believe we call those "jeggings"

Back in Mr. Hewett's classroom - don't worry, she didn't get held back . . .
Mr. Hewett moved up! Yay! We love Mr. Hewett!

Heh, heh, heh, I think I'll color that banana blue

I feel like there were so many fun summer pics that didn't get blogged -
so we might have to do a summer flashback one of these days . . . ahhh,
always so sweet to remember those lazy lake days!

Aaaaarhg - me blasted shovel and pail will have to
come out again next year me hardy's!

Fun at the Fair

2010-08-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

There's been so many fun things we've done this summer! So many pictures, so little time. This was one hot, but fun day - we got to go to the County Fair (back in July) with Krissy and Robin's Family! Lots o' sweaty animals, sweaty kids, sweaty Moms - but sweet treats, sweet rides, and sweet smiles too! Love those summer days . . .

Bellingham 2010

2010-07-12T23:50:00.000-07:00

This was our first trip to Bellingham this summer, but not our last! Makenna got to have her very first one-on-one week and a half with Grandma and Papa - and boy did she have a great time! She loved going garage "sale-ing" with Grandma, doing fun sewing projects, going on a jog with Papa, watching movies, making treats, and just plain hanging out. The kids and I (Petey still workin' like mad) went to pick her up (in our new Tahoe by the way:) and decided to stay the week! We had a blast - it was so fun and SOOO relaxing for me as Mom spoiled us with yummy meals and a backyard full of fun. Oh yes - I didn't get a good shot of it, but all the improvements to the front of the house turned out AMAZING, so fun to see that finished!
We got in the day before the 4th of July and got to celebrate that fun event with Grandma and Papa, Nan and Pop, Greg and Dawn, and Eric! I didn't get any night shots unfortunately, but the kids loved lighting sparklers and watching the "snakes" grow out of the ground.

The next 4 posts are all about our fun visit to Bellingham - thanks Mom and Dad for spoiling us! We loved it!

Backyard Bliss

2010-07-12T23:35:00.001-07:00

We spent a good 3 days just lounging, swimming, sliding, sprinkling, reading, snacking, and "alligatoring" in the backyard at Grandma and Papas - it was pure bliss. Grandma got this great pool the kids could actually swim in and Charley coined the term "alligatoring" - with her hands on the bottom of the pool she would pull herself round and round, all three would join the fun and create a whirl pool effect that created this little current and they would coast on their floaties in circles all day. What a life.

I never new kids could just slip and slide and slide and slip all day - but they can. And they did. It was off to the races with this delux double slip 'n slide, complete with "surf boards" - so fun!

How do you finish off the perfect summer day? BBQ hamburgers and watermelon in the backyard of course! We were sure spoiled at Grandma's house!

Papa's Grand Slam Baseball Camp

2010-07-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

On one of the hottest days we were in Bellingham we got to bring popsicles to Dad's baseball campers. Porter and Kenna had fun handing them out and we had fun watching Papa and being down on his baseball field.

The best part of the whole thing was watching the kids slide down the wet hill. Port was eatin' it up, he didn't want to leave . . . but he wasn't quite sure he wanted to join in yet!

Fun Visits

2010-07-12T23:14:00.001-07:00

We are so lucky the kids have Great Grandparents to visit when we come to Bellingham. Grandma Carr is always SOOO happy to see us. This time when we came she was sitting by the front door of the nursing home and her face just lit up when we walked through the door!
We always love walking over to Nan and Pop's house that's just around the corner. Papa was out in the yard when we came and Nan was up on the deck doing some mending, cooling off in the nice summer evening air. We had such a nice visit - always wish it wouldn't end!
Down in the basement or "the dungeon" as Porter has named it, Porter got to try out one of Papa's trumpets. He really started getting the hang of it.
Papa picked up another trumpet and they just wailed away - we've decided when we come back in August Port's ready for some real lessons. Can't wait Pops!
Another visit to Grandma before we left for home. She looked quite a bit happier this day - and Porter was even willing this time. He said, "I think she really needs us to visit her." You're right buddy, how lonely she must get!

Birch Bay

2010-07-12T22:48:00.001-07:00

The day before we left Bellingham we got to go to Birch Bay with Grandma and Papa -
it was so fun to spend the day with Papa especially since he had been doing baseball camp all week. The kids loved digging in the mud flats, wading in the warm shallow water, flying kites, and playing chase in the mud! Pretty much every kids dream day!

It was so hot that we only lasted a couple hours before hitting up our favorite place -the "C Shop." A place that has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl -lots of treats and sno cones and ice cream, just right for a hot summer day!

What a blast we had! Can't wait to come back in August when Dane and Britt's families are there too!

The Giant Redwoods and the Coast

2010-04-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

What a blast we had over spring break! We were able to take a mini vacation for a few days down to the Redwood Forest and the Northern CA coast. Krissy, Ray and their kids joined the fun, and we are so glad to have made the trip together! These are only SOME of the great pics taken of this highly recommended trip. If you haven't driven down the Avenue of the Giants through the Redwood forest - put it on the "things to do before I die list" because the majesty and beauty of these breathtaking giant trees is something not to miss. Just a recap of the fun we had: sleeping in our cozy camper (that actually had heat!), koa campgrounds, hot showers, huge huge stumps the kids could hide in (and get lost in), agate beaches, fun parks, Ocean World, petting real live sharks, pirates, eating out (literally), eating in (to get dry), lighthouse tour, wind, rain, sun, heat, hot chocolate, smores, crazy campers, ants in the cabin, tent city (never trust an "RV park"), happy kids, grumpy kids, playful kids, carsick kids (well just one), throwing a hat full of puke into the forest that splat on a tree, laughing, napping, Avenue of the Giants, hikes, Paul Bunyun, Babe, driving through a tree trunk (well watching Krissy and Ray drive through a tree trunk cause the truck was too wide), tree houses, more beach, more agates, tide pools, tire swings, where's Kate, grilled cheese on the beach, bags of rocks, bags of shells, pockets full of sand, cars full of dirt, souls full of happy memories. We sure loved it!

"Lamonia"

2010-03-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

So tonight as we were finishing up at the dinner table I asked Porter, "So if people ask you why you were in the hospital what are you going to say?" He replied, "Lamonia." We all had to laugh. That was our weekend - a stay in the hospital while we tried to attack Porter's pneumonia. He had been sick all week last week - started a fever Saturday over a week ago. He just wasn't getting better - running high fever, coughing bad, labored breathing, throwing up, diarrhea, goopy eyes, the works. By Wednesday I brought him into our clinic here in Sisters - thought it could be pneumonia, but they couldn't yet hear any fluid in the lungs. Decided to treat the symptoms as a virus - but come Thursday his fever spiked back up to 104.3 and he had a horrible night - coughing, couldn't breath very well. We got him into the pediatrician on Friday - they tested his oxygen saturation level and it was at 82 (normal is upper 90's). After a nebulizer treatment, it was still only at 84 - they wanted to admit him. Long story a little shorter - chest x-ray showed pneumonia and we were not released until Monday morning! It was definitely a roller coaster - Porter is our more dramatic child when he is sick so you can imagine how he felt when he was not only miserable, but hooked up to an IV, oxygen tube, and probe to track his oxygen levels. The first genuine smile we saw was when his best buddy and cousin Josh and Aunt Trish visited and brought him balloons, yummy snacks, coloring book, and stuffed animal - he loved it. The second genuine smile was when he got the official OK from the Dr. to leave the hospital and go home! He is doing SO GOOD - but I'm not sending him back to school until next week so we can get his immune system stronger and energy back. Thanks for all your calls and prayers and concern for Porter and thanks to all our family who were able to help with the girls so we could be at the hospital 24/7 with Port. Lets pray for a much healthier spring!
(Didn't know Tiger Woods was a pneumonia model - gosh, what doesn't this guy do? hmmm, I think we know - be faithful!)

Dad's Tricky

2010-01-31T21:18:00.001-08:00

Porter has had two wiggly bottom teeth for quite some time. I kept encouraging him to pull those babies out, but he did not have much desire to lose his precious pearlies. I could see the new teeth were growing in behind them - and getting pushed on weird, they were overdue to come out. So this past Sunday we were just finishing up with dinner and Peter had Porter on his lap inspecting those shark teeth. Peter pushed his finger against one of those wiggly teeth, it popped out into Port's mouth, he freaked, and spit it out! Peter snatched that tooth mid-air - like it was all some clever choreography! The whole thing made Port go a little ballistic, however we were able to convince him it would be a good feeling to get that other tooth out! With a little kleenex and a little tug - he had both teeth out in the same night!

Way to go Port! The Tooth Fairy is going to love those!

Snow......men?

2010-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

We got a bit of snow last weekend and the kiddos had tons of fun playing in it. Peter even got caught up in the excitement so he, Port, and Kenna built this huge snowman. It wasn't complete until they made a Porter sized version - and they very fittingly named the two snow buddies "SnoPeter" and "SnoPorter" (Kenna came in after the big guy was complete, and my two "snow men" kept on a goin!) Gotta love it!

Grandpa turned 60!

2010-01-31T20:54:00.000-08:00

About 2 weeks ago Papa Liddell turned 60! Krissy had the psychedelic idea to throw a "sixties" party for Grandpa, and a surprise party at that. To make things even more trippy Robin and her kids drove over for the big party to add to the surprise! Needless to say he was shocked and it was a great time. I think "costume of the night" award goes to Eric who came dressed to a T - Trish altered some sweet brown cords into bell bottoms, he had an orange flowery silky button up shirt, peace necklace, Lennon glasses, moustache, and short permed wig. Unfortunately I didn't get a good pic of him in full garb - so these are a couple good ones I did get.

We're glad you had such an awesome birthday Grandpa - you are truly one cool dude.

The Pajama Puppy Party

2010-01-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

This year the girls had a joint birthday party! Charley's birthday is on Dec. 15th and Makenna's is on January 4th - and with all we had going on this year with the recital, traveling to Bellingham for Christmas, and just being crazy busy . . . we thought this would work super! Ever since August when we were together in Bellingham for the Hatch Family Reunion and threw a "puppy party" for cousin Emmerson's birthday, Charley hasn't stopped talking about it. Makenna was a good sport and went along with the idea for their joint party. Charley wanted to add a little twist to the idea and make it a pajama puppy party - I loved it! This fun event included everyone coming dressed in their pajamas, we made "real" puppy ears for all, we had puppy face painting,they got to decorate their own puppy collar, puppy paw nail painting for the girls and the boys came up with their own idea: they colored their palms with markers to look like dog paws! We had a puppy relay race - the two teams had to get all their dog bones from one dog bowl to the other - even Grandma joined in! The best thing about the whole party was how much all the kids got into character. For much of the night they were down on all fours, chasing each other, barking, and hiding under the kitchen table which was the dog house! We ended the evening of course with gifts, puppy cake, and everyone got to take home a "doggie bag" - full of trinkets and treats! We love you Makenna and Charley and hope you have many fun memories of your puppy party and turning 4 and 9 - can't believe you're getting so old! What would that make you in dog years?!

Charley turned 4!

2009-12-30T23:07:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a little walk down memory lane and remember our precious moments with Charley as she's grown up. She was born December 15th in Pleasant Grove, UT. What a tiny little bundle of joy she started out to be and has turned into a joyful, funny, loving, animated, smart, energetic, thoughtful, sweet girl.

Her first days at home

Some fun moments in her first year

First time in the snow

First Halloween

Her first birthday!

Charley's 2nd Birthday!

Charley's 3rd Birthday!

And now look how big she's gotten!

For her birthday we had a little at home party and on Friday she and Makenna are going to celebrate their birthdays together with the rest of the family. So a post will be coming in the future on the "Pajama Puppy Party!" Here are a few shots from her party with Mom, Dad, Kenna, and Port:

We hope all your wishes come true!
Happy Birthday Charley girl! We love you!

Riddle

2009-11-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

What do a vampire, a mouse, and a fifties girl all have in common? They are all the offspring of this crazy Mom! I got to be in the classroom with Porter and Kenna this year to take part in all of their Halloween festivities . . . it was ghoulish fun!

We of course could not pass up our yearly tradition of trick or treating through downtown Sisters. It's always more fun when you're punked out zombie cousin comes along.

Candy-crazed

Let's play Halloween I-spy: can you spot a pipi long-stocking, a lady bug, 2 skeletons, a vampire (hmmmm), a zombie diva, a 50's girl, a mouse (this one's especially hard to spot).

Hope your Halloween was as spooktacular as ours!

Parable of the dirty bathroom

2009-10-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

As I was passing through my dirty bathroom today, I thought to myself, "This is disgusting, I really hate being in here." I can give you whatever excuse I can think of for why it is still not clean. Somehow, none of them seem to hold any merit. It pretty much comes down to this: it's dirty and I hate being in there. Why, you may ask, do I not just take 10 simple minutes out of my day and spruce it up? Because it's easier to walk on by and try to ignore it. This thought came to me tonight that this is similar to life. Sometimes the things in our life that need some cleaning just get ignored, pushed aside. Why? Because it's easier. However - if we will take a little time and clean it up . . . and continue to do this everyday, the job won't seem so hard, not so bad. And so it is with sin and simple repentance every day. So I'm making a new commitment - to my bathroom and my self, to keep on top of it. To make sure my spirit and my bathroom have gotten spruced up everyday. nice.

Funny Kenna

2009-10-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

So the other night I was in the kitchen cooking when Charley pipes up, "Mom, can I marry Porter?" I replied, "Oooohhhh, that's so sweet, but you really can't sweetie." Makenna then says, "Yeah Charley, that would just ruin the whole generation!"

Life after swine flu

2009-10-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Yes - we got it, the dreaded H1N1 or SWINE FLU. It was everything they said it would be and worse. Porter and Charley got hit with it bad, Makenna had a little bit different symptoms - but I believe just a milder version. They had the whole list: high fever, chills, aches, pains, sore throats, constant moaning and groaning that turned into the coughing and runny nose, even some diarrhea, YIKES! We made it through though and now I believe there is life after swine flu (I wasn't so sure for a while there)! Porter was out of school for 7 days (that didn't include his sick time over the weekend) and Makenna was in and out of school over the course of a week and a half. Their coughs are finally cleared up and they are completely back to normal (as normal as we ever were). So here's a voice of warning coming from a once stressed out, exhausted Mom (I'm rested and relieved now) - do whatever you can to protect your family from this thing!

Trip to Texas!

2009-10-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

I am blessed with an amazing family and an amazing Sister-in-law who decided we needed a girls weekend! She and Dane made it possible for Britt, Mom, and my self to fly to Texas for an amazing weekend. We went to Canton, this shop-til-you-drop acre upon acre flea market, out to fun restaurants, pedicures, a glorious mall, Hobby Lobby, walks in their neighborhood, kissing and smooching Emmy and Easton, lots of laughing, eating, and reminiscing. Plain and simple, it was a great time! Thank you so much Dane and Linds for the amazing hosts that you are and an unforgettable trip! Love you!

First Day of School. . . 1 Month Later

2009-10-05T22:17:00.001-07:00

So the kids are back in school and I'm finally blogging about it! Porter is a big Kindergartener this year and Makenna is in 3rd grade. There was a mix of emotions that bright and early first day - excitement, nervousness, sentimental weepiness, curiosity . . . the list goes on. Overall it was a great first day and the kids are finally adjusting (especially Port) to the schedule and busyness of it all! I am so proud of them, they are such independent and capable, smart kids.

Catching the morning bus has proven to be very inconsistent this year, and that's OK with me. Porter was more than excited to ride - but came away a little disheartened. When asked how the bus ride was he replied, "Loud."

Charley's days are filled with lots of Mommy and dance and playing. She and her good buddy Brooke look forward to play dates and dance class. They are such sweeties!

Porter's Birthday

2009-09-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

On September 5th Porter turned 6! He wanted a "Shark Party" and we celebrated with ALL the Liddell cousins, aunts, uncles, and Grandma and Grandpa - what a fun night! Here are a few pics from the party:

Pin the Fish on the Shark!

Decorating the table cloth and coloring fish!

After the party, he had a few quiet moments to himself to REALLY enjoy his new toys - and boy has he been enjoying them! Thanks so much for all the wonderful gifts!

The "Birthday Shark" poster was created by Makenna and I! While Peter took Porter and Charley out for the afternoon, Makenna and I decorated for Port's party - I drew the poster and Kenna painted it, we had so much fun!

Since Porter has had his big 6th birthday and is starting Kindergarten on Monday, Peter and I have been feeling very sentimental about our baby boy growing up. We wanted to look back and remember the day he was born - what a special boy and what a special day!

We love you Porter! We're so glad you had such a Happy Birthday!

Cold Cheeks at Three Creeks

2009-09-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

In spite of fair warning, we decided to brave the wind and go up to swim at Three Creeks Lake! With the Boivie kids in tow, Grandma Liddell wanted to provide fun entertainment while Uncle Greg and Aunt Robin enjoyed a relaxing mini get away! Trish, Maria, and I plus our kids came along for the fun - and in spite of forceful wind gusts and the occasional sand storm, the kids had fun and always do swimming, getting sand down their pants, digging, and especially getting Grandma wet! You're a sport Debbie!

Hatch Family Reunion

2009-08-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

For our Hatch Family Reunion 2009 we took a trip to the San Juan Islands. Mom and Dad rented an awesome cabin at Lakedale Resort, complete with lakeside ambiance! It was beautiful, so good to be together, reconnect, laugh, and squeeze all those cute nieces and nephews! Thanks Mom and Dad for making this trip possible, I think we might be starting a tradition!

Before leaving for the Island, we entertained one another with a family auction, "Puppy Party" to celebrate Emmerson's 2nd birthday, and family talent show. Here are a few fun "still at Grandma's" pics:

Port and Papa - they were an amazing duo during the family auction. We were all given fake money and Port sure got the hang of bidding . . . he walked away with quite a pile of loot!

The "Puppy Party" was such a hit . . . well, except for the birthday girl, she thought all these kids dressed up like puppies was way more fun to watch than become!

On Sunday we headed to Anacortes to catch the San Juan Ferry. It was a beautiful day and we loved every minute of being on the water!

Aunt Linds, Easton, and Aunt Britt waiting for the ferry

ALL ABOARD! Time to set sail!

Uncle Dane with his darling kids Emmerson and Easton - they're SOO cute and huggable!

What a crew!

We made it to Lakedale and made ourselves feel right at home in that beautiful cabin!

The next morning we headed out to the coastline to see if we could spot some whales. We didn't have any luck, but what a view!
Britt and Hatcher

That evening we went over to Roch Harbor for Fish N Chips. Papa brought along this awesome rocket launcher, all the kids couldn't wait for their next turn, it was SO FUN!

Grandma, Kenna, and Jaxyn

It was an amazing trip - we miss everyone so much already! We got to stay after everyone left for 5 more days and it was so great to have one-on-one time with Grandma and Papa. Unfortunately I didn't have any space left on my camera! We saw tall sailing ships fashioned after those in the 1800's, went to a play in the park, went shopping, beach combed, visited with Grandma Carr, Carolyn , Eric, and Cody, Dawn, Greg, Mica, and Mike, hung out with Nan and Pop, and saw one of my best friends growing up - love you Leah, so fun we could see your family! As for Hatch family reunions, I think this one was one of my favorites (except for Britt and Charley getting the flu! And for the fact that Peter couldn't be there). We're sure looking forward to next year's reunion!

The 4th of July

2009-07-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

Crazy story: I haven't been able to find my camera, searched high and low in all our beach bags, car, etc. - nothin'. I kept feeling like I may have left it at the barn the night of the the 4th - but Peter reassured me it was in Charley's hands as I brought her to the car. The car just turned up nothin. Not convinced I hadn't set it down before we left the pond we decided to search around down there today. It wasn't in the barn or anywhere on any of the camping chairs - nothin'. As we were backing out I had the thought, "What if I set it on top of the car as I was putting Charley in her car seat and it rolled off onto the grass." I stopped, got out and scoured the grassy area around where we had parked: low and behold, precious camera was still sitting there in the grass, a little dewy on the outside, but still working perfectly! You have to remember it's been sitting there for 6 days: MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! So I thought I would definitely have to pay it respects and download our pictures and update the blog!

We had a great 4th of July! I do have to give a shout out to Britt and Randy, Jaxyn and Hatcher - we so wish you could have spent it with us! They almost came for a visit, but decided it may not be the best idea with Hatcher havin' the runs. We missed having you here, but were still able to have a great weekend. We spent the day at 3 Creeks Lake with Krissy and Ray's fam - swimming, digging in sand, swatting bugs and skeeters, rowing in their cute inflatable raft, and soaking up some rays. I love days like that! Here's a few pics from the day:

Ray and Jack in their cute new raft - loved it, want one!

After a day of playing on the shore we headed to the pond for a BBQ with the whole fam. This is a dusky shot of a few paddle boaters - love the lighting this time of night!

Random shot of Charley in her favorite swimming suit - why do they always love the character clothing the best, she has so many suits that are cuter!

Kenna out in the middle of 3 Creeks Lake - snowy banks always make me think: "That water has to be freezing!" It wasn't too bad though, the hot sunny weather helped too!

Just before heading off to Bend to watch the fireworks and light a few sparklers!

Helmet Heads

2009-07-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

The kids have gotten into their bikes this summer so it was about time they got some helmets. But now I have just a few problems: The week after we got the helmets Peter accidentally backed over Makenna's bike and has some spokes sticking out all weird (un-rideable); Porter wanted his training wheels off, but he still can't ride on his own and now we can't put the wheels back on because some parts to his training wheels are missing; finally I think the tubes need replacing in Charley's bike. UGGHH! Bike GODS please help me! They do look pretty cute though!

Rodeo Parade

2009-06-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

It's officially summer here in Sisters: The Rodeo came to town! Since opening the Sisters Dance Academy I have not officially posted one thing about all the fun things we've been doing! We opened in February, had our first recital in May, and participated in the Rodeo Parade this last weekend. It's been quite the whirlwind getting this little business up and going - so it's taken me a while to catch up to all the things I've been wanting to do! Blogging about it is one of those things. I was able to take a few fun shots of the girls at the parade - it turned out to be a fabulous day (we were worried it would rain) and it was great fun to participate (big sigh of relief when it was all over and everyone had been collected)!

T-Ball Opening Ceremonies

2009-04-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

It is official: Porter is playing T-Ball! His team: the Cubs. His Coach: Coach Beckwith. His Number: 2. Postition: Pitcher (but not really, he just stands by the mound). Bats: Right. Throws: Right. Stats: 2 RBI's (because in T-ball you get to hit the ball and run to 1st base. The next kid hits the ball and you run to 2nd. This goes on until you get to run home. If you're the last kid on the roster you get a grand slam every time!) Here are the highligts from opening day:

Best Buddies

2009-04-17T08:47:00.001-07:00

Ryun and Port have become best buddies and enjoy the days they get to do preschool together and play all day! Considering the fact that they are both VERY ready for kindergarten and more social opportunities, we try to get them together as often as we can. Yesterday we had preschool, talked about the letter W, weather, days of the week, and they made whales. After their two other preschool buddies (Brook and Payden) went home they enjoyed swimming in the hot tub, using their squirt guns to chase butterflies, but the most fun and dirty they got was making a big mud hole. What is it with boys and mud and digging - I'm not sure, but they sure had fun!

They were so muddy afterwards that I made them both take showers! I have to apologize to Jodi for the bag of soaking wet clothes we sent home (at least they weren't muddy anymore)!

We love ya Ryun!

Easter Eyes

2009-04-14T22:14:00.000-07:00

When you've been cursed with eyes bigger than Easter eggs - there's a good chance your kids will get 'em too. During Easter weekend we were at no loss for the big Easter eyes.

Easter morning - they got up at 6:30 am - as you can see they are going through their spoils in OUR BED - something's wrong with this picture.

We had a great Easter and the kids even posed for me after church with their Easter baskets (I did have to threaten a little that I would start taking away candy if they didn't take an Easter picture!) After a great church meeting we went over to G&G Liddell's to have an Easter feast of Ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, rolls, dessert, and good company. They did an Easter egg hunt - but not for eggs filled with candy. Each egg contained something that symbolized Christ's journey from the Atonement through the Resurrection - along with a paper which told us about each experience and the accompanying symbol. It was great - and then we watched "The Testaments", and the kids were all very into it.

Happy Easter 2009!

Makenna's Baptism

2009-02-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

The weekend finally arrived for Makenna's baptism and for Grandma Lori and Papa to visit! We had a wonderful weekend and we feel so blessed to have shared it with the ones we love. Aunt Britt sent a special letter and blanket to Makenna since she and her family couldn't be here - it was congratulating her on her baptism and a reminder that the Holy Ghost can comfort us just like this blanket. I must say it is now Makenna's favorite thing to snuggle anytime, anywhere!

The kids loved wrestling Papa - and he was always up for it!

They especially enjoyed Papa's stories - the made up ones and the ones he read to them!

Just before her baptism program started we got Makenna's stuff set up in the changing room . . . and took a couple quick shots of her before the dunk!

I love this shot - what a wonderful blessing to be baptized by your Daddy!

The after shot of 2 wet girls!

It was so fun to share this day

with her best bud, Sydney!

Makenna's voice teacher, Cullie,

came with her husband to support

Makenna, so nice they came!

One of Makenna's favorite people,

Felicia - she brought her a special

little momento to always remember

her baptism, so sweet!

The two Grandpas!

Kate, Kenna, and Grandma!

Emily and her Sister - so nice they were able

make the trip from Arizona . . . I was so jealous,

wish my sister could have made it!
I do want to thank my sisters that live here - Trish for playing the flute, Krissy for leading the cousin's song. Thank you Debbie for leading the music and Mom for giving a wonderful talk! Thanks to Eric for conducting and everyone else who came and supported Makenna. For the many loved ones who weren't able to make it, we sure felt you in heart and in spirit!

What sweet girls!

Baptism Dress Photo Shoot

2009-02-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

This is Makenna's new dress to wear after she gets baptized (this Saturday February 14th!) We had so much fun this weekend at a local park doing a little photo shoot. It was a beautiful day, but pretty cold. She was a trooper - and happy as a clam to be in this beautiful dress thinking about her upcoming baptism. Makenna - you surely are an angel.

8 is GREAT!

2009-01-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

So the long awaited day finally arrived! Makenna and best friend Sydney had discovered a couple years ago that they both had to wait until their 8th birthday to get their ears pierced. Soooo, on Saturday we made a day of it! We went to the Old Mill District and first ate lunch at Pastini - the girl's choice of course! Kenna and I shared a yummy chicken fettucini alfredo, so delicious!

They also shared a delectible looking chocolate lava cake and ice cream, complete with candles! Emily and I didn't get much of a chance at a bite, they inhaled it!

After lunch we walked over to Claires for the big moment - then we learned they'd have to wait an hour until their turn! So, after squealing over all the different kinds of earrings they'll soon be able to wear, we decided to head over to the GAP!

The girls had so much fun picking thru the clothes and trying on fun outfits together! I got a little glimpse into the future - I think these two could be trouble!

Syd spent the night before the big day and they discovered they had matching outfits to wear - can it get more perfect?

Makenna in the hot seat!

Ready, but nervous for her ears to be changed forever!

We had 2 ladies on the job - so we could do her ears at the same time, and I held her shaking little hands the whole way through!

Afterwards, she had tears in her eyes and didn't know whether to laugh or cry! She was so happy it was done, any trace of crying turned into giggles

You're pierced babe!

As we headed back to the car the girls couldn't stop talking about their new earrings!

So we decided to stop in Ann Taylor Loft (we couldn't pass up their sale rack - $3.66 for dang cute stuff). As we were in the dressing room trying things on we could hear the girls a couple doors down saying, "Please pinch me, cause this day must be a dream! We never want it to end!" They are too cute! Thanks for sharing this MOMENTOUS day with us Emily and Syd! Can't wait to share their next momentous day together - their baptism!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

Santa definitely came! The kids had sprinkled reindeer food (from Krissy and Ray) out on the snow and this morning they thought they saw reindeer hoof prints on the roof! They all got many wonderful presents and we got to have Grandma and Grandpa here with us which was extra special!

The anticipation was killing them as they waited for Dad to finish plowing the driveway and for Grandma and Grandpa to arrive! It was definitely worth the wait!

Port checkin' out the gifts

And first comes the stocking of little Port, and Kenna, and Charley! Oh how Santa filled them well!

The traditional xmas morning backrub for Dad - a requirement before any gifts are open!

Grandpa had to get in on the action too!

The robot that flashes, talks, spins, walks and is loud enough to make just about anyone go crazy!

Sweater from Santa!

The anticipation is killer!

Pure chrismas heaven

The homemade gift from mom - a quiet book! So much thanks to Trish for ALL the help and sewing genius! We love you!

Trying out the new stationary, pens, stamps, etc.

Lovin' the Poly Pocket slide n splash from Santa!

A new cart and play food from good buddy Brookey!

The kids were ALL supposed to help with breakfast and serve Grandpa and Grandma, but it turned into Porter and Charley too busy playing to help Mom and Kenna in the kitchen! Makenna made Christmas Crepes - which were filled with berries and looked beautiful!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

This year Krissy and Ray hosted Christmas Eve and we had so much fun! They had decked out their living room with white lights that hung from the ceiling and everything was so festive. We had tons of great food and games and entertainment. After yummy soup, bread bowls and more for dinner we started the activities. Uncle Ray had put together this fun game where you listen to Christmas movie clips and then have to figure out what movie it is. It was great! Each family prepared something to share - a song or something silly and Trish played her flute which is always a highlight. Grandpa read from Luke of Christ's birth while the kids each held a puppet or two that represented the story - an angel, a wise man, the baby Jesus, etc. We ended with our own version of a white elephant gift exchange - and I think everyone came away pretty happy. It was a fun night!

The kids had fun getting all tangled up in TWISTER!

Makenna sang "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer" and sounded great!

Thanks Krissy and Ray for all the fun!

Back home we got the fire going and the kids got to open a present -

new chrismas jammies of course!

Can't wait 'til Santa comes!

A Polynesian Turkey Day

2008-12-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

So it's taken me a while to find the time to blog our Thanksgiving! It was quite a memorable one as it was just us this year and Peter got the sweet idea of cooking our turkey in the ground. Our friend Fish who lives in UT does this every summer with a pig - he is Hawaiian and it's a great tradition, so we thought we'd start it for Thanksgiving! It was quite an adventure and an all day event! We didn't actually end up eating our turkey with our Thanksgiving dinner because it wasn't quite done! But when it was, boy was it good and juicy - we decided it was our best turkey ever BY FAR!

Peter and Porter used Grandpa's handy Kubota to dig the hole for the turkey

After the hole is dug then you lay rocks in the bottom - Port had fun with this

Once the rocks were in place it was time to prepare the fire

Port was such a big help to Dad - he was lovin' the whole process.

Here's he's helping tend the fire.

The cabbage bed.

Prep'ing the turkey with all kinds of yummy seasonings

and inside Peter put apples, onion and cinnamon for a wonderful flavor.

The turkey all ready, wrapped in cabbage leaves and wire mesh to hold it all together. The thermometer had a nice long wire so we could bury the turkey but still be able to read the temp. This was my one and only request - we had to be sure it was done!

As you can see the fire was burned down to hot coals -

ready for a big turkey to smother it.

You then cover it with wet burlap and we poked a little hole in it for the thermometer.

Covering it all with dirt! I helped - aren't you proud?!

(All I was doing was holding the cord to the thermometer so it wouldn't get buried.)

At about 9:30pm we decided to pull it out of the ground because the temp wasn't increasing very quickly after a certain point. We thought it would be better to finish it off in the oven.

Cutting through the wire mesh to free it

It only took about 45 min. to finish baking - itn't it purdee?!

By the way Peter won this turkey in the annual Sister's Branch Turkey Shoot -

he was the best shot and won an 18 pounder - that's my man!

Makenna's Thanksgiving Day project - Indian Headdress Napkin Holders
They turned out so cute! You can't see them, but she attached tiny little

homemade feathers to the back of each one.

The Grand Feast!
(Minus the turkey, but it was OK - we were so full w/o it!)

Definitely plate-licking good!

Come on over for a ho-ho-ho down!

2008-12-08T12:34:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Halloween Pics

2008-11-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

So this year Porter definitely had costume confusion. We started out at "Miss Sew it All's" boutique and found some awesome Indian attire plus a bow and arrow. When it came right down to it though he really didn't want to be an Indian he just wanted the bow and arrow. So for Trunk or Treat at the church he ended up being a wakeboarder (we found this sweet wet suit at a random garage sale for $1 that morning). For the REAL Halloween he went through the entire costume box and somehow decided on a make-shift mouse. We have this cute mouse nose and tail - but by the time this picture was taken those had certainly come off!
Makenna was a beautiful witch again - it's just a classic costume, what can we say?

Charley graced us with her sparkle as Belle

(or was that just the tiara shining in my eyes?)

The costume parade through downtown Sisters was fun!

Great weather and lots of fam and friends!

At the trunk or treat we weren't sure whethe to laugh or cry

when we saw Grandpa and Grandma!

The "treat girl" was too scared to go around to all the spooky trunks

so she stayed at ours to hand out treats!

I think this was my favorite costume on Port,

but he doesn't always think what I think!

Kenna and best bud Trevor

(I mean Sid - you're so cute even as a boy!)

Can we carve 'em YET Mom?

2008-10-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

So we got pumpkins last Saturday and ever since, Porter's been chompin' at the bit to carve them! I wanted to do it when we could have a family pumpkin carving activity, but with Peter's schedule this last week (getting ready for the Home Show and trying to get all his other work done on top of that) it just wasn't happening. So on Tuesday when the little girls (Charley and Brook) were taking a nap Porter's imploring was finally satisfied. I decided it was better to do the carving one-on-one with Porter anyway! So once we were all done with his, Makenna came home from school and we moved on to hers! They loved pulling out all the pumpkin guts and then deciding on what design they wanted carved out. I had to help with the carving part, but they did the rest!

When we took this picture it was dark out and I used my night flash on the camera. Charley was so freaked out it was all we could do to keep her on the porch for a picture!

I tediously pulled out all the pumkin seeds and roasted them - it was worth the work!

They were soooo yummy!

1st Annual Tot Trot

2008-10-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

The 1st Annual Tot Trot was held this last Monday on Oct. 6th - and it was so amazing! Krissy organized it all and to top it off made it a charity event. In this, the kick-off year, this Tot Trot benefited Hatcher - who was born with Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome. He's already had 3 heart surgeries and will undergo another around age 2. His parents, Britt and Randy, call him their little fighter and he truly is a miracle. They are so grateful to so many who have blessed their's and Hatcher's life in helping them through this experience. We want to thank Krissy for all her efforts and to the many others who helped to sponsor and donate to this event. The participants were outfitted with official T-shirts, race numbers, goody bags, there were treats, pizza, drinks, and a whole lot of support from the community. In total there were about 100 kids in the Tot Trot and donations totaled right around $1,000 - that will go directly to the Hatcher Wheatley Fund. These are just a few of the pictures of the wonderful event.

Trip to Bellingham Aug. '08

2008-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Visit to Twin Falls!

2008-09-23T21:59:00.001-07:00

So I got to finally meet Hatcher this last weekend! I'm SOOOO bummed though because I forgot my camera and didn't get one picture of Hatcher, or any of Britt's family, or her new house (which is so cute), ugh! But I wanted to post the most recent picture of Jaxyn and Hatcher anyway! He is doing SO GOOD and getting so much stronger, he's such a sweet happy guy, a pure angel. We got in really late Saturday night, but still visited a little and Sunday morning I was in heaven just being with my Sis and her fam - playing with her kids, giving Hatcher a bath, it was yummy. We got to go to their sacrament meeting and Britt and Randy spoke - it was amazing and emotional. Little Hatcher was on my lap and all he wanted to do was stand up and jump! He's quite the miracle. I can't wait until my next visit because this one was torturously too short! We loaded up the Subaru (it was the car we bought when we got married) and now we have our old family car back, or as Jaxyn liked to call it, "The Shaggin' Wagon!"

School's in Session

2008-09-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's the end of Sept. and I thought it might be time to post some first day of school pics! Makenna is now in the 2nd grade and loving it. Porter just barely missed the cutoff for kindergarten (it's OK, it's a good thing). We're doing a kind of mom co-op preschool with him, Brook and friend Ryun where us Moms take turns doing preschool at our house once a week. He's also doing a 2 hour creative play class at our local rec. center that includes 45 min. of gymnastics and a mini preschool following where they have snack, a theme, make a project, read stories, etc. It's great for him and fun that Brook is doing this class too!

You gotta love the puffy morning face! She is up pretty early though!

So the greatest thing about this school year so far: THE BUS! It comes right to the end of our driveway, can it get any better?! Plus, Makenna loves it and loves her bus driver. The other day she made a card for her bus driver that said, "To Brenda, I love you. You're more than a bus driver, you're my friend." And this was with no help from me, so cute. Here's to another great year!

Bubblegum birthday

2008-09-17T22:33:00.001-07:00

So this cake is much better than the other one I made for the first mini party (you'll see in my next post) - because it is so much simpler! Originally Port wanted a snorkeler cake we found on Familyfun.com - but I couldn't find a snorkel so we did a mini bubble gum machine with strawberry malt balls all over it to look like pink bubble gum! He loved it and couldn't stop asking for gumballs all day. (That's not really a good thing).

Once at the party we had dinner together and then it was scavenger hunt time. Grandma set up a series of long yarn stings leading to different things throughout the house. He (and his gerbil entourage) were lead first to a box for the gerbil cage, then to some gerbil food and wood shavings, then to the actual cage . . . and then to the GERBIL! It was so cute to see his eyes get wider and wider as the realization set in that he could ACTUALLY be getting a REAL gerbil! He was thrilled!

Please click on this image with all the kids. Notice Peter's eyes and the bewonderment,

ahh the excitement of little critters!

A few good hugs!

Since the gerbil was a gift from everyone, Port made the rounds

with thank you hugs to all. These are a couple of the squeezes!

Ahhh, thanks Grandma, and to all, this is a birthday he'll never forget!

More Birthday Pics!

2008-09-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

So Porter's real birthday is on Sept. 5th and we knew we couldn't celebrate it with the whole family until the 14th, so we had to do some celebrating on the actual day! Peter was leaving on the 5th for Portland so we had to do it the night before - and since we didn't have his present yet we got the OK from Krissy and fam to come out, get the present, and do mini party #1 at their house. He was thrilled about it and got a remote controlled car and an oversized sticky hand (if you know Port, he's happy with anything squishy). Krissy and Ray had a large lollipop they gave him too - Port's other passion, sweets. It was complete with a spider man cake that I must say turned out pretty ugly - I'm no cake artist. I do have to say he put the letters on himself and had eaten a couple of them while I was on the phone so we had to improvise with some squiggles. He requested vanilla icecream with cherries on top to go with it!

Port turns 5!

2008-09-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

So Porter got to celebrate his birthday twice this year! I'll save all the yummy details for when it's not midnight, but just for quick I wanted to post SOMETHING! When we celebrated it with the family on Sunday there was a mighty surprise awaiting after a bit of a treasure hunt . . . a REAL LIVE GERBIL! I must say, I think it's the best present he's ever gotten - and the most attention he's ever given any present in his whole life. It's the gift that keeps on giving . . . every day Porter's excited to wake up to "his very own pet" and "to go check on his pet" and "Mom can I please hold Cutie again?" The name has changed several times from Vipe to Hamilton to Cutie to Oscar back to Cutie and so on. Who knows if one will stick, all we know is that he's in love. Thanks to all of you who went in on it and to Grandma for headin' up the effort! (Don't they kinda look alike?! ;)

Kate!

2008-08-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

On Friday we got to see my good friend Kate - we've known eachother since middle school and it was so fun to get together and catch up! She and her fam were on a vactation at Eagle Crest so she invited the kids and I out to go swimin' at the splash park. It was great - and Kate is as great as ever. In fact she teaches 2nd grade - the grade that Makenna happens to be going into this year, and when she first saw Kate she said, "Oh Mommy, she looks sooo nice. I bet I would just love her if she were my teacher!"

The kids sure warmed up to Kate - she's so good with kids! They only spent a couple of hours with her and they already love her!
Makenna was the only one brave enough out of the 3 kids to actually run through the splash part of the park. It was pretty cool! There were 2 other pools too - a 3 footer and a 1 footer, so they all loved that of course!

So fun to see you Kate (and Kyle too)! Can't wait til our next vist!

The Fair

2008-08-12T23:04:00.001-07:00

What is summer without a trip to the fair?! We actually got to go twice - once just Peter and I on a double date with Krissy and Ray to see "Little Big Town" (a Little Big Let Down - but still fun to roam the fair!) and again with all the kids - and I mean ALL the kids! We had my 3, and Trish had her 3, plus our good friend Jodi's 3 kids (she is a 4h leader and was at the fair all week), and Krissy's 3 kids (well if you count Lily, we didn't have to keep track of her!) It was so fun and so hot! We got some funny looks - when we went through the goat barn one of the 4h kids asked, "What do we have here? A day care or something!" :) We ended up staying for about 5 hours - there was much to do, but I'm honestly surprised we lasted that long!

This is almost the whole pack of kids!

This sheep scared the crap out of a couple of the kids - it bleated really loud and the kids close by jumped and cried. Charley didn't seem phased, the diva that she is.
We did have to hit a few rides! This is Ryan and Charley on their love boat.

Makenna loved this hot air balloon ride!
You can't really see 'em but Makenna and Kate and Jack and Brook and Josh - am I leaving anyone out? . . . Went on this mini roller coaster, quite the rush for the 7 and under crowd.
Porter felt safer on the jeeps and bikes - things that don't go too far off the ground.

After the rides and treats we hit the family fun zone - and the heat hit us! They jumped in a big inflatable tent thing and did a relay race and there was an experiment exhibit and a make believe circus - then it was definitely time to go home. It was sure a great day and we can surely say we didn't miss out on the fair!

Visit to Eugene!

2008-08-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

This week Peter took the scouts on a 50 mile hike up around Wallowa Lake. SOOO - we had to make some fun plans so we wouldn't miss him so much! We took our good friend Kim up on her offer to come hang out with them for a few days in Eugene! We had such a good time - we left Tuesday afternoon and that night we went out to an all you can eat buffet (yay for Kim and her coupons!) and then got to go see "Space Chimps" at the cheap seats - it only cost me 4 bucks! On Wednesday we went to a fun park and afterwards picked black berries right around the corner from their house - they were so yummy!
Cutie mcCuteness Anna!
Abby and I took a quick phot-op during our intense picking. Charley was taking a nap, so Kim stayed home with her. Porter only lasted a few minutes in the bushes before getting a thorn scrape and he was done for - back to the house!
I couldn't eat blackberries without icecream so Kim generously treated us all! I was in heaven!

(And I think the kids were too - middle of the day icecream and blackberries, what's better?!)
On Wednesday night they took us swimming at one of their favorite places. It was less crowded at that time of day and the weather was still warm. There were a couple pools for the kids, a slide, splash area, and a bigger pool too - it was great!

Kim and Charley!
Porter had a major break through - he decided it would be fun to dunk his whole head under! Wow! I was so thrilled for him!

AHH yes, so proud!
Abby and Kenna
Anna and Charley
Part of the crew - so much fun!

Before swimming we went out to Applebees (Wednesdays kids meals are only $1) - it was great, but we sure got a lot of stares - 2 women and 7 kids is almost a freak show!

Thanks so much Kim for such a fun time and we are so looking forward to our next visit!

The High Desert Museum

2008-07-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Trish invited us to go to the High Desert Museum in Bend. It was such a fun day! We spent about 4 hours exploring the fun exhibits and natural habitats - and we're sure glad we went early because it was SOOO hot that day! One of the first things we did was to find the otter - who was so playful and the kids had so much fun watching him play and swim.

Samantha didn't want to miss out either!
Another favorite outdoor exhibit was the settler's homestead. We got to see baby chicks, pet goats, pump water, see the insides of a small cabin, water their garden and plants, and lots more!

All the people on the homestead were dressed in period clothing and talked as if they really lived there. The school marm just happened to be visiting from Prineville that day and she wanted to check up on how the kids were doing with their "letters and numbers."
She was so sweet and the kids loved pretending they were really going to school!
The girls continued to pose for pictures all day - it was great!

We got to explore a real teepee - it was unanimous that no one thought it would be that great "to actually live in one!"

The kids got to see this porcupine up close and personal. I think all the moms were just a little nervous one of those quils was going to shoot out and poke someone!
Before taking a lunch break the kids all had a great time

pretending to be spiders on this enormous web

We were so hungry and took a little picnic break
Then it was off for more posing!

After lunch we went to the exhibits inside the museum. This nest area was a favorite with fake rocks to climb on, a slide, and even a small cave to explore!

It was a great day and I know the kids would love to have another visit before the summer's over! Thanks Trish, Josh, Brook and Samantha for a super time!

The Stoddards

2008-07-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

When we lived in Spokane we made some amazing friends. We're not sure if it was because it was the first place we lived after we got married, or that we had no family there so our friends became our family, or maybe just luck - but these friends are the kind of friends that even if you only see them once a year, it feels like there was no time lapse at all. Kim and Kevin Stoddard are this kind of friend - and even though it's been more than 2 YEARS since we've seen them, it really was like there had been no time pass at all - and that hug was what had been missing in our life the last 2 years. We decided we'd make the little jont over to Eugene after Church on Sunday and spend the afternoon and evening with them. We kind of felt like royalty the way Kim fed us - a full on ham dinner with all the fixins and delicious double desserts, thats right two - Baked Alaska and Angel Food Cake with fresh mixed berries and homemade whip cream (I'm salivating just thinking about it). When you mix good friends, with good food, and good memories - you can' t help but having a good, I mean GOOD time! We love you guys so much and just wanted to thank you for the wonderful visit and amazing food!

Kim and I

Kim, Peter, and Kev in the kitchen

with Noah's head poppin up!

Abby (their youngest - 4) and Kenna,
they had so much fun

From left to right: Isaac (6), Noah (9), Anna (11, but looks like she's 15!) holding Charley,

Kenna, Abby (4) and Port

When we lived in Spokane these kids were just babies! It was so weird seeing them so grown up and looking so old (thanks for the fashion show Anna, you cute girl!)

The Brothers - we'll get that Monopoly game in nex time Noah!

Girls Camp

2008-07-22T21:30:00.001-07:00

I was so lucky to get to go to Girls Camp this year! So many thanks to Monica, Trish, and Debbie for helping out with the kids - you're awesome! Mel and I were asked to do the team building portion of camp which meant 4 hrs. a day of doing the same games over and over for each group! It was a lot of fun and we had a great time with our girls - but I think I had the best time sharing a tent with Mel and Jodi (I haven't laughed hard enough to wet my pants in a long time, thanks). Jodi was in charge of the hikes - but also helped us with the team building, so you know it was more fun with her involved! We did the hikes around Sahalie (sp?) Falls, which was BEEUUTEEFUL! Everyone loved it and the hike was great, especially since we stopped a lot for pics along the way. I didn't include even half of the pics I took during camp - so if you want the full camp experience you'll have to go to www.sistersyw.blogspot.com.

Me, Mandi and Jodi
Mel and Jodi - my happy shiny friends
Mandi, Morgan, Felicia, Me and some random girl
The famous hollow log everyone got to climb in for photo op
This was taken standing on a bridge that crosses the Mckenzie River
Our first day at the lake, aaahhh so nice

Me with Dianne by the falls

Can't wait for next year, but I can wait for the mosquitos, those were pretty bad!

4th of July FUN!

2008-07-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

It was a really fun 4th of July weekend! Christopher, Maria, Cheyanne and Nathan came into town, that was SO GREAT to see them and to meet Nathan for the first time! We started out with having an 8am Branch breakfast at the church followed by a church grounds clean-up. After eating the kids ran around with there buddies while Mel and I did some last-minute planning for girls camp (we weren't any help at all with the clean-up, sorry)! We then went home for about an hour to prepare for the rest of the fun-filled day! Peter planned a BBQ at his granite shop and invited some local businesses, friends and family to come eat. It was a great lunch - good job hon!

The kids thought it was a blast to eat in Peter's truck bed.

Ice cream cups on the trailer - who could ask for more?
There he is - the Granite Guy himself

and the money-maker there in the background!

After lunch at the shop the kids and I zoomed around Redmond and Bend in search of some new beds for the kids. We finally found some at Shopko and we're so excited to put them up, the kids are SOOOO pumped - can't wait to have REAL beds! Then it was time to head back to Sisters for a birthday/BBQ - Happy Birthday Brooky, we love you!

Here's Ray just chillin', having sweet sweet dreams of the Dutch Oven Ribs Eric had been cookin' all day! There was supposed to be another picture here of Krissy, Lily, Grandma, Papa and Nathan but somehow I just deleted it, bummer, it was so cute! The amazing Trish - thanks for a great party!
The GIRLS hangin' out in the back yard.

OOOOHHH, we just love that brotherly love!

After the party we headed into Bend to watch the big fire works show. Afterwards the kids had fun with sparklers and pop-its while the "big boys" put on a little show of their own! Unfortunately I didn't have the camera to catch any firework moments - you'll have to visit one of the other family member's blogs for that! Peter, Makenna, Porter, Christopher, Cheyanne and Alix all camped out that night by the pond - they were exhausted, what a fun day!

On Saturday we hung out at the pond and had another BBQ, yum! Although, only a handful of kids were crazy enough to brave the cold water and wind - it was a bit chilly!

This picture cracks me up! Charley is holding on for dear life! She wanted to go in the boat so bad! Thanks Aunt Trish for taking her along, death grip and all!

He looks so innocent, doesn't he?Charley and Papa - two of a kind!

We got a big kick out of Nathan trying this marshmallow! I love this picture, it's hanging out of his mouth like a big tooth or something!

I have to say there was some 4 wheeler mayhem. The kids all love getting rides around the pond and up to the house - it's like the Liddell clown car!

I think only a mother could love this face. And yes I do!

The beautiful thing about the pond is not only that it's beautiful, but it has fish! One of Peter's true loves (besides me of course): fishin' at the pond!

Before leaving for the night he caught a good sized bass - it was pretty and all the kids were alive with fish frenzy!

A great way to end a great weekend!

Grandma and Papa come to visit!

2008-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad came down for a visit last weekend and we had so much fun! One of Dad's old players owns a major radio station down here and said if he and my Mom were ever in the area to visit he would love to spoil them. Well, that he did! He put them up in a nice hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, golf for 2 at the Golf Course by the river (which we unfortunately didn't have time to use because of Peter's schedule), and a wonderful dinner at Crossroads Stake House. We had so much fun playing in Bend at Drake park, swimming at the pool, having picnics, shopping, we had a sleepover at the hotel, and we went to the Bite of Bend. By Sunday we were tuckered out, but got adventurous after church with a little trip to the fish hatchery and to see the head of the Metolious. That was spectacular, so beautiful and amazing that a river can bubble up from what seemed like nothing! Anyways, thanks Mom and Dad for making the trip down, we had a blast!

All they wanted to do was swim, swim, swim!
At the Fish Hatchery at Wizard Falls

I didn't get any good pictures of it but we found this bench right on the bank of the pond and there was this huge daddy fish that swam right up to us. Charley had some fish food left in her pocket and she kept plunkin' food to the fish, one bite at a time. It was hilarious to watch her do it over and over, she was enthralled! And it seemed like she had a bottomless pocket, that fish food just kept comin', and her little arm just kept throwin, it was hilarious! The closer she threw the food, the closer the fish got - it was not intimidated one bit!

At Drake Park there was this beautiful swan that the kids thought was so cool.

I thought this was so cute of my two girls hand-in-hand with Papa!
Aahhh, pool-side bliss!
Makenna got her face painted at the Bite of Bend.

To her it was SOOO worth the 30 minute wait! Not!

Papa helpin Charley swim, she just loved that!

Catchin' lunch at Carl's Jr., it was quite yummy!
Another cool shot at Drake Park after our picnic.

Unfortunately I had forgotten the camera when we went to the Bite of Bend and out to our really nice dinner, too bad - we missed some good shots! The kids got to jump and play in the big inflatable "rides" which was so fun. When we ate at Crossroads Stakehouse they started us off outside and it was beautiful dining right along-side the river. However a bit of a thunder storm started up so we moved inside. It was still a great time! Love you guys!