What the world!

This must be one of the most neglected blogs around. Truly - I do intend to create a lovely entry of our days and adventures. After Halloween it seems time speeds right up and now before I can breath two breath(e)s (is that how you spell that?) - it is 3 weeks before Christmas. I intendto post some photos as soon as I am reunited with my camera and inquire of the husband why my last photo display only portrayed number sequences.
I am still on a high after venturing to my homeland to spend some days with my family there. They are a joy! My best pleasure is to be together with my little family and my big family! I have to cherish every moment because the opportunity as of late, has only been about twice a year. But, I am thankful for those two occasions. Everyone must have a trial in life and I suppose if missing my family is the most difficult one I am given - then I suppose I can endure. Being away from my mother, father and my sisters is sad enough and if you add in the economic and moral decay of our nation - anyone listening from above, please no more - my trial meter is full. Actually, we have been very blessed and I am full of gratitude for the many gifts we've received. We are healthy, we have a solid roof over our heads, we have income, we have friends, we have the gospel and we have a lot of love.
I guess one reason for not getting to the blog or other fun sideline activities - is the current seriousness of life. The depth of thought, the analysis of the state of the world, the preparation needed to meet the needs of the family - All out weigh - other trivial activities. Not that blogging is trivial - it can be a source of glee
and momentarily distract one from reality. So - these ramblings are just thoughts as I end this Sabbath night. Work hard, pray often, contemplate, find joy in living and find opportunities to give happiness to others, remember from whence the blessing come and thank Him for those gifts. All is well, all is well.

So I tried

So I down loaded the photos that I had chosen to use. There were some Fall Break ones - which included kids at the old time mining town of Goldfield, kids at the Zoo, kids doing some fall cleaning and the cutest of all - "parent appreciation day" breakfast photos. But, alas, when I tried to post them all I got was a bunch of computer lingo....so stay tuned for updated v family cuteness. There will also be some silly halloween glasses compliment of the Grandparentals. If only I were more computer literate......if only. Stay tuned....

What does your family do to pass the time?

So, what do you do to pass the time? Extra curricular activities are our specialty.

Spontaneous play is our usual procedure - You never quite know until you're doing it - suddenly .....you be surrounded - dang scurvy pirates.

They appear so innocent, but be watchin' yer back.
There's a mutiny about.



The "Grrrrr" is especially terrifying.
They have all mastered it - learned from the best they did.
And, Pirates of the Caribbean, a course.

Don't be a feared, they only be pretenden to have ye walk the plank








There be the cap'tn - there yonder.
Fearsome ain't he?

Finally - The Rest Of The Story

Ok, so it's time to sum up summer vacation. We had to document the monumental moment of 100,000 mile mark of our automobile. 100,003 to be exact. It has been a phenominal purchase. Thank you "Whitey" you have served us well.
One of the highlights of our trip was my little Daddy's side of the family -reunion. It was just an afternoon but it was wonderful! I grew up loving these lovely Great Aunts and Uncles and regular Aunts and Uncles. The event was held at it's usual location; at my Dad's Aunt and Uncle's home. A more beautiful yard, I dare you to find. The tree swing was a hit - even the parentals gave it a whirl! Big brother & little brother
Go Little Mother! What good sports! It's times like these that we really have to charish!

Four generations gathered together.

I wish my Grandparents were here to see this

The two ladies in the center are both 80+ amazing!
We got in trouble for climbing this tree - two of my lovely sisters and my dear cousin K.
We had a little day at the man-made beach. It was a blast! The parentals chilled, the mothers visited and tended wee-ones and the kiddos = played all the live long day!

So many more noteworthy moments transpired but I need to try to catch up to current time. But, it was a fantastic holiday - one not to be forgotten!

Reunion - the beauty of nature

The world is a glorious place!

If these photos look familiar - know that my camera produced such artistry, but the borrowing there of is - - acceptable.
It doesn't take much to entertain when you are surrounded by nature's play ground and those you love the most!


















It is simply amazing - and it sure beats cactus and palm trees!

The 4th of July Reunion - Camping

Since before I was born the 4th of July Reunion tradition began. Every year we (that is my mothers side - 9 siblings, their kids and now their kids kids and extended family) get together for 4 days of camping fun and bonding. It is one of the absolutely most enjoyable and memorable traditions of my life. This year we went to Oregon - beautiful! There are always a lot of fun activities planned and a lot of free play out abounding in nature. The food is delicious and the company supreem!
Upper right are kids and nature - exactly how it should be. #2 and #4 playing with cousins.


Over there are #1 and#3 creating a masterpiece during kid craft. Then we see Papa with #3 enjoying a stroll together.

Oh, how we love all those sitting bundled in a group, basking in eachothers company.
You know that is what it is all about. Rekindling relationships and ever bonding this mighty eternal family together! You've got to love it!

The race is on!

Oh yeah - The race is on! It doesn't matter how old you are.... racing around a track as fast as you can go is FUN. And, quite possibly everyone (mostly the adults) abandons maturity just for the pleasure of knowing "Ya, I beat you!"

Case in point;
Here is my little daddy and my bro-in law
obliterating that snug bug in the rug...as they
strive for go cart domination.

Over yonder you can see the competition in motion. Me and #4 rounding the bend after being run down by ....everyone. Above is my sweetheart with #3 and to the right my baby sister - showing her incredulous face as she looses position to my cousin and #1. We had a zippity -zoomin' fun time!

There were so many enjoyable times to be had at our 4th of July reunion that it will take a while to get it all blogged out....Even while we speak I have #5 clutching my arm with a sticky wee hand as I am struggling to finish this entry. Stay tuned.....

Squirt Gun Shoot-out!

While at the bumper boat area spectators could use small squirt
guns to surprise unsuspected sea-men.
My sweetheart, daddy and bro-in-law show their joy at bombarding the defenseless people in the bumperboats below.


Following the bumper-boating the real show down began. It was so amusing to see (mostly adults) running around soaking their loved ones and then hurredly rushing to refill their weapon.


Even my little mother got in on the action, but of course her's was one of self defense. It was great fun!

Bumper boats - squirt gun showdown

Not to far from the camping spot were some bumper boats the kids were begging to go on. We finally went.....There were some height requirements to pilot your own vessel. #1 and #2 met the requirement easily but #3 to his sorrow, was a under the black line. Before you could embark on the voyage, you had to be life vested and height checked by an aged, bearded,

over-alled sea man. In days past he could have resembled a jolly, mischevious pirate. When it was #3's turn "Gray beard" noted he was too short to go alone but then had him stand straight with his arms stiff to his sides and lifted him up until his head reached the black line. #3 was elated!

Captain #1 and #2

Me and my little Mother bumper boating!

Overnighter to Bison Ranch

Several weeks ago we ventured northward to a small place called Bison Ranch, where our family friends secured an overnight time-share. When we set out from our usually very heated home land- it was raining, which is rare, but while enroute we encountered heavier rain, hale and even snow! Though a bit more chilly than desired, we had a great time.
A short distance from our rooms were some (mostly) friendly horses that the kids thought were amazing. The horses allowed the kids to pet them and feed them. #4 especially loved them and didn't want to leave. She kept asking to go back again, and again and again.
There was also a little recreation area outside of the main lobby where we took advantage of the western back drop.
Fishing was also a main attraction. This was a new adventure for the kids and their poll flinging father. They had fun, but fish they caught none.

An Extra Special Day!

There are a precious few really choice days in someones life. The 17th of May was a day to remember. Our #1 eight year old chose to enter the waters of baptism. He had incredible support from both sides of the family. You see him here surrounded by his Maternal and Paternal Grandparents. What a beautiful day!

EYE BROW Make Over

My Little Daddy would be way less than thrilled to know that his eye brow make over made it on the blog for all to see. But, you know these photos are priceless...
We found immense joy in snipping and tweezing his brows back from the brink of perpetual chaos - and bringing them back into modern day conformity.




He was a great sport and we love him for putting his faith and his face in the hands of his daughters!

Fun Busy May

May was also a month of busy fun! Here you see #5 sporting some birthday gifts. She is quite impressed with herself isn't she! But, celebrating ONE is very exciting!


An outing to IKEA.....
We had to give our fun out of state company the IKEA experience. Not that we've been there more than 2 times, that is to say - I've been there twice- ever, but everyone should check it out at least once.
We checked 5 of the youngsters into the kid area, so the adults & youth could better experience the experience. - FYI if your children sit calmly, never run, yell or hide under the balls, then they'll love it. But, we had a great time!
(plan 1 hour for quick glances and at least 2 hours for quality viewing) Following our walk-about we enjoyed Cinnamon rolls and frozen yogurt - a buck $1 each. Sweet!
If you will ...please notice the photos below, one displays #4's head ice cream free
and the other....well, you know. The cheesiest grin could be evidence of the guilty
ice cream slinger.

At the end of the IKEA experience we kind of all felt
like this......







GRADUATION

#3 Graduated from Preschool! Hurrah - we are so proud. His line of the celebration chant was, "My name is #3 and as you can see I'm the funniest one on the preschool team."

What the world! We will have three in school very very soon......
It feels like we've leaped the year every year. WOW!


Our #1 guy celebrated 8 years of existence! What an amazing kid!- We are so blessed to have offspring that rock the world! We must have done something right, some time....I don't know when but We're just so thankful it worked out so FABULOUSLY WELL!


We were also so favored with the coolest company EVER! My little mother and father ventured here, along with my baby sister and her two strapping boys. Then, to add to the party harty, my second to the baby sister road tripped southward along with her spouse and their little man. Either we are hugely popular or just the luckiest dogs in the world! Thank you loved ones for being so incredibly cool and choosing to be with us. We love you!

P.S.
We know the eldest, wisest and best bread making sister would have been here if she could but I suppose she felt lousy enough from missing this party that she'll try harder to be here next time.
Tee hee!

Busy May

You are probably wondering what's up with this picture of a foot and a football ice pack. Well, this is the story. On the eve of the 14th of May we were anticipating the arrival of my mother- hurrah! and so of course, I was scurrying around at 2am to ready a few last minute things. I went downstairs to take a last look before retiring to bed but as I was about the assend the stairs I felt a aghhh sensation in my foot or actually my big toe. While in the midst of falling my mind raced with possible assailants...glass, thorn, but then my eye caught dashing toward the step....a scorpion! So me being from a cooler region I had never seen one before in real life and didn't have a clue what to do so -Yeah, I freaked! I jumped up and hopped to the bathroom, then squeezing my toe and stuck it in running water, while yelling to my sleeping sweetheart, "Come save me." Dazed and confused he stood on the landing but came to his senses rather quickly as he searched for the creature. It was located and destroyed in a very inhumane manner, which brought me no remorse as tingling pain surged throughout my foot and up my leg. Now 2 weeks later I still don't have total feeling in my toes. But, do not fret things only went up from there.
P.S. I guess you should always have your toes looking their best...you never know when they're gonna be blogged.

Sea

World
We finally made it! We tried to tell #3 that he had already been there because last time we went to Sea World I was pregnant with him. Yet, he protested and said,"Yeah, but I couldn't see anything!" We had a fabulous time! And, we must attribute some good times to our super friends who accompanied us. They are Sea World professionals! No maps were needed -

Our friends with their lovely blue protective gear - which we opted not to buy - but, luckily Shamu's tidal waves only almost got to us! Much to the dismay of our buddies.


It has to be mentioned that on the Shipwreck Rapids Ride - some of us borrowed the blue slickers and now see enormous value in them.

Our #1 and #3 were soaked all the way through - yes, jacket, shirt, pants, unders, and even soggy, squishy water logged socks & shoes. I did have extra shirts but the nether regions just had to be wind-chilled until air dried.


To list our favorites
#1 and #2 - Atlantis Roller Coaster - puts your stomach in your throat
#3- Shipwreck Rapids ride - even though he was half froze
#4 - The stinky pink Flamingos and the dog & cat show
#5 - Loved the fruit slushies
Mom & Dad - watching the kids - watch the animals!



















At the end of an incredible day at SEA WORLD!