Driveway of Fire and Yellowstone

It's that time of year of again when we celebrate the birth of our nation, and it wouldn't be complete without the annual Driveway of Fire!  We were a little worried this year what with all the fires, but fireworks were still legal in a select few places.  Lucky for us, Katie's house was in the green zone, so begin the festivities!

No 4th of July celebration would be complete without a plethora of goodies, and our little party delivered for sure.  Joey got to have his first ice cream cone ever!  Looks like he enjoyed it...

 He also loved chill-axing in the chairs on the patio.

 Here's a view of the front just as we were getting started.  Chaos much?

 Maggie had no fear of the fireworks and kept running out to the road.  Grandma Swenson had to splash her with water a few times for her to learn her lesson---that is, until Maggie thought getting splashed was fun and then kept running out just to get wet.

 Sparklers were a hit as usual.

 This is a terrible picture, but I had to put it in.   I had the boys turn around and smile but before I got my picture off they had started turning back around.  I just think it is so funny--they look so much the same!  They are perfectly in sync with their inability to hold still for a picture.

 Fireworks make me a little nervous, and it turns out for good reason.  One of our large fireworks blew up and spouted sparks straight over the the kids sitting on the lawn.  A few got burned, and poor Kaylee had a big burn on her arm, and one spark burned through her t-shirt and her swimsuit underneath it!  Yikes.  Luckily we had a lawyer present who immediately began handing out business cards.

 By the end of the night we had a few minor burns but a lot of excitement. Then it was on to Yellowstone!

For our family trip this summer we decided to take Craig's house trailer and go camping up in Yellowstone for a few days.  We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and were out the driveway just before 4 a.m.  We made it up there, set up camp and set to explore the wild!  Here is everyone (except cameraman mom) on Fishing Bridge.

 Goof monsters.

 As expected we saw lots of wildlife.  Black bears, grizzly bears, elk, pronghorn, birds of all kinds, deer, etc, and we saw more bison than I thought was humanly possible.  In fact, if I never see another bison it would be too soon--we are not on good terms.  Our last full day there we had big plans that were ruined by an entire herd of buffalo who had decided to make camp in the middle of the road.  NO ONE was getting through in either direction.  Then the buffalo decided to move, but instead of moving off the road they decided to walk right up the road.  Let be noted that I recommended to turn around after a brief wait, but my advice was not heeded.  Lo and behold, 2 HOURS LATER, after having moved about one mile in that time, the driver (who shall remain nameless) relented and finally turned around.  It kind of foiled our plans for the rest of the day, but I guess that's how it goes.  I guess you can't get away from traffic no matter where you go.

 The only shot I managed to get in during the trip, and it isn't even that flattering either.  But at least you can see I do exist!

 Eric took this lovely shot.  Nature at its finest.

 We explored a lot of rivers and saw all the hot pots and mud pots, etc.  The kids loved playing and exploring by Slough Creek.

 Joey refused to hold my hand and insisted on walking alone.  The grass was as tall as he was in some places!

 Maggie posing with her collection of wildflowers.

 Along Slough Creek I got stuck managing the kids while Eric fly-fished up the river a ways.  Now how he did he talk me into that one?

 Joey liked watching him fish though.

 Daddy finally gave up after not having success and gave the kids piggy back rides through the river.

 A favorite pastime--throwing rocks into the water.

 We saw some fresh bear tracks along the bank, but we didn't see any bears there.  I am sure the volume level from my kids was enough to scare any predator off.

 I didn't take many pics of scenery but everything was gorgeous.  Here is where we picnicked on Sunday.

 Jacob at some hot pots.

 The kids admiring the micro-organisms growing.

 This hot pot was particularly pretty--called Black Pool--you could see really deep and the water was so blue.  They look so inviting, like a hot tub!  Too bad you'd burn up if you jumped in.

 And of course we made the stop at Old Faithful.  Oh, I guess I am in one more picture.  Our family...

 We explored the geysers and then rested at the lodge for a bit.  Joey giving me his cheeser smile.

 A little more normal looking.

 This is a funny before and after shot.  Jacob was mad at me about something, probably because I told him he couldn't have any snacks or something.  So he was mad...

 This is after I threatened to never give him a snack again...  Ha ha.

 Here are the kids at the Grand Prismatic Pool--the largest hot pot in the park.  It was lovely.  This picture is a pretty realistic view of what the kids are really like.

 Our last night we went and saw the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  The kids were already in their pjs but I didn't care.

All in all it was a really fun trip.  The kids had a blast and hopefully we made some memories.

Family Fun

For Mother's Day this year, Eric got me (and installed) a porch swing.  I love to sit in it.  I can relax there and watch the kids play.  They love to come and sit with me.  Maggie and Jacob like to swing it particularly hard which makes me a bit nervous but so far it hasn't fallen!  Last week I was sitting in it relaxing and saw this...

 Tyler decided to play ball with Joey.  It was so cute.  Joey LOVED it!  He would get so excited when Tyler would throw the ball into his mitt.

 Isn't that cute?

 What a sweet brother.  It was so fun to see them play nicely.

 So as I have swung on my porch swing lately, I realized I needed a little pop of color.  I had a nice chair Grandma Barbara gave to me, but the only problem was that it was a dark metal color that blended perfectly into my house so you could hardly see it.  I needed some pizzaz.  So I bought a can and spraypaint, a cushion on clearance from Target, and voila!

 It looks adorable and I love it love it love it.  Plus it only cost me about $12 total.  Can't beat that!

This past Friday night we went up to Strawberry Reservoir to go camp for the night with Craig and Sharee and Kaylee and Ashley.  We slept in Craig's house trailer.  Well, slept might be an overstatement.  There was one among us who was convinced he was being attacked by crayfish all night long (Tyler).  He kept waking us all up screaming, "They're all over me!  Get them off of me!  They are climbing on me!  AAAAHHHHH!"  It would have been funny if it wasn't at midnight, 2 a.m., 3 a.m., and 4 a.m.  On Saturday we spent the morning on Grandpa's boat fishing.  The fish and game people (whoever they are) have tagged a fish in Strawberry.  Whoever catches it wins $25,000!   We kept trying and every time someone got a fish on Eric was convinced it was THE fish!  Alas, no winners for us that day, but we did catch a grundle.

Joey enjoyed driving the boat.

 As did Jake.

 Sadly, here is the only shot of me in what I suppose is the last 2 years.  I guess mom is always behind the camera!  But I did catch a fish!

 Even Maggie was getting in on the action.  She didn't have the patience to catch one but Kaylee taught her how to cast and reel in her fishing pole so Maggie spent about an hour just doing that.

 Land ho!

 Eric got the dirty job of cleaning out the fish at the gutting station.  Tyler was fascinated with all the guts and innards but wouldn't try it himself.

 He sure loves to fish!

 Here are the kids with the haul.  Not too shabby!

All in all a fun trip.

I'm back!

Sorry all for my long hiatus from my blog.  I just got wrapped up in activities galore and forgot all about it!  Well, I'm back and promise to make a concerted effort to not go so long between posts again!

So I've got a little catching up to do.  First off, it is hot here!  Been hot for a while....I guess I am not giving my kids enough to drink.  

Eric was gone several weekends over the past couple months so I had to find ways to keep myself and the kids busy.  One day I took them hiking up Diamond Fork.  We just found a spot that looked promising and went on our way.  It turned out to be a great little spot.  Not too far off the road the river comes by and my kids loved throwing rocks into the river.  Plus there was a little grove perfect for making a teepee in.  Maggie and Joey loved exploring, but it was hard to keep them out of the river.

 Tyler spent most of his time gathering sticks for his teepee (to be pictured in a moment).

 Jacob, of course, climbed on everything he could find, rocks, trees, etc.  He loves to climb and act braver than his older brother!

 Joey, as all my kids do, loves to be outside.

 Maggie wanted a picture so she stuck a pose for me.  Can't you just see the mischief in her face?

 A view of the river.

 The best shot I could get of all the kids together.

 Tyler's famous teepee.  He wanted to sleep in and have me pick him up the next morning.  He wasn't happy when I shot him down.

 The kids found a lean-to someone else had made.

 Our path...

It's official, Jacob graduated from kindergarten.  He had a great year and really loved him teacher, Mrs. Lew.  She was awesome.  Jacob can do so many great things now, he can read, count to well over 100, add, subtract, and more.  He is a great kid and we are so happy and excited to have him start 1st grade next year (full-time school, yea!).

Jacob also turned a whopping 6 years old!  I remember well the day he was born, came out screaming and didn't stop for a year and a half.  For a while there we thought about sending him back, but I'm glad we decided to keep him.  He is so much fun.  He brings spunk and life and energy to just about everything he does.  Sometimes I think he might explode--it's like his personality and energy is too big for his little body!  He loves to get crazy, he loves to play soccer, he loves finding new ways to bug his little sister, he loves to color (and is getting really good at it too!), loves to play with his friends, and can't wait to grow up (even though I could wait a while).   He is a really loving kid and insist on being tucked in every night.  We love Jake so much and are so happy he is part of our family.

 He had a family party (above) and then a friend party.  His friend party was a "Spy Party."  The kids got invited to the ISS--International Spy School.  They each were fingerprinted and got ID badges.  Then they had to pass 5 levels of spy training.  The obstacle course was the favorite.  He had a magnifying glass cake and had a great time with friends.

Guess what?  I have a wolf in my house!  Tyler made it through his bear year in scouts and is an official wolf now!  It is suitable since he acts like a wild animal most of the time.

 The same night he got his wolf was the Raingutter Regatta.  Tyler made an alligator boat.  He did pretty well.  He won his first race and got put in the A Bracket.  He lost his next race but once he figured out the right way to blow his boat he did awesome!  The boys had a ton of fun.

 Don't let him fool you, he likes to come from behind!

All in all we've had a busy couple months.  And I am sure life will just get busier and busier as time goes on.  So I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can right now.  There are days when I have to remind myself, "Someday I will miss this," and I am sure I will.  So bring on the birthdays, the sport camps, scouts and homework.  Bring on the messes, the dramas, the giggles, the crazies.  Bring on the hugs, the kisses, the crafts, the crayons and the endless barrage of asking for snacks.  I've got to soak it all up and get my fill.

Our Little Visitor

Okay, so the other night Eric and I are sitting watching tv and we heard this tap like sound on the window.  It sounded like somebody threw something small and hit the window.  Then we heard it again...and again...and again!  We couldn't figure out exactly where the sound was coming from so the next time we heard it Eric muted the tv and we titled our heads just so to get a better idea of the situation.  Then suddenly something flies through the dark room right across the front of the tv.  We both caught a glimpse of the silhouette as it jetted by.  Can you guess what it was?  A BAT!!!  I kid you not, it was a real life nasty furry flying mammal disease-infested creepy BAT.  Eric flew off the sofa and flipped on the light and sure enough the bat was circling around the room.  He ran to the kitchen while I proceeded to cover myself up in a blanket and freak out.  We both were yelling, "There is a BAT in the house!  A freakin' BAT!"  Neither of us knew what to do.  I was freaked out (as Eric can tell you) but I can also say that Eric wasn't exactly in his happy place either.  We were clueless about how to handle this.  I was having visions of "The Office" episode where a bat in the office flies into one of the worker's hair.  AAHHHHH!!!!   After a few minutes, and a frantic phone call to Eric's parents to get their behinds down here and help us, the bat landed above the closet door.  I just had my iphone on me so the pics are terrible (my first priority was NOT getting a great shot of it), but it is the little dark spot on the top left corner of the skinny door...   Now it may look small in the pictures, once it landed, but trust me, when it was flying around it seemed huge.

Eric's parents got here and we devised a plan to slowly put a fishing net over it (Eric's job) and Sharee slid a spatula behind the net to knock the bat into it.  Eric then covered it with something and released it outside.  My job was supervisor....distant supervisor.   So it all worked out, but Eric's been gone a lot lately and what if I had been home alone?  Eek!  I can handle snakes, mice, whatever, but there is just something about bats that are sooooo  CREEPY!  We figured out it crawled in through the fireplace vent so needless to say the hole has been blocked.  All in all an exciting experience I never want to have again.  THERE WAS A BAT IN MY HOUSE!

Spring is here!

Well, Easter came and it was everything the kids had hoped for. It started with an egg-scavenger-hunt at Grandma Swenson's house and a hot dog dinner. The kids had a blast gathering all their eggs, and there are so many fun places to hide them at grandma's house! Even Joey got in on the action, even though we just put his on the patio. He still was excited each time he found an egg.
Then Easter morning came and we got to sleep in until a late 6:50 a.m. (hey, compared to Christmas it was a dream!). The Easter Bunny did not pass us by, in fact he went a little crazy with the amount of eggs he hid. But the kids loved going through all their loot.

Joey had fun gathering eggs. This is his new camera face he makes when he sees the camera. CHEESE!

The kids ran around so crazy I barely got any pics and the ones I did get weren't great. As you can see.
On to other topics, we recently purchased a basketball standard. Our driveway is the perfect place to play a little b-ball, and since Tyler absolutely loved playing we decided to splurge and get one. Well, upon reading the instruction manual (translation: novel) we realized we needed to dig a hole 21" x 21" wide and 4 FEET deep, that's right, FEET. Ugh. So we went to work, did some ourselves, paid a nominal fee to one of the young men to help, finished it up...well, tried to finish it up. It got so deep you couldn't even shovel anything out anymore because of how narrow it was. You'd end up getting about 1/2 cup of dirt on the shovel by the time you got it to the top. So, after racking my brain for solutions, I realized we needed to get down in the hole. Alas, I am too big to fit down there, but guess who isn't?
Jacob was my special helper, he got down and dirty in there, filling up bucket after bucket of dirt and passing them up to me. He did awesome, in fact even enjoyed it. All the neighborhood kids wanted a turn, but I am sure their mothers wouldn't have been too happy if I sent them home covered in dirt. That picture doesn't do the hole (now referred to as "the pit of despair") justice. It is DEEP. But it is just about done and hopefully soon we can get the concrete poured and get this thing in!

It can get pretty windy here in Salem at times and today was no exception. Luckily I had the foresight to give in to my kids whining at the store yesterday to buy them a kite. I did, and boy am I glad! Today was perfect kite-flying day, didn't even have to try to get the kite up and it flew and flew and flew! All the kids took turns, including the local rapscallions, and they all thought it was pretty awesome. Not bad for $9 entertainment! (Yes, $9. I bought the expensive one because the $2 ones never work)

Yes, I actually laid down on the road for that last picture. I just wanted you to see how high we had it flying--the string was all the way out. The kids were very excited. And it was even a little thrilling for me too (mostly because of the fact that I am a terrible kite flyer--I was pretty proud of my accomplishment). Plus we got to spend a little time together outside. All in all a success. Here's hoping for another windy day!