INNOCENT EYES

Latest Project

2011-03-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest and most stressful parts of building your own home is being able to choose all the colors.

With all the options there were times we wanted to start texting pictures to family members and asking for help, but in the end we are excited for what we chose. Hopefully, we will still be excited when we see the finished product.

Gotta Love Dig Day

Where is the basement? Oh yeah, we don't have one, we live in Boise.
I guess we will have to go up instead of down.
Best Landscaping a kid could ever ask for.

And a dog. Dig away now, because once the yard is in, NO MORE!!
First one in gets to choose their room first. Ready, Set, Go ! Just Kidding, Mom and Dad already chose.
Just looking down.
BRRRRR, it's cold, maybe we can warm up in the fireplace.

Hope they get a roof on before this place becomes a swimming pool, grab a mop.

One of our favorite additions. STORAGE !

There must be something good on the TV ?? What are they all looking at?

Just riding off on the sunset.

Rewind to Another Adventure

2010-07-12T19:50:00.001-07:00

This adventure happened a little while ago, but still worth noting.

This summer our family decided that we were not going to take a big vacation, but instead spend our summer exploring Idaho. With each place we have lived we have tried to learn about and experience the area. We have had many great opportunities to learn.

One thing about Idaho that we have a love / hate relationship with is the late summer nights. It does not get dark until 10:00 p.m. which is great fun when you are playing, but not so exciting when trying to get kids to sleep.

However, on this summer night we were truly enjoying our long summer night on the lake.
After work we headed to the lake to meet some friends who invited us to go boating with them. We were able to get in a lot of adventure before the sun decided to retire for the night.

Tubing

Swimming

Hanging on for Dear Life,

and for Scott and Cherie some knee boarding as well,
along with a great time visiting and laughing with friends.

Thanks for the adventure !

Kickin and a Splashin

2010-07-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Scott!!

For Scott's Birthday we had some fun adventures. We began the day by leaving the kids with Grandma while Scott and Cherie went golfing. Afterwards we returned home where Scott was able to take a nap to prepare for the adventure to come later that day. After taking Grandma to the airport (thanks for the visit, we loved having you!) we left the two youngest boys with a babysitter and headed to go white water rafting.

Scott was the first to 'ride the bull' . Sitting on the front as the boat heads into the rapids is a fun way to get the first glimpse of all that is coming.
Cherie and Maddison also experienced 'riding the bull'. However it was Maddie that took the biggest hit. As we came into one rapid, Maddison was hit with water that covered the boat. One picture directly following this one we could see only the bottom of Maddison's sandals, completely surrounded by water, we couldn't even see the boat, just sandals. Way to go Maddie.

What a fun adventure!! Thanks for sharing your birthday with us Scott. We love you and are so excited to have you in our lives! Love from your family!!

Eliza's Birthday and Baptism

2010-07-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Eliza stated that she received the two best birthday gifts this year for her birthday. The first was the gift of the Holy Ghost, and being baptized. The second was spending time with family.

Thank You everyone who made such an effort to spend this wonderful day with us.

We began by going to Camel's Back park where we were able to play and hike a bit. Afterwards we returned home for lunch and to prepare for Eliza's baptism. After the baptism we continued our celebration with a cook out involving lots of wonderful family. Next swimming (Thanks Jason and Bethany). And finally fireworks of all sorts. (We only watched the first few before we realized that we were traumatizing our little Jake, and decided to call it a night and return home for bed)

Eliza was so excited that not only was she able to have so much family here for her birthday, but she also was able to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on her birthday, by her Dad.

Congratulations Eliza!

YOUR FAMILY LOVES YOU!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-06-27T21:37:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, I was not able to go to the zoo with Eliza for her field trip, however, I could take the boys and meet her there. It took us a little while to find her, but while looking we found some other fun things to look at.

there was also a lot of laughter and fun. We found her shortly before the rain began to fall. It was still a fun day, shortly before school let out.

We started our summer vacation out a little early with a little hike up 'Lizard Butte'. I made this hike once as a little girl while visiting my Grandmother. The kids have been excited to hike it since moving to Boise.

Even Archie had fun exploring the views and the hikes.

From on top you cannot see the lizard you are standing on. But if you cross over the river into Marsing, then head back you can see the lizard on the mountain.

We also spent time at the Discovery Center. This was fun because we were able to spend it with friends who decided to visit us as a last minute decision.

We spend the warm (not too warm) times in the yard hanging out and enjoying the hammock (one of the words Jake can say :) )
Maddison receiving the Presidential Award during her 5th grade graduation. Way to go Maddie. Middle School here I come. Mom sais, "Ahhhhh, I can't believe she is growing up so fast."

A whole lot of fun at the park !!!

Look, Caden can do the monkey bars. Wahoo. This was an exciting day. Another fun accomplishment is Jake learning to pedal a bike, now we can't keep him off of one.

Last Day of School !!

Archie celebrated the last day of school with surgery on his tonge. This is not fun for anyone, but maybe when he is 5 and wants to lick an ice cream he will be able to.

A bath made him happy, and cleaned him up.

For Eliza's birthday we gave her a week of art lessons . The topic was "Black and White". This is one of the five projects they did. I was impressed with her work.
And for her birthday, on her birthday, Eliza gets to be baptized. She is so excited!!

A Whole Lot of Memories

2010-02-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

A very Happy Birthday
Caden turns 5

Caden Helping make Christmas Toffee
"Nana's tradition carried on"

Christmas Eve
You can almost sense the anticipation

Archie enjoying his Christmas instantly

If this is what Christmas is all about Bring it On!!

My Four Handsome Boys
do they look alike at all?

Archie is Growing Well

Maddie sledding during our ONLY snow fall this winter

Even Jake got in on the Action

I am Growing Up

In Memory of Grandpa (Jay D. Wilson passed away January 17, 2010)
Taking his place, sitting on Grandpa's chair reading Grandpa's car magazine.

Signing Grandpa's Quilt to give Grandma memories.
We will love you forever Grandpa.

Signing Grandpa's casket for my final Goodbye, until we meet again.

BROTHERS or LOOK A LIKES?

Helping in the Kitchen
with my MACHO DAD!

More Help in the Kitchen so we can become
MACHO MEN!

Everyone is helping, except Mom :)

Still Growing

In Home Massages for ultimate relaxation for Scott, Cherie, Maddison, and Eliza.

Sweet Dreams

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !

Ski Jumping in the Olympics - Here I come

There's a Dress Code in the Majors?

Learning to Dress Myself - No Problem

And Growing - I am a cute son of a gun - I take after my Dad.

Before

After - Haircut!
But don't miss the most recent lost tooth

Just getting a drink for the Home Teacher

A picture just for Papa

And another one - Archie 6 mo old.

If Ski Jumping Doesn't work out - there is always Baseball,
if I can handle the Dress Code.

Isn't he cute

2009-11-20T15:38:00.001-08:00

Pick up a camera already ...

2009-11-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Pick up a Camera is what many people want me to do. All I can say is WITH WHAT HAND?? Having five kids, being secretary in the Relief Society, and doing the bookkeeping for the business has basically kept my hands busy and I haven't had much time for pictures, blogging, or much of anything else. Maddie gave me a hard time because it took me so long to finish a book she loaned me. Needless to say I have been kept very busy. Even this post is being done one handed. So here are a few pictures, no description, no particular order or theme.

And only after downloading my pictures did I realize that my camera has a fingerprint on the lens. THANKS KIDS!! :)

Archie James

2009-09-15T12:37:00.001-07:00

September 2, 2009 Cherie went in for her weekly Dr. appointment, however instead of coming home when the appointment was finished she reported straight to the hospital for an emergency c-section. Three hours later a beautiful Baby Boy entered this world.

Archie James weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21 inches long.
Born at 3:28 p.m. September 2, 2009

Dad had fun watching the c-section and welcoming Archie into the world. There is plenty of love for this little one, and we are so glad that he is here safe and sound.

Archie is such a calm baby. As long as he stays warm he is happy and content.

Mom and Baby are both doing well.

Welcome to our Family
Archie James

Maddison's Birthday

2009-08-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Maddison's Birthday came soon after camping, however her birthday was easy this year. All she wanted was 'horse stuff'. Well there was an easy solution ... HORSE CAMP.

During Horse camp Maddison learned all about taking care of a horse as well as riding lessons.

She Loved It, and came away wanting a horse of her own.

Red Fish Lake

2009-07-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

For one week our family enjoyed spending time with family at Red Fish Lake. We had a wonderful time along with a couple of not so wonderful adventures.

However, when the kids can spend the day at the beach or running around getting dirty, who can complain. It was so much fun and when we all got home, we did eventually get clean again.

Even Jake

Maddison and Sam enjoyed starting the fires and building them up as high and as hot as they could. This fire was prepared by both of them, lit by Maddison, and enjoyed by anyone remotely close. This was one of the biggest bonfires of the trip.
Eliza spent the week playing with her cousins. Except for when we were at the beach we did not see her very often. The three girls not only enjoyed each others company but also made friends with other campers. They spent the week running from here to there and enjoying every minute of it.

Caden, loved spending time in the water and the cold didn't phase him one bit. He especially had fun with Drew. We are glad that cousins were able to come. It definitely made the trip more exciting for each of the kids.

One excitement that we didn't need came from Jake. Saturday night he was running toward Scott and I when he ran right into the back of the camps outdoor metal grill. At first we thought it just knocked him down. But upon picking him up we immediately noticed the cut above his right eye. After cleaning some of the blood off it was determined that he would need to be taken in for stitches. Yep, 5 stitches. Scott spent the rest of the night driving 1 1/2 hours to the nearest hospital and spending time in the emergency room, but Jake did great.

However, this did not stop him from continually going. He still wanted to be a part of everything, including walking the log jam. This was as far as I let him go, but the rest of the group made it all the way to the other side.
Each night the kids crashed from their many adventures. They were so tired that on most nights I don't think much could wake them. There was only one night that Jake woke up and had a hard time going back to sleep, but other than that they were very restful nights with the cool mountain air.

Eliza's 'Narnia' Birthday

2009-07-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Eliza's 7th birthday and all she wanted for her birthday was 'Narnia' stuff. First thing in the morning she was bound and determined to open her presents, which included the gifts that represented the gifts given to Peter, Susan and Lucy by Father Christmas, as well as a new Aslan and a Prince Caspien Blanket.

Eliza invited a friend and we went to a bounce house to play then ...

That night we finished up with her Aslan cake.
Happy Birthday Eliza!!

Another Caden Moment

2009-06-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

It was time to go to the parade and just as we arrived so did the RAIN. However, for a little boy named Caden this was not a problem at all. Rain simply gave Caden the opportunity to jump in puddles and splash not only himself but whomever else was around.

But the real fun for us came after the parade started ...

As the parade started the beauty pageant winners began to come down the road in their convertibles. Scott told Caden that he would give him a quarter if Caden would go up to one of them and ask them to marry him. Caden received a big grin, and at that moment the parade came to a stop with one of the pageant winners right in front of us. Caden instantly stepped forward and asked her to marry him. She, surprised, looked at him and said, "I will have to think about it, what is your name?" Caden was only able to get off his name before the parade began again.

When he came back to us I asked him if he thought he would really marry her. Sheepishly Caden answered with "MAYBE :)"

Yes, he did get his quarter.

He Can Do It Now too

2009-06-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Caden's bike had a flat tire in the back. As we looked closer we realized that it was not only flat, but there was a hole in the tire. Of course we knew this was coming, after all he had worn off ALL the tread on his tire by skidding to a stop and testing to see how long of a black mark he could make on the driveway.

As we changed the tire we decided to take off the training wheels and give him a go at it. Sure enough within a couple tries he was riding. It is amazing how when they are ready they just take off. Of Course it helps that his favorite cousin did this very thing a few weeks ago, and Caden didn't want to be left too far behind.

Way to Go Caden!

It's....

2009-04-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, or want to know a little bit more this one is for you.

It's ....

a baby!!

This will be #5 for our family, and we are all very excited. This baby is due the middle of September, right during one of Scott's conferences. But I guess for those who want to know a little bit more, it's a very active, healthy, boy, and weighs just under 1 pound. (And yes I am showing shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh).

Playing Dress Up ... OR ... Getting Ready for Church

2009-02-13T22:05:00.001-08:00

BRRRRR It's Cold

2009-02-12T17:03:00.001-08:00

Last week we went to the Ice Festival, and were able to enjoy all the wonderful ice sculptures.

This was our favorite. It was titled "Camelot" The detail on the castle and the dragon were amazing. Along with the people they had created. It was also fun because you could go in it and be a part of it.

This was our second favorite. It was a forest, however most of the trees had these amazing faces carved into them.

It was a cold day, but not cold enough to keep the kids off the ice slides.

Maddie Went For It

2009-02-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

Shortly after Christmas, Maddison decided that she wanted one more thing, EARRINGS. She came to us and informed us that she had been thinking about it and was ready to get her ears pierced.

She did really well and has been enjoying them since. No regrets!

Sledding

2008-12-27T15:22:00.001-08:00

Our Family decided that the fun wasn't over just because Christmas was. We packed up and went Sledding. (Jake's first time. He had a blast.)

Christmas Wore Me Out

2008-12-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

This was the first time that Jacob has ever fallen asleep in his high chair. It looks like Christmas wore someone else out besides just me.

Christmas Eve Chaos ... Christmas Eve Joys

2008-12-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Eve we had three other families over for Christmas Eve supper (take-out of course. It is tradition.) Each of the kids were able to put together and decorate their own Gingerbread House. There were a total of 10 gingerbread houses when we were finished and a couple plates of gingerbread men. It was fun to have friends over for our Christmas Eve celebration.

After Everyone left, the kids opened their Christmas Eve Pajamas. Can you believe this is the best picture I got of them all in their PJ's. Oh well. It was a fun Christmas Eve.

I Lost my Baby ... O.K. so not really.

2008-12-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

This has been going on for a little while, but when it first happened it really surprised me. Jacob learned to go up and down stairs very quickly, and anytime my bedroom door or the bathroom door is open he is upstairs in a hurry.

One day I began looking for Jake and I realized my bedroom door was open so I looked in there first and then in my bathroom. I didn't see him and continued looking around upstairs. Then I heard a noise in my bathroom. I had just checked there, I thought.

Apparently, I didn't look very well because Jake had learned that one of his favorite play places is under the bathroom counter.

The counter has since been emptied and this remains one of his favorite places to be, that is unless there is water in the tub.

My other kids thought this was pretty clever and decided to join him.

ALL AT ONCE !!

I forgot to warn the babysitters about this fantastic hiding place, and Maddie was the last to be found in a game of hide and seek.

Over the River and Through the Woods

2008-09-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

To Grandmother's House we Go

We had a fun weekend visiting GG. And of course the kids had fun sliding down the stairs.

Maddison and Scott were able to go help unload straw at Rod's house and Maddison was able to DRIVE her first four wheeler. She laughed the entire time. She also spent a lot of time in the straw and came home covered in straw, but HAPPY!

It was such a fun visit. We love these memory building trips.

Where did I go??

2008-09-25T09:37:00.001-07:00

I haven't updated for quite a while. We have been very busy in our new home.

I love Harvest time and watching all the food be layed up in store. This is one of the things I have been busy with. This year I canned equivalent of 137 quarts of food: Salsa, Tomatoes, Marinara Sauce, Jam, Peaches and Pears. A big THANKS goes out to Vernal and Patricia for all the tomatoes. They were absolutely delicious. It was almost hard to use them in any way other than their purest form they were so good, but there was no way I could eat that many tomatoes, since I am the only one in my family that will eat a raw tomato. And, we are excited to have more salsa in our pantry.

Another time consumer is getting the practice going. I have been taking all the phone calls for Focus Vision Therapy and doing the books. The good news is that I can't show you a copy of our current dates because it is full. Scott has been so busy with patients. We have been very blessed. Scott truly enjoys what he does, and enjoys having the opportunity to help these kids and make such a big difference in their lives.

A Little taste of Caden

2008-08-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

After not posting for a while I am making up for it today. However, this one I wanted to share to help you all get to know Caden a little better.

This is something that happened about a week ago, and is a good look into Cade's personality.

We were over at Lonnie's house to celebrate his birthday when Caden approached Lonnie and this is the conversation that followed:

Caden - "I know your name."

Lonnie - "Really, What is it?"

Caden - "Slonnie, your name is Slonnie"

Lonnie - "No, it is Lonnie" (emphasizing the L)

Caden - "Ohhhh, Like lawn, mow the lawn ... I will call you Mo."

I am Finally Done (better late than never)

2008-08-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished posting about our trek across country. As I said before I put them in order so sorry for the inconvenience but you will have to look to the bottom and beyond to find the conclusion of our trip.

Eliza's "I CAN DO IT" Moments

2008-08-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is what happened less than 10 minutes after removing Eliza's training wheels. At first she was scared and didn't really want to do it. But as soon as she decided she could do it, this is what happened.

Today was the first day of school and the first time Eliza rode without training wheels, completely by herself.

More, I CAN DO IT Moments

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

2008-08-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

This was inspired by Caden's love of singing "I Am a Child of God" wherever we go. He also loves to carry this little red dictionary around. The other day we were at the fabric store and Caden opened his book and began to sing (and if you know Caden, you know it was not quietly), I Am a Child of God". People began to look and listen. One particular lady noticed by Caden's Grandma began to really smile and pay attention. This scene is not uncommon during our outings.

This just shows that missionary work can happen anywhere by people of any age. Caden is our little Missionary in many ways.

Notice he says "an energy home", that is descriptive of Caden in the home, full of energy.

A Look Back

2008-08-14T11:23:00.001-07:00

We are officially moved into our home. It took a little while, to get here but we are here. Unfortunately, sometime in the move I misplaced my camera. Therefore for the next few entries I will be posting pictures from our trek across country.

Our First stop was Palmyra, New York.

As we were driving to Palmyra, we encountered a small storm. However, once we arrived in Palmyra we were told that the storm was much bigger here. This tree, which was almost dead, had been struck by lightning that morning and had sent bark spraying. We were told that they had not removed this tree because it is believed that it was one of the trees that existed when Joseph Smith lived here.

The Log Cabin replica was great to see. It really put it into perspective as to how they were living at the time of the First Vision. This upstairs room is where the Angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith during the night.

The Original Frame House.

The Sacred Grove.

The spirit here was amazing. It was as we sat and pondered the events that happened in this grove of trees that the spirit really overpowered us. It has been a great blessing for our family to see where the Church of Jesus Christ began with the simple prayer of a 14 year old boy.

Next Stop: The Hill Cumorah

Hill Cumorah Stop #2

2008-08-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

We were about two weeks too late for the pageant, but still fun to see. Besides this way we were able to hike up the hill and then of course the best was getting down ....

Of course, the fastest way is to simply roll all the way down!

Next Stop: Niagra Falls

On the Road Again ... Maybe !

2008-08-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

Time to head to Niagra Falls.

Away we go.

There was a sign?? I didn't see the no truck sign.

Truck clearance 12' 1"

Bridge height: 12' 0"

OOPS!! After checking with the police officer that came and realizing that there would be no further obstacles up ahead, we cleared the bridge, ON THE HIGH SIDE.

Needless to say we took a different route on the way back

Niagra Falls

2008-08-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

We Made it to Niagra Falls. The kids and I are posing here at the top of American Falls.

Aren't we attractive in our Maid of the Mist "uniform".

We had so much fun going on the boat to the base of Horseshoe Falls.

Getting a little wet..

Next Stop: Kirtland, Ohio

Kirtland, Ohio

2008-08-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

By the time we reached Kirtland it was getting late. We missed the temple tour :( But we did get to see Historic Kirtland.

Can you tell the kids are getting tired?

Next Stop: Chicago

Chicago

2008-08-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

Once we made it to Chicago, we went down town and went on the architectual boat tour with Blythe. During this time we really enjoyed learning about Chicago and the many wonderful buildings along the river. The kids especially enjoyed the corn cob building.

Unfortunately, Caden came down with something and he fell asleep on the boat after running a slight fever. He didn't look too well. Caden spent the rest of the night in the stroller fast asleep. We were able to go to the American Girl Shop and later to dinner. We did not return back at Blythe's home until after midnight. But we had so much fun. We were scheduled to leave the next morning.

The next morning we awoke and went to a pancake house for breakfast. Everything on the menu looked so good that we decided to order a little of everything and eat family style. This was a great idea. It ended up being the best meal of the entire trip. It was wonderful.

After breakfast we stopped at the park to let the kids play before we left. This way we could wear them out a little before we put them back in the car. Then they walked home with Blythe so we could leave ... or so we thought.

After checking his pockets Scott realized that he did not have the keys to the truck. We proceeded to check the house as well as all of our luggage, and the van. They were no were to be found. AAAHHHH!!! Now What ??? (No Jamie this is not just to make the story interesting. They were really gone.)

We ended up calling Penske and luckily they have a code and were able to make another set. Scott just had to brave Chicago traffic to go get them. However, this gave me three extra hours to visit with my sister. Yep, that's right a 4 hour delay. Oh Well we weren't on that tight of a schedule, and I enjoyed the visit.

Next Stop: Mt. Rushmore (of course we did have to drive through Madison, Wisconsin.)

Mt. Rushmore

2008-08-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Mt. Rushmore was fun ... honestly it was different than what we imagined. We looked at it, said "cool", time to go. Actually, we did go to the visitor's center and see a couple of movies. It is amazing what they were able to do, but it is not on our "top ten things to do again list".

However, it was interesting, because as we were driving toward Mt. Rushmore we saw a few bikes, then more, and more, and even more. The closer we got the more we saw. Scott finally said, I wonder if Sturgis is soon. The answer was Yes !! Sturgis started the day after we first arrived. Hotel accomodations were tough to find, at least for a decent rate.

I think we had as much fun watching and looking at all the bikes as we did seeing Mt. Rushmore. The mountains and surrounding area is beautiful, though.

If you look really careful you will see that bikes are just lining the streets on both sides.

Driving Across Wyoming

2008-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

O.K. many of you have done it and know what it is like.

You are driving across Wyoming and this is about all you see. ... And then it hits you (or rather your child in the back seat). It is time for a bathroom break ... you drive a little further, something has to come up where you can stop. But it doesn't, you keep going, and going, and going. I told Eliza well I can stop and let you use a bush. Her face was classic and I wish that I could have captured that picture. NO WAY !!! she said.

We continued on. Eliza continued to dance in her seat. Pretty soon with eyes moistening up, I hear Eliza say, "I think I better use a bush."

Now you know it has been done many times, and yes, it was done once again.

We were able to get back on the road, Eliza feeling much better. Unfortunately, when your in the middle of nowhere it seems to trigger something. Pretty soon Eliza and Maddie are both in desperate need of a bathroom. After waiting for what felt like eternity we pulled up to a gas station.

This is what greeted us, right in front of our parking stall. I felt like this accurately portrayed the feelings that were being felt in the car.

Finishing Up the Trip

2008-08-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

A good game of Leap Frog at a rest stop is always a welcome escape after a week in the car.

Actually, we were at Independence Rock.

The next stop was Martin's Cove. This was a fascinating stop and we would love to go back and spend more time there, when we are not feeling rushed to get to our final destination.

The kids had fun pulling small handcarts and we loved hearing about the stories of the pioneers who passed through this area. Eliza especially enjoyed the story that started out by the missionaries looking at her and saying "this story is about a little girl who was about your age, ... her name was Eliza." Eliza's eyes shone bright and her excitement was noticeable.

I will quickly end. We were able to stop at Nana and Papa's house to enjoy the evening with the. We were extremely late getting in and had to leave early the next morning in order to sign some papers for the house. However, we were so glad that we were able to stop and see them.

Then of course, just as you have FINALLY arrived at the end of our trek across country, we arrived to our new HOME.

Whirlwind Weekend

2008-07-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

The weekend before our family drove across country, our family went to spend the weekend with Steve, Brandi, Ali, and Savannah. It was great to see them and spend time with family before we set off for more adventures. There is nothing like adding 14 hours of driving in the car before setting off on a week long drive. Sorry kids, but we sure had fun!

Our first day together was celebrating Maddison and Eliza's birthday (joint birthday party).

The second day Eliza found a toad and Ali caught it. The kids spent the rest of the day playing with the toad, holding the toad, and building a jumping arena for the toad. Yes, they knew they had to let it go at the pond, but not before Ali and Savannah could show it off to their Mom.

The third day was spent at the beach. It felt like a perfect day for the beach, a bit overcast and not too hot.

The water was cool and the day was warm, a perfect mix ...

except for the jelly fish.

There were hundreds of jelly fish in the ocean. Each time the waves came in 4 - 5 jelly fish were left on the beach. When the kids weren't waiting for Steve to catch a jelly fish out of the ocean, they were asking him to scoop them off the beach and throw them back in. By the end of the day the girls were scooping them up and tossing them in.

When they weren't pre-occupied with the jelly fish they searched for crabs. The first one was found as soon as we arrived, but there was much digging in search of more.

And then of course, there was the greatest joy of just lounging around.

The fourth day we spent in Williamsburg.

It was hot but the kids were able to find some fun games to play.

The fifth day we spent in Monticello, touring the grounds. By now we were getting tired, and it was soon time to go home.

Sunday Stroll

2008-07-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a little Sunday Stroll in Great Falls. This part of the Potomac River has some beautiful flowing waterfalls. The kids enjoyed the waterfalls, but I think they enjoyed the dirt and sand the best.

It is hard to imagine the water levels being up this high, but it was interesting to think about.

Even with three kids pulling they couldn't pull out the root, but it didn't stop them from trying.

It has been so much fun to explore and learn about so many different places.

We look forward to the upcoming couple of weeks when we will get to really see some different scenery. This summer is definitely full of adventures, and one to be remembered.

Like Father, Like Son

2008-07-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Jake will be going in for surgery on the 28th to have his tongue clipped.

The doctor was surprised at how tongue tied Jacob is. He said that his tongue is a good possibility of why he is unable to drink out of a bottle. Jacob will go to the surgery center, where he will be put to sleep for the surgery (the doctor is scared to do the surgery in office for six little reasons, TEETH!).

The Joys of Moving :)

2008-07-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Although packing up all your things causes you to pack up everything you own, thoroughly clean your house, and creates fun hiding places among boxes, it is not always easy. In fact sometimes it just ....

WEARS YOU OUT !!

BATHTIME MEMORIES

2008-07-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Remember when your Mom was the most fun mom on the block because she let you take a bath in your swimsuit?

And we thought they had had enough water after swimming for the last two hours ..... go figure

4th of July Adventures

2008-07-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

4th of July Trip Here We Come.Our trip started on the 3rd (Happy Birthday Eliza). We left home and drove to Philadelphia. We arrived late at night and were all ready for a good nights rest, before our adventures were to begin. Unfortunately, Jake had other ideas. He decided that because he was not in his own crib, he didn't need to sleep. Jake spent most of the night awake and upset because he was so tired. Hopefully this will not be a trend for the rest of the trip. (It wasn't, phew!!) On the 4th we headed to....

PhiladelphiaThe morning of the 4th we went to see the Liberty Bell. It seemed like the perfect place to celebrate our independence. We were able to go to the program and enjoyed learning a little more about the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Liberty Bell followed by a trip to Betsy Ross' House

after we spent the morning in Philadelphia we were off to New York. Our hotel in New York was in Manhatten just three blocks from the Empire State Building. In fact we were able to see the RED, WHITE, and BLUE lights of the Empire State Building from the window of our hotel.

We went to Little Italy for dinner, then a trip to Ground Zero.
After Little Italy we walked to Ground Zero and spent a few moments reflecting on the memories of that terrible day. There was a lot of walking and it had been a long day already. However, the kids loved the taxi ride down to Little Italy and then back to the hotel.

FireworksThe fireworks show was great. However, the accomodations were not what we were used to. They closed the freeway and allowed people on for viewing the fireworks that were set off over the river. It was standing room only. As the fireworks started we pushed forward a little so our kids could stand on the center divider of the freeway and see the fireworks. Although, it was not the most comfortable it was spectacular.

The Girls were able to go see Mary Poppins ...
On Saturday the 5th the girls went to see Mary Poppins. It was wonderful. We had so much fun. The girls loved watching the "magic" of the show.

The Boys explored New York. They enjoyed time at the park and then at Grand Central Station watching the trains. Of course Jake caught a little shut eye as well.

AND Finally...

Exhaustion Has Set In

It was a Fun Weekend!

Astronaut in Training

2008-06-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

After the washington monument we went to the mall and viewed the NASA exhibit. Here we were all able to sign the actual tire from space shuttle, which after leaving the exhibit will be sent to the Smithsonian. We all had fun playing with the different things they had for us to learn from. Here Caden is playing with the actual computer that launches the Space Shuttle. The gentleman from NASA said that in his 20 years and 60+ space shuttle launches he has never needed to hit ctl-alt-delete. We will be sad to see the space shuttle retired but are excited with the ARES program and its abilities.

How High Can You Go?

2008-06-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Let's Go to the TOP

View from the Inside of the Washington Monument

500 ft up. The Monument itself is just over 551 feet and at the time of
construction was the tallest building in the world. The cap stone that
is pictured was the largest and heaviest single piece of aluminum in the world.

"Look ... the river looks like a dog bone."

--Eliza

Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to church we go

2008-06-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

It won't be long Now

2008-06-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Where did the time go? I cannot believe that Jake is already 7 1/2 months old. Jake is getting ready to crawl and create a necessity for complete baby proofing soon. Look at you go Jake.

When he is not on his hands and knees he loves swimming. Two days ago he was having so much fun in the water. ... That is until he fell asleep.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

2008-06-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

The adventures seem to keep coming for Maddison and Eliza at school.

Today there was a BEAR siting in our neighborhood. Another day of indoor recess.

I wonder what the ADVENTURE will be next week?

Trying to Stay Cool

2008-06-12T07:42:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the only way to stay cool outside is in the water. Jake loved being in the water.

How much gear is needed for four kids to go swimming?? More than I can carry alone.

It's a Scorcher

2008-06-12T07:30:00.001-07:00

Soccer games today?? It was insane. The temperature reached a high of 98 deg. Now that may not seem high to someone in dry climate, but with 100% humidity it was absurdly hot! There were heat warnings and yet Eliza had two soccer games. It was so hot that by the time her second game was nearing the end, we simply called the game. All the girls were too hot to even continue. Maddison and Caden basically bathed in the cooler with all the ice, water, spray bottle, and wet rags. And all this happened just a couple days after the tornado warning in which the girls had to stay at school for an extra 1/2 hour waiting out the storm in their safe zones throughout the school.

So to all of you suffering from the recent snow (in June), now you know where all your heat went.

Sidewalk is calling

2008-06-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

What happens when the sidewalk calls? Caden goes down.

Old McDonald had a Farm

2008-06-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

Eliza loved showing us all the work she put into the KIndergarten Farm Show. First we watched the Farm Show Presentation then we went to the classroom and saw all the other work they did:

Diarama
Pig Pot
Book outlining the growth of corn
Corn plants they grew
Slideshow with pictures of them.

It was fun to see all the work of the many wonderful Kindergarten students. Way to go Eliza !!

Camping and the Beach

2008-06-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Camping was fun along with going to the beach.

All of us enjoyed our time outdoors this weekend. It showed ... by the time we got home we were all ready for a nice long bath.

S'mores

2008-06-05T19:04:00.001-07:00

Our family went camping over Memorial Day weekend. We had so much fun getting dirty, exploring, biking, and roasting marshmallows over the campfire.

Maddison had one of the prettiest looking marshmallows. This particular marshmallow met its destiny in a s'more.