Balloon Festival

On Saturday we woke up really early to get to the Balloon festival about 30 minutes away. They were supposed to lift off at 6:30 am. So we arrived around 6:00. In fact they didn't start inflating them until after 6:30. So we had some time to eat our breakfast, and walk around a bit.

The boys weren't cooperating very well, and didn't want to get in the picture. So it's just Amy and I.

Then we went downtown to the farmer's market and carnival.

We got this view on the way there.

At the market we found a huge bunch of basil for $2 and some huge red delicious apples that were 6 for $1 and a 5 lb bag of Galas for $3.

On our way home we stopped by the local historical sight.

So if you drive past this, just know were aren't far away.

When we got home, Aaron took off to do some fishing and studying (boards are 3 weeks away!) While Amy took a nap I started dehydrating some apples, and made some pesto. Then for dinner I made this. Yum!

I had to eat quickly and early to make it to the annual Relief Society General Broadcast. It was wonderful! I and really enjoyed all of the talks. Especially when President Monson quoted Mother Teresa. "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." After a small dessert, I went back home and back to reality, and realized I missed watching a great Boise State game, and didn't miss torturing myself listening to the BYU game. I hope they have a better showing with Utah State this week!

It's late, and I have a ton of things to talk about (like how we thought Timothy's thumb might be broken - but it wasn't). But it's late and I'm going to get ready for tomorrow. But I leave you with this beautiful sunset picture that Aaron took last night! I love living here!
PS this is post # 900!!!

Kick'n it!

Life just got very busy. A couple of weeks ago I signed the kids up for soccer. It was one thing I was told wasn't available in this tiny town. However I was excited to learn that the next town over has a parks and rec soccer program. We have to pay a little bit more as non-residents, but I think it's well worth it. Enough people from our town sign up that we have our own team, and we practice in our own town, in fact at the park behind our house!

Yesterday we had our first meeting, and found out that practices are 3 times a week right during dinner. So we have to jumble our schedule a bit, but I think it will work. I had to get some soccer socks and another pair of shin guards (we already have one pair). Wednesdays are going to be the toughest. We have 30 minutes between soccer practice and Cub Scouts, to eat dinner (and most likely Aaron won't be home to help since he's usually on call that day). Luckily we don't have far to go either way. However by the time I actually get kids in the door and get them to take off soccer gear we only have 15 minutes, and then David still has to change into his Cub Scout uniform. Oh and Aaron will be home in time to pick David up (which he is doing right now) so I can put the other to to bed on time.

The best part about it being so close, is that I can open the gate for them, send them off, and come back and fix dinner. I can even go check on them while dinner is cooking, and leave Amy inside since I'm within eye sight and shouting distance of the house. Just like going in the back yard for a minute. Today was crazy we'll see how next time goes. I just have to find the other pair of soccer cleats... our first game is next week, and it only lasts through the month of October, but it should be fun. I'll have to taken pictures next time.

Another week at home

I feel like I spend a lot of time at home right now. Which is fine by me, but I wonder if I should get out more before it gets cold. Amy and I made the trek over to Safeway one morning, and We went up to the city on Friday. We hit Fred Meyer and then returned some things at Macy's. I postponed our Costco trip again, and Amy fell asleep on the way home anyway. Luckily for me she transferred to her bed just fine and slept for almost 3 hours!

I've been reading a bit more this week, and have bunch of books on hold at the library. I made a new chore chart for the kids, but can't figure out how to keep it on the wall. I tried tape, but it falls off. I'm worried that if I use push pins it will tear right through the paper, and we'll end up with a hundred holes in the wall.

OK, ready for a week long wrap up?

Monday Aaron and I had the opportunity to attend a recruiting dinner for the couple we hosted Sunday evening, however we couldn't find a babysitter on short notice, and Aaron ended up working really late, so we didn't go. I'm sure there will be others.

Aaron and I finally made it to the temple on Tuesday. We had trouble finding a babysitter again, so we took turns. Aaron went to an early session, and then I met him out there with Amy after I dropped off the boys at school. Then while I was at the temple Aaron did some outlet shopping, and took Amy home for lunch and a nap. After my session, I went to Winco (since we don't have one near us).

We played at Abby's a couple of times this week, and out with the neighbors when we had good weather. We actually had some rain this week, which was refreshing, and made for some great puddles.

On Wednesday I attempted to go to ward choir practice. Not very many people were there including the choir director and the accompanist, and Amy escaped from the nursery, and ended up in my lap. It only lasted 30 minutes, but David had cub Scouts right after, so it worked out. Aaron arrived just as practice ended, so we all went back to the house, but I had to drag timothy (literally) out to the van because he wanted to stay and play (and get the treat after Cub Scouts.)

Thursday went to the library. We go about once a week, because the DVD's can only be out for 1 week, and have to be renewed at the library instead of online. Whereas the books can be out for 4 weeks, and can be renewed online - go figure. I also deposit some checks at the bank (next door to the library) and stopped by Aaron's office to pick up a storage shelf they were getting rid of.

Friday evening as we were playing outside with the neighbors we found out there was a primary activity on Saturday, how did we miss that announcement? So Saturday morning the boys went to the primary activity. Amy and I played out side while Aaron studied for boards. I took a few pictures of her kicking a ball and hugging a tree.

Then I noticed some of the trees behind our house.

Fall is almost here!!!

Then Amy had to splash in a puddle (that one is actually from the sprinklers.)

After the boys came home from the activity we had lunch, Amy took a nap, and the boys played outside while I listened to the BYU game, yet another disappointment :( I also made a great dessert and got ready for dinner. We had the missionaries over for dinner, and enjoyed some great conversation, and good food. We had to kick them out when Aaron left for the auction house. We've been wanting some new couches, a few weeks ago they had a set we really liked, but it went for more than we were willing to pay. However yesterday Aaron found another set, and we got it for a great price. So now we have new couches. The color matches the rest of the furniture (bookcases, lamps etc.) but not the picture frames. We'll have to deal with that later. The leather set came with a couch, love seat and a big chair (not a recliner). After moving it all in last night (in the rain) we decided it was a little crowded downstairs, so we moved the chair upstairs into our room. Pictures later.

While Aaron was at the auction we played outside with the neighbors who were having a birthday party. They were going to have a BBQ and invite the all the neighbors, but canceled it because of the rain. The birthday girl had a sleepover instead. When the rain let up they decided to play the games they had planned for the BBQ. David won the first two games, and they had prizes. It was hard for the kids to go inside when it was time for baths, even though it had started to rain.

So now I'm up to today. We had a pretty good Sunday. Aaron and I both gave talks in church about learning from our ancestors. Basically I got to tell a lot of stories which is my forte, so I had fun. I just wish Timothy wasn't acting like such a pest while Aaron was speaking. That's pretty much all for now. Until next time...

Amy's language

For the most part Amy speaks very well, and most people can understand her. however she has a few words that are a little mixed up. She also doesn't pronounce "l"s and "r"s correctly. One makes me giggle all the time. It took me a while to even reproduce her pronunciation, because it is so different. The word is "music", her word is "yeegus" It sounds nothing like the word she is trying to say, but she says it that way every time.

Last night at dinner Amy made a joke, or maybe she just doesn't understand the difference between a pea and the letter "p".

weekend fun

We have a pretty good routine for the week now. The kids like walking home from school by themselves. I've even been able to have Abby let them through the gate if Amy's sleeping late. They play outside with their friends a lot. Sometimes we go over to Abby's house to play for a bit. On Tuesday we were there for 1 1/2 hours, before I had to drag them back to our house for scouts. Yesterday they came home for 15 minutes and then played over at Abby's for 2 hours!

Wednesday nights David has Cub Scouts. He has fun while he's there, but never wants to go because it means he can't play with friends after dinner.

I still need to be better about planning dinners. Too often it's 4:00 when I finally get around to thinking about what to fix. Amy is eating more now, and so my dinners don't go as far as they used to.

Friday morning I did a long shopping trip with Amy. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the city, and Amy isn't a big fan of driving in the van for a long time. She did pretty well on the way there. I went to Wal-Mart to get some necessary items, then to Macy's for the previously mentioned bedding, and some birthday presents for Aaron. By then it was 11:00, and I didn't think Amy would make it through Costco, and that shopping trip could be postponed, so we went home instead. Amy has a new form of entertainment. She asked me to tell her a story. So I told her fairy tales the whole way home, "The 3 Little Pigs", "Little Red Riding Hood" etc.

That evening we were invited to go tailgating before the local high school football game. Aaron figured he'd be a little late so he would meet us there. I got everyone dressed up in orange (one of the school colors), and we headed out. We got there a few minutes early - I still have to remind myself that it doesn't take more than 2 minutes to get anywhere in town. We waited, and waited, and waited. The kids were throwing rocks (with lots of cars around) and Amy wouldn't stay close by, so we ended up playing in the van until the guy with the grill arrived (35 minutes late). Aaron had called 5 minutes earlier to say he was on his way home. Aaron arrived just at the brats (as in bratwursts) were ready to be served, so he didn't miss out on anything (except the waiting). However we did get a nice parking spot next to the exit. While eating our dinner we discovered that the school sold season passes, that get you into all of the home games for all sports for $40. Since a few of the girls I teach at church are involved in sports I thought it would be a great way for me to go see them play whenever I wanted to. Tickets are normally $5 a game, so this is well worth it.

The stands were packed and spectators lined the sidelines (behind a rope). We found some front row seats in the stands (not a great vantage point, but better than standing for the whole game). The kids were pretty good for most of the game. Timothy got lost before we even found seats. And David complained that he was cold after the sun went down (I told him to wear jeans). Amy was mostly good. She really liked the pep band music, and since we were sitting right in front of the cheerleaders she clapped a long with them, and when they danced she moved her arms right along with them. Do I have a future cheerleader on my hands? The game was fun, and the home team won like 42 -14 or something. We bought some popcorn to share. Timothy fell asleep for most of the 4th quarter. We got home at 9:30 and the kids went straight to bed. I can't wait to do it again next week (tomorrow is an away game).

Saturday was Aaron's birthday. David got up and ran downstairs to make some decorations. I made some breakfast, and then Aaron opened presents.

Beside the treats that the boys wanted to give him

he got socks and a DVD from his parents
and a flashlight from his Grandma.

He also got some new dress shirts and ties

After chores were done we went to the "not just a farmer's market" downtown. There was some fun live entertainment, and a lot of vendor booths, some great produce and some way overpriced ($3 for 5 minutes) inflatable toys, that Timothy wanted to waste spend his money on. We did get some coupons for a free soft serve cone at McDonald's. So on the way home (before lunch) they got ice cream cones. I knew we were having cake and ice cream later, so I declined the pre-lunch treat. I don't always have that kind of self control.

Once Amy got down to the cone she was unsure of what to do next, and was a little put off by it. She went down for a nap before she'd had much lunch.

While she was napping, I went to the grocery store to get a few things including the ice cream for the birthday celebration later. Then Aaron and David went to Aaron's office to pick up a file drawer. Aaron's office got new furniture, and Aaron got permission to take a few things home. We also have another storage shelf that wasn't where he left it (they moved it out of the hallway, so it wasn't in the way), that he'll bring home later. While they were gone I made Aaron's favorite cake and listened to the BYU football game (I won't discuss how awful we played).

I asked Aaron several times what he wanted for dinner, and said anything I wanted to cook was fine. However, after only coming up with breakfast burritos as an idea, he decided he wanted to grill something. So off to the store he went, and he came home with some beef ribs. They were delicious, and Amy loved them!
We sang Happy Birthday and had a fun evening together.

Sorry the picture is so dark.

Well Sunday was another busy day. Besides getting to church and enjoying sacrament meeting (I only had to take Amy out once), Sunday School, and Young Women's classes, we had guests for dinner. The house was pretty much clean already, but I had to do a few things. We were hosting a couple that was interviewing at Aaron's clinic. They were driving down that evening for an interview on Monday. We also invited the K* family since he's a pharmacist at the same clinic.

Aaron decided to do a pork roast in the dutch oven. It was delicious! We ran out of potatoes, so we asked the K* family if they would bring some. When we mentioned dutch oven, Daren decided to do some yummy dutch oven potatoes, with bacon and lots of cheese - yum! At about 5:30 Aaron called Br. A* - he home teaches him, and found out he wasn't feeling well. Br. A* needed a blessing, so Aaron went quickly hoping to be back in time. He arrived only 5 minutes late, just after the K* family, and just before our other guests.

It was nice enough outside that we set up a couple tables out there. It turned out to be a fun evening, and the adults got to talk while the kids played. The boys room didn't get cleaned up before bedtime, but oh well. We attempted to finish off the rest of the oatmeal cake and ice cream, but there was still enough for one more serving each.

I'm only a few days behind, but that's all the time I have for today.

Random Thoughts

A few things I've neglected to mention.

• Last Thursday I got a call from the school, I could tell it was one of the boys, but the connection was really bad, so I couldn't hear. Finally Timothy's teacher got on the line and said, "Are you missing a couple of boys?" I looked at the clock - School ended 15 minutes ago. Oops! I have never done that before, and I hope I never do that again.
• With that being said, starting Wednesday the boys now walk home by themselves. It's only to the end of the block and across the street. I meet them there at the gate, and if I can't meet them there my friend Abby can meet them at the gate and they can walk through the complex to our house. Abby will lock the gate after all kids have come home.
• It was David that wanted me to come pick them up. Timothy was all for walking by himself. But they made it, and I got to let Amy sleep 10 minutes longer.
• We finally got box springs for our new bed, and yesterday I got a nice (clearanced) bedding set at Macy*s.
  
• Did I tell you about the roll top desk we bought? I few weeks ago I bought some canning jars at a garage sale. When I told Aaron there was a roll top desk for sale he went back to get it. He hadn't told me he'd been looking for one. And this was was over $100 less than the ones he'd been looking at on Craigslist. We had a neighbor help him bring it up the stairs, because there was no way I'd be able to lift it. The seller's mom had bought it over 50 years ago.
• When I made cinnamon rolls on Thursday, I let Amy taste the frosting. She said, "mmm, delicious".
• She loves Dora and Diego right now, and she will randomly say, "We did it! Lo hicimos!" only she says "owecimos"
  
• Another thing Amy says that is adorable is "lots". On our drive from church back to my aunt's house she suddenly declared that there were "lots and lots and lots of trees." Then there were, "lots and lots and lots of cows". Of course she doesn't say her "l"s very well so when she mentioned "rocks", it came out, "wots, and wots, and wots of wocks".
• We seemed to have a lot of things breaking right now. We've had to replace a couple of things, but I finally feel like we can go out and purchase them without worrying about getting the cheapest thing. We bought a new vacuum just before our anniversary. I hope it lasts longer than the $50 one we bought last time. Our toaster (a wedding gift) also died on us earlier this week, so we got one with 4 slots - we sure need that now.
• A couple weeks ago David played monopoly for the first time. He's played monopoly Jr., so it wasn't hard to teach him. At first he was winning, and I was having to mortgage properties before I even had a monopoly. Eventually the tables turned and I was winning, but he refused to quit. The only thing keeping him alive was that I was buying his properties for whatever price he asked for. But eventually the only thing he had left was Boardwalk, so he lost. He wasn't crushed too badly because he wanted to play again the next day. However we've been too busy to finish that game.

I still have more to catch up on, but I don't have time right now. Hopefully I'll post more this week.

The rest of the story

Now the story isn't over yet. After I come into the tent Aaron can't fall asleep. At about 11:45 I wake up and Aaron says "Shh, there's something in the garbage can". Knowing full well we are in bear country we made sure there was no food in our tent. However the garbage cans aren't that far from our tent. Pretty soon Aunt Goldie's dog, Crockett, starts barking. A pretty fierce bark too. Whatever is in the garbage can doesn't even flinch. Pretty soon we hear the garbage can fall over. That's no raccoon. I start praying. Crocket circles our tent, to make sure we are safe. Aaron tries to call someone in the house, but all of their numbers are in my phone - which is in the house (it was in the diaper bag which had food in it). Then I hear voices. Aaron unzips the tent and sees my BIL John. Aaron yells to John telling him there's something big in the garbage cans. My sis Becca walks out and I hear, "Oh shoot, it's a bear. A big one." My first thought is "how are we going to get everyone in the house safely?"

John and Becca's hubby Aaron start up the car and the 4-wheeler. Becca snaps a couple of pictures with Aaron B.'s iphone.

That's the bear next to our van.

Revving the car's engine scared the bear, and after he relieved himself, he climbed the tree. Eventually he climbed down and took off.

Here's the bear starting to climb the tree

John and Aaron chased him with the car and the 4 wheeler, and quickly returned. When we were sure it was clear we carried the kids into the house. Who knows if the bear would return. We ended up sleeping on Aunt Goldie's living room floor, couch and arm chair. It took us a while to get to sleep. We were awakened again at about 1:15 am when Crockett started barking again. It was quiet after a few minutes, and I finally got to sleep better.

In the morning we went to survey the damage. Aaron put the garbage can back up and picked up the bag that had been dragged all over. I took a picture of the tent and it's proximity to the garbage cans. The building you see isn't the house, but the work/storage house.

The other tent is Becca and Aaron's, but they slept in the house since there was more room that night.

These are the scratches the bear left on the tree.

Can you spot the bear scat?

So after an eventful night we start packing up and helping Aunt Goldie clean up. The kids played and we had steak and eggs for breakfast. I haven't had steak for breakfast in years! We did't end up eating until 10:00 am. It was delicious. Amy loved it too, and kept asking for more. The last piece was rather rare, so John put it back on the grill just for her. When I cut into it I said, "This is perfect", and Amy now loves using that word.

We finally left around noon. We said good-bye to Becca and Aaron, & Tina and John, and their kids. It was a great trip, and I can't wait until I get to see them again. The trip home wasn't too bad. Timothy went through 4 vomit bags though :(. I took two short naps. I guess I was more tired than I thought. Amy only took an hour nap again. We stopped for a late lunch at a rest stop. We stopped again at some outlet shops only to realize most of the them closed early for Labor Day.

We got home way past dinner time, and found a garage full of fruit flies (all of the peaches and pear peelings in the garbage). When we opened the door to the house they swarmed in. It took forever to get rid of them! The kids had a late dinner and went straight to bed. I never even ate dinner.

It was a great weekend, and I'm so glad I got to see my family, and have some amazing adventures.

Family Reunion

Over Labor Day weekend we went to Montana for a Family Reunion. It was for my mother's side of the family, with the oldest guest being my Grandmother (at 88 years old). My mother put it together (with a lot of help) for Dee B*. My children were in the 10th generation. My Aunt Goldie was the hostess at her beautiful home nestled between two mountains, we a little creek in her backyard. It was great to see relatives I hadn't seen in a really long time, and to meet people that we've connected with recently. I took a ton of pictures, so I decided to do a slide show. I'll give you a run down of the events, and then you can look at the pictures if you choose to.

• Saturday we arrived around 3:30 pm. Amy had only taken a 1 hour nap, and Timothy only threw up once. We were all glad to finally arrive.
  
• The kids find bubbles, volleyball, beach balls and beads to play with.
• I get to hug all of my sisters, and one of my brothers.
  
• By 4:00 they were starting to bring out the food.
• My mom and dad arrive from the hotel.
  
• Dinner starts around 4:30, and everyone is awed by our yellow flesh watermelon.
• There is a lot of mingling, eating and laughing.
• We sneak away to find out the score of the BYU game periodically.
  
• There are plenty of pictures to browse, up at the house.
  
• Aaron sets up camp for us.
  
• We get a group photo of those that are there.
• We get to listen to an awesome bluegrass band.
• Eating continues with s'mores until people head back to their respective hotels and homes.
• Aaron puts the kids to bed as I sing songs with my family by the fire.

• Sunday morning comes a little too early.
• Aaron and I shower and then get the boys up.
• We pick up my mother at the hotel and go to church.
• We got to see the building where my mother attended church when she was newly baptized.
  
• Her former Bishop is in the congregation, and they get to reconnect.
• The kids are glad we aren't staying for primary - stinkers.
• We arrive back at Goldie's in time to help make brunch.
  
• It's still pretty cold, and cloudy, so we get a fire going.
  
• Amy is tired by noon, so I attempt to get her to nap, with no luck.
• More people arrive, more pictures to see, and take.
• I finally get Amy to nap.
  
• We spend more time inside because it's cold and a little rainy.
• After Amy's nap it warms up a bit.
• Becca has activities for the kids
• A gold nugget hunt, where they find gold painted rocks that we've hidden. they get to trade them in for little toys.
• Then we put the kids' hand prints on the little Tee Pee - the one my Aunt bought.
• We get ready for another big meal. The bon fire is already going so we roast hot dogs, and the s'mores come out soon after.
• Another family picture.
• My Grandma hates getting her picture taken, but we sneak some in anyway.
• Back up at the house we get to see some of the antiques Grandma has.
• My family gives Amy a few birthday presents.
  
• Slowly more people head out. I have to say good-bye to my parents, brother and two sisters.
• Aaron takes the kids to bed. The boys don't want to sleep in their own tent because it's raining. So we all cram into the big tent.
• I finally come into the tent around 11:00 pm.

There's more. Stay tuned.

Amy's birthday

Friday was Amy's birthday. when she woke up we let her open her big present (the one we hid in the closet, and she found 2 days prior to her birthday, but I was able to distract her with a video).
She loved it. And as soon as the boys took off for school we played with it outside for a while.


That morning I also decorated her cake. She's a big fan of the Backyardigans So I made this one to look like Uniqua.
Of course since then she has decided she likes Dora better.

We also ran to the store and canned some pears (confession: Amy spent a lot of time watching a video that day). I also started packing for a trip.

After dinner (of leftovers and anything else I needed to get out of the fridge) she opened her presents.

Excited to sit in the birthday chair

She starts with the big bag full of new (and some used) clothes.

She would hand Aaron each item one at a time.

She loved the pink box

Amy ripped the wrapping paper into tiny pieces

And handed each one to Aaron

Aaron made the box into a house

She was sad in this picture because she didn't want anyone else to come in.

Happy as a clam

Timothy is a silly goose.

Then we invited some friends over for cake and ice cream. Since we were leaving town in the morning I didn't want to have a lot of left over cake. And the R* family lives close by, and has kids that are about the same age as mine. We ended up with a few more neighborhood kids as the word spread that we were having cake. We only had 4 pieces left, so it was fine.




It was a great day, and after the kids went to bed we finished packing for a family reunion in Montana. more about that later.