He's done it again!

Noah has done it again...he was the winner of a coloring contest at the Credit Union. This is a picture of all the prize package he won this time. Congrats!

(Yes, this is the third coloring contest he has won this year!)

Three french hens; I mean HORNS

Valesca is trying out the French Horn this year in school.

Date Night

Brad really wanted to try out the special at the Lone Star Steakhouse, so we made it a date. (We don't have as many "Date Nights" as I would like, but I appreciate them when they come around.)

76 Trombones led the big parade...

Well, we don't have 76 trombones, but sometimes we might think that we do.(Especially when he is practicing). Today Joshua brought home his instrument from school.

Tonsils all gone

Elijah went early this morning to get his tonsils and adenoids removed.

He Made It!

Joshua and his fellow scouts and leaders started riding their bikes in Spanish Fork this morning and ended in our neighborhood around 1:30 this afternoon. (That is 50 miles) Congratulations on getting your Cycling Merit Badge! (That is 150 miles all together for the merit badge.)

Parade of Homes

Last night our neighborhood had a "Parade of Homes" and my home was chosen as the beginning point of the activity. After the stress of it all was over, I had a very enjoyable time visiting the other homes and partaking in the goodies at the end of our journey.

Indiana Bones

For Christmas last year Brad gave me season tickets to the Desert Star Playhouse. Had a wonderful time watching the latest spoof.

EBAY

Ok, so I know that I am way behind the times, but last night was the first time that "I" actually bought something on Ebay. I was very proud of myself because I researched the item I wanted, was watching several of them at the same time and then probably won the auction because everyone else was watching the Olympics. Anyway, proud that I got what I wanted, and even happier that I got it for at least $25 less (with shipping) than everyone else keeps paying before shipping!!!! Christmas present #1 for child #4- CHECK!

25 mile bike ride

This morning we (Brad and I) got up early with Joshua. He has been working on his cycling merit badge with his scout troop. While we were on vacation he missed one 25 mile ride, so we needed to make it up before the 50 mile ride next weekend. We were able to recruit 2 other scouts and their families to help get the boys where they needed to be.

It was a beautiful morning. They rode from our home to the Copper Mine and back. I only drove the vehicle, no biking, so I am not quite so tired or sore as the other two.

Star Wars

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW STAR WARS?



We sometimes feel like we live in a galaxy far, far away...but today we will be celebrating the opening of the newest of the George Lucas Empire of Money Making Schemes.


We will be having a traditional meal of Darth Vader Taters with Tatoo-weinies served with Galactic Slime and Yoda Soda. For dessert we will be feasting upon Wookie Cookies. We won't be waiting in line at the movie theatre with those crazy people who dress-up and such. Instead we will spend the evening at home, feasting and watching one of the other six movies. May the force be with you.

And the Winner Is...

Wow, we have some budding artists in our family. Our local grocery store was having a birthday celebration and the boys each entered their coloring contest and they each won in their age catagory. CONGRATULATIONS!

PS. It would be nice if they actually had won $500 like it looks like in the picture, but they each won $5.

Preparing for seventh grade

We finally got the schedules in the mail for Valesca and Joshua. Yesterday we took them over to find their classrooms and their lockers. Joshua actually did pretty well at opening his locker.

Will you marry me?

So surprised 17 years ago today when Brad took me back to the place we met and asked me to marry him. So glad that I said YES! (This is the picture that was in the newspaper to announce our marriage. Wow, look at that hair!)

Earning Money

We have encouraged our children to work hard and find ways to earn money for their summer scout and girls camps. This year they have tried some interesting things. Our family had a car wash and Joshua has been mowing the lawn for his grandparents. They continue to earn, and more importantly, save money for next year. They are doing a great job!

Girls Camp- Standing Together and Rock Solid

Valesca arrived home on Friday after being gone all week to Girls Camp. It sounds like she had fun.

When it rains, it POURS!!!

This evening seemed cooler, so I decided to go outside and do some much needed weeding in the garden. It was overcast, but I didn't think it would rain. I was almost done with one of the garden boxes and BAMMMMMM out of nowhere the sky exploded with huge drops of rain. It didn't just start with a few tiny drops, it felt and looked more like hail, but it wasn't. After I realized that it was only going to get worse, I ran under a tree and just had to laugh. When I realized that the tree was not going to shield me for much longer, I ran across the whole 1/2 acre yard to our open garage door. When I walked in the house, the family was just coming upstairs to look out at the rainstorm that was so loudly pounding on the house, and got a good chuckle at me because I looked like a wet dog. The boys wanted to go out and play in it, so we let them. I remember how much fun I used to have playing in the rain...I should do that more often. They had a great time, and eventually got even wetter than I did.

Let's all go to the Fair

Isn't that a line from a song in State Fair? Well, we didn't go to the State Fair, but we did go to the County Fair. We are pretty lucky to live about 2 miles away from the venue. The kids liked the Pig Races and Valesca's colored pig won, so she received a blue ribbon.


Most of the vendor booths have candy for the kids, so, of course, the kids filled up on it. Elijah and Joshua both won $2 bills and Valesca won a $1 coin at the Granite Credit Union booth.

We stopped by the petting zoo before leaving.


We even inquired about the helicopter rides...a little pricey for the whole family, but it would have been fun to do. After watching most of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, we went outside to see the fireworks from the fair...not as spectacular as the ones at the Olympics, but great anyway. We will stay up again and watch them tonight.

Lego time

Joshua and Elijah found some FULL buckets of legos at the Second Hand Store. They purchased them with their own money and have had several days of fun!

Is is time yet?

YES, it is finally time to start Kindergarten. Elijah has been excited for this for quite a while.


I told him that we would take him to class after lunch...so he was ready to have lunch since he got up this morning, and his Star Wars backpack was ready to be put on in a moments notice.


Joshua and I walked him to school; Elijah walked extra fast, and we were there a good 20 minutes early. That is ok. At least he wasn't one of the kids who was crying or wouldn't let go of their mothers.

I am glad that he was excited and that he was mature enough to go to school without mom. That year of preschool was a great blessing for him. Now, what is mom going to do with her "supposed" few hours of "free time"? Does that really exist or is it a myth? I'll let you know when I find out.

Star Rank earned in Scouting

Joshua earned 7 merit badges and the rank of Star at a Court of Honor on Sunday evening.

Scout Camp

Today Joshua returned from a week at Scout Camp. He earned 6 merit badges there and his favorite was the Aviation Merit Badge. For the first time, he experienced zero gravity in the plane. Much to our surprise, he actually enjoyed flying...perhaps that means that he will enjoy roller coasters now. I have already washed the clothes and put lotion on the sunburn. We are glad to have him home!

Health update

We have had some inquiries about how Brad is doing after his ordeal with the bees last week. Well, he is definitely someone who has an allergic reaction to the stings. The stings still bother him and almost look like bruises with big rashes. Getting better little by little.

Elijah is scheduled to have surgery to remove tonsils, adenoids and possibly insert tubes in his ears on August 25th.