Pioneer Days

To kick off the Pioneer Days celebration we headed to the rodeo (minus Wendell of course who is way too allergic).

There is nothing like the smell of horses and dirt and bulls to make kids happy.

Emily can't wait to go again next year.

The holiday meant days off work so we took advantage of that and went to Willard Bay camping. The kids loved being right by the lake and swimming in the mud.

While we were there, a camp ranger put on a program about bugs. Not so thrilling but at least it passed off some scouting requirements for the boys.

More water, games, s'mores, hot dogs, mud, rocks, and fun. From here we went to the annual parade.

Then the kids tried their skill at rock climbing---again. I'm thrilled they've found a new hobby, but not so thrilled they need adults to belay them.

I guess they figured climbing rocks is similar to the stress the pioneers faced. At least it kept the kids busy until a bar-b-que and fireworks that night. Happy 24th.

Bear Lake 2010

In the middle of July we headed up to Bear Lake for the annual family reunion for Wendell's siblings. The kids are always anxious to start with the craft building. There is something to be said for having all the supplies in one area and then leaving the mess when done.

Emily was proud of her shirt she colored.

The playground is also another favorite. I think because it is one of the few that still has this merry-g0-round. Still just as fun and still just as dangerous. I hope it stays---it is actually becoming an antique.

We also ventured up to Minnetonka Cave this year. We hadn't been through the cave since Tyler was a baby. I think we waited so long so that everyone could actually walk and not be carried.

It was fun to be in the cave and see all the cool formations. Tyler thought this was one of the highlights of the trip.

This year Emily was old enough to ride the big horses along the trail by herself and not just on a pony in the fenced area. She was thrilled to be with the big kids.

Unfortunately, because of Wendell's allergies he couldn't even come watch her brave moment. Tyler and Megan loved the ride as always.

Here are the mighty riders after their hour long ride. I think the adults were more saddle-sore than any of them.

A rock climbing wall was set up in the middle of the condos this year. All the kids had to try it over and over again. The real motivation was trying to beat a buzzer to the top to win a can of soda. Megan won 3 cans of Mountain Dew. She wasn't exactly thrilled with her winnings, but still loved the thrill of victory.

As always, the pool is a fun place for everyone to hang out. Wendell tried this slide and injured himself.

And of course, what is Bear Lake without the beach. Natalie and Mammy drove up on the beach day to surprise me for my Birthday. All the kids had a great time playing on the toys, digging in the sand, and swimming in the water.

The tricycle was a hit. Tyler, Spencer, Thomas, and James had to be rescued a few times floating out past the buoys on this thing.

Emily's highlight is always seeing the play at Pickleville Playhouse.

Again more time on the beach.

Age 12 means Earrings!

So when Megan woke up on her actual Birthday, we decided as part of her lunch out she could also get her ears pierced. When I was young I had to wait until 12, so I guess it is an unwritten rule. Emily was by far more excited than Megan. In fact, Emily asked if Megan decided not to get her ears pierced if she could instead. Megan studied the earrings very carefully. She didn't even seem nervous. Emily on the other hand was bouncing all over the store with excitement.
The anticipation is sometimes worse than the actual piercing.

And here is the final result. The earrings are small, but they are there. She's ready for Junior high. Now the longest wait will be another 5 1/2 years for Emily's turn.

Happy Birthday Megan!

Megan's Birthday continued at Weber's Firework celebration on Sunday. It worked out well to have her family party at the duck pond. Megan even designed her own cake and decorated most of it herself. It's nice having older kids.
She's hit the old age of 12 when all she wanted was clothes, that she picked out by the way.
Part of the fun was waiting for the fireworks after cake and visiting the ducks.

The weather was perfect and the evening was fun celebrating once again Megan. We love that she is a bundle of energy and loves having people around her and always wanting to have a party. Happy Birthday!

Megan's Dream!

Since we went to Yellowstone in 2009 in a motorhome, Megan has dreamed of having a Birthday party in a motorhome and traveling to Lava Hot Springs. She looked high and low and found the perfect "party wagon." And so for her party she surprised 3 friends with a trip across state lines. We only told the girls they would be sleeping over and might need a swimming suit. The motorhome was hidden at Mammy's so the girls wouldn't suspect anything. It was fun hearing the ideas the girls thought the party was going to be. Well, we got to the motorhome and told them we were going to Lava. My favorite was when one of them said, "I knew we were going to Wyoming! What is Lava, anyway?"

The ride up was all part of the experience.

The "party favors" were matching sweatshirts.

We enjoyed dinner at the campground and cupcakes and s'mores and lots of games. The only thing in short supply ended up being sleep.

Tyler and Emily were happy to be in on the secret plans and get to come along, even if it did entail 4 giggly girls.

They all wanted to sleep together on the top bunk. Maybe that was part of the lack of sleep. All the boys had to sleep in tents. They actually got the better deal.

The next morning we arrived at the pool in Lava. They loved the slides, the diving boards, and the warm water.

I lost count how many times Emily went up and down the slides.

The rock climbing wall as also a hit.

Thanks to all the Moms that kept the secret from their daughters and then actually let them come. Megan had a great party and it was all she dreamed of and more. I hope we don't have to outdo this party next year.

Cub Scout Camp

The one advantage of being the Webelos leader is that I get to spend time with Tyler. Cub Scout camp is always a bonding experience. Luckily we had many leaders go up so it was very easy. Tyler always loves the obstacle course. ...and the bows and arrows. Fun times with the wolves, bears, and Webelos. Tyler and his friend were able to get a lot of Webelos badges which is always the best part for them.

Happy Fouth of July!

We made it home just in time to celebrate another round of celebrations. Megan decided to be patriotic and make a cake in honor of the holiday.

Because the holiday was on a Sunday everyone had Monday off of work. We decided to spend the day hiking.

The kids did a great job setting the pace.

And the waterfall at the top was well worth the hike up. The best part about this hike is the way home is all downhill. A fun way to spend some time together and get exercise.