Issue 114

R & R at the Bluebird Inn

Steve and I realized that it had been way too long since we got away on a "non-working" vacation, so we got away to a beautiful Bed and Breakfast on the Idaho side of Bear Lake. We did all the things we love to talk about doing, but rarely get around to. Like golfing, biking, boating, jet skiing (twice - it was my favorite part!), dinner theater and just spending lots of unscheduled time together. We breakfasted with a fun couple from New York that invited us on their chartered boat around the lake with a marine biologist and former mayor as a tour guide. We learned many interesting things about the lake, including all about the Bear Lake Monster! The Inn was charming and the breakfasts were truly gourmet (we wish we had a picture for you.) If anyone is looking for a romantic place to reconnect - try the Bluebird Inn!

Issue 113

Happy Birthday Daniel!

I can't believe you're 11!

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad!

Last week I was deciding between playing, sleeping and cleaning this week, after producing the Family Festival. We went to see the penguins at the Aquarium, the Days of '47 floats at the preview, out to lunch, played with cousins and went swimming at the Scera pool. The picture below is proof that I did a little sleeping too. As for the house cleaning . . . . . . .

Issue 112

Big Sigh

(Big Sigh . . . ) Event done, goal accomplished. Boy, that's a good feeling! Vendors, sponsors, knights battles and tea parties, carnival, yummy food, managing volunteers and info booths, a tribute and a concert, set up and clean up - a lot goes into a fund raiser! I had an amazing committee this year and the Family Festival fundraiser for the non-profit I volunteer with, was a great success.

Now, I just can't decide if I should scrub the house top to bottom, connect with my patient children on a field trip everyday or just sleep! Probably all three.

Issue 111

Room with a View

Well, as much view as you get from a basement. Steve (Dad) has finished framing a new bedroom for Whitney in the Basement. He has really enjoyed the creating process (and I also think he's enjoyed whacking things.) The kids have all taken turns helping in the basement. The HVAC and electrical will hopefully be finished this week. Our goal is to have the 3 older children in their own rooms by the start of the new school year. Steve L. and Daniel have shared a room for almost eleven years. Steve L. is serious about his scholar studies and we are excited to be gaining a new room in our house so both boys can have more privacy and creative space. We'll post pictures when it's done!

Issue 110

Bear Lake Fun!

34 people + s'mores + jet skiing + sail boating + sunburns + beach time + talent shows + leather work with Grandpa + Aunt Emily's Hog song + late night burgers and shakes + campfires + hiking with Uncle Dave + 42 miles of shoreline + flirty aprons + pelicans + mini golf + swimming pools and playgrounds + four-man bikes + yummy food + a cactus pinata + jiffy pop popcorn + church at the park + 28" pizza = 1 amazing family reunion at Bear Lake!

Issue 109

Silver Moccasin by Steve L.

Silver Moccasin leadership camp! A week-long camp designed specifically to train scouts in leadership. After a 2 1/2 hour drive, (ugh) we pulled up to camp and unloaded. Jared and I were in for a ride. After checking into our patrols and meeting the staff, we were rushed into our first of many leadership classes. All of them introduced different techniques of leading, and they were mixed with activities, such as pounding the staff with water-balloon-ballasts, watching Apollo 13, and a Lego building challenge. I don't have time to go very in depth, but I probably will later. All I can say is, it was awesome!!

Issue 108

Remembering Grandma

On Tuesday June 8th, my Grandmother passed away. I was able to spend several hours with her that day, and was privileged to be by her side when she passed on and joined Grandpa on the other side. It was a very bitter-sweet experience that I will never forget.

We left Sunday for California for her funeral. I felt very honored to be able to speak at her funeral and represent her 26 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. It was a lovely service honoring a woman of great faith, who always put others first. We love you Grandma!