Lodgepole Family Camp

I don't recall having so many sick people at one of our family camp outs before. There was a stomach bug going around the week before our family vacation that came camping with us this year. Todd's mom got it the worse but several people suffered stomach discomforts and other digestive issues.

Between that, a sister-in-law with a severe Celiac allergy, my Menieres and a brother-in-law with a pinched disc, I felt luck was not on our side this year - at least with regards to our health - but we didn't let that stop us from enjoying ourselves.

The truth is the kids don't really care if we leave camp. They were happy playing card games, riding their bikes full speed downhill, making forts, trying to catch chipmunks - AKA monkeys, as my two year old calls them - blowing bubbles, or simply exploring the 'forest'. In fact, they whenever I asked Emilia to go on a walk or do something that didn't include her cousins she turned me down.

On Wednesday the day time temperatures dropped to the mid 50's with a morning low in the low 40's. It was grey and raining most of the day, perfect for a nap!

After an uncomfortably cold first night, we bundled up the kids with two layers of pajamans and added a few extra blankets to everyone's sleeping bags and we were all toasty warm the rest of the trip. I have been reading the book "The Adventures of Emily Windsnsp" to the kids at night time. It worked out perfectly. After they crawled into their sleeping bag, I would read them one chapter of the book. They were so exhausted from playing that they fell asleep by the end of each chapter, and we got to finish the story on the last day of camp.

On Thursday a group of us hiked the Foreman Hollow Nature trail. It is described as an intermediate 4.0 mile trail with amazing views of Daniels Canyon and Strawberry Reservoir. It was more like a 6 mile trail, not very well maintained with overgrown vegetation, decaying bridges and a steep ascent. When we reached the top we were overwhelmed by a horrible stench. A bloated, decaying dead cow laid about 30 feet from the trail. That kept us moving really fast! I really enjoy hiking but by the time we reached camp I felt like a zombie, my body kept taking steps but my mind was numb and tired.

One more camping trip for the year and we're done! Can't believe Summer is almost over.

Lodgepole Family Camp - Strawberry Reservoir

On our last full day at camp we decided to visit Strawberry Reservoir, which is approximately a 15 minute drive from where we were staying. We were looking for the shore trail we could walk with the kids. We ask the gift shop attendant at the marina about one but she didn't know of one. Instead we decided to walk down the dock to one of the boat piers and let the kids skip rocks. They were probably more happy doing so than they would have been hiking.

Strawberry Reservoir is a fishing lake. On our way back from the gift shop the kids got to see some fisherman gut their fish before storing them in their cooler. Once on the shore Emilia took off with her two older girl cousins to explore. The three of them have been quite inseparable this trip. It's so nice when they all get along so well.

Stella had fun handing me rock to throw in the water and tossing a few hand fulls herself. From the boat dock the kids spied some crawfish in the water. Carson's two older cousins decided to catch them with some tall grass. One of the crawfish was not very smart. They were able to catch the same one three times!

Lodgepole Family Camp - Heber Valley Railroad

We returned to Heber Valley a second time this summer for our annual family camp with Todd's side of the family. This time we stayed at the Logpole Campground near Strawberry Reservoir.  On Tuesday we rode the historic Heber Valley Railroad for a round trip ride across the the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir and along the Provo River to Vivian Park.

Carson who absolutely loves trains has been waiting for a month, since our last visit to Heber, for this ride.

During the three hour train ride we were entertained by a  talented lady who performed several Western and Blues songs on her guitar. At the beginning of the ride the train was robbed by Black Jack Raven and the Soldier Hollow Gang. They came into our train car, made us all raise our hands, cracked a few jokes about the passengers and left. We didn't get to see the entire act because our car was the last one on the train and we were too far away from the train platform where they were staging the robbery.  I will know better if we decide to do it again.

The kids got a bit bored during the ride. The train travels at approximately 15-20 MPH. Not very fast at all. The interior of the train cars is very old and not well kept. There is no AC or heat, some of the windows don't open and parts of the train are held together with Duct Tape. To be honest I was expecting something a bit nicer for the price they charge for each ticket. I was randomly selected to fill out a customer survey. I shared with them my thoughts. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has mentioned it.

Our our way back we were the first car behind the engine. Every time the conductor blew the whistle when approaching a railroad crossing we had to cover our ears. It was so loud it startled some of the younger kids riding with us. A toddler boy traveling with his family started to cry each time it would go off.

In the end, what matter the most to me was Carson's experience. He enjoyed looking out the window from inside the train and sitting next to his cousin Graham.

Battle Creek Falls, Pleasant Grove UT

We've been hiking quite a bit with the kids this Summer. I think we are making up for the years we lived in Texas, where there just wasn't anywhere to hike.

Two weeks ago we hiked Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove, UT. The 1.5 mile roundtrip hike was perfect for our kids. Not too steep, not too long. Stella had to be carried for part of it. We just didn't want to keep her pace.

 



Carson is quite the hiker. He was ahead of us for most of the walk, exploring and commenting on what he observed. Emilia was on the hunt for the perfect rock to add to her rock collection. Stella enjoyed picking up rocks and dropping them.



 The hike is popular with those who enjoy rappelling. They hike above the waterfall and rappel down to the bottom. We cross a few carrying their gear up as we were headed down. The hike was rather crowded on a Saturday morning, primarily families with little kids and their pets. But enjoyable nonetheless.

Pioneer Day Float Previews

For the second year in a row I took the kids to the South Towne Expo Center to preview the Pioneer Day floats up close. Todd had a stake audit that evening so I was on my own. Carson's favorite float was the t-rex dinosaur float. It would open its mouth, look around and roar.

The kids got their faces painted, got balloon animals and played games. While in line to get the kids faces painted, one of Emilia's class mates from last year saw us and stop by to say hello.

Heber Valley 4th of July

Traditionally, we celebrate Independence Day with family but this year we decided to do something different and headed out to Heber City for a quick get away.

 

We borrowed Todd's parents RV and spent a few days at the Rocky Mountain RV resort. This newly built facility was great. The kids enjoyed watching a movie in the park, swimming in the pool and playing in the playground.

 

Emilia and Carson have been in swimming lessons all summer. Carson is still afraid of jumping off the diving board, but is less afraid of getting his face wet in the water. Emilia has become a little fish. Her fear of the water has completely gone away. Now, we can't keep her away from the water.

 

 

One of the mornings we took the kids bowling.  Stella scored two strikes without even trying. Emilia, who tried her hardest never got one. It's funny how things happen that way.

On the 4th of July we hiked the Provo River Waterfalls. It's not much of a hike, the waterfalls can be seen from the parking lot, but they are amazing nonetheless.

The kids really enjoyed the easy hike and playing in the water. We even got to see some really large monarch butterflies on the trail.

That evening we attended the Midway City fireworks. The city shoots them from Memorial Hill, a small hill near a park downtown.  After the first few minutes of the show, Todd asked me if I've noticed the fire on the hill. Sure enough, the fireworks had started a brush fire on one side of the hill.

It was hard to watch the fireworks. I don't know anything about fire so I was unsure as to how fast it would spread and reach the park at the bottom of the hill where we were.

Time seemed to pass really slowly between the time I noticed the fire and when I heard the fire truck's sirens headed that direction. They must have had it under control rather quickly because there was no mention of anything in the local news the next morning.

Once a year, a local collector of cowboy and Native American artifacts opens up his personal museum to the public. This man has a two-story cabin chuck full of original items.  Next to his cabin is Memorial Hill.  We decided to drive up to the monument up top and check out the damage from the fire. It was quite a scary drive for me. The road is barely wide enough for two vehicles to travel on it and there is no rail on one side. Every time we would come across a car traveling the opposite direction I would just close my eyes until we were past it.

The trip was so much fun! I am glad we decided to get away for a few days to spend time as a family.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's day to the best dad my kids could ever had!

I missed attending church with Todd on Father's day to stay home with Carson, who was sick. Cooking and baking are not my favorite things to do, but on special occasions such as Father's Day I make an exception. With three hours on my hand before the rest of the clan got home, I decided to bake him a chocolate and dulce de leche cake.

I think he enjoyed the unexpected surprise.

There are many reasons why Todd is the best dad in the world to my kids. These are just a few:
1. Incredibly patient
2. Playful
3. Loving
4. Always happy
5. Great example
6. Excellent provider
7. Supportive and encouraging

I love you Todd, and the kids adore you too!

South Jordan Parade

Each year the city of South Jordan hosts their annual Summer celebration in June instead of on Independence day. I think it's great! The mornings are warm, not uncomfortably hot the way they are in July.

This year I took the kids to watch the parade that runs near our home. Unlike other parades I've attended recently, the floats were actually giving candy and prizes. The kids got to shake hands with Spider Man and saw our neighbors, Al and LaRae Naylor, ride as honorary Grand Marshall for the city.

That weekend, we rode our bikes to the second annual South Jordan River Stake Carnival. My silly monkeys had a fun time playing carnival games and sampling the free food and drinks at the booths.

Herriman Farm Field Days

 

Who knew I have a little cowboy in the making? Carson was quite handy with the lasso on his fieldtrip to Butterfield Farm in Herriman.  The kids were taught about sheep shearing, growing a garden and raising farm animals. They saw piglets, miniature horses, lama, lambs and sheep and chickens.

 

Carson's favorite part, however, was the miniature fire truck on display. The kids got to ride in it and pretend to drive it. He was so excited when a fireman gave him a sticker badge. Best gift ever!

 

Emilia's birthday

Our entire family shares a birthday with someone in Todd's family. Emilia's birthday is a day apart from her Grandpa. This year we had a family, a school and a friends celebration.



 

We got together with Todd's side of the family for cake and an ice-cream bar and she took Hello Kitty cupcakes to school to have with her friends.

Over the weekend, she invited a few of her good friends to go to the Discovery Gateway children museum. I accidentally deleted the photos from my phone. Fortunately I had texted one of them to a friend, so I have one photo to remember it by.

We had eight kids total (including our own). I got good at doing head counts :) After the museum we walked to a frozen yogurt place nearby. We had to cross one street to get to it. Todd was leading the pack with Stella in one arm and a swarm of little ones behind him. I was bringing in the rear. From the back he looked like momma duck with a line of duckling marching behind him. It was priceless. That's the one picture I wish I would have kept.

Easter



Between birthdays, Easter, Anniversary, and Mother's Day. April and May are filled with reasons to celebrate. As I look back at the pictures of the kids collecting Easter eggs in shorts and sandals I wonder when will the weather finally stay warm. We really haven't had more than a handful of days in the 70's so far and I've pretty much had it with these lingering cold days.

 

This year, like years past, we kept on the tradition of dyeing Easter eggs and hiding them on Sunday morning for the kids to find around the house. I have to admit, I didn't even bother to get candy for the kids to find in their baskets. Regrettably, the Easter Bunny didn't make a stop by our house this year. Oh, well! The kids were a bit disappointed but it didn't last. They still have stashes of candy from a neighborhood egg hunt earlier in the week and school.Todd was clever enough to remind them that we had forgotten to put our baskets out for the Easter Bunny to find. I bet they won't forget next year :)

 

Each of the kids got a new outfit. Carson a new suit, the girls wore matching dresses.

 



 

Spring Photos

 

We have a beautiful weeping willow in our front yard. The kids love running through it and pretending to be in the jungle during the summer months. My favorite season is spring, because it looks gorgeous with beautiful pink blossoms that willow down almost to the ground.

So this year, instead of our traditional pictures among the Blue Bonnets of Texas, the hubby snapped some photos next to the trees.

 Carson being a goof ball, was actually the hardest to take pictures of. He just wouldn't keep a straight face.  He's become such a talker lately. Every is commenting on it. I love hearing him speak at this age. His observations are so honest. He is also very specific in his words. "Mom, that's not a train, it's an engine."

His prayers are the best. Just last night for family prayers he asked Heavenly Father for more fruit snacks in the car and that Jesus would be safe and protected this Easter. He says it with complete faith that God is listening to his prayers and not thinking "I'm asking with mom and dad listening to what I'm saying."

I had to include a picture of Emilia with her head turned to the side. If you know her, you know that look she gives when she is being silly.

Yesterday I took her shopping with her own money. She was wearing a satchel purse, skinny jeans, and a 80's style blouse. She looked so big! Not a little girl anymore. I know, because I'm having a hard time finding beautiful princess-style Easter dresses in her size anymore. The are all starting to look more grown up and revealing.

Just this week she told me "I shouldn't wear this because it's immodest." I asked her what made it immodest and she replied "It has no sleeves." Good for her!

Stella was the easiest to photograph this time. In fact, there were too many good pictures to choose from.

Over the last week or so she has began repeating what we say with much more clarity.  She still mumbles a lot of incomprehensible words but now some of it is beginning to make more sense. I wonder if she'll be a talker, the way Carson has become.

She is very affectionate, always giving hugs. She is not too fond of kisses though. If you do she will wipe them right off of her face.

Stella's First Haircut

Miss Sunshine got her first haircut yesterday morning. She was so grown up, sitting on the chair facing the mirrors covered by the hair cutting cape. Her big brother was getting his haircut on the chair behind her. I think that gave her confidence that this was nothing to be afraid of.

She let the girl spray her thin hair down with water without flinching and sat perfectly still while the hair stylist trimmed about an inch off the back and evened out the sides.

It didn't take more than a few minutes but those few changes made a huge difference in Stella's appearance. Her hair looks a lot fuller now and a lot less wild.

School Field Trip

Emilia attended her second field trip of the year by visiting the Clark Planetarium and the Wasatch Community Gardens.

 

The community gardens located near downtown Salt Lake City offer neighboring residents an opportunity to grow their own fruits and vegetables, as well as expert advice and education for those seeking to learn more about organic gardening.

 

The staff there was great! They read the kids the book Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens, discussed the different parts of a plant (root, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits), and them taught them what is required to grow a garden (water, soil, seeds, sun, etc.).

 

Even I learn something new. Did you know that Broccoli is a flower?

 

The kids got to plant their own seeds and water them with sponges soaked in water. One of the kids who was riding in my car accidentally fell into the shallow pond while attempting to soak his sponge and ended up getting soaked from the knees down himself. Poor kid!

 

We also visited the Clark Planetarium and got to learn more about our solar system, the atmosphere, astronauts, solar energy, light and lenses, tornadoes, and much more.

The activity Emilia enjoyed the most was watching the movie "Perfect Little Planet" inside the dome theater. She was very apprehensive about watching the show. To give you some prospective, she thinks Tinker Bell movies are scary.

Finally, she agreed to watch it as long as she was sitting on my lap. The video is about a family of aliens stressed out by city life, looking for a vacation destination. The travel agents takes them on a tour of the solar system's planets, moons and the Sun. In the end, they decide to vacation on planet Earth and really enjoy it.

The dome shape of the theater screen makes you feel like you're inside their spaceship as they travel and explore different environments. Sometimes you get the sensation you're in a rollercoaster climbing steep hills, making quick sharp turns or fast steep descents. I had to close my eyes for some of those parts. I just couldn't handle it. Emilia on the other hand, thought they were the most fun!

Emilia 1st Grade Student of the Year

 

Late Friday night, I received a call from the elementary school director at the charter school Emilia attends. She left me a message saying that she needed to speak to me about something important, and to call her on her cell phone.

That got me wondering what it could possibly be. I know Emilia is a good kid, so I was certain it wasn't a grade or disciplinary issue. When we finally spoke she informed me that Emilia had been selected by her teachers as the 1st grader who best exemplifies what a true Builder is.

 

The school motto is to be a builder. Students are taught to conduct themselves as builders by asking themselves the questions: "What would be building behavior?" Each student and staff memorizes the builder poem and recites it at school events and in the classroom.

 

Builders

 

I saw them tearing a building down,

A gang of men in a busy town.

With a yo heave ho and a lusty yell,

They swung a beam and the sidewall fell.

 

I asked the foreman if these men were as skilled

As those he would hire if he were to build.

 

He laughed and said, “Oh, no indeed,

Common labor is all I need,

 For they can wreck in a day or two,

What builders have taken years to do.”

 

So I asked myself, as I went my way,

Which of these roles am I to play?

 

Am I the builder, who works with care,

Measuring life by the rule and square?

Or am I the wrecker who walks the town,

Content in the role of tearing down?

I’ve made my decision; I’ll start today,

I’ll be a builder in every way.

 - Anonymous and Howard Headlee

 

American Preparatory Academy (APA) is built on two principles: rigorous academic instruction, and strong character development. Everyone at the school staff, teachers and students, is outstanding. I was really touched that they chose to recognize Emilia for her character and academic performance.

 

Her teacher, Ms. Sebra, shared these thoughts with the rest of the school at the assembly:

Emilia has such a natural ability to succeed.  She has been an amazing example to everyone that meets her. She is motivated to work hard and is reaching all of the goals in first grade because of her strong desire to succeed.  We know we can count on Emilia to be doing the right thing. She has worked hard all year to reach the high expectations we have here at APA. Everyone who knows Emilia loves her because she is kind and caring and loves to do what's right. We are so lucky she is here at American Prep with us. Emilia, you are DYNAMITE!!