An admission . . . .

We got home from Church today and Christen said," Hey mom - remember when I broke my arm last year? Well, I didnt fall off my scooter, I fell out of the front tree."

Woah!! Really??!! I was shocked! Not that it really matters and she did tell me - but it would have been nice to tell the Dr at the time what had happened for real. I had to laugh! I asked her what her Primary lesson was about -- Honesty maybe? Repentance? She wouldnt tell me. I told her she may have to go to the Bishop for that one - but then we just laughed. Even her brothers were suprised. Todd didnt say much - he came home with a migraine.

Its funny because sometimes when I get together with my family my brothers and sister will come up with stories that they never admitted to at the time. I was way younger and didnt share those stories but it made me glad that Christen told me now. Hmmm.... I wonder though how many other stories will come out in 20 + years when we sit around the kitchen table at a reunion!

Makin' $$$$

Christen has had several lemonade - cookie stands this summer. She is so cute and does the whole thing on her own. This time she and her friend Mia went in together. They made $10 together.

Extracurricular activities

Trevor and Carson - running buddies

Trevor has had a great season so far in cross country and he has met all of his personal goals. He has many friends on the team and that makes it fun - and competitive!

This was the ASC fun Run / Pancake Breakfast. Todd and I helped with the pancakes while Trevor was busy running the race and beating everyone kids and adults!! His past cross country coach was sad that he changed schools!

Brandon just marched in his first High School football game!! It was awesome! He and the whole band have worked SO HARD and it was nice for them to see their efforts paying off. I cant believe how grown up he is!! Speaking of that - he just hit the 6 ft mark!! He had a lot of fun and they did a great job. If you care - in the field pic he is on the rt hand side 35ydline 5th from the front! LOL.

They played Todd's high school, Doherty and beat them 27-0! He was suprised to see them in blue and not green. Are schools allowed to change colors? lol At least they are still the Spartans.

First Day of School

This year my 3 children are going to 3 different schools. Brandon is a freshman at DCHS, Trevor is a 7th grader at a different middle school - Mesa - and Christen is in 4th grade - same school but without her brothers for the first time. Sigh... where does the time go? It is exciting but sad for me too. The first day everyone is gone I get lonely - especially at lunchtime. Brandon and Trevor started Monday and Christen not until Thurday so that made it a bit easier. Brandon starts seminary next week. Another wow!!

They all seem to be adjusting fine and meeting new friends and appreciate the old ones they see and have classes with this year. On Sunday morning Todd gave the kids fathers blessings as usual. It was a really neat experience. This is a tradition for us - but it seemed extra special this time. He gave me a blessing too. Then, in Relief Society we had a lesson on the priesthood. Todd and I have our moments and he drives me CRAZY sometimes -- BUT, I was so thankful to him for preparing for this and for honoring his priesthood. I am very blessed. He mentioned later that the things that were said really were what Heavenly Father wanted.

Parade Time!

It's that time again. Another tradition that I love about living here! This Year Brandon marched with the High School band. Go DC!! All of the hard work during the summer paid off when Brandon had a great time. Brandon is playing the Baritone (he plays the bass clef still and it sounds the same asa trombone basically but it has fingering like a trumpet). He has been playing the Trombone since 4th grade but the high school does not march trombones - apparently too dangerous for their tight formations. Brandon was dissapointed at first and he had to learn the new instrument. He's is doing really well now. Its been great for him to meet new friends before school even started and also be a part of a great group. The band also won first place in the parade!!

SilverCreek/Grand Lake 2010

Ahh, the annual trip to the Inn at Silvercreek Granby/GrandLake area. We love it. We look forward to it each year! Todd couldnt take time off work and Brandon had Band camp at the High School. However, Trevor and Christen and I decided that we were free and the tradition must go on!! We met up with Todd's parents Tuesday night. (It's their timeshare) Grandma and grandpa were very impressed that trevor was helpful with the cooking and in general helping all around. it was nice for Trevor to shine a bit without Brandon there. They fished in the pond at SilverCreek and Grandpa joined in too. We also enjoyed Grand Lake, the go- carts and the shops there. Christen always get a huge jawbreaker and Trevor found a new pocketknife for his collection. We also went to the YMCA that was close for one day. That was fun.

Todd and Brandon drove up on Friday nightand we went back to Grand Lake to fish. Well, they fished and I shopped and read and napped. On the way home we stopped by REI for Life is Good Shirts and instead we got in on the garage sale - that we love and we got some great deals on expensive hiking bootsand gym shoes - $5 each!!!

Camping for Trevor and Brandon

Trevor had a great scout camp this year. He loves having his dad as a leader. They went to Camp Dietler this year. The difference from last year is that they had to prepare all of their own food instead of going to the cafeteria. The food was provided but they did the cooking and cleaning. I was impressed that Trevor really enjoyed that and even did a lot of cooking when he came home. He even learned how to make lasagna in a dutch oven!! Seeing as though Brandon has a Foods class in High School I think that both of them will each have a night for making dinner!

Anyhow, the whole group had a great time and got along well. They did canoe, rifle, and metalwork. There may be more I cant remember. Christen and I came up for the family night and the boys did a skit and told us all that they had been learning.







Brandon pictures-------


Brandon and his group were totally thrilled to prepare and go on their Eco-Challenge High Adventure Trip. The activities included river rafting - a first for Brandon - hiking a 14er, biking, rapelling. Everyone was safe and had a great time!! They were so excited to do something bigger and better than regular camping trips. Also recently this group went water skiing and tubing. This was also a first for Brandon. It was awesome -- except that the waterskiis were too small for Brandon's size 13 feet!!!! I felt so bad for him!! Tyler's feet were also too wide. Poor Guys! I guess he did try the lake board a bit and he loved the tubing.

Ellis Family Reunion 2010

We had our Ellis family reunion this year. We all gathered on July 6th at Todd's parents house. It was great to see everyone!! We especially loved having both Roger and Andrea there, who we dont get to see very often. They live back east and its a big trip We do this reunion every other year so it had been awhile for some of us. We ate and then celebrated Grandpa's birthday followed by a talent show. Then the next day we packed up to go camping. Brandon had band camp Tues and Wed so I stayed back with Heather to meet up with Brandon. By the time we got to the cabin/ camp everything was set up! Great timing! Everyone had meals that they were in charge of and the rest of the time we went to the lake and canoed, some swam when they got swamped, fished played games, rested, and visited. We also had a great fireside and family history moments.

After the cabin we went back to the house and then to Casa Bonita - great fun- and to the Drums Along the Rockies competition. Our nephew, Austin, is a Jr in HS and is the Drum Major. He had found out about the competition and organized the tickets. it was cool for he and Brsndon to share the experience together. It was a great evening.

4th of July weekend

For the 4th of July weekend we went to the ward breakfast on Sat the 3rd. Then on Sunday after church we went over to our friends' house, Jeff and Kris, for a bbq. It was really fun and there were several families over. The men and boys tried to explode a cantalope and then a watermelon among other regular fireworks. It was threatening rain that night but Brandon really wanted me to tske him to the big town fireworks. We got all of the way down there and thenit started to downpour!! Luckily, the next night they rescheduled and we went. After this weekend Brandon Started inon the beginnig of Band Camp. Two mini camps with three days each and thenlater another two full long weeks Band Camp. He learned a lot and had fun - got very tan and very tired.

Trevor Turns Twelve!

Trevor's Ordination Day above - the Sunday after his birthday. Todd's folks were able to come up and spend te day with us. Trevor took took his responsibilities quite seriously and did a great job passing the sacrament his first Sunday. We are very proud of him!!

It was a crazy week with all sorts of things going on but we did make it to Red Robin on Trevor's birthday. We love this tradition!! Trev got a bunch of fishing gear that he wanted and part of his birthday was to take a fly fishing class with his dad. He loved it!

Christen's Big Catch

The Monday after Day Camp and 11 yr old Camp we had to pick up our canoe from our friends property. They have a pond and said that we could fish for awhile. Trevor wanted to try out his new fly rod and gear and Christen camp for fun. She ended up catching a really big trout. She was so proud! It actually tasted great too!

Happy 17th Anniversary to Us

Here was 17 years ago....... June 26th 1993
And here was our anniversary day in 2010. A little different - cleaning up from day camp. As I remember we did go out to eat also to celebrate. It was a crazy busy week!

Day Camp 2010

Day Camp. . . . I remember when I thought that I was done years ago. But, alas, someone needs to register the 386 kids - or whatever it was for day camp. And as long as Im in Stk Primary - that is part of the job - well unless we figure out something different next year.

It is always such a crazy, busy time in June to get ready but it went really well. We also had a lot of support and had a great team. The boys loved it too. This year Brandon and his friend Chritian came to be Jr Staff and they each earned 18 hrs for HS volunteer time. Trevor also came one day and helped in the shooting range. He let people in and out . . . Permission to enter exit etc. . .

Christen's Hair Saga

Ahh, summertime. . . Time to relax, have fun and for Christen its time to paint nails and hey - even color some hair maybe? Why not? We have some friends who had done a kool aid dye. We did this with the knowledge that is would wash out after a few washes. Really - that is what we were told --- so after a few weeks I got a bit concerned about it coming out. At least it would be out by school time right? Well - remember that I am catching up and her hair still has some pink. It actually turned out super cute and we have enjoyed it this summer. She has even learned how to french braid and she has let me play with her hair more. I gave her a few bangs and it was all good.

Well - until several days ago when I was thinking about school starting and I took matters into my own hands. I went into phycho mode and tried to bleach her hair myself. I will have to add more details later but it went wrong - very very wrong. So, she has a new cute "a line" hair cut - still with a little pink. I have profusely appoligized over and over - and even got my own hair cut short. Im just hoping that the dean doesnt give her a dress code violation on Thursday - her first day of school. Sigh...

Later -- well she made it though and didnt get kicked out of school! More on her first day of school in another post.

Manitou Lake

Todd bought a new toy. His excuse was that Brandon and I went to Washington DC, so he need to spend some money on himself. He has actually been thinking about getting a canoe for awhile now. Anyhow, we have been using it alot! The weekend after schhool let out we found this lake that was perfect for a leisurely day trip. It was very fun and the kids got to fish off the canoe for the first time.

Last Day of School -

I have a tradition of takng a picture of the kids on the way out of school. (see middle) I missed out on Brandon - although do have pics of his 8th gr graduation (note to self - add Brandons Pics and field day)
Anyhow, Trevor is very excited to move on to the neighborhood middle school - mainly to be out of uniforms. It is bittersweet for me. Chisten has another 3 yrs at Charter - unless they kick her out bacause of her pink hair. (another long story to be posted later)

Brandon's Braces are OFF!

Well - the top ones at least. The bottoms come off in two weeks. He is very happy and I keep reminding him to thank his dad for paying for his beautiful smile... He looks so handsome! I will say that he is not too pleased with wearing a retainer -- but he will survive.

Major Catchup Summer 2010

Ok I have been so depressed about my blog! I finally have caught up on collaging and now have to do the posts and journalling. Than I need to catch up on everyone elses blogs. Where has the summer gone!? My two boys started school yesterday - Brandon a FRESHMAN!! and Trevor 7th grade in a different middle school. Christen starts 5th Grade on Thursday. I had a little suprise when I reaized that she had grown out of the crayon stage. -- I have a fairly good sized stash of school supplies on hand.

Anyhow -- heres to catching up.......

Christen's ACS Play and Talent Show

Christen was recently in a school play called the Tongue Cut Sparrow. She played the xylophone and did a fabulous job!

This year Christen and several of her friends performed a pom routine. It was adorable and would not have happened with out a wonderful, fun teacher who helped them during many a recess.

Trevor - Track and Field

Trevor has had a great track and field season. This has been his first year. These pictures are from their first Invitational. The 6th/7th grade ACS boys won 3rd over all (with Trevor) the 8th grade boys earned 1st and the 8th grade girls earned 2nd. Trevor even set a school record one meet in Discus. He really enjoys the 4x100 relay and also has participated in the long jump, 1oom hurdles, and shot put. Today Todd and I went with him all the way up to Bailey for an Invitational. Todd and I ended up helping to measure and report the discus scores. It was pretty funny because neither of us really knew what we were doing - and they called me coach -lol and Todd got hit with a discus.... Anyhow..... we are proud parents.

Easter Dress

Easter Sunday was, of course, General Conference, which we gratefully watched at home this year. Anyhow, I made the kids dress up the next week.

Sleeping Beauty

My baby is growing up. When she turned 9 it made me sad. I love her at this age though. It is great with all of the kids - but she's my girl!! She has been reading more - as you can see - but we are having a hard time picking books that are girly and that are not "too boring" as she says. She seems to be reading books a little too easy for her right now. If you have any suggestions please let me know. We have done magic tree house, junie b jones, wayside school, little house books, EB White books, Judy Blume (except for Are You There... you know the one) - but need some new ideas..... She is at about a mid fifth grade level. She has also decided that she really does need to finally learn those multiplication math facts!.....

Anyhow, I love reading in bed too.

Easter 2010

We had a great Easter weekend. We decided to have our Easter dinner on Good Friday with Todd's parents on Good Friday. We each wanted to be in our homes to watch conference so that's how it worked out. It was also their 45th wedding anniversary. WOW. It was really nice. Actually, Brandon was at a scout snorkling activity. Anyhow, Sat we watched conference and Todd and I went to lunch in between and ran a few errunds. Sunday - Easter and more Conference. Loved it. I have to mention one funny. Trevor with a mouthful of chocolate, said, "Wow, what are the chances of it being Easter and not going to church!!" Of course we ALL watched general conference - with this year especially great because we have Direct TV again with the DVR - oh how I have missed that!!! I guess we will have to take the "dressed up" picture next week before the ward Easter service.

Sunday we had Dave and Denise over for breakfast, Easter egg coloring, traditional Easter cookies we make every year and conference. In the afternoon we even did smores as if we didnt have enough chocolate already. We should have used the peeps to roast though! I actually made it to the baptism of my friend Shanna's son in between sessions on Sunday. I guess her being the Stk Primary Pres gave her some pull to have it done that day. It was cool that it was Ryan's birthday and their Bishop had been baptized on an Easter Sunday as well. Very sweet spirit.

Loved General Conference, Easter and being with family and friends. We are so blessed. Good times!!

Lisa and Brandon- Back East trip

Gettysburg

Ground Zero - Battery Park -Manhattan

Times Square

Ellis Island - we tried to get in for free with our name but it didnt work!

Statue of Liberty We were able to go up to the base level.

Central Park

Etc - Pentagon, Iwo Jima Memorial, Temple, Spy Museum, Fords Theater, Presidential Desk
Todd's brother Roger

Smithsonian Museums - Natural History, American History

More Smithsoneums - Air and Space, American History ( first Ladies Dresses, Modern Art and Art Museums

Memorials, White House, Union Station, My neice, Lenay and her family, Capitol, and copy of Liberty Bell

Arlington

So- Brandon and I have been planning this trip for a long time. We stayed with our awesome friends, the Ahlstroms. They live in Harpers Ferry, Virginia a quaint Civil War Historical town At the end of our trip Brandon and Andrew were able to do a camp out and reenactment of the battle of Antitem. They had a great time.

The day after we got there we were lucky enough to have the family drive us up to Gettysburg. It really was amazing to see these places where our history took place! Mark had some business in Pennsylvania so we all stayed in a hotel in Bethlehem - no kidding. The kids swam and we had pizza,swam and relaxed. The next day we drove to New York City!!! I had never been there and of course have always wanted to visit. I had though of Brandon and I taking a bus up there - but when they offered to go since they hadnt yet - I was thrilled! It is a crazy city and I dont think I would want to live right there - but it was great fun to visit! We took the subway a bit and went to Manhattan area first. We had too much that we wanted to see - but did the best we could with our time. We visited Ground Zero. It was very moving. It seems funny that there is not a permanent memorial there yet - but they did have several walls dedicated to 9 11. So sad.

Then we took a subway to Times Square. It was amazing! So fun to see where all of the action takes place! We walk towards Central Park taking in the sights. We got a hotdog in Battery Park and sat for awhile. Then on to Central Park. By then we were exhausted and it was too late to even try the zoo, but it was great to just be there - let the kids play on the big rock and people watch.

We stayed in a hotel in New Jersey and the next day it was on to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty!!!! Truly AMAZING! I was so thrilled to be there. Ellis Island was very interesting - I still have to check if there is a relative connection. We havent heard on anything. In 2nd grade each of my kids have learned about the immigrants and role plyed how they came to the island and went through the main hall, through all of the medical tests etc. I had helped the school kids and so it was neat for me to see the real thing!! Lady Liberty was huge!! So exciting to be there on Liberty Island. I just stood there and took it all in.

We drove home and the next day we just rested. It was thunderstorming as well-- Tuesday Brandon and I borrowed a car and drove to the closest Metro station in Gaithersburg MD. I havent really done the subway thing much - but we began the adventure! We took the Subway in for two days into DC. We stayed in a motel one night to get an earlier start Wed AM. We were able to see my niece Lenay and family as well as Todd's brother Roger, which was fun! The first day we went to all of the Smithsonians we could take in - listed above. Some highlights were - - the hope diamond, Dorithy's ruby slippers, kermit, first ladies dresses, art that I recognized from my BYU Humanities 101 class, and Julia Child's kitchen.

The next day we took a tour mobile - which was an excellent thing to do. We started at Union Station - the largest Railroad Station in the world. We saw all of the monuments. There was no way to do it on foot - for us at least! We also saw Arlington. Everything was amazing. It really was such a great experience taking it all in!!!! Roger took us to the Pentagon and memorial there. on that day - 9-11 he was actually less than a mile away. SO greatful that he was ok. Being there and NY really brought back so many feelings of that time. He also took us to the Iwo Jima memorial - MUCH bigger than I expected!

Thursday we went into the city with Lori and Andrew ( he was in school so he couldnt take too many days off) We dropped the boys off at the Spy Museum - which they LOVED!! Lori and I went to Ford's Theater. Very Interesting. We all went to the Archives building to see the Declaration of Independence ( much more faded than I thought - or than the National Treasure movie) By the way, I had to laught that we were always comparing our experiences to movies we had seen!- National Treasure, Night at the Museum, Sleepless in Seattle, Crocodille Dundee, etc etc. Also saw the Bill of Rights anf the Constitution. Brandon and I had tickets to the White House tour. So glad that we did that!! It was really cool! I think that I expected to see more actually - but they still do live and work there. We were actually were supposed to go on Tuesday but Obama was signing the Health Care bill so we got bumped to Thurs. Anyhow, we saw the red, blue and green room, the library, the state dining room, some amazing portraits including the one of George Washington that Dolly Madison saved during the fire. They would not let us take pics in there or ther Archives.

By then we were worn out . I think I could have done one more day in the city - but we were beat too. Lori did drive us by the DC temple. Awesome!! It was still amazing to see even though the trees were leafless. The magnolias in the city were blooming but we were a bit early for the cherry blossoms.

Friday we hung out and went to lunch - lots of eating out this week - but it was fun. It was really great to just hang with Lori and catch up. It was just like old times. I miss her and their family so much!! We agreed that Andrew would have to come out for the Pioneer trek in 2011. Like I said, the boys had a great time camping together and just hanging out too.

I am so thankful that we got to do this! I am grateful for Todd for enabling it to happen. Several people asked why we didnt all go --- for one we couldnt have afforded it and also we wanted it to be a special trip just for Brandon. And yes we will do the same sort of thing for the other two kids. Todd took the whole week off. They had TONS of snow so that was a bummer - but did go to the zoo, ice skating, to see Grandma and Grandpa, play with friends, paint Trevor's room, and aquire a pingpong table from a move they helped with. Trevor has started track too so he had several practices. They didnt get to aerate lawns because of the snow - but the boy scouts will be busy next Sat.

We had a great Easter and Conference weekend. I will write soon about that!

Eagle Recognition Dinner

Brandon and I had a fun evening together last week. The big dilemma for him was which of the 3 forks to use first! Thats my eagle scout boy!

Happy 9th Birthday Christen!

Christen and her friends - she decided that she wanted ice cream sundaes instaed of a cake this year - although Denise ended us sharing some of her cake on their actual birthday. We took
the girls bowling and they had a great time. On the actual day of her birthday - the 25th I got her out of school just a bit early and got a drink at Sonic. Then we went home and Grandma and Grandpa were waiting there for her. They gave her a musical jewelry box and jewelry - which she LOVES. Speaking of jewelry, she has a boy that is a friend from school who actually gave her some jewelery for her birthday. I wasn't quite sure what to think but I guess it is fairly harmless.

Later in the evening we met our friends, Dave and Denise at Red Robin for dinner. This has become a tradition. Denise has the same birthday, which makes it extra fun!

I was relly happy that she had a great birthday and a great time with her friends, but i was also a little sad that my little girl is growing up!! It seems ok for the boys to get older - but not her!! SIGH!!

Just today she and I had a special day together. Todd and the boys were at the scout Klonderee (post to come) so we went shopping, got lunch, and then went to the play "Annie" that some of our friends were in. It was nice.