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.......