Trip to the Zoo

Not too long ago we went to Todd's work party at the Cheyenne Mountain zoo. It was actually right after our reunion. It was really fun! This zoo specializes in Giraffes. It has the largest captive group of Girrafes in the world-28. Unfortunately, my camera battery died after a few pictures. Anyhow, it is a great zoo - set on a mountain - alot of climbing but worth it. The company employees and families had the whole zoo to ourselves for the evening.

Family Reunion Slideshow!!

Family reunion time!

We had such a GREAT time with Todd's family this past week at our reunion!! We hadnt had the cousins together for three years (Todd's parents were on their mission in between) and it was so fun to catch up on everything and everyone. We really did miss Roger and Andrea though!! We went to Cripple Creek/ Victor area in the woods to a cabin of some friends. Before we left for the cabin we heard all about the mission to South Africa and we had a special fireside along with a family song and shirts. We were at the cabin for 3 days and 2 nights - playing badmitton, horseshoes, resting, eating, kids playing in a fort, laughing, visiting, singing, fishing, canoeing, camping (some were in tents) sharing talents, snipe hunting, playing games, more eating, making smores, etc etc.

When we got back to town we went ice skating and to the olympic training center. It was very cool to visit there especially in an olympic year.

Thanks to all the family for coming andf for all of the preparation and work! We really feel blessed to be part of such a great family! We Love You!!!

4th of July slideshow

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy 4th of July!

Christen and her friend Sydney at the ward breakfast
Trevor and friend Jace at the ward Breakfast.-- there was a bit of a water fight at the end!

At the town park festivities

We had a great day celebrating our country and the freedoms that we enjoy so much. In the morning our ward had a pancake breakfast at the park. the cubs did a flag ceremony, we sang patriotic songs and heard from a a family who immigrated here from Canada. There were games for the kids and volleyball.

After that we came home and hung out, took naps and went swimming and had a bbq. In the evening we went to a new park in town for festivities there and the fireworks show. It was really fun. Each of the kids found friends to play with. The only issue was that Trevor found a friend and then took off with him and we did not set a time to meet. He promised that he knew where we were set up - but when it came right down to it --he wasnt sure. We looked until it got dark and then the show started. We were 99.9% sure he was with his friend's family but we couldnt do anything until people started clearing out. It was some what frustrating! Anyhow, we did find him after but he was in big trouble. --He did do the right thing in staying with the group but not for just taking off with his friend without telling us where he went.

Thoughts about Sewing

I really HATE sewing. I have a sewing machine for the bare necessities. I just dont have the patience. The tension is wrong or the bobbin gets messed up, the needle breaks ( I am a fairly reckless sewer!) Whatever. My family knows to just leave me alone if I have to do a project. When I say it will take 5 minutes easily takes 45.

Anyhow, for about 12 years now I have been saving up my kids t shirts since they were little - wanting to make them all a special t shirt quilt. - so still 12 years later I will say ok put that one in the ever growing quilt pile in the loft. every once in a while the kids say " Hey mom you should make those quilts" And I respond, -"Yeah Yeah" --

So - While my Aunt Kay was here she wanted to help me but it was hectic and we didnt do it. She did give me some ideas though. When my mom came I decided to go for it. it was much harder than I thought. Even though I had started to patch the shirts tgether already it was tricky. I guess I assumed that if my mom was here - who is an excellent seamstress it would all be good. (She even made my wedding dress). She asked where the pattern was --so no pattern, just good intentions! I have learned a lot and will be much more prepared when I do -if I do Trevor and Christen's quilts.

it was actually great to complete one and mark that off my list. Not perfect, but finished with much love and time involved!!

Things about my mother

My mother is famous for her Lemon Meringue Pie - that I have always known!

My mom has been visiting for a few weeks now. I thought that I knew pretty much everything about her - but there are a few things that I have recently found out.

She hates snakes - see prior post.
She has NEVER had a pimple - ever
She just had her first taste of guacamole. We stopped at Chipotle.
I taught her Sudoku and she is great at it.

There is always something to learn - even if it is trivial~ She also gave me a great perm and helped me make a t shirt quilt - for Brandon. I still have to make them for the other kids