We spent Thanksgiving at our friends, Laura and Jason Dickman, home. Shane, Janet, Kelsey, and Dakota Merrell were also with us.
Dinner was delicious! We had Spiral Ham, fabulous Turkey, Mashed potato's with gravy, cranberry jello salad, stuffing, rolls, fresh green beans, and scrumptious pies.
We were very thankful to have such a wonderful feast and enjoyable time.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Trip to Vail
Our kind friends, Rachael and Shawn invited us to stay in their time share condo with them. We stayed for 2 nights. It was such a beautiful time to be in the mountains. We had a really great time exploring the area. We hiked to Hanging Lake (shown above) and also tried to get to an old Tunnel. The crazy lighting storm/snow blizzard prevented us from reaching the final destination. However, we had a great time 4 wheeling up the mountain side and exposing ourselves to every weather element trying.
Even our drive back home was an adventure as we almost ran out of gas going over Vail pass. But, don't worry we safely coasted down the entire mountain pass in neutral and into the gas station which was thankfully located at the bottom of the mountain.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sydney starts Kindergarten
8-08-08. Sydney is now officially a kindergartner. I cannot believe my mixed emotions of joy and sadness. I will miss my afternoons with her. This was our time to paint nails, work together, cook together, read together, watch TV together, and play together. I will miss our one on one time and will have to find moments other times to have them again. That is my sadness!
Now for my joy, I am excited for her to be in school because she is really excited to be going. She is eager to experience some of the things the boys have enjoyed. She loves to learn and will enjoy the social opportunities as well.
She looked so beautiful today. My heart was breaking to see her growing up before My eyes. We had gone shopping at the beginning of the week to pick out "the outfit". It was perfect and she looked so adorable and sweet. We even made sure her toe nails and fingernails were looking beautiful.
The teacher allowed us to come in with her for a few minutes. We read the Kissing Hand together as a class and then I kissed Sydney's hand and she kissed mine and then Courtney's and Daddy's. I tried to hold back the tears, but failed. I think this is why she was sad and unsure. So, as long as I hold it together the rest of the year, I am sure she will do just fine.
Now for my joy, I am excited for her to be in school because she is really excited to be going. She is eager to experience some of the things the boys have enjoyed. She loves to learn and will enjoy the social opportunities as well.
She looked so beautiful today. My heart was breaking to see her growing up before My eyes. We had gone shopping at the beginning of the week to pick out "the outfit". It was perfect and she looked so adorable and sweet. We even made sure her toe nails and fingernails were looking beautiful.
The teacher allowed us to come in with her for a few minutes. We read the Kissing Hand together as a class and then I kissed Sydney's hand and she kissed mine and then Courtney's and Daddy's. I tried to hold back the tears, but failed. I think this is why she was sad and unsure. So, as long as I hold it together the rest of the year, I am sure she will do just fine.
1 day of off work+ 36 hours of reading=$35.00 and a full day of fun
Mike took off work on Friday, the kids each read 12 hours to earn free passes to Elich Gardens, and The day we went worked out to be half price day for Mike and I. So we only spent $35.00 for our whole family to enjoy the park for 12 hours. I am quite literal about the 12 hours. We got to the park right after it opened and then stayed for the Carnival De Feugo show after it closed. We were feeling guilty because it was the night before the kids went back to school. The guilt only lasted a few seconds when we decided they could rest up over the weekend and what do you really learn on the first day anyway....right?
We had a great time together and felt like we got to go on most of the rides. Blake and Tanner took me on the Tower of Doom after they first rode it with Mike. I really loved do it even thought it was so so so scary! I think the going up really slow and really high and then waiting to be dropped was much worse than the actual drop.
Tanner also rode with me on the Edge ride which is a water ride where you are on a double tube and then pushed off the edge of the 90 degree slide that carries you to the top of the other side and then down again and again until you funnel through an opening and into open water. I screamed the whole time but it is okay because I had warned Tanner to be ready for me to scream.
Blake also took me on the twister roller coaster. It included hiking up a million stairs until you were higher than you could imagine and then right way dropping down and into a loop and then straight up to the top again. At the top you wait and then do it all backwards. It was also very scary!
We also went on a big raft ride where I ended up backwards the whole time until the end and finally Tanner could see why backward was so scary. Courtney loved the big raft ride that you go down and then cause a huge wave to come over the top of you. She loved telling us that she was "soaking wet" and then because the line was short she was thumbs up to go again. Mike and the boys hit some more crazy rides including the mind eraser and a huge skateboard that spun you in circles while it went back and forth in a half pipe all while you were standing up. Sydney, Courtney, and I tried out some kiddie rides. One of which was a roller coaster that we found out neither I or Blake could go on it with them (found this out after waiting in a very long hot line) so I made Sydney (much to her sadness) so that Courtney could go. I really cannot believe that I buckled my crying 5 year old and little 2 year old into a very fast roller coaster. I really did think that they would love it and be glad I insisted. Instead Sydney was really upset and Courtney looked at me like I had tricked her. It was a sad mommy moment. :(
We ate our lunch back at the Sequoia and man did those sandwiches, chips, red balls (grapes), apple slices, and rice Krispie treats taste good. We also watched a couple of shows, played in the wave pool, relaxed in the lazy river, and played in the ball house. We had a wonderful day together and really felt as though we had enjoyed every last day of our summer together.
We had a great time together and felt like we got to go on most of the rides. Blake and Tanner took me on the Tower of Doom after they first rode it with Mike. I really loved do it even thought it was so so so scary! I think the going up really slow and really high and then waiting to be dropped was much worse than the actual drop.
Tanner also rode with me on the Edge ride which is a water ride where you are on a double tube and then pushed off the edge of the 90 degree slide that carries you to the top of the other side and then down again and again until you funnel through an opening and into open water. I screamed the whole time but it is okay because I had warned Tanner to be ready for me to scream.
Blake also took me on the twister roller coaster. It included hiking up a million stairs until you were higher than you could imagine and then right way dropping down and into a loop and then straight up to the top again. At the top you wait and then do it all backwards. It was also very scary!
We also went on a big raft ride where I ended up backwards the whole time until the end and finally Tanner could see why backward was so scary. Courtney loved the big raft ride that you go down and then cause a huge wave to come over the top of you. She loved telling us that she was "soaking wet" and then because the line was short she was thumbs up to go again. Mike and the boys hit some more crazy rides including the mind eraser and a huge skateboard that spun you in circles while it went back and forth in a half pipe all while you were standing up. Sydney, Courtney, and I tried out some kiddie rides. One of which was a roller coaster that we found out neither I or Blake could go on it with them (found this out after waiting in a very long hot line) so I made Sydney (much to her sadness) so that Courtney could go. I really cannot believe that I buckled my crying 5 year old and little 2 year old into a very fast roller coaster. I really did think that they would love it and be glad I insisted. Instead Sydney was really upset and Courtney looked at me like I had tricked her. It was a sad mommy moment. :(
We ate our lunch back at the Sequoia and man did those sandwiches, chips, red balls (grapes), apple slices, and rice Krispie treats taste good. We also watched a couple of shows, played in the wave pool, relaxed in the lazy river, and played in the ball house. We had a wonderful day together and really felt as though we had enjoyed every last day of our summer together.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS FOR A WHOLE WEEK
This past week we were in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to compete in the world series for Tanner's baseball team. We were lucky enough to enjoy our stay with our friends, Brian and Lisa Mulligan. Lisa's parents own a home in Steamboat and were gracious enough to allow us to stay in it. We so loved spending time with them as they are truly treasured friends. We also loved the gorgeous house and all it's comforts.
While in Steamboat we were able to ride the alpine slide. Sydney road with me and loved it fast and furious, which was okay by me.
Our next enjoyment was tubing down the Yampa river. This was so so much fun. Of course the first time I was a wee bit nervous because I had Syd and Court in my tube. Because I am not a great swimmer, I was really nervous for their safety. Courtney was unsure most of the ride while Sydney only got worried after she fell off the tube. If you ask Courtney about the experience she says "it was scary and then not scary and then scary again" So the second time, my dear sweet friend, Lisa offered to keep the little ones so that I could get the full experience of it. Sydney and Courtney went along with this and this opportunity was a double bonus because Courtney got a great nap. At the end of our ride was a 2 foot rapid which we enjoyed many times before leaving the river. One time we each tried going over it with just our life jackets and no tube. While this was fun, the best was when Blake, Tanner, Mike and I all went down on the tube together. It was a recipe for disaster and I have never laughed so hard. Of course we tipped over and we all went underwater, but it was totally great. It was so completely fun and is a memory I will never forget. I do not think Tanner will forget it either as he was pinned under water for a bit of time. When he resurfaced he looked around and realized that he saw everyone except Blake. He asked in the most loving voice if Blake was okay and was quickly reassured when he finally saw him. Usually, the mom in me would of been scared by the whole thing but I enjoyed it all so much and never believed anyone to be in real danger. It was an exhilarating laugh of complete enjoyment.
We also enjoyed the hot tub in the backyard many times. The first day the kids were in it by 7:00 a.m.
We went on a short hike to Fish Creek Falls and saw a gorgeous waterfall.
oh ya....we also had a great time watching lots of baseball. Tanner had 7 games while we were in town. They were silver bracket champions and showed that they could hang with many teams across the western United States. Tanner had his first triple of the season. He played awesome the entire week and we were very proud of him.
While in Steamboat we were able to ride the alpine slide. Sydney road with me and loved it fast and furious, which was okay by me.
Our next enjoyment was tubing down the Yampa river. This was so so much fun. Of course the first time I was a wee bit nervous because I had Syd and Court in my tube. Because I am not a great swimmer, I was really nervous for their safety. Courtney was unsure most of the ride while Sydney only got worried after she fell off the tube. If you ask Courtney about the experience she says "it was scary and then not scary and then scary again" So the second time, my dear sweet friend, Lisa offered to keep the little ones so that I could get the full experience of it. Sydney and Courtney went along with this and this opportunity was a double bonus because Courtney got a great nap. At the end of our ride was a 2 foot rapid which we enjoyed many times before leaving the river. One time we each tried going over it with just our life jackets and no tube. While this was fun, the best was when Blake, Tanner, Mike and I all went down on the tube together. It was a recipe for disaster and I have never laughed so hard. Of course we tipped over and we all went underwater, but it was totally great. It was so completely fun and is a memory I will never forget. I do not think Tanner will forget it either as he was pinned under water for a bit of time. When he resurfaced he looked around and realized that he saw everyone except Blake. He asked in the most loving voice if Blake was okay and was quickly reassured when he finally saw him. Usually, the mom in me would of been scared by the whole thing but I enjoyed it all so much and never believed anyone to be in real danger. It was an exhilarating laugh of complete enjoyment.
We also enjoyed the hot tub in the backyard many times. The first day the kids were in it by 7:00 a.m.
We went on a short hike to Fish Creek Falls and saw a gorgeous waterfall.
oh ya....we also had a great time watching lots of baseball. Tanner had 7 games while we were in town. They were silver bracket champions and showed that they could hang with many teams across the western United States. Tanner had his first triple of the season. He played awesome the entire week and we were very proud of him.
Camping in Estes Park for the Fourth of July
We had a really really great time camping in Estes Park. We enjoyed the company of many of our friends from our ward. We arrived at our campsite on Wednesday evening and stayed until Saturday morning.
We ventured on a 6 mile hike which included daddy carrying Courtney and Sydney in the backpack for quite a long ways. I was proud of our perseverance and enjoyed the entire hike.
We also road a gondola up to a beautiful lookout. At the top we were greeted by chipmunks whom we fed peanuts right out of our hand. The chipmunk's particularly liked Courtney to feed them and this made the other sweet children of mine a little annoyed. It was so fun to do!
We also played at a family fun center where we road long racing slides, drove go carts, and sprayed each other until we were soaked on the bumber boats.
We watched a great fireworks display over the lake in Estes Park. I have to say it was the best fireworks we have seen since we left Maryland. We were spoiled in the past by the Nations capitol fireworks, Baltimore inner Harbor, and surrounding city competitors. I guess you could say that we are firework snobs and are finally semi satisfied.
We truly had a grand time camping and the best part has been the many many discussions Courtney has had with me about our trip. She loved all of it! She loved that we had to hurry in the tent at night so that the bears would not get us. She reminds us how we would zip up the windows and doors so that the bears would not get in. She loved that we all slept together in sleeping bags and put our jamma's on to do it. Lately she keeps saying that she wants to go shopping again. I finally figured out that she was thinking shopping was camping. So we will have to plan another adventure for her. Maybe we will set up the tent in the backyard and see if she is fooled????
We ventured on a 6 mile hike which included daddy carrying Courtney and Sydney in the backpack for quite a long ways. I was proud of our perseverance and enjoyed the entire hike.
We also road a gondola up to a beautiful lookout. At the top we were greeted by chipmunks whom we fed peanuts right out of our hand. The chipmunk's particularly liked Courtney to feed them and this made the other sweet children of mine a little annoyed. It was so fun to do!
We also played at a family fun center where we road long racing slides, drove go carts, and sprayed each other until we were soaked on the bumber boats.
We watched a great fireworks display over the lake in Estes Park. I have to say it was the best fireworks we have seen since we left Maryland. We were spoiled in the past by the Nations capitol fireworks, Baltimore inner Harbor, and surrounding city competitors. I guess you could say that we are firework snobs and are finally semi satisfied.
We truly had a grand time camping and the best part has been the many many discussions Courtney has had with me about our trip. She loved all of it! She loved that we had to hurry in the tent at night so that the bears would not get us. She reminds us how we would zip up the windows and doors so that the bears would not get in. She loved that we all slept together in sleeping bags and put our jamma's on to do it. Lately she keeps saying that she wants to go shopping again. I finally figured out that she was thinking shopping was camping. So we will have to plan another adventure for her. Maybe we will set up the tent in the backyard and see if she is fooled????
Sunday, June 29, 2008
IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG
This past Saturday I got the wonderful pleasure of visiting with 4 friends from High School. My dear sweet friend, Lori Bell, emailed me to tell me that she, Darvel, Brice, and Luke would be in the Denver area. I also found out at the time that Tim and Robin lived only 20 minutes away from us. Robin hosted a barbecue get together on Saturday so that we could all catch up. It was so exciting and fun to see them and their beautiful children. Robin and Tim have a really fun back yard and because they were such wonderful hosts, we all really enjoyed ourselves. It is so strange to think back to how long ago we were together in school. Everyone seemed the same but just a little wiser. I hope to see Robin and Tim soon, since we are living so close to one another. I also really hope I will be in closer contact with Lori. We had a treasured friendship in high school and it was so easy to feel connected to her again.
On no! I just realized our 20 year reunion is only 3 years away-I am feeling quite old all of a sudden.
On no! I just realized our 20 year reunion is only 3 years away-I am feeling quite old all of a sudden.
My 7 (or maybe 9) Quirks
Kristin tagged me and I have been trying to think of my quirks the past few days. I must having trouble coming up with them so I guess I must not be a very quirky person. Here goes nothing..................
1. I do not like anything to touch my feet if they are dry. This also means that I cannot hardly walk on them if they are dry, especially at the pool.
2. I, sort of like Kristin, have to have something over some part of my body when I sleep.
3. I have this weird sensation with my neck sometimes and have to have something (like a sheet or my hand) between my chin and the top of my sternum-Not sure if that make sense, so you can ask me later if you are confused.
4. I never do things in a logical sequential order. For example: If I start cleaning out the refrigerator, I would never finish it all before I moved to something else and then back to it. I really think my brain has a little glitch in it or I am just extremely unorganized.
5. I like to eat the entire orange (peel and all.)
6. I have to fall asleep on the side facing away from my husband (or whomever happens to be sleeping with me. )
7. I am still thinking about this one.
I now tag Shannon Beckstead, Whitney Henwood, and Julie Morrison
1. I do not like anything to touch my feet if they are dry. This also means that I cannot hardly walk on them if they are dry, especially at the pool.
2. I, sort of like Kristin, have to have something over some part of my body when I sleep.
3. I have this weird sensation with my neck sometimes and have to have something (like a sheet or my hand) between my chin and the top of my sternum-Not sure if that make sense, so you can ask me later if you are confused.
4. I never do things in a logical sequential order. For example: If I start cleaning out the refrigerator, I would never finish it all before I moved to something else and then back to it. I really think my brain has a little glitch in it or I am just extremely unorganized.
5. I like to eat the entire orange (peel and all.)
6. I have to fall asleep on the side facing away from my husband (or whomever happens to be sleeping with me. )
7. I am still thinking about this one.
I now tag Shannon Beckstead, Whitney Henwood, and Julie Morrison
Syd Jo turns 5!
This past Wednesday, Sydney turned 5. I can hardly believe that she will be leaving me in a couple of months to go to kindergarten. It seems like just yesterday I was able to hold my sweet baby girl in my arms and celebrate her life. We had an instant love affair and have cherished every day together since. I remember thinking how fun it would be to teach her all the "lady like" attributes but she is the one who reminds me of my divine role as a lady.
Sydney continues to impress me with her poise and zest for life. She is amazing beyond her years. She listens and then thoughtfully thinks about what is said. She is dignified and respectful with others. She stands tall and sticks by her decisions. She is a kind friend and cherishes relationships. She is loving and caring in her words and actions. She can be stubborn but asserts herself with confidence and reason. She is curious about everything and takes the time to find its relevance.
She loves all things that shimmer and shine. She reminds me often that we need to celebrate the wonderful blessing and many opportunities of being a girl. She helps me to remember to enjoy beautiful things whether it is a gorgeous flower or a cute pair of earrings.
She loves her sister and brothers very much and tries to please them in all she can. She takes on her role of big sister to Courtney with pride. She thinks it is fun to help her sister and loves to teach her new things.
I am so blessed to have such a sweet spirit. I tell her often that, "The beauty she carries inside her makes her already beautiful face sparkle like a diamond." She smiles at me when I say it and it my heart melt.
We had a wonderful day together celebrating her birthday. She got breakfast in bed as is our tradition. Only, it was especially fun this time because we had to wake her up. Usually, whomever is celebrating the birthday is awake and waiting. So after breakfast she opened her presents. She loved the barbie lap top and really thinks it is just like her dads. She got an American doll trundle bed, which she is excited to invite her friend Grace and her new doll over for a sleepover. She also got a styling chair for her American doll and loves to pretend to be a real hair stylist.
After presents we got ready and met dad for lunch at the Park Meadows food court. We all shared some pizza, Chinese, and a Philly cheese steak sandwich. After lunch, Mike went back to work and we went to work shopping. We had a great time looking at all the deals and adorable girl outfits. We loved going up and down the escalator a few times. We shopped through Courtney's nap and then finished in time to pick the boys up from basketball camp. After Tanner's baseball game that evening we went out to eat at Applebees. Sydney had actually picked Chili's but Applebees had .99 kid meals that evening so we persuaded her to change the destination. It was fun to be together as a family, the food was good and we got home very late. It was a full day for the birthday girl. We plan to have a party in the next couple of weeks with her friends as her birthday week was crazy busy, her brothers were at camp all day, and her best friend was out of town. ......so, I will update you on the happenings of the party in the near future.
Sydney continues to impress me with her poise and zest for life. She is amazing beyond her years. She listens and then thoughtfully thinks about what is said. She is dignified and respectful with others. She stands tall and sticks by her decisions. She is a kind friend and cherishes relationships. She is loving and caring in her words and actions. She can be stubborn but asserts herself with confidence and reason. She is curious about everything and takes the time to find its relevance.
She loves all things that shimmer and shine. She reminds me often that we need to celebrate the wonderful blessing and many opportunities of being a girl. She helps me to remember to enjoy beautiful things whether it is a gorgeous flower or a cute pair of earrings.
She loves her sister and brothers very much and tries to please them in all she can. She takes on her role of big sister to Courtney with pride. She thinks it is fun to help her sister and loves to teach her new things.
I am so blessed to have such a sweet spirit. I tell her often that, "The beauty she carries inside her makes her already beautiful face sparkle like a diamond." She smiles at me when I say it and it my heart melt.
We had a wonderful day together celebrating her birthday. She got breakfast in bed as is our tradition. Only, it was especially fun this time because we had to wake her up. Usually, whomever is celebrating the birthday is awake and waiting. So after breakfast she opened her presents. She loved the barbie lap top and really thinks it is just like her dads. She got an American doll trundle bed, which she is excited to invite her friend Grace and her new doll over for a sleepover. She also got a styling chair for her American doll and loves to pretend to be a real hair stylist.
After presents we got ready and met dad for lunch at the Park Meadows food court. We all shared some pizza, Chinese, and a Philly cheese steak sandwich. After lunch, Mike went back to work and we went to work shopping. We had a great time looking at all the deals and adorable girl outfits. We loved going up and down the escalator a few times. We shopped through Courtney's nap and then finished in time to pick the boys up from basketball camp. After Tanner's baseball game that evening we went out to eat at Applebees. Sydney had actually picked Chili's but Applebees had .99 kid meals that evening so we persuaded her to change the destination. It was fun to be together as a family, the food was good and we got home very late. It was a full day for the birthday girl. We plan to have a party in the next couple of weeks with her friends as her birthday week was crazy busy, her brothers were at camp all day, and her best friend was out of town. ......so, I will update you on the happenings of the party in the near future.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Blake competed in Destination Imagination
Blake was asked along with 6 other classmates to participate in a Destination Imagination group for the past few months. Here is an explanation of what Destination Imagination is:
You've heard of spelling bees, quiz bowls, robotics competitions and science fairs. In fact, there is probably a special event for every subject taught at school. Well, Destination ImagiNation is none of those things – and all of those things! Destination ImagiNation is a place where kids take what they know and what they are good at and learn to apply it to solve challenges, working together and cooperatively with a team and pushing the limits of imagination to best not their competition, but themselves.
Destination ImagiNation is a community-based, school-friendly program that builds participants' creativity, problem solving, and teamwork in enjoyable and meaningful ways.
Teams of five to seven members work together to apply creativity, critical thinking and their particular talents to solve a Team Challenge.
The Destination ImagiNation Team Challenge is a Challenge that is solved over a period of eight weeks or more. There are five competitive Team Challenges from which teams may choose, each with its own educational focus. Each Team Challenge is designed to be open-ended and solvable in many ways and on many levels.
Challenge A: Technical/MechanicalChallenge B: Theater Arts/ScienceChallenge C: Theater Arts/Fine ArtsChallenge D: Theater Arts/ImprovisationChallenge E: Structural & Architectural Design.
There are two parts to the Team Challenge: the Central Challenge and Side Trips. The Central Challenge is a set of required elements that all teams must complete. Side Trips are two additional elements teams create and include in their Presentation.
The Destination ImagiNation Instant Challenge is a Challenge teams are asked to solve in a very short period of time at their Tournament, without knowing ahead of time what the Challenge will be. Teams go into a room and are given a Challenge and the materials with which to solve it. They use their thinking-on-their-feet skills to produce a solution, usually in a period of five to eight minutes!
Blake's group name was the "Righteous rookies" . They did well enough in their regional competition to qualify for state. They recently competed at the state competion (April 26) and took 8th out of 22 teams. They received the highest score on their skit and they only needed 30 more points in the instant challenge to win the competition. They received the Divinci Award for creativity. This is the special award for creativity, imagination and risk taking.
It was a lot of work but the skills they gained far outweighed the extra committment. I was so proud of Blake!
You've heard of spelling bees, quiz bowls, robotics competitions and science fairs. In fact, there is probably a special event for every subject taught at school. Well, Destination ImagiNation is none of those things – and all of those things! Destination ImagiNation is a place where kids take what they know and what they are good at and learn to apply it to solve challenges, working together and cooperatively with a team and pushing the limits of imagination to best not their competition, but themselves.
Destination ImagiNation is a community-based, school-friendly program that builds participants' creativity, problem solving, and teamwork in enjoyable and meaningful ways.
Teams of five to seven members work together to apply creativity, critical thinking and their particular talents to solve a Team Challenge.
The Destination ImagiNation Team Challenge is a Challenge that is solved over a period of eight weeks or more. There are five competitive Team Challenges from which teams may choose, each with its own educational focus. Each Team Challenge is designed to be open-ended and solvable in many ways and on many levels.
Challenge A: Technical/MechanicalChallenge B: Theater Arts/ScienceChallenge C: Theater Arts/Fine ArtsChallenge D: Theater Arts/ImprovisationChallenge E: Structural & Architectural Design.
There are two parts to the Team Challenge: the Central Challenge and Side Trips. The Central Challenge is a set of required elements that all teams must complete. Side Trips are two additional elements teams create and include in their Presentation.
The Destination ImagiNation Instant Challenge is a Challenge teams are asked to solve in a very short period of time at their Tournament, without knowing ahead of time what the Challenge will be. Teams go into a room and are given a Challenge and the materials with which to solve it. They use their thinking-on-their-feet skills to produce a solution, usually in a period of five to eight minutes!
Blake's group name was the "Righteous rookies" . They did well enough in their regional competition to qualify for state. They recently competed at the state competion (April 26) and took 8th out of 22 teams. They received the highest score on their skit and they only needed 30 more points in the instant challenge to win the competition. They received the Divinci Award for creativity. This is the special award for creativity, imagination and risk taking.
It was a lot of work but the skills they gained far outweighed the extra committment. I was so proud of Blake!
Tanner's Baseball team is doing great!
Parker Sky Sox baseball bash way into World Series
The 8 and under Parker Sky Sox baseball team qualified for the Triple Crown World Series by winning the Triple Crown Baseball Bash tournament in Boulder this past weekend. They swept through the field going 5-0 for the tournament and shutting out their opponent in the championship game 6-0. The World Series tournament will be held July 21-27 in Steamboat Springs and includes some of the best teams from across the country.
The 8 and under Parker Sky Sox baseball team qualified for the Triple Crown World Series by winning the Triple Crown Baseball Bash tournament in Boulder this past weekend. They swept through the field going 5-0 for the tournament and shutting out their opponent in the championship game 6-0. The World Series tournament will be held July 21-27 in Steamboat Springs and includes some of the best teams from across the country.
Blake Michael Giles
I wanted to share some words about my sweet Blakey. He is amazingly wonderful from the tip of his head to the tip of his toes. He is becoming such a mature young man. He is so very conscientious and full of integrity. He excels in everything he does and has been blessed with many talents. I am so grateful for his role as the oldest child in our family-He truely magnifies it! 10 years has just flown by since I held him in my arms for the first time. I loved him instantly and continue to love him more and more every minute.
I love that he gets excited about things. I love that he talks openly to me about his stressors and accomplishments. I love that he is always wanting to do the right thing. I love that he always kisses me and tells me he loves me, before he goes to school or anywhere. I love to watch him play sports. I love to see how much he enjoys a good book. I love to see his eyes when I suprise him with Taco Bell. I love that he lets me highlight his hair-even after I turned it orange one time. I love that he is polite and cordial to everyone. I love that he can talk to adults comfortably. I love that he is not afraid to be on stage or in the spotlight. I love that he is proud in what he can do, but humble at the same time.
I am one lucky mom to have such an amazing boy.
I love that he gets excited about things. I love that he talks openly to me about his stressors and accomplishments. I love that he is always wanting to do the right thing. I love that he always kisses me and tells me he loves me, before he goes to school or anywhere. I love to watch him play sports. I love to see how much he enjoys a good book. I love to see his eyes when I suprise him with Taco Bell. I love that he lets me highlight his hair-even after I turned it orange one time. I love that he is polite and cordial to everyone. I love that he can talk to adults comfortably. I love that he is not afraid to be on stage or in the spotlight. I love that he is proud in what he can do, but humble at the same time.
I am one lucky mom to have such an amazing boy.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Courtney Allyson Giles
I wanted to share some thoughts about my precious little two year old, Courtney Allyson Giles. I am blessed beyond measure to have such a sweet baby girl. I really cannot believe how quickly 2 years has passed. I have loved every precious moment of her life. I especially cherish the time we have together before bed, as I rock her and enjoy sharing with her special memories of the day we spent together. Her gentle little spirit is full of such enjoyment for the simple things. She loves to show me on her wall how the giraffe licks the pole with his tongue (she doesn't really lick the wall) and how much the peacock, with his big beautiful feathers, liked her. She shares fondness about her brothers and sister. She talks about bunnies she had noticed outside the restaurant window.I love that I am the one that understands her every word. I love her soft sweet voice and funny expressions. I beg her to repeat over and over again, "it's otay mommy!" and "tourtney needs mommy" and Mommy hold you me?!" and "I not baby-I tourtney (with her irresistible smile on her face) and "tank you"
I love that she is so quick to forgive and so willing to say sorry.
I love that she loves to read stories to me and always gets me to play chase with her every night as I am trying to put on her pajamas.
I love that she loves to carry around her purse and fill it with every girl thing she can find (or borrow from Sydney).
I feel amazing gratitude for her and cherish every breath she takes! I love her deeply with all my heart and soul!!!
Blake is 2 digits!!
We celebrated Blake's birthday this past Saturday. The day started out great for him with breakfast in bed. A great flag football practice and game. A yummy lunch and all chocolate birthday cake. We then drove an hour to Tanner's baseball tournament where Blake became very very ill. He spent the remainder of his birthday sicker than I have ever seen him. It broke my heart to see him so sick and especially on his birthday. Mike gave him two priesthood blessings. Finally, after the second one (3:00a.m) he was able to sleep.We tried to make it up to him and took him to PF Chang's for his favorite Chinese food. I forgot to take my camera, to capture the sweet smiling face of a boy who re-discovered food. We had a really nice time as a family. Lots of laughs, smiles, and good old fashioned cherished time together. He has a birthday party scheduled for this Wednesday. I will keep you posted.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Visitors
We really do feel very loved when anyone comes to see us. We have been blessed to have lots of visitors over the past 2 1/2 years. Our most recent guests were Mike's oldest sister, Shelly, her husband and 4 children (Jared, Jake, Rachael and Josh). John and Sharon (Mike's parents) hoped in with them and made the trip as well. We had a really great time while they were here. The boys loved playing some basketball with their cousins. Sydney loved having Rachael sleep in her room with her. Courtney wanted Grandpa all the time (sorry Grandma)We went to Colorado Springs for the day and enjoyed Garden of the Gods and the Zoo. Unfortunately, my camera ran out of batteries before I could take any pictures at the zoo. We had a really great time with the Girafe's )Courtney still shows me how the girafe's have really long tongues. She loved that the peecock followed her around. She talks about how stinky the monkey house was. She loved being inside the bird house and watching them land on sticks feeding on bird seed. It really was a great day and is a really fun Zoo.
It was also really fun for Courtney that everyone arrived on her birthday!
Follow the Leader
The boys are off track for 3 weeks. The weather was beautiful so we decided to go for a bike ride. Blake had a great idea to play follow the leader. We took turns deciding where we would venture to next. We went very far from home and had a lot of uphill on the way back home but had an abbsolutely fabulous time together. This is deffinately one of my favorite activities to do with my family. 
Courtney celebrated her 2nd birthday with 3 other of her 2 year old friends (Ainslee, Jessica, and tate) and of course her sister, Sydney. We also let the boys come home from school for 45 minutes to enjoy Courtney's party.We played games, ate donuts, jumped on the trampoline, and played with toys. It was very fun. The cutest was when Courtney opened her presents. I had given her a pink trunk full of baby clothes, bottles...etc...When she opened the present, her face became real serious and then she started running up the stairs saying, "I have to get my baby" -It was priceless to see her so excited! I can hardly believe she is 2 years old already. I love that I am her mom-I cherish her everyday-especially her smile and laugh!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Aunt Susie and Cousin Jennie came to visit
okay...I am sad...I just realized I only took these pictures while Aunt Susie and Cousin Jennie were visiting. I did not even get one shot of Jennie :(
Anyway, we had a really nice time hanging out with them. We appreciate that they came to see us. The boys were especially excited that they got to show off in their basketball games for Susan and Jennie.
The girls are posing with their dog purses. Courtney got this one from Aunt Susie a few months ago and then Sydney got this new one from Aunt Susie during her visit. The girls love to be spoiled by her. The boys loved all the strawberry frapachinos (spelling?) they were able to enjoy courtesy of Aunt Susie.
Jennie spoiled us all with a Jamba Juice-Yum! Yum!
Aunt Susie went to Sydney's Valentine party at school and helped Courtney decorate a cookie.
Mostly we just hung out and visited. If you ask Susan what remembers most about the trip,she would probably comment on the number of times we went to target.
Oh and by the way. I am out of order with this one. They actually visited before Chris and Rikki....oops!!
Anyway, we had a really nice time hanging out with them. We appreciate that they came to see us. The boys were especially excited that they got to show off in their basketball games for Susan and Jennie.
The girls are posing with their dog purses. Courtney got this one from Aunt Susie a few months ago and then Sydney got this new one from Aunt Susie during her visit. The girls love to be spoiled by her. The boys loved all the strawberry frapachinos (spelling?) they were able to enjoy courtesy of Aunt Susie.
Jennie spoiled us all with a Jamba Juice-Yum! Yum!
Aunt Susie went to Sydney's Valentine party at school and helped Courtney decorate a cookie.
Mostly we just hung out and visited. If you ask Susan what remembers most about the trip,she would probably comment on the number of times we went to target.
Oh and by the way. I am out of order with this one. They actually visited before Chris and Rikki....oops!!
Blake at the Pinewood Derby
Blake's car was designed to look like a skateboard. He was a little disapointed that he did not win most creative again this year. However, he did take first place in one of his heats and he faired out in the middle of the pack for overall times. Blake's friend Jake said, "You come with dreams and spirit and leave crushed" we all got a laugh out of that!
I have to say I felt extremely nervous when he first tried to weigh in his car. It weighed in at almost 2 pounds and needed to be at 5 pounds. We had to add 37 pennies, two quarters and 2 nickles to have it weigh in at 5 pounds. Not to worry Blake because we have big hopes for next year!
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
Chris and Rikki came to visit us. We went to Colorado Springs to enjoy Garden of the God's and see the cliff Dwellings. The weather was gorgeous (67 degrees) and the sights were beautiful! We just love them and love that they wanted to come hang out with us.
Oh what fun we had on the field trips
Sydney's preschool had two field trips in one day. First, we went to Inta Juice to see how our favorite smoothies are made. We got to tour the back room which included going into the freezer (3 degrees). We got to see ourselves on the security camera (Syd loved this) and then watch the smoothie being made. The best part was we got to try one!
After Ina juice we went to Boston's to make our own personal pan pizza. Sydney loved doing this as she loves to help me cook. The pizza she made was delicious!
In this picture is her really great friend, Grace McConkie. We brought her with us and Courtney stayed home with Grace's mom, Wendy. It was nice to be able to focus on this time with Sydney. Courtney had a great time learning where her arm pit is with Wendy :-)
After Ina juice we went to Boston's to make our own personal pan pizza. Sydney loved doing this as she loves to help me cook. The pizza she made was delicious!
In this picture is her really great friend, Grace McConkie. We brought her with us and Courtney stayed home with Grace's mom, Wendy. It was nice to be able to focus on this time with Sydney. Courtney had a great time learning where her arm pit is with Wendy :-)
Sydney the Paleontologist!
Sydney was given a homework assignment to crack an ice block to uncover the artifact of a dinosaur. She really enjoyed it!
Blake+Basketball=Watch out....opposing team!!!!!
I love to watch Blake play basketball! He plays hard! He gives it everything he has! Because of his "not on my watch attitude" and great fundamentals, Blake is a tough defensive player. He also has great form and made many baskets this season. It was a tough beginning for his team (with only 2 wins and 10 losses) but ended with a chance to play at Denver University for the championship game. They played hard and came close to winning.
For the team it was more about celebrating the time they had on DU's court instead of the loss.
Tanner...."The force to be reckened with"
Tanner with 2 of his best buds-Josh Morris and Drew Baller-celebrating a great game and great season!
The kid has hops! (Blake captured this fabulous picture)Tanner loves basketball-you can see it on his face at all the practices and games. He has excellent ball handling skills and moves. He can shoot from all around the perimeter or dribble in for the soft layup. He is an unselfish player who made many great passes to his teammates. He is blessed with great talent and an especially humble dispositon. I am so proud of him!
Mike and his great assistant coach, John Baller, coached the team to a 10 wins 2 loss season. They did a great job coaching! Mike truely enjoyed the time he spent with the boys.
The girls and I were his biggest fans!!
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