Idaho

Our annual Idaho trip was bitter-sweet this year. It's always great to gather at Dad's for some good food and family fun. But this year, one of the purposes of the trip was to go through Dad's things and help Mary make the house her home instead of Dad's. I loved the way we all worked together, smiling and laughing over pictures, mementos, and memories. I took home the fishing pole that I always used when Dad took us fishing. I think that is what I'll remember most about him...our fun fishing trips.

The party was great. We had the usual, fried chicken from Albertson's, salads, rolls, and cake. This year, Amy got the kids involved by helping them make their own "ice cream in a bag". The kids had a great time, even if most of them ended drinking it like a milk shake. And of course, the party wouldn't be complete without the croquette game.






























Todd, Kathy, and the kids came as well, so all 8 grandkids were there to play. We stayed at the Red Lion, the only place in Twin with an outdoor pool, so the kids could have some fun. I love family time!

Tayson's swim meet

Tayson had his final swim meet this week, and because I was in town, I got to go. The weather, however, was not very cooperative. After 15 minutes of races, it started to thunder and lightning, so we all had to get off the grass and stand near the building for 30 minutes. But 30 minutes stretched out to more than an hour before the races could continue. Tayson's first race was a relay...he did awesome. Then another lightning delay...this time the rest of the meet was postponed to Friday. Boo--I wouldn't be there to see it. Yea--Todd would be in town and get to watch. Way to go Tayson---you were amazing.

Monday's Memory--The King's Choraleers

This past week, I reconnected with some high school friends on facebook and we chatted and shared some old photos. It got me thinking about our shared experience in Choraleers and how wonderful it was. And so, this Monday Memory...When I was in 8th grade, the high school Choraleers came to school to perform. I vowed then and there that I was going to be in that group. My senior year, I was in it! And the entire experience is one of my fondest memories of my growing up years. We sang all over the place and at all times of the day. I actually didn't do very well in my 8:00AM math class that year because of all the classes I missed due to early morning breakfast performances.

Our theme song: " Where ever we go...What ever we do... We're gonna go through it...Together"

I'll never forget singing at the Long Beach Convention Center for the Barbershop Convention. We were the only non-barbershopers there. We actually learned a medaly of oldies for that performance.
One of our last performances was a dinner at Peaks, a mortuary that had a room people rented out for social occasions. As we entered singing, the entire place was filled with our families. They had surprised us with an end of the year party. We sang for them, then we had dinner and partied.
Every once in a while, I'll hear a song that I recognize, and then realize that we sang it in Choraleers. How I loved being on stage; singing and dancing. How I loved being a Choraleer.

Singing "Hello Dolly" at a school assembly

Monday's Memory

I actually have no memory of or for this picture, but I love it and wanted to include it here. I'm guessing Milo and I must be around 2 and 4.

Up, Up, and Away!

We have tried several times over the last year to get up in the BIG ORANGE BALLOON, but were never able to because it was either closed, too many people, or too windy. We finally made it! We had a wait, so we ate our picnic lunch and rode the free merry-go-round several times. And then, finally, it was our turn. As we were walking up to the balloon, I was thinking to myself that this probably wasn't the smartest thing for a person who has a height issue to do, but it actually was great. The view was wonderful and the kids really thought it was cool. I must say, it was worth the effort. The next time, we want to go at night to see all of the lights.

Wild Rivers

It looks like going to Wild Rivers is turning into an annual event. And that is just fine with me. I love that place. The kids were older and taller this year, so we were able to do more things. It also helped that the weather was warmer, so we didn't spend as much time in the "hot tubs". My favorite still has to be the Lazy River...that is, until Carson and Wyatt decided to pull me under the elephants' trunks, where I got soaked. They thought it was pretty funny.

Carson's favorite ride had to be the Cobra...he went on it like 10 times!!! This is actually Todd, I missed Carson coming down.

Emma and Wyatt loved this ride with the pink tubes. I'm not sure what it was called, but they had a lot of fun on it.
And of course, Owen loved the swings.

Happy Birthday Sophie

Sophie turned 3 today! I know I say this a lot, but where does the time go? Happy birthday, sweetheart.