Minnesota to see "the child" Aug 2013

We had a wonderful visit with Andrea, Mike and Nicole.  We went to Minnesota with Bob and Lonnie McEntire who were great traveling companions.  We had the traditional burgers and milkshakes at Culvers, attended the blessing of Nicole, played golf, went to a state park for a barbeque, rented a paddleboat and kayak, ate a breakfast at “Cheap Charlies” and visited the Mayo clinic.  Of course we also played games and watched a video—“42”.  The highlight of the trip was playing with “the child”.  She is cute and fun and receives loving attention 23 out of 24 hours per day.   

Backpacking Trip Aug 2013

We had a wonderful backpacking trip this week.  We left late Wednesday night for the Green River trail.  Unfortunately, there was a forest fire in that area so we went back to Scab Creek Trail where we’ve gone in the past.   We caught fish, played games, took a hike to Lightening Lake and had great fish meals around the campfire.  Matthew and Spencer had a great time and want to do it again.

Some pictures: 

We had a family getogether yesterday.  We had dinner at the house, followed by some fun games downstairs with Matt’s X Box, followed by a Real Salt Lake game.  It was a fun time for all. 

Matthew,Alyssa, Emma, Conner visit July 2013

I’ve been watching Matthew, Alyssa, Emma and Conner this week while Sandy has been in Minnesota with Andrea.  We’ve been to the zoo, we’ve gone camping, we’ve seen fireworks, we’ve been on a hike and done very various crafts.  I enjoy being with them but putting four kids together of various ages creates some problems.  I set several rules that I don’t listen to whining, you have to use please and thank you,etc. and these rules have helped.

Emma came up with some funny comments:  After we went to see fireworks, Emma said that this day, “was the best day of her life”.  She also said she was, “born on her birthday”.   She told me when she cleans up she feels the Holy Ghost.

Conner told everybody that he “was going to the bathroom standing up like a boy”.  One night after I finished telling Conner and Emma stories, Conner said to me, “you’ve finished telling the story, now

get out”.  

Birth of Nicole, June 2013

Well, she finally made it here—Nicole was born on Saturday June 29, 2013.  Andrea went into the Hospital Friday morning.  After hours and hours of limited progress, Nicole was delivered through C-section.  It was an all-night vigil for them and for us.  We saw Nicole on SKYPE and she looks cute and healthy.   I see a lot of Mike in her....

Fathers Day June 2013

We had a lovely family dinner on Sunday.  Chris/Lisa and children; Brian/Mindi and children; Nate and children; Kaelynn/Matt and Bert and Betty came over.  All the remembrances were much appreciated even Nate and Brian’s joke presents--A giant hunting knife, bear spray in a pink container, a grabber thing to pick up stuff so I won’t have to bend down.  It was a lot of fun to be with everybody.   Below are some pictures of the event (the first one is of Lauryn at the zoo; the rest at the house):  

Camden's Birth June 2013

Camden was born on Wednesday, June 5.  Despite a difficult birth he and Beth are doing well.

We watched the kids for a couple of days before and after the birth.  They were a lot of fun.  We have a great exercise routine—We play follow the leader with Lauryn being the leader at the playground.  After 45 minutes of going up and down slides and other things you’ve had a good workout.   

One time when we were dropping Spencer and Preston off to school a car drove in the wrong way.  Spencer said the driver was a “stupid, friekin', idiot”.  Where did he learn that?