Denver Broncos 2011

Every year my family (or some of them) take a trip to see the Denver Broncos.  This year Jeff and I decided we just couldn’t miss out!  As we thought about it we thought it would be good for Jeff to take the two older of the younger kids and spend some time with them.  It turned out to be a great idea!  On Saturday morning Jeff, Taylor and Mitchell headed out of town to catch a plane.   Because Jeff flies so often he has access to the "Delta Crown room” which is essentially a VIP room.  Well Taylor and Mitchell thought they were rock stars.

Upon arriving in Denver they met up with Shea and Reagan.  Only the Dattage family would have 4 different families coming from 5 different directions!  When Jeff and the kids arrived only Shea and Reagan were there.  They soon later met up with everyone else.  They had a great time swimming and eating!  Evidentially Jeff was able to make an addict out of Shea with the frozen yogurt place near the hotel.

Can you tell we like to eat??

Both of the kids had an absolute blast at the game.  Taylor said Uncle Ryan was the loudest ever!! 

Check out Kyson!  If that isn’t the cutest picture you have ever seen?

After the game they swam again, ate again and got yogurt again!

The last night there Mitchell got sick.  He threw up several times.  The good news was it only lasted 4 or 5 hours but bless his heart! He wanted to sleep on the bathroom floor!  Poor little guy!

Overall they had a great trip and have talked about it nonstop since!   I have a feeling this trip just got added to our yearly traditions!

Those of you feeling bad for Jordan… DON”T!  She went to build a bear workshop, Claire’s at the mall and played with Samantha for 3 days straight.  She ate pizza in my bed and part way through the rest of the family being gone said “I never want to do their tradition, I like ours better.”  I quite enjoyed it myself!!

Founder’s Day 2011

Labor Day is one of my favorite days of the year.  Wellsville has undoubtedly the best town celebration of any town in Cache Valley.  I may be partial since I have been attending since I was a child and coming out to my Great-Grandma Bradshaw’s house.  I also may be partial since I have lived in Wellsville for most of my adult life.  I love everything about Founder’s Day.  I love the 5 am cannons, the early run, the parade, the sham battle and being with my family. 

iFrogz was a race sponsor which left Jeff getting up at 5 AM to help set up.  Jeff’s good friend Brian and his girlfriend Carolyn stayed with us Sunday night and enjoyed the celebration with us on Monday.  We all got up to run the race.  Jeff, Brian, Carolyln, Shea, Reagan, Hunter, Samantha, Lance, Ryker and Haydan all ran this year.  Kim had to sit out this year, but like every year she helped at the sign up stations.

 

For the first time ever I ran the 10K.  I recently started running and although I don’t love it my body is starting to adjust and even “crave” a good run.

ifrogz was a sponsor we Jeff took the tent down.  It looked really great!

After the parade the kids were in the float with our primary.  Jeff pulled the primary float and Shea rode with.  The kids all picked their favorite “scripture heroes.”   Taylor knew immediately she wanted to dress up like Rebecca.  Jord on the other hand was unsure.  When she originally looked in the Gospel Art Kit she pointed to a picture of Potiphar’s wife..  As we all know I had to do some quick redirection.  She, Samantha and their friend Avery all choose Queen Esther.  Bling!!

The cultural experience of the Sham Battle followed then we all ate lunch at our house.  What a great day and an incredible way to make the end of a great summer.

 

6 months ago the guys started planning an motorcycle/ATV trip.  They planned to ride from Providence to the Lake Town house.  Now, one may have thought they were going cross country with the amount of dialogue and planning that went into this.  The friday before Labor Day the awaited event finally took place.  They left my parents house around 3 and arrived at the Lake Town house by 7.  We met them there for one last Bear Lake fling!

The photo above SICK!!

Everyone said they had a great time and they capped off their ride with a trip the Merlins.

On Saturday we were able to spend on last peaceful day at the Lake.  The weather was nice and the kids had a great time.  Bear Lake is one of my favorite places on earth.  I have numerous childhood memories and love watching my kids make their own.

We have spent hours this summer watching the kids from the beach to the boat, to the condo to the pool, to the playground, to get ice cream but most importantly spending time with each other. 

Happy 11th Birthday Mitchell!

Holy cow!  I can’t believe that my Mitchy is 11.  When Jeff and I met he was 6.  What an incredible blessing he has been in my life.  I miss him when he is not here and get excited when he is.  Jordan will often times be heard saying “I wish Mitch was here.” 

For Mitchy’s birthday we had a “friend” party and he and Jordan shared a family party.  In usual Mitchell style we ran with his obsession for Star Wars.  We made light sabers, did a pinata, ate pizza and the kids played and watched Star Wars.  Mitchell has made several friends since we moved to this neighborhood.  So, for his party he had old friends, new friends and family.

Mitchell is one of Andrew’s favorite people in the world so it was only fitting that he come to the party.  It did not bother him in the least that he was 5 years younger than even Mitchy’s youngest friends.

What a fun party.  Thanks to Mitch (the other one), Hunter, Hayden, Sadie, Hadley, Rylee, Andrew, Taylor and Brytan for celebrating with us!

We had one big family party to celebrate Mitchell and Jordan’s birthday.  We were blessed to have Great-Grandma Pickett, Aunt DianaMarie and Bob and Jackie and their kids join us.  Also all of my brothers and sister and nieces and nephews.  What a fun time!

This year my Mom has tied and gave each grandchild their own quilt.  The kids with birthdays later in the year have been anxiously anticipating the arrival of their quilts.

Mitchy’s quilt..

Jordan and grandma with her quilt.

Happy Birthday Mitchy.  Thank you for being such a fun and loving kid.  Thank you for allowing me to pester you to make your bed, do your reading and take a bath.  Thank you for growing up into such an incredible young man.  You have blessed and enriched my life in so many way!  I love you!!!