Island Park

So.. Most of you who know me know that I prefer a beach to the mountains and a hotel to ANY form of camping.  You all know that I DREAD car rides and usually feel like no amount of beautiful scenery is worth being a referee to children in the car.  Given that one would imagine that the following post would not be so favorable. However…

We went to Island Park and Yellowstone over UEA and it was one of the most beautiful, best experiences ever!  Jeff and I took our 3 youngest children.  We left on Friday and picked up Mitchell and went to visit Jeff’s mom.  Her heath is very poor and often when we visit she is not fully aware we are there.  Not so this weekend!  She had me in stitches!

I love Mitchy in the upper right.  What a sweetheart!  He is such a sweet tender kid.

After that we went to Mitchell’s school fall carnival.  We didn’t get photos but it was a great time.  The kids played games, jumped in a bouncy house and went through a haunted house.

That evening we headed to Island Park.  We stated in a beautiful cabin and I would LOVE to take my entire family there!!  The kids drank hot chocolate every night, sat in the hot tub and we had smores.

On Saturday we went to Old Faithful and West Yellowstone.  I have not been to Old Faithful since I was a kid!  It was incredible!

As you can see from the photos it was a bit chili!  It rained at times but never really significant.  When looking at these photos all I can say is I look like a dork!

We also say geysers and countless animals.  Okay, not countless.  The kids kept a running tally and to be exact we saw:

75 Bison, 9 elk, 1 swan, 1 bald eagle, 1 blue jay, 2 ducks, 1 beaver, 1 fish, 1 vulture, 3 crows, 1 mule deer, 1 moose and 17 geysers.  The moose was the highlight for me but all the animals were amazing!

It was getting dark when we saw the moose so we did not get a good photo of him.  He was incredible!!!  We also spent a couple of hours shopping in West Yellowstone.  Jeff gave each of the kids some money and they bought stuff.  Mitchell bought a new gun, big surprise there!  Taylor bought ANOTHER porcelain doll, again big surprise!  Jordan (who always surprises me) bought a small horse, some magnets and one of those Russian stacking dolls..  That girl has a mind of her own.

On Sunday we went to Johnny Sack’s cabin and Mesa Falls then came home.  Johnny Sack’s cabin is in Island Park and was built by a 4’ 10” man by hand in the 1930’s.  Mesa Falls is a huge, beautiful water fall and one of my favorite places!

As you can see I have photos.   The day before we left Jeff went and got us a new camera.  It was awesome! 

We had a great weekend and I felt so grateful to be so fortunate.  So fortunate to live so close to so many beautiful creations.  So fortunate to provide our kids with such wonderful opportunities.  So fortunate to be blessed with Jeff who is such a great provider, so hard working and so giving.   We were sitting at the bar of the cabin and Mitchy began telling us about a boy who was teasing him.  I teared up when I told the kids that is why they need to be especially good to each other.. in the end we are all each other have!

Fall Conferences & Big Accomplishments

Disclaimer (again):  PLEASE FEEL NO OBLIGATION TO ENDURE MY ULTRA LONG AND PICTURELESS POST!

I have NO camera.  Okay, well I have Taylor’s little cheap-o that aggravates me so much I just leave it the cupboard.  I am looking for a new one so anyone with suggestions..

I did not want to go without a post on school thus far.  We had our fall parent teacher conferences this week.  Both of my girls have been blessed with excellent teachers.  Not just good teachers, but excellent teachers.

Taylor has Rocky Maughan who has won awards on the national level.  He is an great teacher and an ever better example.  Hunter had Mr. Maughan last year and I will often over hear he and Taylor talking about stories he tells or things they have learned.  At SEP conferences Mr. Maughan said Taylor was an “absolute delight.”  I was not worried about her academically because I am anal and know exactly what all of her scores have been.  So.. I was excited to know she is in all the advanced academic groups and doing well.  I was even more thrilled to hear that Mr. Maughan had never heard a mean or negative word out of her mouth.  Not only that, on a few occasions she had confronted kids who were being mean to others.  For me (who is OH SO struggling with the hormones of a pre-teen) those were the best words I could hear.  The most important  trait I have worked to develop in my kids is kindness and good character.  I have not worked to have the best athlete or the best musician or whatever else can seem to cloud everything.  So, this was payday for me.  It may not last so I will take it while I can get it!!

Taylor also had a big accomplishment..  She was selected to be part of an orchestra group called “Ambassadors.”  It’s a group of 5th graders from the entire valley.  She worked and practiced SO hard and she was SO excited!  Congratulations to my sweet Taylor!

Jordan also has SEP conferences.  She too has an excellent teacher, Teri White.  Mrs. White has taught school for 27 years and has the same love for life as Jordan does.  She is also our Stake Primary President and that woman teaches school with the spirit!  I love my weekly volunteer time because she is so dynamic and genuine.  Jordan has really loved first grade.  She is the youngest student in the first grade and is doing really well academically!  We are working hard on some blending sounds, reading and spelling.  Jord is a math whiz and seems to have  a knack! Jordan has a set of twins in her class with significant special needs.  Mrs. White got tears in her eyes when she told me how often Jordan plays with Brady and Bradley.  Jordan had been intimidated by the boys at the beginning of the year but she loves them now.  Mrs. White also said that Jordan was “never a behavior problem” and always so “fun.”  WOW!  We all know Jordan’s intensity and many of us have been told off, shunned or rejected by Jordan.  So, again I was awed at her kindness.  Following our conferences last night I was again full of gratitude to live in such a wonderful place where my children can spend significant amounts of time with such great people!

Perspective

Disclaimer:  Don’t continue reading if you can’t stand a little sap!!  Sorry, to all of you but this is my only journal (I know, I suck!) and I want my children to remember not just all the fun stuff we did but the little moments that are so impactful!

I believe everyone once in a while our Heavenly Father sends an event our way that puts our lives and relationships in perspective.  I always feel particularly blessed at this time of year.  I love fall and love watching the beautiful mountains just blocks from my house change colors.  I also feel humbled when I send my children back to school.  It is amazing everything these little spirits navigate through every day. 

Recently my parents went on a cruise to Alaska… they of course did not come home empty handed.  They brought thoughtful gifts for everyone!  My mom (although retired, still a teacher at heart) bought totem poles for all of the kids and then read them a story about totem poles.  Sorry about the photo quality, I took these photos with my phone!

As most of you know my family was blessed with two new babies this summer.  Here is a photo of the grandkids, my parents and my grandma.  I am so grateful that we still get to spend time with her and that my children get to know her and create memories with her.

Check out the two new babies!  I LOVE THEM!!  I love snuggling them and having their little spirits around!  So.. back to perspective.  After returning home from my parents house on Sunday I turned on the news.  I saw the Herriman fire and was sick.  My very good friend Angie lives in Herriman.  I called quickly and Angie said she couldn’t talk they were packing to evacuate but to call her parents.  So, that I did..   Her dad said that her house was several blocks away but at that time the fire was moving quickly.  I called her mom the next day to get an update and found out everything was fine.  But in that moment, I began to think.  Think about emergency preparedness, think about what I would take.  What I realized was how blessed I am because of the people in my life.  The relationships that sustain me.. Jeff, my kids, my parents, my grandma, my siblings and the special place each of my nieces and nephews hold in my heart.  

So, I thank my Father in Heaven for the perspective.  For the events in my life that cause me to pause.  That allow me, in a silent moment to organize my priorities.

What Was I Thinking???

What a wonderful, fun, relaxing weekend.  For the first time in a while I spent the weekend, relaxing, eating, shopping and laughing.  I have never been great at maintaining old friendships.  However, about 6 months ago one of my good friends from High School and I started walking in the mornings.  I have LOVED it!  The talking is more therapeutic than the exercise.  As school started we were craving a break so we spent Friday and Saturday in Salt Lake having a blast.  I knew I was in trouble when my friend showed up with her clothes packed in her Mountain Crest Band bag.  I nearly wet my pants.   I came home rejuvenated… Maybe too much so!!!

Jordan had been working to earn a hermit crab.  For two weeks she could not tell her 1st grade teacher that her “stomach hurt.”  This was a common occurrence the first few days of school and I received several phone calls!!  Well, Jord did it.  So at 8:00 on Saturday night we hauled into Petsmart and Jordan became the proud owner of a hermit crab.

Take note of Jordan’s mouth.  She always has it like that when she is excited!  I hope that never fades!

That was not the What Was I Thinking Part… 

While we were at Petsmart shopping this white and orange cat caught my eye.  I know, I sound like the crazy cat lady!!  I have never been drawn to an animal before but I loved this cat.   When I showed the cat to Taylor she got a little teary eyed.  She told me that cat reminded her of her Grandma Alice’s (who passed away several years ago) favorite cat.  Taylor had been saving her money for a hamster but promptly decided she would use it for this cat! Anyway, about 12 hours later we ended up bringing the cat home.  CHEEZY!!!  I KNOW!!  I hesitated to even blog it but want my girls to remember the story!  I swore I would never have another cat!!

So, here is the latest addition to our family.. Skylar

For not being “an animal person” I am now the proud owner of 2 cats, a bunny and a hermit crab!  And that brings me to…  What Was I Thinking??

Founders Day 2010: PC?NOT

I love Labor Day in Wellsville.  The city celebrates Founders Day and it’s a BIG DEAL.  I love living in Wellsville.  I love that people still ride horses on the road.  I love that you still see boys walking on the street with BB guns.  I love that the town holds it’s heritage very dear and if in celebrating it offends a few far too sensitive people so be it.   If it’s something they believe in  celebrate it and if you don’t… then don’t come!  Ok… I am done now. 

 

We kicked off the day with a Kids K, 5k and 10k fun run.  We had a great time.  Jeff ran the 5K and Taylor, Mitchell, Kendall and Sammy and I ran the kids K.

Sammy ran the entire mile holding my hand.  A precious memory for me and quite possibly the most enjoyable mile I have ever ran!  All the kids did great, Taylor and Ken ran in about 9 minutes, Mitchell in about 12 and Sammy and I in 13.  Sammy did not complain the entire time and also never walked. 

Following the we went to the parade.  Taylor’s Youth 2000 was in the parade as was an Elden Dattage truck carrying the Caprielles.  I didn’t get a ton of photos because my camera broke (yuck) and I am using Taylors!

The Calvary starts the parade and the “Indians” end the parade.  Everyone then heads to the “sham battle” where the Calvary saves the day.  The Sham Battle is live with real time horse back riding, fighting and a shed starting on fire.   Check out Kim’s blog for better photos.  Jordan got tired of the sun and here is our only photo from the Sham Battle.

Following that we went to Kim and Shea’s for a BBQ.  What a great afternoon.  All my siblings were there with their kids and Jen and Jer as well.  We had a great time!!  That usually ends our day but the Watrin’s decided to participate in the youth rodeo. 

Samantha, Reagan and Hunter all rode animals of some sort.  Jill, Kim and I chased cows and WE SUCKED!!  Those cowgirls can really move! 

Jill, Adam, Maelee, Andrew, Jamie, Kendall, Kyson, Kim, Shea, Reagan, Samantha, Hunter, Jordan, Taylor and myself all attended.  How we arrived at the rodeo we will keep private but laugh at FOREVER!! 

Hunter rode his cow for 8 seconds.  Following that I heard him telling Taylor that he was sure that after working with Grandpa for about 5 years he definitely make a living at the cowboy thing!!  Our kids love their Grandpa, who was on a cruise and will be heart sick that he missed his grandkids being cowboys and cowgirls!! 

Another great Founders Day for the books..  Here is to another great year living in the little country town I feel like is my home!!

First Day of School

There is something about the first day of school… Something that makes my heart so full.  No matter how old your children are when they go back to school there is a bit of anxiety.  Yesterday was no different.  The first day of school was full of firsts in my family..  Jordan started first grade.  Hunter went to middle school.  Kendall started a new school and Ryker started a new school.  I cried intermittently throughout the day as I thought of each of them in their new endeavors.  I am crying now just writing about it.  Sorry to Taylor, Reagan and Hayden…  it was old hat for you guys. 

Both Jordan and Taylor got excellent teachers which decreased my worry by a TON!  Jord was so excited and got up and could not wait to get dressed.

 

Taylor is in the cute student counsel group at her school called the Youth 2000.  They did an assembly on the first day of school and went early to greet the students.  Her group sang the National Anthem.  You know its first day of school emotions when you cry when 5th graders sing the National Anthem!   Taylor is such an incredible kid and has incredible friends! 

I always make my kids ride the bus on the first day of school.  The teachers are extra helpful that day and they easily learn their route.  But because Taylor had to be there early I drove my girls and some other neighborhood kids.  We also arrived to see Reagan get off the bus!

Sweet little Sicily (in the green) was so nervous she held my hand so tight! What a cutie!  

After school we participated in the 3rd annual Snack Shack.  One of my good friends sets up canopies in her yards and everyone in the neighborhood brings treats, drinks and popsicles.  The kids all get off the bus at her house and we have a little social.  It is SO fun and the kids look forward to it every year. 

Check out Jord!  First grade is such a big adjustment!  She had a great day!

It really does take a village and I could not live in a better village.  My kids have been blessed with wonderful friends to grow up with.  Friends who come from wonderful families!!

Hello and Goodbye!

Last Tuesday we were so blessed to welcome my sweet little nephew into the world Kyson Ryan Dattage.  He is the most beautiful baby boy and so special.  I get overcome with emotions when I see him!  He is so precious and straight from our Heavenly Father.  The kids all welcomed him into the world at the hospital.  Kendall was SO thrilled and is such a great big sister already.  When I asked Ryan what he looked like he said “he’s my kid, you know he is good looking!”  Go figure!!!

Kendall was able to be in the room after because she is a sibling.  Jamie was so brave!  She was in a lot of pain and did an incredible job!

Tay and Anders waiting to meet baby Kyson.

 

After we left the hospital we went to  a farewell party for one of my good friends.  As an adult I have never had a friend move that really made my heart ache… until now.  I love, love, love the Rigby’s.  They had girls the same age as mine and are wonderful, fun people.  Not to mention Heather makes the BEST cookies (Heath, if you’re reading please deliver on next trip to Logan!) Seriously, I will miss them so much!  When Taylor found out Preslie was moving she got on the computer to write her a note.  It started out by saying..  Preslie this news is devastating.  Here a  few photos in memory!!