Cascade Camping

This has to be one of my favorite memories of this whole summer. Melissa and I went camping with a group of "mid-singles" in Cascade. There were about 70 people that attended and it was a really good time. I spent most of the time swimming in the lake with Melissa, taking pictures with Melissa (she took pictures on my little camera, while I took them on the big one), and either hanging out in the tent, or with friends. We had a great time!! I would definitely like to take the rest of my family there for a camping trip just to hang out...so relaxing, great view, and great swimming!

Goodbye ToNsIlS...Hello SLEEP!!!

The progression from that morning to the aftermath of surgery...she was a trooper! It was a quick procedure...He took her tonsils and her adenoids...her adenoids were actually BIGGER than her tonsils! Poor thing couldn't breath out of her nose. Her tummy was upset afterward, the ride from the bed to the wheelchair made her lose what little stuff she had in there. She fevered, she puked, she ate lots of popsicles, but mostly ice water...she never let go of the dog that Grandma picked out for her though. Her voice changed, but the biggest difference...she can breath!!! I listen to her sleep because she doesn't snore anymore and she is so quiet, that I have to check on her! YEAH!!! She was a little freaked out that when she puked it actually came out of her nose...that had never happened before!! Just wait until she laughs so hard it comes out of her nose, that will be a new one for her! I'm looking forward to seeing if her getting restful sleep is going to help other matters, like behavior and focusing...time will tell!

AUGUST 1, 2010 THE BEFORE PICTURES

I am putting this out there...I know it's brave...no more like absolutely CrAzY!! These are my before shots. My family is doing a "Biggest Loser" type challenge. I'm in it...I'm going for it...if I put it out for the world to see, maybe I will keep my motivation to just keep going and change my life. I don't think I'm quite brave enough to reveal the starting number, lets just say unhealthy weight in ratio to my height. I need all the support I can get!! Positive comments are always welcome, there are too many other factors that are already discouraging me and dragging me down. I will do the best I can, and hopefully come back a year from now changed for the better and healthier than when I started!! Wish me luck!!

July 19, 2010 FAMILY FUN at SaNdYpOiNt!!!

Awww good times!!! It is always fun to take a family night and go doing something fun like go to Sandy Point and swim!! Super fun, very refreshing, and always good company. Joe tried to teach me the basics of how to stay under water and let yourself sink...yeah that didn't go so well. I am very challenged in that area. I panic too quickly and can't stay under water for more than two seconds. He gets an A for effort in trying to teach me though. fUn was HaD by AlL!!!

Grover Reunion

So yeah the Grover reunion...this is really how many pictures I took at the reunion...very unusual for me! Actually there are more pictures on my phone because Melissa walked around taking pictures on my phone. Thank you Melissa!!! It was a good reunion...I did the crafts which kept everyone busy for quite a while and successfully dwindled my craft supplies (that's a good thing). I enjoyed camping with just Melissa in our own spot, although after 3 weekends in a row sleeping in a tent, I was kind of done for a while. It was windy one night, and Melissa woke up with a bloody nose the other night. We saw a snake, which did not make my day...and over all I just needed a break from camping. More than anything, I was just shocked at myself for not taking more pictures. 

Fireworks!!!

It isn't very often that we are actually home to see fireworks on the 4th of July because of the Kerbs Reunion, but on the rare occasion we do get to be home in time to go enjoy some good fireworks. This year was a good year. The fireworks were amazing and not only that, we got to enjoy them with Jana and Leo and their kids, and Grandma!

Kerbs Reunion 2010

Kerbs Reunion...My favorite summer memories for the last 20 years. We have been having this reunion every year for the 4th of July for the last 20 years! I've only missed 2 in all of that time because of serving a mission. This year was held at Baumgartner campground near Fairfield Idaho. It was a great year, great company, great food, and fun activities.

Okay so one of the activities was a watermelon eating contest, way to go Leo, he thoroughly enjoyed every bite of that watermelon.

They had lots of fun state fair activities going on for all of us like the balloon popping, fish pond, cake walk, ring toss, etc...everybody's favorite though was Madam Noitall! Shelley gave us all our fortunes and I loved to watch the kids faces when she told them something that they didn't know she knew about themselves. Pretty fun!

Another contest was the corn shuckers...Steph was the fastest hands down!! She beat 3 other boys!

Oh the hot springs! Felt so good!!! Nice warm water, Abby loved it and fell asleep in the water with her daddy holding her...It's nice to be in nice hot water when you've been camping and feel all dirty. 

Everyone who joined us for a dip in the hot springs!

I think Melissa enjoyed going under to see all of the dead flies in the water. She said it was beautiful!

Talk about beautiful, there is just something about being in the mountains enjoying beautiful sunsets that I love. The particular sunset really caught my eye. The colors are amazing! Not to mention the landscape against the sky...I just love it. 

I seriously love this picture...Dakota is such a great big brother and is always helping out and loving his baby sister, Abby...so sweet!

I really loved this reunion and I think it's because of the Olsen Reunion turnout that I now appreciate this reunion all the more. How close this family is and the love that is shown between everyone, I look forward to this every year!!