Summer Camp Out Fun

The kids have been desiring to go camping for some time now.  Since Roger isn't a big camper and time is hard to come by, we did the next best thing.  We had a camp-out in our own back yard.  Tyler and Jocelyn came over to help make it more official (and fun of course).

The boy scouts set up the tent, and they did a mighty fine job.  Then they searched out sticks to carve to use for marshmellow roasting.  The girls played on the tramp and swings and eventually entertained themselves with wildpuff flowers (like glorified dandilions although I don't know their name.)

It was an idealic and perfect summer evening.

Eventually we built a fire in our make-shift cookie tray fire pit and roasted marshmellows until everyone had full tummies and sticky hands.

The kids slept well in the tent and I slept okay with Alyssa on the deck.  I can handle these type of camp-outs with running water, flushable toilets and every other ammenity at our fingertips.  I can imagine this won't be our last camp-out of the summer.

Sleepover Fun

Ryan had a fun night with his friend Tyler.  They built forts, played games and had popcorn with the movie Harry Potter.  They slept in their tent (well slept a little) and enjoyed playing their DS games for most of the morning.  Oh I wish I were a kid again.

Snow Day and Spritz

Well we had a substantial amount of snow fall today. So naturally we pulled out the snow clothes, bundled all up and headed out to play with our friends.

Jocelyn and Tyler came over and for the next 2 1/2 hours the fun didn't stop.

The boys enjoyed building structures and then destroying them. The girls explored every part of the yard and surrounding areas.

The kids endurance for the cold is amazing. I would never last that long but it didn't seem to faze them. Only the upcoming darkness and dinner approach caused them to call it quits.

When I asked Brianna what she was doing she said "brooming". I guess that is more fun and easy than actually shoveling.

The girls stayed inside from the cold and made the traditional Spritz cookies. They are one of daddy's favorite Christmas treats and traditions. I inherited the recipe from his mom our first Christmas as a married couple. We make them every year without fail. It was the perfect day for baking.

Geocaching

We had another fun day of geocaching with some of our favorite friends. With the help of Tyler and Jocelyn we were successful in finding 6 geocaches that were located from here to Highland.

We have become quite good at seeking out the hiding places and it is always a thrill to find out what kinds of treasures are in the box.

We decide to put our hunting skills to the ultimate test and try and find a micro cache that is located somewhere on the bridge over the Jordan River at Inlet Park. Unfortunately, we had no luck, this one left us stumped. We definitely need to go back there when we have more time.

1st day of Soccer

Well it happened. I mean I started down this road many years ago and I should have known the outcome. And yet I proceeded to continue down the slippery slope and now there is no turning back. Yep, I am a Soccer Mom. All of my children are now playing soccer and between practices and games I spend a lot of time hooking up shin guards, tying up cleats, washing uniforms and carpooling from one field to another. I don't know what I expected so many years ago when I signed up Alyssa. She just looked so cute in her uniform and it was fun to cheer her on and now here we are still doing it.

Actually, I have to admit, I love it. There is something about being outside in the spring air with the sun shining down while sitting in a camping chair and cheering at the top of my lungs. I have enjoyed seeing the progress my children have made throughout the years. We gone from just being "cute" to actually being competitive and "good". It is fun to see the kids play with more skill and more understanding of strategy and teamwork. And when they are done with each game, I love their rosy cheeks and how exhausted they are from running up and down the field.

I also realize that these are the things I should enjoy at this time of my life. There will always be housework or things to do in the yard, but for this brief moment in time we can be together as a family cheering each other on. I couldn't ask for more.

So last Saturday was our first day of games this season. Even though we started later in April this year we still were unfortunate enough to have a cold day. The wind was blowing and the threat of rain was constant. Luckily it held off until we were through. Roger and I are coaching Brianna's team. I missed the game (I was at the other field with Alyssa and Ryan) and I was sad. Apparently Brianna has some natural ability and took right away to the sport. She scored 3 goals. I am sure it helped that she is a foot taller than most of the kids and one of the oldest. Oh well, it was a great boost of confidence for her.

I watched Alyssa and Ryan's game. I was in my winter coat and had a blanket wrapped around me. I was thankful that Megan sent a warm bean bag thing with Trent, it helped me survive the 2 hours in the cold.

Alyssa went to a few BYU women's soccer games with grandpa last year and it lit her on fire. She was so ready to go out there and show her stuff. She had one of her best games ever and scored 2 goals. One with even with her left foot. She had a ton of fun and it looks to be a great season for her. It is especially fun for me to watch her.

Ryan had his first game on the full-size regulation field. For the last several years he has mainly played goalie. But his coach this year put him as a half-back and forward. He held his own in those positions and I was quite proud. He ran the entire time and came close to scoring a couple of times. He and his friend Tyler are some of the younger boys on the team. I expect them to do great things in the games to come as they learn more skill and techniques. But as long as they are having fun, that is all that matters.

So it was a great day and I am sure the fun is only beginning.

Ryan's Party

For Ryan's birthday party this year we decided to have a nerf gun party. Everyone was asked to bring their weapon of choice and it was amazing the amount of variety there is in nerf weaponry. Since we have an arsenal ourselves, we figured it was a perfect party option.

Those that enlisted in our little nerf war were Tyler Millington, Hayden Webster, Brans Petersen, Josh Jones, Brianna, and Jacob Teerlink. Uncle Matt and Colby came a little later. Roger was the Sargent and Alyssa and I were also there for support.

Roger set up many different kinds of military style drills. There was the sharpshooter, target practice, and quick draw. We ended with a super steal the flag nerf war. This was the most fun because we could all go wild shooting at whomever, whenever.

Here are some of the serious looks of concentration as the shooters took aim.

Ryan's cake was of course a target.

He received many wonderful presents, everyone of them fit his personality well. He has many great friends here in the area and we appreciate them all.

Here is a copy of the invitation.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

It almost felt like spring today so we attempted to fly some kites. The kids always have more fun than mom, because I seem to spend most of my time untangling lines, retrieving downed kites and pleading for the wind to return.

We finally had some success and got them in the air. It was beautiful with the blue sky and snow covered mountains in the background.

Ryan's friend Tyler joined us for the fun.

Roger was testing out the swings after a long winter. They seemed to be just fine.