Thank You Dad!

Today is Fathers Day! I want to thank you for every little useless thing you taught me. It's amazing how many of them I've needed since I've been on my own. I remember last summer I had to check and change the oil in the lawnmower (and I knew how to do it!) I now appreciate the wisdom of making my bed every morning when I wake up(It just makes the day go better). Thank you for teaching me to love the outdoors ( I am always trying to find the perfect campsite like we use to camp at). I want my children to have the same wonderful memories that I have (Hopefully they don't wine as much as we did about hiking. That would drive me crazy). You taught me to manage my money wisely and not to spend more then I have. You've taught me to work hard at everything I do and not to settle for less then my best. I couldn't get everything done I need to if you hadn't taught me to finish what I've started. I am so proud to be your daughter. Thank you for the wonderful childhood and the wonderful advice you continue to give me. I love you.

Ella's got a potty chair ...

Ella went potty in the toilet today. There might be a end of diapers in sight. I'm not holding my breath though.

Food, Folks and Fun!

This weekend was free fishing weekend in Oregon. We took the kids to Hyatt Lake to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Camping, fishing, and breakfast was free all weekend. You can't do better then that. We met our friends the Eisenbrandts there and had a great time. The kids learned to cast and caught a lot of little bass. We had to throw them all back, but catching them is the fun part. Jeremy caught some keepers though and they were delicious. We were really glad he caught them because on Saturday night we buned our dinner so badly (flames shooting out of the interior of the dutch oven) that it was nice to have a backup. The Eisebrandts took pity on us and shared their chilli. We definately decided that this is something we will take advantage of next year. (Despite the car alarm that seemed to go of for 20 min straight at midnight) You are all invited to join us.

Ella shows off her beautiful smile while waiting for dinner to cook.

Chase turned beaver on this trip. He could always be found with a stick in his mouth.

Ella shows off her "sparkle" fish.

Jaden, Ella, and Kyla strike a forced pose as we hike around Hyatt Lake.

Jaden shows off the catch of the day. (A Bass that we threw back because it was to small)

Wildlife Safari

Today I had different church meetings all day long, girls camp and youth celebration, so Jeremy took all of the children to wildlife safari for the afternoon. They had a blast. Jaden fed the elephant and Ella said she loved the cheetah. Kyla loved watching the monkeys swing around their jungle gym. And Jeremy came home calm and collected. I was so proud of him.

Jaden up!

Cowboy Up!

Saturday we hung out at the Shining Heart Ranch and played at cowboy for a day. We had a great time. Karl and Lynn cox invited us over for Branding day. We all participated in branding their 20 new calves and vaccinating the 30 adults in the herd. It was complete with ropers, horses, and a whole lot of poo! The ropers would rope the calves. Then we would hurry in to sit on them while someone shaved them, gave them their shots, and branded them. Jaden rode a calf, for about 1.2 seconds. He had a blast. We can't wait for next year to do it again.

It's been a long time!

Wow! It's been over a month since I last updated this page. A lot has happened. Jeremy and I celebrated our 9th anniversary by spending three days in Bandon on the Oregon Coast. We had a great time. The weather was amazing. 75 degrees, clear skies, and no wind. On two occasions we were within 30 ft. of seals surfing in the waves or sunning on the rocks. It was beautiful, I think Jeremy would have sat all day and watched them if I would have let him. We also went to the wildlife preserve there and got to hold an albino skunk, an opposum, baby farrets, 2 coatis, and pet a baby black bear. The kids had a great time staying with Marin.



This last week Jaden tested for his green one belt and did amazing. His instructor said that Jaden took it to a "whole notha level", and now that he knows what Jaden is capable of, Jaden better bring it every workout. We knew he always had it! We ordered his staff and he gets it Friday. He is so excited. This was his goal when he first started karate. Now he wants to be a third degree black belt. Soccer is also going well. They have one every game so far. Jaden strong suit is the throw in. With his height he can get it over the opponents heads. His team is really improving on their teamwork, which is really hard for 1st graders.

The girls are doing great. Ella's new catch phrase is, "Really?" everytime you tell her something. Kyla has decided to take some time off Gymnastics to try out ballet. We are still looking at dance studios. She will start in the fall.