Our Annual Camping Trip To Palisades State Park

June 18th thru 22nd--Palisades State Park is in a town called Sterling. Sterling is just outside Manti, Utah. It is my kind of camping, indeed. There is a reservoir with canoes and paddleboats to rent. The camping sites are landscaped with showers and toilets galore. Over in a one of the corners of the park is a golf course and snack bar. I love this place!.........minus the many mosquitos and bugs. We come up here every year, usually for Memorial Day weekend, with my sister, Alishia, her husband, Shad, and their kids, Jacob and Samantha. This year we decided to come up during the Manti Pageant/Mormon Miracle Pageant. Nate had seen it before but it had been a very long time. I had never seen it and neither had Alishia and her family.

We rented a trailer again and were glad to have done so. This year we got a hybrid camper---it's a cross between a tent trailer and regular hard-shelled trailer. The trailer had a full bathroom, kitchen/cooking area and a U-shaped couch with a fold down table. My sister, Alishia, made the reservations for two sites with FULL hook-ups, a true treat! Because of the full hook-ups we were able to run the A/C everyday and enjoy a break from the heat. There were two beds. Nate took one with Brady and I took the other with Elise. Nate, being a little more tolerant than I, braved all four nights sleeping with a very clingy Brady. After one night of sleeping with a very clingy Elise, I couldn't take the lack of sleep another night so she got moved to the couch the other three nights and seem to do quite well.

The first day was spent getting settled in and figuring out all the camper had to provide us. We discovered the many mosquitos took a liking to Nate, me, and Elise. We were getting bit all over the place! Poor Elise, along with all the bug bites she had terrible allergies up there. I tried to make her feel a little better by telling her the bugs liked her so much because she's so sweet. Her comment to that was, "Well I don't mind them biting me but I don't like that the bites make me itch so much!" Brady, quite surprisingly, must have one benefit to having Type 1 Diabetes. The bugs didn't bite him! He walked away from this trip with no bug bites. I was so shocked and amazed! We coated the kids, and ourselves, with bug spray 3 or 4 times a day but they still bit us.

Anyhoo, our second day was the day we went to the pageant. It started at 9:30 pm. We figured the kids would fall asleep during the pageant but was told it was worth it to take them. We got to the pageant area around 7:30 to grab seats and take a look at all the booths and vendors around. We were disappointed to find several groups protesting the pageant and our LDS faith. We had to walk through one of the groups to get to the entrance. It was awkward but we held our heads high. By the time the pageant started it was dark and quite cold. We brought jackets and blankets and managed to stay, somewhat, warm. The pageant, in my opinion, seemed a little too over-dramatic and dragged out a little too long. The message was powerful though. By the end our two little ones were asleep. It was 11:15 pm. We woke them up and walked to our car to head back to the campsite. Once we got back it didn't take long for us all to be sound asleep.

For the rest of our camping trip we mostly hung around the campsite to rest and relax. We took a few trips to town for groceries and to look at some of the fun shops, along with a stop to a really yummy malt shop. We enjoyed visiting with Alishia and Shad. Brady and Elise loved playing with Samantha. Jacob, well, he enjoyed playing video games in the camper, most the time. I'm glad we were able to go and we'll plan to do so again next year. I think we'll stick to going Memorial Day weekend from now on.

Happy Father's Day!

Sunday, June 15th--Happy 7th Father's Day Nate! Today was a beautiful, sunny day. Our church starts at 9:00 am and so our Sunday mornings are usually rushed to get ready and out the door in time. Today was no different, except that Nate was able to take a few minutes to check out his Father's Day gift. He had received some really cool Swiss water bottles a week before but today was the day he got just what he wanted. We bought him a Jeep remote control car. He LOVED it! Some of the dads in our neighborhood, for the last few months, have been taking their kids out and driving around remote control cars. They all seem to have a blast taking turns and the dads enjoy figuring out the cool things the remote control cars can do. Nate really liked the idea of owning one himself and spending time with the kids helping them figure it out. As we both contemplated what to get our own dads we thought it would be a good idea to get them each a remote control car too. It's something they could enjoy on their own or take out when the grandkids come to visit. I picked a Chevy Silverado remote control car for my dad and had it shipped to him. Nate picked a hot, red Corvette for his dad. My dad called me to let me know he received it and, jokingly, wondered why I didn't ship the real deal. ha ha ha

For Father's Day dinner we went to Nate's sisters (Jenny) house. She barbequed up some yummy burgers. We had some great visiting with everyone and the kids had fun playing with their cousins. Then it came time for Nate's dad (Dan) to open up his gifts. Along with the remote control car, he got a couple of gift certificates/cards to restaurants, a comfy-looking pillow and some bath products. As he was opening the box to get the car out I over-heard a pretty hurtful, rude comment made by one of Nate's brothers as to why we would buy him such a thing but once the car was out and the batteries in I knew it was something he would enjoy a lot. Dan seemed to have a permanent smile driving that sweet, red Corvette all over Jenny's house. Eventually, he took it outside and drove it around a little before giving some of the grandkids a try.

When we got home the battery to Nate's car was charged and so he took the Jeep outside and drove it around. The kids had a blast watching him. He's excited to take it camping in a few days.

To Nate: I'm continually amazed at the time and devotion you give to our children. They know and understand your deep love for them. Your love goes beyond just doting and adoring. Your actions speak so much louder than words. The interaction between you and them is unlike anything I have ever witnessed between a dad and his kids. It's pure, unconditional and quite mutual---very touching for me to see and be a part of. We have the added luxury of having you work from home 3 days a week. We're incredibly blessed and I know Elise and Brady enjoy having that extra time with you, as do I. Whether or not there's another child Heavenly Father wants to have join our family, I know your desire to continually be a wonderful father, to all of our children, will never change. Brady will grow up learning from the best example---his own dad---and because of that he will be the best dad too. I love you so very much, always and forever.

To my dad and Nate's dad: Calvin and Dan, what a blessing it is to have men that honor their priesthood and love their families deeply. We know both of you are always available for advice, counsel and anything else we need to help raise our children in righteousness and everlasting love. Much like their understanding of our love for them, Brady and Elise know and understand your deep love for them. Thank you both for all you do for our family. You are great examples to us all and we love you both so much!

A Night At the Bees Game

Monday, June 9th--Or is it Stingers....or Buzz...or the Do-Hickeys....or who-the-heck gives a rats patoot (there's my Happy Valley plug)!

Alrighty then, Nate took the chillin's to a whatever-they're-called baseball game on Monday night. Along for the fun was grandpa, grandpa, Aunt Wendy, Aunt Jenny and cousins, Quinn and Kayla. Sadly, and I truly mean that, I couldn't go because I had to work. Honestly, I enjoyed the quiet time, once I got home, but I would have loved to go to a baseball game with my family too. I made good use of my time. I went grocery shopping........alone! What a difference going without kids! I was in and out, with a cart full of groceries, in 20 minutes. Incredible time! I even took time to go through areas my kids never let me spend time in. I stopped at the Artic Circle and ordered a yummy burger combo and then on my way home. I unloaded the groceries, put them all away and then sat down to eat my tasty dinner while taking a rare opportunity to watch a chick flick.......in total silence. Ahhhhhhhh This beats a Spa treatment any time, in my book.

So back to the game, the kids have a wonderful time with their cousins, aunts and grandparents. They got to ride the train around the baseball field and go through a pirate maze. I highly doubt any of their time was spent actually watching the game. Around the 7th inning the kids were getting cranky. The home team was losing so the gang decided to pack up and leave. Elise and Brady always LOVE the Trax ride to and from our Salt Lake destinations. They got home around 10:00 pm and I was glad to see them and help Nate put the kids to bed. Once the kids were in bed Nate ran to the computer to check the score. The home team actually caught up and won the game! Nate was kind of bummed, knowing they won, to leave early but also glad to be home. He said they had a great time! And, even though I wanted to go with my family, the alone time was very, very nice. I think I needed it more than I thought.

Soon She Might Need Dentures!

Thursday, June 12th---ha ha ha ha j/k For some reason she's a little embarissed about taking a photo with a tooth absent but Princess Elise won't need dentures anytime soon.....we hope. She is losing her baby teeth like crazy. There's 3 other loose ones, ready to come out in the next few weeks. This makes her 4th to come out. It's one of the big, front teeth, on top, and, WOW, it makes a difference to how she looks and even talks (she'll have a little lisp for a while). Today she worked like crazy to wiggle it out and finally got it. JOY! Mom has discovered, with all this loose tooth business, that pulling teeth grosses her out quite a bit. Who would have ever thought, considering some of the bodies I massage! ha ha ha I just can't pull any so it's either up to Elise or daddy to help out and daddy was gone working today. She did a great job and is excited for the Tooth Fairy to come tonight. The Tooth Fairy brings her a $1.00 for each tooth. She protested today when she found out one of her friends gets $2.00 per tooth. We told her, "Oh well, the Tooth Fairy gives you what she feels you deserve and you need to be thankful for that." She thought about it and then said, "Maybe the Tooth Fairy feels like my friend needs the extra money more than I do because I have a bucket with lots of change in it." So we said, "Yep, I bet that's what it is." I then told her that molars seem to get more money and so she then proceeded to start wiggling them all. No luck though.

Kids Are So Thoughtful!

Friday, June 6th--I realize I'm back-tracking a little, but I forgot to include this and it means enough to me that I wanted to share it. These pics are from a little note Elise wrote to me not too long ago. If it's hard to read, it says: "From Elise, When my mom is sad, she will be unsad if she looks at this picture." Below it is an adorable little puppy she drew. I have this note on my dresser in between 2 little, fluffy teddy bears. I look at it everyday but today was a day I really needed it and she sensed that and even took the time to remind me of it. There's no need to go into why I needed the reminder but I'm sure glad she did. I'm so thankful for Elise, and Brady too, and that she can be in tune to my needs as much as I am of hers. I'm very blessed. Just like most moms, I gripe with the best of 'em but it's these little tender mercies that make the journey so worthwhile. I love you so much Elise & Brady. I'm so glad you both know that and understand my love for you, just like I understand and know both of your great love for me.

A Celebration of 40 years of Marriage!

WOW! What an accomplishment. In a day and age where the divorce rate has now exceeded 50% it is amazing that two people can committ to share their lives together and make it last for 40 years, and beyond. My mother and father-in-law, Dan & Rosemary Armstrong, celebrated 40 years on June 7th. They've made it through good times and bad and still have a relationship worth admiring (and maybe a little envy there too!).

I pray that Nate and I have what it takes to make it. I think we're on the right path as we work out the kinks along the way.

Saturday night their family threw them a big bash. We had a great time setting up and being able to visit. We made it a surprise for them and I think they really loved every second of it. We invited long-time friends and family. We put on a yummy spread of snack foods and cake.

Rosemary's sister, Judy, was so happy to provide the decorations and she did a fabulous job. I was so amazed at everything she brought, it was beautiful and perfect for a couple so deserving of the honor.

We planned on having some dancing but the "dance floor" ended up being great play area for the kids. They had lots of fun running around and spending time with each other. Dan and Rosemary were having a great time chatting with everyone so it didn't matter we didn't dance. Bret took some time to play the piano and did a great job. He played some Yanni and music from some popular movies. I enjoyed hearing him play and appreciate his talents. We put up a fun display of original wedding and family photos. I think everyone had a good time looking at them.

What a great night! And I spent a lot of it with my own sweetheart, chatting and laughing and enjoying each others company--I guess that's a good sign!

Congratulations, Dan and Rosemary, for 40 years of making it work! You are examples to many and I love you both!

Elise's last day of Kindergarten

May 30th--Elise's last day of school began at an early 8:00 am. I went over at 9:00 am to see how things were going and noticed they were having some activities on the field. My camera wasn't working outside due to the bright sun so I got some pics inside their classroom as everyone was saying good-bye. Miss Anstead had a special visitor come and help entertain the children--her new boyfriend Cameron (sorry Kip, ya snooze ya lose, ha ha ha j/k). I don't think Elise quite understood it was the last day till the next day. She was kind of cranky due to getting up so early so she wasn't too happy to take photos. She better get use to it though, 1st grade will bring A-track and she'll start at 8:00 am everyday. I guess that's a sacrifice for me too, neither of us are morning peeps.

I'm proud of her achievements this year. She's done very well and has gone above and beyond our expectations. Miss Anstead is a wonderful teacher and I love that she encourages the children to develop their talents. We will miss her very much! Now we have almost three months before the new school year begins. Wow, that's a long time!

A pic of Elise with her friend, Sage.