Arizona Trip

Let's go way back to October, since I'm really slow about getting to this. We took Tyler and Brianne to AZ with us to celebrate Hannah's 6th birthday. This was going to be the last time we would be able to be together before Tony and I left for Columbus. We had an eventful trip.

We had to wait for Tony to get off from work, so we left about 4:00pm We stopped to get gas and drinks, while we were checking out Tony had a little prompting to buy a flashlight. (We usually keep one in the truck but had taken it out, used it and left it setting in the garage) He thought "We already have alot of flashlights." and so we bought our drinks, and were on our way. Tony drove for a while then Tyler took a turn. After we stopped to gas I asked Tony if he wanted me to drive. He had another little prompting that he should drive so...he did. About 30 to 40 min. latter the front passenger tire blew. Guess what? No flashlight to change the tire with. We were all out holding our cell phones to give any light that we could to help. Moral of the story ....NEVER ignore a prompting.

As usual Hannah got lots of great presents.

P.S. Thanks Jess for taking care of us :)

One of Hannah's favorite things is horses, sooo a horse cake it was.
We had dinner earlier at Red Robin her favorite restaurant .

A good movie and left over birthday cake life doesn't get much better than this.

All the girls went out shopping (one of my favorite things to do!) and when we came home we found the guys playing poker. Mike looks a little happy he must be winning.

Everyone had to get in on the fun, playing Hannah's new game Wipeout. Which, by the way, is one of her favorite shows. And of course Tony doing one of his favorite things...relaxing and enjoying being with his family.

It isn't a coincidence that we are all in white. We had family pictures earlier that day.

Another one of my favorite things...when someone else is doing the cooking.
ShanTay and Jaymon fixed pot stickers for everyone YUM!

Great weekend except that it went way to fast.

Labor Day Weekend

Mike, Jess, and Hannah flew into Salt Lake City, Friday Sept. 3rd. to spend Labor Day with us. After arriving in Shelley and having lunch we decided to go out and glean one of the potato fields. This is something that Jess had never done before. Little did she know how unfun it is. One of the farmers in our ward plants red potatoes and I wanted to can some this year so I was very glad to have all the help!!!

Tyler has a really good friend who has a small farm. He worked with her at the veterinary clinic. Just two weeks earlier she had a calf born. We thought this would be a great chance for Hannah to see one. So after we got done picking potatoes we headed over to Cindy's farm. She also has horses, dogs, chickens, cats, and a llama. Hannah could tell you the names of all the animals that she saw but not me.

Feeding the chickens.
Cindy went to get the food and the chickens knew she was doing this so they were all coming to the coupe. Hannah was afraid they were going to peck her legs so she was clinging on to Grandpas leg. It didn't take her long to get into throwing the grain out to the chickens. She had the entire can of food gone in no time . I think the first thing one must know when visiting a farm is to watch were you step. Unfortunately, Hannah didn't get that memo.

This little chicken was abandoned on the side of the road when it was very young. Her name is Snow White. Hannah was so brave to let her eat from her hand.

Hunting for eggs. This is better than Easter!





With every thing there was to do at Cindy's, Hannah's favorite was playing with the kitten Spaz.

Saturday we started out by going to Blackfoot to visit Grandma Miles. Then home so Hannah could take a nap. In the afternoon we went to Tony 's niece, Melissa Watson's wedding reception. She is Rita's daughter. We hurried home to change and then off to the Eastern Idaho State Fair. We parked at Grandma Miles and Tyler dropped us off at the gate. This was great since parking is such a nightmare. We began by looking at the animals, then straight to the food. Sooo many choices how does one decide? Of course the fair wouldn't be complete without going on the rides. Mike and Brianne wanted to try out the new ride called G-Force. Mike screamed like a girl, or so Brianne says. It looked terrifying to me.

Hannah rode on the faris wheel with us. It took a little convincing, but she liked it in the end. Brianne started out going on the rides with Hannah, but being the big girl that she is, she rode most of them on her own.

Hannah slid sown the slide many, many times. It was her favorite. Who knew a simple slippery slide could be so much fun.

After going on the rides we went to the bull riding. As much as Hannah loves rodeos, she didn't last to long before she got restless and wanted to go do more rides. So off to ride more rides we went and of course, eat more food! It was a late night almost midnight when we got home. (way past my bedtime)

On Sunday the wind was blowing especially hard and our apple tree was really loaded down with apples, the wind snapped it right in two. Tony, Mike, and Tyler picked all the apples off, but they weren't totally ripe yet. The wheelbarrow was full. Not sure what I'm going to do with them.

We had so much fun putting a puzzle together, playing Hand and Foot, lounging around visiting, and of course Hide and Seek with Hannah.

The time went by far to quickly. I love having my kids around. Love you all. Thanks for sharing the weekend us.

Fourth of July

We were super busy on the fourth of July weekend. ShanTay and Jaymon came up for a few days. They got here on Thursday, but Tony and I were still at girls camp. They did some things with Shans friends Thursday night. Tony and I got home Fridayaround noon. That evening Tyler, Brianne and her Tyler came over for dinner and cards. Saturday we had parties for both families. We ate sooo much! It was great. We enjoyed visiting with everyone. We had to leave a little early because Brianne called and she had blown up the motor in her car and needed rescued. Saturday night we went to the neighbors house for fireworks. Everyone brought the fireworks they had and we set them off at the Waites home. Sunday Tony went to spend more time at his family reunion, while ShanTay, Jaymon, and I went to church. I had to teach YW. Afterwords we headed to Blackfoot so ShanTay could see her Grandmothers once more before they left. Monday morning EARLY ShanTay and Jaymon headed back to Phoenix and Tony and I began the dreaded clean up from girls camp.


Saturday morning the weather was a little cold, but by afternoon it had warmed up enought to have the waterfight. Of course Reed had the biggest gun and an unfair advantage over the little guys. It was a wonderful weekend. The only thing that would have made it better is if Mike and his family could have been here. We missed them alot. This is the first year that they have missed a fourth of July. (Mike started a new job at Grand Canyon College just a week or so before.)



The Behrends have their family reunion over the fouth of July each year. We had dinner at Tony's brother Jeff's home in Blackfoot Saturday. Then everyone met at his mothers place on Sunday for lunch.

GIRLS CAMP

We went to girls camp June 29th thru July 2nd. We went to Little Lemhi scout camp, up by Swan Valley. This year was a ward camp. We had 1o girls attend. 8 Beehives and 2 Mia Maids. Scout camp is great because it provides most of the activities for you. We did archery, riffle range, swimming, a float trip down the Snake River, and a nature hike. The girls were all able to sleep in the same tent. They think that is the best. We played games, did hair, sang with Katy Searle, had a game and devotional from the stake camp director, skits, played Sally the Camel, certified, testimony meeting, had solo time, and ate lots of goodies. Camp is a wonderful experience for these girls and although I don't much care for tent camping I do love girls camp.

This year I decided I was going to be brave and do every thing that the girls did. So I did the riffle range, I couldn't hit the target very well, but I could hit the shot gun shells on the posts. Go figure! They had compound bows for us to shoot. The tips of the arrows were not very sharp so they didn't stick in the targets very well.



Floating the Snake river was one of the high lights of camp. I was so scared that we were going to tip over. The water in the lake was about 65 deg. and the river they said was at least 20 deg, colder. About half way through I was able to relax and enjoy the ride. Yes the name of our boat was Pansie, very appropriate.




We had to take a swim test in order to go on the float trip or swim in the lake. We had to swim 100 yds. using any stroke, except doggie paddle :( . The last 25 yds. we had to do a resting back stroke then, float for several min. without letting our legs go down in the water. The water was so cold and you had to jump in so the water would go over your head. It took your breath away. I really don't like lake water at all, and it was so smelly and dirty!!! (at least I thought so) I don't think my kids thought that I would do it, but I did and I survived.



Our camp was at the top of the mountain. It was quite a hike up to it. We only went down when we had to. But the view was awesome. It was very quiet also.



I think that the girls had alot of fun. Next year is a ward camp again. Yah! Tony comes up for the whole week to help us. I don't know how we would do it without him. We have great priesthood that help him out, but I love having him there the entire time. Thanks sweetie for all you do for me!! I have the most amazing husband ever!

Basketball

I love to watch Tony play basketball and this year he played on the ward team. They played every Wed. for a few months. He is a little older, but just as great as always. We laughed one week when a high school aged boy was guarding him and in the middle of the first half turned to Tony and said "Man your fast."

BSU

This past weekend was orientation at Boise State University.
Tyler will be attending school there in the fall.
Tyler and I left early Friday morning and spent the day job hunting. He applied at every vet office near the school. He also applied at some other places.
We got a lot accomplished.
That evening Tyler got the chance to go swimming. It has been a long time since he has been able to swim. This is something he enjoys very much.






Saturday was orientation. We learned a lot. Tyler will be studying business.(Yeah Tyler)



In the computer lab registering. He is smiling now...

Registering take lots of concentration.

I was so exhausted after walking all aver campus and then returning applications to some of the places we went Friday that all I wanted to do was crash when we got back to the hotel. I wasn't vary smart and wore high heels so by the time we got done I had blisters on the bottom of my feet.
Sunday we went house hunting. We didn't have a lot of luck since it was Sunday, but we did get to see a couple of places, I was so surprised how expensive every thing is. All in all it was a good weekend and I enjoyed spending time with Tyler. We are so proud of his decision to go to school. We know that he will do well.

Going for a Drive

Tony and I went for a drive last Saturday. We went up to Wolverine. It had been raining and the roads were muddy. We made it quite a way before it got to muddy and we couldn't make it up the hill. We listened to a couple of talks on tape and Tony helped me prepare my lesson for the combined YM/YW.
Everything is so green, we are looking forward to going back when it is dry. (When ever that will be)
I love spending time with this guy!
The truck doesn't look to bad but even when Tony got done at the car wash there was still a fair amount of mud left on the truck.

Phoenix Trip

Last weekend we went to visit the kids in AZ. It was great. We left Wed. morning super early (3:00am) I don't know, do ya think we were just a little excited. We stopped in Beaver at the Timberline restaurant for our favorite breakfast...avocado and bacon omelet and cinnamon rolls. When we arrived in Phoenix we stopped to see ShanTay at work then on to Mike's.

Thursday Tony and Hannah started the day with a game of soccer at the park. ShanTay had the day off so we spent most of the day with her. She taught me how to do facebook and we started decorating her apartment. Tony and Hannah took Bailey for a couple of long walks around the complex.

Yes her pictures are sideways. She is going to put different pics in them latter.

The almost finished wall... She will add some things on her shelf.




On our way back to Mike and Jess' for dinner. Poor Hannah was so tired that she crashed.

We did some craft projects. Here Hannah is making a hot pad with her loom. She chose the pattern and the colors. I thinks she did a great job.

Next we made some flip flops. It was a little hard for Hannah to get the knots even at first, but by the end she was a master. She said "It's easy when I concentrate."

Great job Hannah!!



Saturday we went to watch Hannah at ballet. I tried to take some pictures but we had to stay outside and watch through the window. She is doing so good. Afterwards we went to visit ShanTay at work. Hannah had a great time playing games on ShanTays phone.



Saturday after ShanTay got off work she and Jaymon came over to Mike's and we played games until 1:00. It was so much fun laughing, talking, playing cards, and eating. I love spending time with these guys.
Sunday we headed back home. We intended on going all the way but we took to many side trips. We drove through Sadona and Cottonwood canyon, then across Cedar Breaks. There was still alot of snow on top. I don't think the road had been open for very long. We made it as far as Beaver and were to tired to go on. We must be getting old.
Monday we made it home and wouldn't you know it the only nice weather was while we were gone. We had intended on planting our garden Tuesday but it has been raining ever since. I'm so ready for summer to be here!!!!

Piano Lessons

While at Tony's piano lesson the other day I looked over at him and saw his feet crossed. I couldn't help but laugh inside just a little, as I saw the little boy in him. I am so proud of his determination to learn to play the piano. He is learning to play the hymns and I love to hear him practicing. He is amazing and I love him so much.

Great Weekend

Last Friday Tony and I had a great date night. We began with dinner at Jakers then went to the Stake Spring Fling. There we got a chance to try out some of our dance steps that we have been learning. I think we need more practice! We enjoyed dancing and visiting with friends. It was an fun evening.

Sunday was the first day in the new building (our church building is being remodeled , it is getting a new elevator). Everything went smoothly. We had a treat when we got home. Steve and Ginny Miller came for a visit. They were dropping Sam off at BYUI. It was so good to see them and catch up on everyone. We truely miss our Arizona friends.

Shan's Wedding

January 23 ShanTay became Mrs. Jaymon Meikle. She got married at the Grand Victorian in Idaho Falls Id. We were so blessed to have so many family and friends there to share this with us. Our Bishop Vern Bowden preformed the ceremony and did a fantastic job. The weather did not want to cooperate. There was a terrible storm from Phoenix all the way to Idaho Falls. We were not sure that Jaymon and his family were going to be able to make it. But the Lord blessed us and they all made it safely. We all had a wonderful time dancing, visiting, and a little karaoke.

The happy couple ShanTay and Jaymon Meilke



ShanTay and Brianne
(what cute girls)

This is probably the only time ShanTay will get her brothers
Michael and Tyler to "kiss" up to her.

It is always great to have grandma with us!

"What no more money"

Carter and Hannah were the ring bearer and the flower girl.
They did such a good job.




The Family