just another day

sunshine on sunday

2012-02-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

For the first time in a long time we were able load the car for church in a somewhat orderly fashion. No running to avoid the rain or jumping over puddles. GP was just chillin on the porch taking in some rays.

besties

2012-02-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

baleigh turns 10~

2012-02-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

Holy crap this means that my son is almost 10!! Have mercy...
Ashley has 3 puppies right now and they were almost loved to DEATH when the spencers arrived

They also had almost 2 ft of snow so if was perfect entertainment for a birthday party

I got one

2012-02-02T00:22:00.000-08:00

Out of 5 kids I only got 1 with my green eyes...he is so cute too.

Happy new year

2012-02-02T00:11:00.000-08:00

Yes I know it is February, but this is my final post for 2011!!! New Years Eve we went to Leif and Jeanette's house for a dance party to ring in 2012. It was the happening place to be fo sho!!

christmas day 2011

2012-02-01T23:49:00.001-08:00

The annual picture of them on the stairs right before we rip open all the gifts. I will admit all these pics are pretty much crap. I'm not sure what happened this year but I just didn't take any pics of Christmas. I did however take some on my new polaroid...if I ever scan them I will post them. Santa presents are always first: Colton with his new hoop shoe, Maggie with her new UofO gear, Ridge and his tank, Mollie got a new princess chair and Grace got a new baby.

Nate is rockn his new protective eye wear

At moms we did the nativity scene and these girls were actually the boys...wise men that is!

Maggs the shepherd

mollie the angel

round 2: tyler and ridge were the wise men

Maybe christmas 2012 I will be a bit more motivated to take pics

the eve of christmas

2012-01-22T16:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve 2011 was a fun filled day. We started off by going to see We bought a Zoo. It was pretty good, but a bit slow for the little ones. Next we picked up dinner at Busters!! That included: Ribs, Baked beans, Corn bread, french fries and then we added mac n cheese and grapes. When we got home we set the table nice and fancy with my grandmas table cloth and candlestick holders we got for our wedding and have never used. (note to self: never get candlestick holders for a wedding gift...crystal or not!) Then we scarfed down our delicious dinner, it was so dang good. And the best part was I didn't have to stand in the kitchen for hours preparing it.

Maggie made this centerpiece at her achievement days. It was perfect for our table.

Once we got that all cleaned up it was on to Santas cookies. The kids decorated to their hearts content. Minus a few meltdowns over ruined cookies (maggie & ridge), it was a success.

Santas lovely plate of cookies~

I forgot to take pics of our new tradition which is talking about our gifts to Jesus for this year. We all spend some time writing down on a piece of paper something we would like to improve on or a new habit we would like to start. Then we attach them to helium balloons and let them go in the back yard. We hope that somehow they make it up to Jesus.

And for the Grand Finale we let the kid open one present from mom and dad right before bed time. And when they are all cozy Luke reads them the Christmas story by the fireplace. A perfect way to end our Christmas Eve. Then its off to bed and the anticipation is almost over!

Maggs left a special note this year for Santa with a gift...

this reindeer to share with his elves.

Santa came!!!! I left out the new princess chair that Mollie got...oops

officially that time of year

2012-01-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

Disneyland kicked off our Christmas season this year. We went from 70 degrees to freezing temperatures which left our porch filled with frozen spider webs. Because of our vacation we were a little behind in getting our decorations out; so we hurried to get the tree up and the rest of the house dressed for the season.

our final day

2012-01-21T23:38:00.000-08:00

Our last day at Disneyland has arrived!! We started off by going to Ariels Grotto for brunch with all the princesses. Earlier that morning Luke took the boys and went into Disneyland to hit some big rides and I stayed back with the girls so they could get their hair and make up done. We weren't sure who they were going to dress up as; Maggie after 5 years of being Belle changed her mind and I think...devastated her dad. But as you can see her sisters came through for him. Luke and Maggie's conversation went something like this

L: What!!! Jasmine...are you serious. You love Belle?! M: I know dad, but I'm always belle and I like this one (holding up the jasmine costume) L: I can't believe you are doing this, Belle is our favorite...remember? M: Well I just thought this was pretty too. L: No, you have to be Belle, how do you think she will feel when Belle sees you in a Jasmine costume? M: I don't know. Fine I will be Belle. L: No, do what you want....

and so she did. Perhaps we are a little more attached to earlier memories than ms. maggs. But none the less the girls looked beautiful.

The food here was delicious. This was waiting on the table when we were seated. When it was time for the real food they brought out bacon, eggs and waffles on huge trays! It was a buffet that came to your table. One of the best meals of the vacation.

This is the giant ferris wheel that we ride on later in the day

Big C was a trooper. He hates to get his picture taken (obviously) and he hates the disney princesses. But he endured well for his sisters.

Ridgie was pretty happy tho, he kind of like the princesses I think.

Sleeping Beauty

how cute is this picture of my little girls so infatuated with her...mollie waiting patiently for a hug was adorable. It was all she could do to not jump in her arms. After every hug to a princess she would almost be embarrassed and turn and run to me as fast as she could. She was so excited she didn't know what else to do.

Cinderella

Mulan

AAAWWWHHH- the glorious moment has arrived!!! BELLE!! I think this when Maggs wished she was in a Belle Dress. And I'm not gonna lie I did too.

This moment right here when she was talking with Belle was so sweet; seriously it was yesterday Maggie was her age at Disney for the first time meeting Belle. My life is on fast forward...

My hunka hunka burnin love

Here is a shot from the very top of the ferris wheel, which is the only ride Ridge cried on. He was fine until it came to a complete stop. I will admit that is was a bit creepy. You could see all the way over to Disneylands Space Mtn and Thunder Mtn.

This is a sneak peek into Radiator Springs, the new cars ride coming soon

And the grand Finale was our fireworks show that we had to get a spot for 1 1/2 hours before it started. This place is nuts for parades and fireworks. It almost looked like time square on new years eve. The castle was amazing and it snowed right after the show was over. Another successful trip to the happiest place on earth.

fathers day a little late

2012-01-11T00:28:00.000-08:00

My apologies for posting some of these very very late. Here is the best dad in the world. The father of my 5 crazy kidos. I'm not sure I could start to express the type of father Luke is with his kids. He is kind, loving, playful, fun and spontaneous, all the while teaching the kids respect, responsibility, loyalty, dedication, gospel principles and all other life lessons. When ever Luke is home there is laughter and fun. He takes the kids when ever he can and makes so many "simple memories" with each of them. ( ie: Ridge and their hot dog store.) He will make a man out of my boys and make it hard for the girls to find a man as good as him. This is my dad, and the best dad I could have ever asked for growing up. One of my most favorite memories of my dad is when I was about 8 years old and we lived with my grandma. I had some money that I had saved up and I wanted to take him out to lunch. He got home early that day and we went out...I think I only had $7. When we got in the car he asked where I wanted to go and I told him McDonald's!! When we got there he told me to keep my money and that he would buy this time. I remember being so excited to keep my money and have lunch with my dad. He has always been a great example to me and I always wanted to marry someone just like him...I think I exceeded my own expectations!!

summer birthday parties

2012-01-11T00:09:00.001-08:00

parties for Carter and Grant

BB 8-2011

2012-01-10T23:57:00.000-08:00

Picking blackberries is a big deal in our family. Every summer we wait and wait and wait until these berries are perfect for eating. We always bring bowls with us to fill up and by the time we all load back up on the four wheeler and head back to the house they are gone. This year I didn't get many pics of this tradition except these crazy ones. We decided one day to walk close to our neighbors house and just pick some really quick. Not all of us were dressed for the occasion and you will see in the pics. And all my shots were over exposed...so obviously I was busy eating too and not paying attention to my camera. Oh well, you can't plan life's sweetest moments.

I love these bum cheeks...I can't believe I let her walk across our pasture looking like this!!

I guess summer lets you relax a little to much>>>

gp>ridge>>chickens

2012-01-10T23:33:00.000-08:00

Originally we started calling grace, GP because there are so many Graces in this world. And so luke came up with G and later added P for her middle name.

But really G could stand for Gerdie too. When I think of the name Grace I think of a sweet,

quiet, non-aggressive, not wanting to get her hands dirty kind of girl.

My GP is very sweet (when she wants to be) but most of the time acts like a Gerdie.

Hence this chicken post. She really loves doing her chores of helping with water and

collecting the eggs. A little chicken poop doesn't freak her out and she doesn't mind

getting a little aggressive with them if they are in her way.

I love this girl...she's tough as nails!!

sweet smiling Grace

Agressive "gettin the job done" Gerdie

kicking the chickens when they are in her way

And then there is Ridge. His name fits him to a "T"

He is a rough and tumble farm boy and you will find him flexing

in just about every picture I have of him...chip off

the ole block

August 2011

2012-01-07T01:25:00.000-08:00

This is our left over mess from a camp out on the tramp 8/11. I should say our, because its "theirs." Luke Colton Maggie and I think Ridge. We all did lay out there for a few hours starring at the stars though. We saw shooting stars everywhere and Luke filled us in on his astronomy knowledge. It was good ole fashion family time!!

august treats

2012-01-07T01:19:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning up the back yard one day and I noticed these glasses perfectly placed on the tires. I did not put them there for a picture, I'm guessing it was ridge and maggs because they are my biggest root beer float lovers. It made me a little laugh because I thought it was so cute.

5 months ago

2012-01-07T00:50:00.000-08:00

I have let so many pics slip through the cracks this year. I am disappointed in myself.

These are pool pics that I pulled out of the archives.

Don't be a hater now...hes just trying to get warm and catch his little white butt some sunshine!!

august 2011

lost pics of summer

2012-01-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

pretending your asleep so you don't have to come in for dinner is very clever,

if you haven't done it every night that week ridgie I cannot get these girl out of their swimming suits until the rain clouds show up in September

early september 2011

my girls being girly

2012-01-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

I love to catch my girls playing dress up or playing with their dolls. They love to just talk and decide what to wear and change a million times. Nothing really matters to them in that moment...

fall football

2012-01-06T22:52:00.000-08:00

So I have lost my cord (or my husband lost my cord) that allows me to download pics to my computer. That means our last day at Disneyland, all of Christmas and new years will have to wait for a while to get posted. This gives me time to go back and post things that were over looked or I meant to post and didn't have the time. I am going to print my blog this year so I want to make sure and get as many of my pics as possible on here.

These pics were taken early fall...backyard scrimmage between the kids and Luke (and the stupid dog)! I was actually surprised how much my girls like football. Maybe powder puff is in my future...

grace had an issue with the ball getting dirty and making her hand dirty too

Day 4 ~SeaWorld

2012-01-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

We made the hour and a half journey to sea world...and it

was definitely one of the highlights of our vacation.

These are the beluga whales. They are even more beautiful

in real life.

There were some carnival games that my husband could not pass up,

and it so happened that maggs wanted him to win her a killer

whale too.

A few shots later, she got her wish. Luckily they let us store it

so we didn't have to lug it around all day.

We got to "Dine with Shamu" at lunch time. It is an all you can

eat buffet and a close up show with 3 of the killer whales. You

can see just how close we were in some of the pictures. It was

amazing!!!!!!!!!

There is no zoom in this picture. If it wasn't for the glass,

Annie could reach out and touch that thing.

Next was our tour that took us through the rest of our day.

My parents paid extra for a behind the scene tour and it was

fantastic!!`

So maybe the star fish weren't fantastic, but

cool to see and touch.

These flamingos were doing a mating ritual and it had our

attention. They walked around in these groups and when ever

one of them switched the way they were looking they all

would do it. Or if one put their head up or down they would

all follow. Its hard to explain how hilarious it was.

They looked ridiculous

We got to meet one of the penguins and Mollie

was in love for sure.

I don't remember what this dolphin is called but its from

South America. Looks just like a killer whale but smaller.

AAAwwwwhhh, the dolphins

They were so friendly and personable

The trainer asked if any of us wanted to get wet...only the kids

were brave enough for that.

Austin was the last man standing

And the big show...the one we had all been waiting for

Feeding the seals was pretty fun. This guy was so

LOUD. He just yelled the entire time we were

there until you fed him. It was crazy to see

them all fight and go nuts over these

stinky dead fish.

My mom is so mean, she had this guy puzzled as to

how he was going to get that fish!!

On the way home the San Diego Temple was

lite up and you could see it from the freeway.

It was beautiful, the picture from a

moving car doesn't give it much

justice.

In the pool

2012-01-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

After a long day at Sea World the kids wanted to take the polar plunge into the DL pool. Trust me when I say it was NOT warm!! They are nuts...

Disneyland day 3

2011-12-22T23:35:00.000-08:00

On day 3 Luke, Colton and Maggie were able to get into the park 1 hour early. They were able to go to all the big rides and get right on. Space Mountain, California Screaming, Grizzly Rapids and California Screaming over and over again. I stayed back with the little ones and went to Build a bear. That was fun...they all went in 3 different directions. Ridge fell in love with an angry bird, Mollie wanted the $5 bear and GP got a bear that she had been wanting for a long time. After that we went to a little bakery across the way and got carmel apples for breakfast!! We all met up at Goofys Kitchen later for lunch.

The kids had a dance party with Goofy

Mulan

While we were there we sang to all the December birthdays: Drew, Jennie and Mom

We spent most of this day in California Adventure. It was a lot of fun. The Aladdin show was really good and pretty funny too.

They had a Disney Junior show that I took the little ones to. It included Little Einsteins, Handy Manny and his tools and Mickey Mouse Club house. It was adorable and the kids got to sing and dance. It was more of an interactive play.

This is the Ferris Wheel in Adventure...the only ride that Ridge cried on. He didn't like it when it stopped at the top. Ferris Wheels are a bit creepy.

Disneyland Day 2ish

2011-12-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

This was the view out of our room. Ridge loved the monorail!! Even though that one is there for looks he was convinced it was brand new and he wanted to ride it first thing in the morning.Our head board was amazing. During the day it was a sketch of the DL castle and at night these fireworks lite up and also sing a little song. Pretty dang cool; I don't think there is one thing that disney hasn't thought of.

About a month ago Ridge was watching the disney channel and there was a song all about a bullet train. It talked about how fast it was and where it was (Japan). He has been talking about it ever since and the monorail happen to look just like the bullet train. Soooo first things first on Monday morning we had to ride the "bullet train."

Every night we were at DL different characters left presents for the kids at the door. We never saw them because they would knock on the door and then run. Maggie thinks it was Tinkerbelle because she can disappear faster than anybody. Ridge got his lighting hat and gloves the first night and LOVED them. He slept in them and wore them all week, it was pretty cute.

One of the things we have loved to do the last few times we have been in DL is add to our pin collection. This year Luke added this firefighter pin to his collection.

Oh man!!! FACE PAINT!!! Need I say more. GP and Mollie got their faces done before they met Tink and the fairies. Would you pay eighteen bucks for it...only at DL. They turned out pretty dang cute though.

Grace was in love with herself

Iridessa the fairy was on GP's shirt along with Tink and believe it or not that was not planned.

Tink was fantastic with the girls. She talked with them for such a long time and was so animated. She went to the top of my favorites list.

Colton is just way toooo cool for pics these day. He should have been happy because we were all waiting in line to see the princesses and Grandpa volunteered to take the boys to Thunder mountain railroad.

While waiting in line for princesses my dog lover Mollie fell in love with this pug. He was service dog and got to cut to the front of the line. I have to say bringing your dog to meet disney characters is a bit weird. It was just one lady with the pug and no kids. Hmmm...

Cinderella was by far the sweetest princess we saw.

Mollie was glued to all of them when she saw them. She would wrap her arms around them in awh of their dresses and beauty. It really was magical for Mollie and GP.

Sleeping beauty

Snow White was pretty cute too. She took a lot of time to talk with the girls and she had a voice just as high pitched as the real snow white.

Rapunzel was probably the girls favorite. Maybe because she is a new princess. Or maybe because grace thinks they are twins now with their long hair. Loved her!!

Chilln waiting for the parade

Toy of the day for Ridge

Colt took this picture for us. It was supposed to include the castle but...maybe next time.

Christmas parade

We were able to see when they lite up Its a Small World. They had a count down right before the parade. It was spectacular to see. I can't even imagine how many lights are on there.

Headed back to the hotel after another loooong day.

Disneyland day 1

2011-12-15T23:42:00.000-08:00

Well I'm not gonna lie...day 1 was flat out exhausting!! Up at 3:45 for my shower and out the door with everyone at 4:45. Loaded the plane at 6:30 and in the sky by 7:10. My kids were so tired but pretty well behaved for such an early morning. Mollie was the only one who fell asleep on the way.Waiting for the rental car is always an interesting time to keep the kids entertained. They were so anxious for Disneyland at this point they were very hyper.

Please note the blue sky and sun glasses!! I could really get used to this kind of weather

As a part of keeping kids entertained grandma had a special gift for all the kids...their own visa gift card. $100 bucks to spend as they choose!!!!!

When we got to the hotel they only had 1 room ready. So all of us ditched our luggage in mom and dads room and decided to get some lunch in downtown disney and make it to our ultimate destination...DISNEYLANDWe had coupons for a free starter pin for the pin trading and Grace fell in love with all the princess pins

First pin of the trip!

I had to take a shot of these carmel apples, not only were they so dang cute but delicious too

First big ride of the day was Thunder Mountain Railroad. Ridge was big enough to ride and it became one of his favorites.

We were so excited to see that Santa and his reindeer were at DL. We got to meet each one except for Rudolph. And also Donner lost one of his antlers while we were there. Apparently they shed them every year

Santas line was waaaay to long we decided Mrs. Clause was just as cute and nice

Pirates of the Caribbean was NOT a hit for GP. She cried almost the whole time. It was really sad. And to be quite honest, I'm not sure what the long line for this ride is all about...it was definitely just ok

But Dumbo on the other hand was a success

This was poor Tyler at about 2pm. We all felt completely drained of all energy and wanted to curl up in the same spot. We only stayed out until 4, then got room service for dinner and passed out at 7pm
Day 1 was a very very long day

so candid

2011-12-15T23:32:00.000-08:00

The other day we were getting ready to leave and these girls of mine decided it was way more fun to chase eachother around the driveway. So instead of getting frusterated, I grabbed the camera for some pics!

This picture makes me laugh because they are having a stare down...Grace had been chasing Mollie the whole time and after this pic it all reversed.

disneyland...

2011-12-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

coming soon!!!!

Mollie on Luke's shoulders down main street Disney.

learning to write

2011-12-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

After Ridges 5 year check up I told our pediatrician that we decided to hold Ridge back a year because of his late birthday. So he then said that I need to be teaching him the alphabet and how to write his name....check! Ridge loves doing "school." And of course what ever he does the girls must follow. Grace only likes to work on certain letters though. A, B and C. Mollie is just along for the ride; scribbling on paper and playing with toys at the table.This is the first time Ridge wrote his name
GP working on C's

and the toy Mollie stole out of Maggs room that day

Gooooooooooo Chiawana!!!

2011-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Stef is a cheer coach for Chiawana High School, so Mckenzi is a cheerleader there. When we were there in October for their grand opening and Mollies bday we also squeezed in a football game to watch kenz do her thang! By the end we were all feeling very peppy and we even learned how to "JUMP BACK!" Way to go kenzi- thanks for teaching us something new.

Maggie sat on the bench the whole time with Stef and just starred at the cheerleaders all night. She was in cheer heaven (if there is such a thing). She has now informed me that she doesn't want to dance...she wants to cheer. Time to take her back to a dance competition!

Here we are doing our new "JUMP BACK"

hoop season again

2011-11-30T23:23:00.000-08:00

I love watching my boy play ball...its the one thing hes really passionate about. This year he made the 5th grade team for Barlow Youth BB. So this first game a few weeks ago was a shock when the whistle kept blowing for fouls and traveling. The first game nerves are out so now its onto our second game this weekend!!

costumes for halloween

2011-11-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how I forgot to post these last month; but I did. So better late than never here are the kiddos and their costume choices for this year. (minus Colt, he was mad at me in the car and wouldn't come out.) We have a cowgirl, optimus prime, tinker bell and belle.

r & g & m

2011-11-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

I think fall might be my most favorite time of year to take pics...besides summer.

2011-11-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

roseburg round 2

2011-11-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

This summer we took the kids to wildlife in Roseburg; but Colton was not with us. So a few weeks ago Luke had to go back down there for and interview and we decided to make a mini vacation out of it. We had a really fun time. Swimming the night before for a few hours and then seeing all these animals the next day...This place is definitely one of our favorites. Right when we pulled into the safari the giraffes were right in the middle of the road. They were so awesome. You could have reached your hand out and touched them. They might be my favorite...right next to the zebras.

We never had much luck seeing the rhinos. They never came off their mountain.

Luke stopped the car right in front of this heard of long horns and it made Colton so nervous. He was wearing a red shirt, so we told him they love to charge people wearing red. We tried to get them up and moving, but they were very lazy and just sat.

I was so happy to get some zebra pics this time. I didn't get one good one last time.

This yak is awesome, totally chilled!

When we were done with our drive through, we got out and let the kids do the petting zoo and play on the play ground to get some energy out before our long drive home.

pumpkin patch

2011-11-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Luke was at Liepolds pumpkin patch with the fire dept this year, so that is where we took the kids. We did the corn maze, hay ride and ate Carmel apples. We actually did not buy this pumpkin, I just loved the deep creases in the top...

I promise this picture of ridge and maggie was not staged!! They were just sitting and people watching. It was pretty cute.

3 apples for $1 and you slig shot them into an open field. The kids loved it.

These 3 crazies I took into the corn maze. It was a really good one too. It took a good 20ish minutes to get through it.

View from the top of the bridge on the corn maze

Hay ride!! My boys ran as soon as we were done they didn't have to get another picture...sad.

fall

2011-11-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

I went out to feed the chickens the other morning and our back pasture looked so peaceful. It was freezing and the grass had frost on the tips. Fall has surely arrived.

sugar cookies

2011-11-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my big kids didn't have school on a Friday. So Luke took them and Ridge and went to Danny Frys to do some work and then go squirrel hunting!! Once I got Mollie to sleep it was time for GP and I to have some fun in the kitchen. She LOVED it, and I did too. I rarely get time one on one.

beautiful

2011-11-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

All fun and games...

2011-11-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

until someone falls off the horse! About a month and a half ago colton and maggs were waiting for luke to get home and saddle up nitter for them. So they went out and caught her and decided to sit on her bare back. Little miss maggs lost her balance and slid off the back and grabbed colt on the way down. Colt got pretty banged up and even got the wind knocked out of him so hard that he threw up his dinner. But magg ended up with a broken arm. The good news is that she got a pink cast which was able to match most her outfits for the next month!!

lazy mornings

2011-11-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure why taking a bath and hanging out on moms bed is so entertaining, but I'm glad we still keep it simple around here. I love lazy mornings!!

mollie is 2

2011-11-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl!!! We were at Stef and Jims this weekend for their big grand opening of their new dental office. So we celebrated Mollies birthday in tri-cities. Chuck -e-cheese was the place to be on Thursday night...then back to their office to sing happy birthday! We forgot her candles so we found a make shift one.

Mollie was not a big fan of Chuckey himself; this is her peeking around the corner just to look.

smile...anybody!

2011-10-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

So earlier this day we had been to the pumpkin patch and I wanted to get just a few pics with the kids and our 3 pumpkins~ Well along with 5 kids comes 5 different personalities and getting a picture is not always so simple. Ridge Grace and Mollie all took their turns with pouting, Colton is never smiling or just simply running from the camera and Maggie I can always count on to cooperate!

The only group shot I have...and not a very good one at that

Colton running from the camera

Grace taking her turn with not wanting a picture

And now Ridge being stubborn as ever

WOW, funny how that smiles comes right back!

And here is my almost 2 year old acting very 2ish...

And Colton saves the day by helping her pick up the pumpkin...way to be Colt. He is her hero!

for the love of transformers

2011-10-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

this boy loves his iron hide...what else is there to say.

sunny day

2011-10-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

We are getting into that time of year where days in the back yard are scarce. So last week we had a bit of sun and the kids were loving it. You can always find GP on her swing; and Colton with his bb gun. This time he shot a bumble bee and it got stuck in the gun...what are the chances of that?

over achiever

2011-10-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

One of these eggs is not like the other one. See the giant egg in the back...that my friends was a double yoker!! One of our little chickens is an over achiever; but they all seem pretty stupid to me so I couldn't tell ya which one it is.

chores

2011-10-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

As of last month all the kids have new chores. Ridgie has the job of feeding this beat we call a dog- and as I have mentioned our dog food bill that is already huge is about to get huger!! (I know that's not a word) I'm not sure why he can't just fill the dish and be done, but he loves to either dump out the entire bag or completely overflow the dish. Oh well, we all know the dog isn't underfed!!

bigger

2011-09-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Bosco had a birthday a few weeks ago and how dare I forget to post that. That is a crime in the Spencer family not to recognize that. We decided we are going to have a surprise 1st birthday party for him...SURPRISE your getting your manhood cut off!!!! He is a good dog I suppose, but as you can see he has gotten so much BIGGER!!!

Here's to many more years of doggie drool, giant dog poop and a dog food bill to huge to mention!

18 spencer grandkids

2011-09-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

boardman

2011-09-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

This is boardman...but this particular picture was one of the highlights of boardman. The auntie store!!!! Happy Campers earned tickets and then at the end of the day got to shop for all sorts of goodies. I tried to get 1 picture of everyone at some point during this camping trip. I think I did alright, but if you do not see yourself please send me a polite message and I will try to track one down. (lots of pressure when no one else takes pictures...these are memories people!! A little help would be great!) Good times and good food.

Queen of the "Auntie store"

the love birds

the love birds love their PDA!!

This ice cream truck came every night because they knew how many kids we had, and that all the dads were total suckers. Always right before dinner too.

This Mckall I tell you has a hidden talent; making Italian Sodas!!! I had 3 and they were delish!!

The food...carnival night

hmmmm, I wonder if anyone told Don about his favorite chair? Whats that thing made out of anyway....

And Maggies new bike- its pretty cute

a proper send off

2011-09-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

My niece Carli only had a few weeks left at home before heading off to college in Utah. So all the girls got together and gave her a proper send off. First dinner at Panera Bread (except a few who went to Chipotle...u know who you are!!) Next back to Nettes house for cake balls, lots of advice, laughter and a movie. I went to bed around 4am, however the rest of these nuts were in bed at 5:30!! Anyway Jeanette was the hostess with the mostess. We love you Carli.

record breaker

2011-09-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a record number of eggs layed in one morning...7 eggs!!! Since then we have broken that record. Yesterday collectively through out the day we got 10 eggs. We are on a roll, well I guess the chickens are on a roll.

dq

2011-09-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

dilly bar for breakfast anyone...

back in session

2011-09-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

School that is...Every year I say it, but I will say it again. How is this happening so fast?! I have a 3rd and 4th grader already and next year another one is in kindergarten. Before I know it they will all be in school full time! (i'm not sure whether I should cry or have a party =))

remembering 9-11

2011-09-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

metal shrapnel from the twin towers

god bless america

fhe

2011-09-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Luke and I decided we wanted to take the kids to the temple for FHE. You can talk about it and try to tell the kids what its like to be there, but its so hard to truly know just how wonderful it is unless your there. So...no time like the present to take advantage of the temple only half hour away. We walked inside the atrium and all around the grounds. It was so peaceful and you really could feel the spirit strongly. We talked about how old the kids have to be before they can do baptisms and about getting married there. It was a great experience, one not to forget...ever.

more on maggs

2011-09-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pics of maggies not so happy birthday. She was very sick and couldn't hardly talk. She wrote her birthday on the calendar several months earlier; so needless to say she was devastated when we had to cancel all the festivities for her big day. We got her this dry erase board and it ended up coming in very handy since she couldn't talk. This is one of her many messages that day.

Because her throat was hurting so bad she got away with eating ice-cream and Popsicles all day long!! (there has to be some perks for being sick on your birthday right!?)

to make her smile, we got out her new fingernail polish and did some crazy painting of the toes. She got to pick the color, sparkle and designated where to put it all. Next year will be a better birthday.

ridgie turns 5

2011-09-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

Ridge had been counting down the days until his birthday for a loooong time. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. We started off with Joes donuts, then got dressed and headed to Toys r us to get a new bike! Next lunch of his choice was Red Robin (all my kids love RR...I think its just the ranch!), and hurry home and get ready for the big party at the fire station. Thats not all folks; we ended the day with dinner at home with lots of family, cake and presents of course!

The birthday boy got to sit in the front seat for s special ride around the fire station!

Luke was able to talk his friends into pulling out the hose and letting the kids dowse the training tower. It was awesome because it was so hot outside and the mist felt so good.

The new bike- hopefully it will still fit him next summer!

by the bowls

2011-09-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

This summer was great for strawberries. The kids and I would pick them every other day and we would get bowls full. Of course they never lasted long because we devoured them faster than they could grow...these are my second favorite right next to the plums!

great wolf lodge

2011-09-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

First week of school being out we went with my whole family to Great Wolf Lodge!! We had lots of fun with our wolf passes which gave us lots of extra goodies and treats. They included coins for the arcade, tattoos, ice cream, t-shirts and bags, food and giant water bottles!!! Needless to say the kids were worn out by the time we left....thank goodness. Annie (my niece)
Baleigh (Annie's sister)

colts tattoo

I'm not really sure why ridge loves chiwawas so much, but he loves them. This tattoo was hillarious...

Austin going under!

G.P.

Brett and Baleigh

Tyler (my nephew)

my boys!!!

dad and drew

pool party

2011-09-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

Night before the safari we partied at the hotel swimming pool!!

wildlife safari

2011-09-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer we took the kids to the safari in Rosenberg. We spent the night in a hotel, played in the pool, got pizza and hit they hay early!! First thing the next morning we were off to see all the animals. It was a blast-probably our favorite was the elephants. I would definitely go back again someday.These buffalo were surrounding our car at one point. No zoom was necessary for these guys.

I love this family pic, but wish colton was here with us...oh well. He was having fun in Utah with his auntie and cousins.

Alice is her name

Another highlight...elephant carwash

The grizzly bears were fun, but it was a bit intimidating being so close to them

baptism day

2011-08-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

This day will stay with me forever; she looks so grown

up in these pics. Time has never flown by so fast as

it has right now. All the moments from this day are

nothing less than a priceless treasure. I am a proud

mom!! love u magg

backyard

2011-08-07T12:13:00.000-07:00