Outdoor Adventures

We were fortunate enough to head up to the mountains this summer and spend a long weekend at a fun cabin. I have never seen so many 8 track tapes in one place! Every nook and cranny were filled with them. We had a great time! We went swimming, played golf and even got to go to an outdoor musical. The musical was great and the kids had a great time (lots of belly laughs from Brother!). Here are some random pictures from our mini vacation.

Brother was just learning to ride his bike without training wheels and did a great job on the dirt road. However, this is the spot where he went "over" the edge. We were all yelling for him to stop and he panicked. Luckily he didn't go very far before the foliage stopped him and I will admit, it was pretty funny. He didn't think so at first (as he was more concerned with his very few scratches), but saw the humor in it later.

Here he traded his bike for Bug's bike. Where did he learn to go to the top of the road and come screaming down full speed ahead? Oh yea, he learned that from Daddy. Daddy was doing it on Brother's bike and he looked really funny (like a clown in a circus). I never seem to have my camera during those moments...

Bugs was busy talking on her very tiny phone. I think she was talking to Daddy or Papa or Grandma. That is who she seems to call the most.

Brother is showing off his football poses.

Hey there cute girl! You look a little too innocent...
Right back at 'cha!
And this was the view on the way home from camping.

This is Daddy's favorite. He woke me up to take this picture (my eyes were just closed, I was not asleep...). He likes that he can see right up his nose. I feel sorry for the blackmail that is sure to come in his teen years.

Brother's Pictures

Aunt K let Brother use her camera and take pictures today. He was very excited and did a very good job. These are taken straight out of the camera with no editing. He is quite the natural and really enjoys the artistic angle...


Aunt K, Grandma P and Bugs

Mommy
Grandma Donna
Grandma Donna and Grandma P
Aunt K's decorations
Aunt K and Brother

Aunt K and Bugs over at Grandma Donna's house

Grandma Donna's decorations

Mommy and Uncle Dane

Brother, self portrait

Snow Machine

Yesterday, Brother went out to the farm with Uncle Tid and the boys. He got up enough courage to ride the little snow machine. Rumor has it that he rode it all day and ran out of gas (actually not a rumor...). Cousin Dallas had to bring in some gas from town so that he could ride it some more! He was so excited to tell me and Bugs when he got back to town (we stayed in town all day to visit with Great Grandma Donna). So today we all trekked out to the farm to watch him drive.

Here he is posing on the snow machine. Can you see his big smile under his mask?

Here he is zipping past me. He had no problem "putting the pedal to the medal" or thumb, or whatever... He did peel off when he started and Aunt Kay was worried that she would be sprayed with snow!

Hey, come back here so that I can get more pictures!

Looky look! Bugs is actually walking in the snow! It was just a few steps, but it is a start! She should be getting used to it by now since that is all she sees.

She even sat on the snow machine with Brother. She didn't like it when it was turned on, though. Can you say next years Christmas card...

Here she is sitting on her own little snow machine. Maybe she is warming up to the snow...

And what do the kids do when they go into the farm house to warm up you ask? Why drink hot chocolate and play with toy snow machines!

Ice, Ice, and More Ice...

So, you ask what it is like in snow country? Let me show you! These are pictures of the farm. The ice covered trees are quite a site. Lots of beauty around. The weather has been quite mild here. About 19* and no wind! That is the best part. Normally the wind blows and it can be quite cold (below zero with wind chill added).







These pictures were taken Saturday.

Snow Country

My family lives in snow country, so the kids had a great time on the snow machines out at the farm.

Brother posing on the little snow machine. He was not quite brave enough to drive it by himself yet. Maybe soon.

The boys really like being pulled in the tube.

How fast are you guys going??!

Better slow down Uncle Tid! Those boys look like they are having too much fun!

These pictures were taken Thursday.

Vacation Fun

Finally at our vacation destination, everyone is having fun. We are able to see most of our aunts, uncles and cousins. We missed some family due to our airplane delay, so we will catch them next time.

Brother playing with the boys.

Our first introduction to my brand new baby cousin. Isn't she cute! Look at that red hair!

Are you having fun Bugs?

Don't let cousin Jensen get you!

These pictures were taken Wednesday.

Are We There Yet?

Vacation is hard to get to! Especially if you travel in the winter. We were stranded one night in a very metropolitan airport due to us missing our connection. Our first plane was late getting to the airport and taking off, so everyone missed their connection. What fun it is to be stranded with two small children and no luggage! At least Grandma P was with us, so she took care of the arrangements (must have happened to her before...). At least we were able to get on the first flight out (looking lovely in our clothes from the day before, I might add.). Here is a picture of the kids looking out at the airplanes.

Who Likes To Go Camping...

I do! I do!!!!

Wait a minute...who is behind that camera talking to me???

Last Day Of Camping

On the last day of camping, we went swimming in the natural hot springs/swimming pool (what kind of camping is this anyway??). Everyone, especially the kids, had a blast!

Bugs must be regressing in her swimming lessons...Cannot understand this, especially since the water was SOOO warm! Maybe Daddy doesn't have the touch that Mommy has...That must be it...

Uncle C. looks like he is relaxing...Hello M. and little KJ! (Wow, an actual baby who enjoys the water? Go figure...)
Hello little buddy!
Hello Brother!

Hmmmm...Mommy must have stayed home in the peace and quiet and got caught up on all of her knitting and scrapbooking...Well, maybe in another life...