McKenzie's 8th Birthday

McKenzie's birthday was on the 14th. After a sudden change of plans, we held a last minute birthday bash at our place. Fortunately, most of her friends were able to make it, and because of them, she had a rockin' fun time. For the second year in a row, she wanted a Littlest Pet Shop themed party.

Christine and her family came to celebrate. We had a nice time visiting with them.

Water Fun

7/20/09
The following Monday, we made our first trip ever to the Hermiston Water Park, where we enjoyed fun times in the sun.

June/July 2009

McKenzie, Thomas and Mason finished up swim lessons. They started in June at Level 1, but McKenzie quickly moved up to Level 2. We also swam at our bishop's house twice a week during the summer. His family generously opened their pool a few days each week for friends to come enjoy.

McKenzie's Baptism

August 1st was the day that McKenzie got baptised. Her Grandma and Grandpa Gardner came to visit for that special occasion. It was a great day. We were so thankful for all of our friends who came to share their love and support. Michael and I are especially proud of McKenzie for making the decision to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I don't know if she was nervous beforehand or what, but when she came up out of the water, she exclaimed, "that was easy!" I'm grateful that she now has the gift of the Holy Ghost to help guide her and comfort her in times of need. What powerful help that can be.

McKenzie's Trip and Recess Monkey

8/3-8/13/09
The Monday after her baptism, Grandma and Grandpa drove back to Preston, ID, and took our sweet McKenzie with them! She had a great time with them as they explored Minnetonka Caves and watched the geysers and wildlife at Yellowstone. These are her pictures of the geyser, bison, and scenery. She also got to see the old Pioneer house that they are selling in Oakley, and a bunch of other places. One of her highlights was learning to sew from Grandma. She made a tote for herself and a hotpad for me. I was very impressed!





8/5/09
While McKenzie was gone, the 3 Musketeers and I saw Recess Monkey perform again at the library. It was an off day for Mason and Megan. Only Thomas was into the performace and wanted to have his picture taken with the lead singer.

Preston Trip

I worked on painting McKenzie's room while she was gone. I still haven't done the stenciling. Maybe now that the kids are in school I can get it finished? ...I will post a picture of it when it is completed.

8/14-18/09
In mid-August, we drove to Preston to pick up McKenzie. It was so fun for the kids to visit with their Grandparents again. We got to spend the night in their Oakley house, then picnic and hike in the City of Rocks. Megan learned not to grab onto a cactus for support. We also went out to the American West Heritage Center near Logan, UT. The kids got to listen to a Mountain Man tell them about trapping beavers for beaver felt hats, watch Native Americans dance, and talk to a Pioneer Woman about living in a dugout. To top it all off, they got to ride horses again!

We also got to check out a farm restored as it was in 1917. I wasn't expecting how small the rooms were, especially when you consider how many kids most families had. I'm grateful for my modern day vacuum and washing machines. Megan sure loved being with her grandparents. She wanted to ride with them whenever she could, and she loved to hold their hands while we were exploring.

Camping

8/28-29/09
We finished our summer by finally fulfilling the children's wishes to go camping and "climb a mountain!" It was all they had hoped for and more.

So, that's our summer. It was fun, it was busy, and I have mixed feelings about it being over. I don't expect that anyone really made it to the end of these posts, but if you did, thanks for sticking it out!

Where's Mason?

Thomas came inside a little while ago and said, "Mom, you should go see Mason. He's outside." Okay, I thought, so I went and looked outside. I didn't see Mason, and he didn't appear to be in trouble, so I went back to helping McKenzie on her homework. Then I heard Mason yell "Mommy!" I looked out the back door all around our yard and still didn't see him. I thought, "I'll go out in just a minute." and went back to helping McKenzie. Again, Mason yelled, "Mommyyy!" He sounded a little distressed, so I checked on both sides of the yard and still didn't see him. I went back inside because he was clearly not outside. I couldn't figure out where he was yelling from. The bathroom? Finally he yelled, "MOM-MEEEEEE!" The sound was clearly coming from outside. Finally I saw him. Do you?

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He's on the fencepost.