Transplants and Workout Partners

After our garden was flooded by one of our water lines, Thomas and Mason decided some of the plants would fare better under the trampoline. For some reason, our garden didn't produces as well as we had hoped it would this year...

I thought I would recruit my four children as workout partners. (Thomas insisted on wearing a thick sweater for the first few times riding his bike in the summer heat.) I thought McKenzie and Thomas could ride their bikes while I ran with Mason and Megan. I felt like their personal trainer most of the time, encouraging them to ride just one more block. Thomas and McKenzie would often stop to look at rolypolys or whatever caught their eye. As you probably guessed, this exercise routine didn't last long at all.

I will add that we did go on some pretty long bike rides. We rode to Michael's work one day, and 3 miles to the river for a picnic and throw rocks in it a couple of other days. I missed an awesome photo op when Thomas skidded half the way down the bike ramp from the overpass. It was so hot that day that the combination of the seared pavement, his old tires, and skidding ripped a hole all the way through the tire, causing green slime to coat about 25 feet on the ramp. Thomas was a little shaken up because he wasn't sure he was going to be able to stop before the ramp made a hairpin curve, so he didn't want his picture taken. I ran and was able to catch him before he fell at the end. Thankfully he was going slow enough that I don't think he would have gone off the edge if I weren't there. Regrettably, I honored his request to not take his picture. I think I would make a lousy paparazza.

Father and Son Campout and FHE Horseriding

6/19-20/09
Michael and Thomas went on a Father/Son Campout. Thomas wanted to climb the mountain, so he and Michael went on a rocky hike with some friends. We heard about his adventure for the rest of the summer, which sparked the desire in our other children to "climb a mountain," as well.

6/29/09

At the end of the month, we had the neat opportunity to ride horses at the Jenkins' place. It was pretty exciting for the kids.

Mountains of Dirt and Mt. Rainier

In July, the kids learned how to deal with the intense summer heat by playing under the trampoline and digging paths and roads in the dirt for Max (the tortoise) and their trucks.

7/11/09

Michael's sister, Christine, and her family came all the way from Texas to visit family in Washington. We met them first along with his other sister, Sara, and her family at Mt. Rainier and enjoyed a picnic and a nature walk with them. When it was time to go back to the car and drive home, our children were disappointed that we hadn't "climbed the mountain." We tried to explain that we were on the mountain, and that we had climbed it (sort of), but it didn't work for them.

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.