The Cannon Family

Last Vacation of Summer

2011-10-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Our summer was very busy, with one (or more!) activities to travel to nearly every week. Sometimes we were away from home more days than not. Finally, the last week before school started we had a free weekend. So we decided to have our own family vacation-- and make it relaxing.

We thought of places we could go, but decided to stay in town and save ourselves the cost of travel. Chad got home from work on Friday and the kids and I were packed and ready. They knew we had plans but didn't know what we were doing.

We surprised them by taking them to the Fun Park. We paid for them to go in the indoor playground, but they spent most their time running around the arcade. Jake loved the duck game. He didn't care if he was actually playing or not. In fact, we decided to put money in for him just once, and I don't think he even noticed. Kylee wanted to play SkeeBall, of course. Chad hadn't seen her play before and was surprised with her skill! Jake was invited to play air hockey with a little friend. He enjoyed knocking the puck into his goal as much as anything. Then Kylee, Jake, and Daddy all played a wild game of shooting hoops.

Next, we went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Chad and I were looking forward to ribs. Kylee and Jake chose... hot dogs and macaroni!

Although we were only a mile away from home, we got a hotel. We wanted to make this a real vacation. The kids wanted to get in the hotel pool first thing, before we'd even been up to our room. They carried their life jackets into the hotel themselves, and Jake excitedly showed his to the front desk receptionist! Here they are, anxiously waiting on the elevator ride down, and then playing in the water.

They were so cute bundled up in towels after their swim.

Two little buddies in the hotel room. Kylee was especially excited about having her own special (hide-a-way) bed.

At breakfast the next morning, both kids packed away a Thanksgiving -sized breakfast, going back for seconds and thirds. We couldn't believe how much they ate!

There was a horse field in back of the hotel and we went for a walk after breakfast.

There was also a long tunnel created by cattails running alongside the ditch. Kylee pretended we were on our way to Narnia as we walked through it. They also had fun pretending the cattails were hot dogs.

After check-out time, our vacation wasn't over yet. We spent the day at the water park.

It was so fun to have a family getaway before getting back to normal life at the end of summer. We are looking forward to our next little vacation!

Stucki Family Reunion-- Days 1 & 2

2011-08-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

This was a weekend I've been waiting for for years. Growing up as a Stucki, we didn't look forward to Christmas each year-- we looked forward to family reunions. We had the best family reunions. As the family has grown and changed over the years, the reunions have changed a bit. But there have still been a few great ones. ...And I was gone far away in Portland and missed it!!!

If I could do it over again I would have just packed the kids in the car and driven across three states by myself just to be there. But missing it makes me appreciate it more. Being around for family is the reason we have ended up back in Utah. So I was really looking forward to this reunion. I hadn't seen many of my cousins in about eight years.

The first day we had a service project at Mat and Linda's house. We tied a quilt and made bookmarks to donate to a foster youth facility. After that we went to Spring Lake. We had a few boats to use on the lake. Our kids had been so excited for this. The week before, we bought life jackets for them at the thrift store. They wanted to wear them constantly, even while eating or being buckled into their car seats. So they were ready and ran straight to the boats when we arrived.

My aunt brought an amazing double bike contraption. It was invented by a farmer somewhere in the mid-west. It doesn't ride like a regular bicycle. It is extremely sensitive to slight bumps or dips in the road, spinning out of control over even fairly level ground (and it really spins like crazy). So both riders have to be alert and constantly adjusting their speed or backpedaling to keep the bike going forward. It was a blast to ride. I am so going to get one someday.

Despite the technical difficulty and unpredictability of the bike, many people took it for rides along the road right next to the lake. Most everyone survived. Most, until two of my cousins suddenly spiraled and flew backwards into the lake!

Jake fishing with Bumpa.

After the fun at the lake, we went down the street to my uncle Brent's backyard for a barbecue.

The next day was Sunday. After church we gathered for a potluck at the park. Chad and I tried a slackline for the first time. Very hard!

Kylee with her uncle Dallin and cousin Sammy.

After dinner, Granny and each of her children took a turn telling stories about growing up. My dad brought a microphone and computer to record with, which was genius so we can have these stories later. They told so many funny and amazing stories about their move from Salt Lake City to rural little Castle Valley, and much more.

A Couple Days

2011-08-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've been trying my hand at making Thai food lately. My aunt is Thai and the most amazing food I've ever had is hers. But these meals were few and far between when we were lucky enough to be treated at a family reunion or when visiting her home. Her cooking is all by taste (no recipes) so I was afraid there was no duplicating. But I finally gave it a try and have been happy with the results. My cooking is not as good as my aunt's, but still ridiculously delicious!

While we were in Moab last week, Kylee missed a friend's birthday. So she invited her friend over for a tea party.

After serving the girls upstairs in the kid's bedroom, I came down and found that sweet little Jake had made his own treats including adding candles. But I walked in just as he tried to carry it to the table and spilled the plate. So I helped him put in back together and he was so happy. Sometimes he is too adorable.

Kylee occasionally gets a redecorating bug. She decided to make a new display on the top of her bookcase. I had to stay out of the room until she was ready for the big reveal.

Here is a detail from the display. How did she come up with something so cute?

Vacation at the Cabin

2011-07-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

After the baseball game the kids and I went down to Moab. Chad had to go home and work two days. I stayed at my family's house and tried to get a week's worth of school done. Then Chad drove down late Wednesday night and we went up to the cabin with the rest of his family the next morning. The cabin is owned by a friend of the family who has been nice enough to let us use it several times. One of the perks is getting to ride the 4-wheelers.

Jake beamed when he got a turn to drive.

Kylee loved it too.

Here we are at the top of the trail-head behind the cabin.

On another drive we stopped to smell a pine tree! We risked looking silly with our noses pressed up to it because we'd heard that ponderosa pines smelled like vanilla. Surprisingly, it did have an unexpectedly dessert-like aroma.

Here is Jake relaxing on the fluffy cabin couch.

Our second day at the cabin we took a longer trip up to Hidden Lake for a picnic. This is the view on the way, overlooking Castle Valley.

Jake became sleepy on the long drive and took a little rest when we arrived at the lake.

Fishing at the lake.

Kylee and Jake with their cousins.

Later that afternoon the weather was too hot so we drove down to the creek to play. The water was painfully cold but we had fun squishing in the mud and climbing up the mossy rock waterfall. Jake gave everyone a scare by climbing in the Rhino and pulling it out of park. It started rolling down the hill into the water where everyone was playing. But Nanna saved the day by jumping in and stopping it.

Chad playing horseshoes in back of the cabin.

The next day we had to leave. The owner is putting the cabin up for sale so we knew this was the last time we would get to visit. Kylee helped me run around and take pictures of everything. Here she is, demonstrating the fun shower in our room.

This is our bedroom.

Little gnomes are hidden all over around the cabin porch and surrounding grounds. Kylee and Jake took a picture with a group of them.

Kylee and her cousins said goodbye to the stuffed bear in the living room, the animal footprints in the ceramic floor, and the big Indian drum.

When we got back to Nanna's house in Moab, the kids cooled down by playing in the pool.

Playing with Nanna's dress-ups.

Kyle Home from Mission-- Reunion at Baseball Game

2011-07-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Chad's brother got home from his mission this week and the family got together for a baseball game. This is Jake being silly, just after arriving in Salt Lake.

Go Bees!

We got rained on through a lot of the game, but we were able to deal with it and the game kept going.

The trade-off for the rain was a big double rainbow.

Jake and Daddy enjoying their favorite pastime.

Kylee and Uncle Kyle.

The highlight of every game- the mascot!

After the game as the players were going back to the dugout, Chad and Jake stood up and cheered-- and the relief pitcher threw them the game ball! Jake wouldn't let go of it the rest of the night. He was tired and curled up on our laps, snuggling with the ball.

There was a great firework show after the game, and the kids "enjoyed" it as always.

Pioneer Day

2011-07-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

We made a bonnet for Pioneer Day. Kylee loved it and wore it to church. It was a big hit! We made them in nursery, too.

Chad and I each told the kids some stories of our pioneer ancestors. Kylee was very impressed. When we told her about her young great-great-great-grandmother walking across the Mississippi River on chunks of ice, she theatrically fell on the floor out of sheer amazement.

The nursery boys had to have something different, so we made these wagons. Kylee wanted to make one too, when we got home. The kids hitched their animals up and had fun playing with the wagons.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes

2011-07-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ready for church

Kylee's new school clothes arrived in the mail and she had to try them all on. She also had to pose "doing school" for the picture.

Jake got all dressed up!

This is Kylee's new school backpack. She kindly gave Jake her old Barbie one.

Ward Campout

2011-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great ward campout. We were surprised at how many people came. One of the highlights were the handcarts. We didn't know it was a church owned campground until we started pulling in and saw signs with names like "Campsite of Zarahemla" or "Waters of Mormon" by a stream. They had handcarts which everyone used to get their stuff from the car to their tent site. And, of course, the kids had a lot of fun with them.

After the kids did crafts and we all had dinner, we gathered for a fireside at the amphitheater. While everyone was gathering, our two clowns entertained everyone with song and dance.

Besides handcarts, we didn't get to many good pictures of our activities. Here we are having smores. All the kids were given glow bracelets.

The Race is On

2011-07-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

Chad volunteered to be part of the medical staff at a triathalon here in Logan. This was the first appearance of "Cannon Chiropractic". He still works for Stevens Chiropractic, but has registered his own business name and does some things under it.

He had a nice location right by the finish line. The events director was glad to have him and so were the participants. He stayed really busy.

2011-07-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Kylee has been into Kung Fu lately. She has been practicing her fight moves, but apparently she is taking it to a new level. One day I looked into the front room and found this:

Dinosaur Park!

2011-07-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Ogden Dinosaur Park. It was awesome. One of the first exhibits we saw were dinosaurs indoors that moved. Even I was a little unsettled by them. Jake was really scared.

The outdoor exhibits were a lot of fun. Enormous dinosaurs were everywhere.

There was also a kids' play area with toys, and lots of photo opportunities.

Last of Moab Vacation

2011-07-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 4th we went to the city parade.

Kylee rode her decorated scooter.

Dallin was on his bike.

Later that super hot day, we got the hose out to cool down. Jake had a ton of fun playing in a bucket for hours.

My mom and sisters invented their own funny game. They sat in the shade of the house and tried to throw the balls into the bucket, while Neal had to chase the balls and gather them back up over and over.

We had to leave Moab that evening and stopped at In-N-Out for dinner on our drive home. The kids were given stickers while we waited for our food. They each immediately put a compulsory sticker on their forehead. This is what they always do with stickers. Jake takes it pretty seriously, like at the grocery store the stickers always have to be transferred from the bananas to his head.

We would have loved to stay and watch the city firework show with family. Ever since moving to Portland we never could because we had to get started back on our long drive. So we were looking forward to this 4th of July for that, but then the timing didn't work out again because Chad had to be to work the next morning. So, just like the past few years, we watched for firework shows as we drove up through the Salt Lake valley. But when we got home late that night there were some aerials we could see going off in surrounding neighborhoods, so we still got a small firework show. We sat out in the big field by our townhouse and watched for a few minutes. We were all very tired!

More Moab Vacation

2011-07-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

After church on Sunday we went on a picnic up in the LaSal mountains. This is Jake playing with the salt & pepper-- they were talking to each other.

The younger kids went off to explore while us old people sat around talking. After a while they came back. We saw a very dejected looking little Kylee making her way up the path alone. She had fallen in a marshy spot near the lake and was soaked.

Warner Lake

Kylee warmed up in a blanket and then traded her muddy clothes for a dry jacket. She felt much better.

We went partway on a hike towards Oowah Lake. It was a gorgeous mountain view.

Back at home that evening, we relaxed with a movie and popcorn. My sister Saren mixed up a strange concoction as a popcorn dipping sauce (Chad thought the smell was from someone's feet). Kylee and Jake declined tasting it but my younger brothers loved it. Are we the only family in the world who grew up dipping our popcorn in vinegar?

4th of July MOAB VACATION

2011-07-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY

We went to visit family in Moab and have fun for the 4th of July.

SATURDAY- RIVER RAFTING & FIREWORKS

My family got together with a lot of friends and went down the river (one of the friend families owns a river company!) This was Kylee's first experience on the river. She was so nervous but so excited. She was the first one on the bus, and just sat there squealing with excitement.

Saren, Dallin, and Kylee on the bus ride up the river road.

Most of my family is on this boat, guided by my brother Ryan who has been a river guide.

Kylee started out hiding in the bottom of the boat, clinging to me while we went through rapids (even though she was in the "nursery" boat-- which took the more tame route). But by the end she was crazy, running up and down the boat and even jumped in the river.

Kylee (now a river rat) playing on the beach at the end of the trip.

When we got home we all gathered in my family's backyard for a barbecue. Jake had spent the day with his "Banana" (Nanna) but they came to hang out with us now.

Then we had an awesome and scary fireworks show, with all the fireworks of our combined families. Since aerials were legal in Utah this year the show was much more intense than usual (especially with certain crazy kids lighting the fireworks...)

Kylee had a hard time enjoying her sparkler due to the nonstop fun.

The kids were actually as scared as they looked! Jake tried to gnaw through the blanket and Kylee screamed unless her ears were covered. But it was fun after all; they looked forward to seeing more later.

Windy!

2011-06-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

We have a park group every Wednesday and go to a new park each week. It was an extra windy day this week, and the park we went to was up above town. We were OK for a little while but the wind became so strong that we had to leave. Some gusts were strong enough to make me stumble, and Jake couldn't walk at all. He was huddled on the ground crying. I tried to get a picture of the kids with Kylee's hair blowing out straight but they refused to stand up! We went back another day so they could get a chance to play.

Neighborhood FHE

2011-06-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

When summer started we found out we lived in a really great place. There are so many families and kids in our townhomes-- and a great big green field in the corner of our buildings. During the winter everyone stayed in doors and we had no idea! But now we are outside for hours every day while everyone plays together.

We have had a neighborhood art show, science experiments every other week, and a family home evening together. Each family performed a talent. Kylee (representing our family) wanted to do ballet. When we got there we found out every other little girl had the same idea!

Saturday

2011-06-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

We went to a ward service project in the morning, doing yard work in the neighborhood. The house Chad and I helped with was quite the project-- and we have the blisters to prove it. Over three truck loads of debris were removed from the yard, and it looks really good now. We drove past again on our way to church just to admire everyone's work. While we were working Jake followed us around and Kylee stayed at the snack table down the street eating Cheetos until she was orange and sick.

Later, after we had showers and naps we went to Art on the Lawn. The kids got to paint on canvases and loved it.

Kylee painted a big princess over the top of everything, and Jake just painted "blue"-- his favorite.

Daddy's Day Off

2011-06-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since we have had a day to spend together as a family and just play without anything we had to do (months actually...) We started the day by a revisiting the zoo, with daddy this time. Kylee was anxious to see the cranes again because she is sure they know kung fu. We went to the zoo story time and Kylee and Jake got to pet a baby duck. The peacock did not display his feathers this time, but did jump down off a cage to say goodbye. Kylee and Jake practiced imitating peacock calls the rest of the day: oo-OOO.

Kylee had been talking about her wedding all day yesterday. She had been trying to buy random little things for it, prepare the food, and discussed odds and ends with me such as her colors. So after the kids were in bed Chad and I decided to surprise her by decorating the house a bit. Was it a surprise? When she woke in the morning we told her we had something to show her and she said "Did you decorate the house for my wedding?"! Glad we didn't fall through on that one.

Her choice of the lucky man was a toss up, going back and forth between daddy and Jake all day. Daddy won in the end (for the practical reason that it is illegal to marry your brother-- as her uncles informed her). I was chosen as the maid of honor, and she picked my outfit for me right down to the shoes.

Jake was the best man and looked quite dashing in his outfit (no pun intended).

I made the wedding cake, complete with a little bride and groom on top.

We asked Kylee why she decided to have a wedding today. She said she wanted a wedding now because she just couldn't wait until she was older.

We ended the day with a picnic at the park.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Can a Father's Day picture get better than this?

Chad feasted today-- we made him french toast and bacon for breakfast, then a steak dinner, and finished it off with baseball cupcakes.

Jake didn't bring the cupcake to his mouth to eat. He placed it on the table and put his mouth into the cupcake.

Kid Moments

2011-06-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Jake is exactly the length of a stair and he likes hanging out in these little perfect-sized nooks. I find him lounging on his chosen stair now and again, but have not been able to get a picture because he gets up when he sees me. But I finally caught him, and with his legs kicked up and crossed. Too cute!

I did not get a picture of Kylee's cute moment this week because we did not bring the camera and even forgot the phone. I am so sad because it was adorable. We walked through the Summerfest-- an art fair at the park on Saturday evening. Nanna bought Kylee pink cotton candy. It was the largest bundle I have ever seen, it seemed about half as big as Kylee! The kids were in heaven. They had the stickiest hands and faces. Jake's fist was stuck closed until we found a drinking fountain to wash him with!

8th Anniversary

2011-06-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Our anniversary was last month but we did not have the time to do much to celebrate until now. Nanna came up to watch the kids for a night while Chad took me on a surprise getaway. I knew he had something planned but I did not know what or where until we drove up to the place!

The destination was Little America in Salt Lake. And I should have guessed where he would take me to dinner-- Joe's Crab Shack. He had discovered it when he was in Denver last month and raved about it ever since.

We wore bibs because the food can get messy. Half the enjoyment of the dinner is the fun, upbeat atmosphere-- the waiters even dance occasionally!

Here is our dinner, it comes all together in a big pail. I tried crab like this once a long time ago and did not remember much of it, so this was a new experience for me. I loved it, especially the Dungeness (not Snow crab so much) and so I'll have to try lobster next time!

We took a picture of the fancy hotel lobby because we knew Kylee would love it, and she did. She covered her mouth and gasped when I showed her the picture.

My Cute Little Boy

2011-06-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

I did not dress Jake up or pose him for these pictures. All I did was grab the camera and start snapping pictures quick!

The watering plants was really cute until about the twentieth bucketful. Fortunately the flowers are still alive.

The Zoo

2011-06-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Playgroup was scheduled at the park next to the zoo. But Kylee and Jake did not care about their friends or the playground-- they wanted to see the animals! They have been anxiously waiting to see the zoo since we moved here but we have had to wait for the weather to warm up.

It cost only 10 cents to feed the ducks, and only a dollar for admission to the zoo! Of course, it is a small zoo but I thought it was great. It is well taken care of and plenty to see-- cute little monkeys, "scary" coyotes, a python for Jake, swans for Kylee, and more. We had lots of fun.

There was a peacock hiding on top of a cage and we could barely see it but we were still excited, taking pictures of it anyways. Later I told Kylee that someday when we came back we may be lucky enough to see a peacock display its feathers. About the time we were going to leave the zoo the peacock jumped down off the cage in front of us and fanned its feathers out!! Jake was started crying and wanted to be held. Kylee was mesmerized.

We watched until the peacock finally put its feathers down (Kylee would not have left any sooner). Here she is slowly and sneakily backing up towards the peacock so she can have a picture by him (but Kylee insists that the beautiful he must be a she).

When we got home we hooked the camera up to the TV to look at our pictures and watch the movies we took. Then the kids wanted to make funny faces as they watched themselves on TV. Here are the happy faces:

And here are the sad faces:

Sunday Outing

2011-06-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

The weather was beautiful so we took the kids up to the temple and walked around the grounds.

2011-06-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

We went to Springville for the annual Nestle race with my family. They have been running this race for a while but this is the first time we have been able to go. Chad ran the 5K while I watched the kids. We plan to invest in a running stroller for next time!

The kids and I walked up a couple blocks to watch the race begin. These are the front runners.

Chad, Neal, Natalie and Sheena are all in this picture-- if you can find them.

The kids and I headed back to the finish line (a block or two back past the start line) but did not even make it in time to see the winner. He came flying past us while we were walking back-- with a time of 15:30.

My dad ran this race "easy" but still finished well before anyone else in the family. It was his slowest 5K ever and he still placed 4th in his division!

And here is Chad with a pretty good time considering that he only decided to race the night before, and his training consisted of one run last month. Nice work!

And here are my brothers and sisters who ran. A lot of my extended family runs this race, but I did not get a picture of everyone. Below: Neal, Natalie, Sheena, Dallin, Emily (cousin), Josh (brother-in-law).

Since the race is sponsored by Nestle there was a lot of good stuff to eat afterwards! Chocolate bars, Power Bars, Haagen-Dazs, along with the typical bananas. Jake filled up while we enjoyed the post-race festivities. They had a large drawing and gave away ten mountain bikes, large barbecues, Kindles, ipods, lots of gift cards, and much more including a wii! My family usually wins but had no luck this year, except for catching a frisbee.

Afterwards we got lunch and hung out at a park with all the family (But forgot to take pictures of them! This is just Kylee hanging out by a cool rotating swing).

By the time we got home Jake was exhausted from all the excitement and too much sun. He started crying non-stop. We finally got him to calm down by turning on his favorite, "Woody and Buzz", aka Toy Story. He had this adorable little grin on his face the entire time he was watching.

Chinatown

2010-09-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

We rode the MAX down to Chinatown so the kids could ride the "train." Jake's face lit up the second it started moving and he said "choo choo!" Kylee got to sit by the window and loved it too.

They were a little scared of the dragons but sat by them anyways for a picture...

We wandered through a couple gift shops then walked to the always beautiful Chinese Garden (2 for 1 admission all this month!)

Kylee played a picture finding game and got a chinese hand stamp at the end. (Halfway through the game she asked me "How will he know if I find the pictures or not?"!) The man at the gate also gave Kylee a fan, which she loves.

Kylee was so sad that we didn't go to the little teahouse in the garden. So we bought some Chinese candy and had our own tea party before bedtime.

Mount St. Helens

2010-09-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

We made a day trip visiting Mount St. Helens, one of the last remaining items on our "things to do before leaving Portland" list. We drove up early in the morning, stopping at the Forestry Learning Center first. The kids had fun there at the playground (with a "volcano" slide), and the hands on room where they could color, play with animal furs, and try out rocks that float. We also enjoyed an interactive helicopter display, and a short but intense movie about Mount St. Helens. (There was a clip showing all but a distant edge of sky full of billowing black ash, as a news reporter ran with his camera saying "I think I'm dead. I really think I'm dead." No word on whether he made it. Kylee was affected by the footage of cars and houses being swept away by mud slides. The rest of the day she was on the lookout for buried cars.)

This is the view outside of the Forestry Learning Center. We were surprised by the amount of washout along the river, caused by the lack of vegetation since the 1980 eruption.

We continued up the road to Johnson's Ridge Observatory. It was worth the extra driving time. The view was more dramatic than we imagined. This observatory gave us a view straight into the volcano's crater, and a panoramic view of the devastation on the north-west side, the area most impacted by the blast. It was like a scene from another planet. We were surprised by how barren the land still was after thirty years. We had learned about all the reforestation that was occuring, but it didn't look like much at all. We also saw remnants of the trees mowed down by the explosion; old logs all laying in the direction of the blast. It was strange to see hills that were thick with trees on one side but empty and eroding on the side facing the volcano.

Jake and Mount St. Helens. (He was more interested in the drinking fountain).

Kylee and Mount St. Helens

Another picture as the clouds cleared. Fortunately, we planned our trip just right. The sky was full of clouds, covering all mountains, for the couple hours we spent at the Forestry center. But by the time we made it up to the observatory and had a picnic lunch, they cleared!

We packed the kids in the car, situated them with blankets, and they napped as we drove 2 1/2 hours all the way around to the other side of Mount St. Helens. We wanted to see the Ape Caves, North America's longest lava flow tunnels (over two miles long).

Here we are, entering the cave. As we started down the stairs Jake started saying "All done! All done! All done!" and struggling to run the other way. The gaping black hole didn't look too appealing to him.

We had to rent a lantern, our only light source once inside. Notice the water drops in the picture below; it was fairly wet inside.

Kylee in front of a little alcove.

The "Meatball". This was an unusual rock formation inside of the caves.

The cave became more and more narrow as we went, until it was "Kylee sized". Near the end it became so small that people who continued had to crawl on their bellies.

It was a warm day but surprisingly cold inside the cave, about 40 degrees. Luckily we were prepared and had coats for all of us, but it wasn't enough for Kylee towards the end and she doubled up with my hoodie.

Back to the entrance at last! The kids were very ready to be done and happy to see the stairs.

The south-east side of Mount St. Helens (barely visible in this picture). We just took it to show that we saw both sides of the volcano in one day.

Kylee has a dry erase "calendar" where she marks her activities. The morning after visiting Mount St. Helens, as she erased the little picture of a volcano, I overheard her say "Wasn't that fun?"

August Pictures

2010-08-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

What a good daddy! Jake is sharing his lunch with his little Jeffrey.

Chad laid a sheet out to take pictures of items for Ebay, and both kids wanted their pictures too!

Another of Kylee's amazing outfits. She put this together while I was getting things out to plan my Murder Mystery outfit. She is a "beautiful lady with a fan."

WASHINGTON PARK

We did three activities at Washington Park all in one evening. First we went to the really big, fun playground. Then we walked through the International Rose Garden, and ended at the ampitheater for the last night of the music festival.

BASEBALL GAME

Chad won a drawing at his school for two tickets to the Beaver's game! We took the kids, expecting to pay for a ticket for Kylee but they let her in, no charge. Free family outing- not bad!

Go Beavers!

It was fireworks night, so we stayed to watch the show after the game. The kids enjoyed it, despite their scared faces seen here.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Almost a year ago I put my name on the waiting list for the Children's Museum pass through the library. I was four-hundred something on the list and had given up hope. But I was surprised to get an email saying it was on hold for me this week. I made the most of it, spending all morning there for two days.

Jake was super excited to find a great big Jeffrey and didn't want to leave him.

Their masterpieces.

White coats just like Daddy!

Kevin and Savannah's Wedding

2010-08-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

We went home the first week of August for Chad's brother's wedding. We spent the first half of our vacation in northern Utah, staying with Chad's family. One day we took the kids and Nanna to Temple Square and played tourist.

Poor Jake had tripped on stairs and hit his head against the concrete.

I took a picture with Kylee in front of this tree because I have a picture of me with my great-grandma right after my baptism (at the Tabernacle) in this same spot.

Playing dress-up with cousins- Evan and Anika.

What a beautiful outfit...!

Smores!

Picture with Nanna

THE WEDDING

The bride's family is very musically talented; her brother is currently the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. We got to hear him perform at the wedding breakfast.

Waiting for the bride and groom after the ceremony at the temple.

All the little girls watched Savannah as if she was a real princess.

Kylee and Jake with their cousins.

THE RECEPTION

Nanna and all the grandkids.

Sisters and sisters-in-law. (Which camera were we supposed to be looking at?) We have a picture of the girls like this for each wedding. Carrie, Colleen, Jackie, me, Savannah, and Rainee.

Hiding behind the dessert cart eating a cupcake.

Kylee was mesmerized by every last detail of the reception. When the line ended and the bride and groom left the gazebo, Kylee was concerned because "they didn't kiss!" So Chad took her over to ask them about it, and they obliged :)

Kylee was watching for everything, and luckily they did everything: cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.

Notice Kylee in the background with outstretched arms! She was sad she didn't catch it, but she was a good sport about it.

Don't look so shocked, Chad. You're the one who did it!

I left with the kids while Chad stayed behind to help clean up. All the way during our hour long drive home, Kylee filled me in on her wedding plans, complete with her colors (pink and orange), the activities (she is going to give everyone a bouquet), and even the guest list!

After the wedding we spent a day with my family. Granna had planned some fun things in the garden for the kids. Here is Jake playing in the beanpole tent.

Kylee chose a pumpkin to carve her name on. The pumpkin will be ready when for her when we move to Moab this fall.

There were three Moab weddings this weekend, and all but one of my brothers and sisters and I ended up in town together due to different ones! My younger brother, Neal, had just turned twelve and we arranged to have his priesthood ordination at the house so we could all be there for it.

My dad and brothers.

Nanna and Bumpa with their grandkids.

Kylee and Jake with their aunts and uncles: Natalie & Josh, Roger, Sheena, Neal, Ryan & Katie (girlfriend), Jessica

...and uncle Dallin

Saren, the only one missing, got home from her vacation with a friend late that night. She woke up early so she could see the kids just before we started on our drive back to Portland.

The drive home.

July Pictures

2010-08-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)

Being squirrels.

The dinosaur, and Jake's reaction to the dinosaur. Jake was in awe and kept running off to go see it again.

One of the kids' favorite exhibits. "Look, mom! A sink and toilet!"

Einstein's Nobel Prize, at the special Einstein exhibit.

Little future Einstein. I only just noticed what she was doing in the picture, see detail at right.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Firecrackers with friends (and mosquitoes).

Going to see fireworks. I was missing small-town Fourth of July festivities until we saw the incredible big-city firework show. We went to the Eastbank Esplanade, which I think is a better place to watch than even the Waterfront Park. It is ridiculously crowded, but getting to stand underneath the huge, booming fireworks is worth it in my opinion!

MORE PICTURES OF THE KIDS

Seattle Trip

2010-08-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

MARINERS GAME

Spring of '09 Chad came home with some exciting news: Ken Griffey, Jr. was going back to play for the Seattle Mariners. Griffey was Chad's hero and his childhood dream was to watch Griffey play. Chad didn't think that would ever be a possibility, until now! Unfortunately, we never made it to a game that season. But when we heard Griffey was coming back the following season we were glad for this unexpected second chance, and put a trip to a Mariner's game at the top of our priority list for this year. We paid for good seats for June 24th, Mariners vs. Cubs, and waited excitedly for the game.

June 3rd, only three weeks before our game, Griffey suddenly retired, effective immediately. So sad! But we still looked forward to seeing the Mariners, Chad's favorite team, play.

Here we are leaving our house, packed for the vacation and dressed for the game:

Knowing that Seattle traffic would be bad, especially on a game day, we left in the morning to allow plenty of travel time and planned to arrive an hour early. But it didn't help- traffic was horrible! It took us forever to even get out of Portland. Still, we arrived in Seattle not early, but on time for the game. But getting to the stadium was another matter. We sat in view of the stadium at a standstill on the freeway watching the minutes tick away. Some people got out of their cars and started walking to the game; we saw a mom and three boys get out of a car in front of us while the dad stayed to find parking. We sat in our car, listening to the game on the radio as inning after inning, and the remainder of Chad's dream, slipped by.

At last we made to the stadium during the sixth inning. On the bright side, as it was now two hours after the game had started, we paid only $7 for parking at a little lot directly across the street, instead of the event rate of $50.

We saw the moose on our way inside and snapped a quick picture as we passed because we didn't have time to stand in line to greet him.

And more good news- the game went into extra innings so we still got to watch for a while!

After game pics:

Kylee became a big fan of Ichiro during the game.

Oh, Griffey...

SEATTLE

Always a highlight of any vacation for Kylee, we stayed a night in a hotel! Our room unexpectedly had a beautiful view overlooking a lake:

Jake private bedroom (the closet).

We enjoyed a relaxed morning swimming at the hotel pool, then headed to downtown Seattle to see the Space Needle.

We explored the area around the Space Needle for a while; there is lots to see. Kylee rode the carousel. Jake was thrilled as he watched, and Kylee told us afterwards that she had the fastest horse.

This is the Science Fiction Museum. We didn't go in but it sounded like a a really interesting place. The outside of the building was incredible: enornous sculpted sections of wall curving all around and with different sections of unsual finishes. Here is a small glimpse of the front of the building (with Kylee posing, "scared" of the UFO behind her).

And another little glimpse, showing glossy pale blue and iridescent purple/orange sections of the building.

Q: What happens when you paint a large, winding pattern on the ground?

Even Jake joined in the fun.

Triumphant finish.

There were lots of sculptures around and Kylee wanted to pose by all of them:

After seeing the sights at the Space Needle, we went down to Pike's Place Market.

The "Flying Fish": overrated, unless you happened to walk by unknowingly and see a huge fish thrown through the air (which I didn't). Mostly, though, this tourist trap involves standing in a crowd for a long time just to see a little squid tossed over the counter.

The Bronze Pig: overrated. Apparently this is another big tourist attraction at the market and even Kylee was disappointed; she thought it would be much bigger.

Lunch of fresh fish on the third floor of a busy Pike Place restaurant, overlooking the bay: Not overrated!

The waterfront.

After visiting the market we began our drive back down to Portland, but made a stop along the way to see where Chad grew up- Gig Harbor, WA.

This is the bridge, formerly "Gallopin' Gertie", on the way into Gig Harbor. This was another highlight of Kylee's vacation, she called it the "wobbly bridge". Watch this You Tube video to see why she was so excited to see it: Gallopin' Gertie

Chad's old house:

Chad's old elementary school:

And we also saw Fort Lewis, WA where my mom was born:

June Pictures

2010-07-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

Jake thought he was so funny with the bowl on his head, just giggling the whole time.

Playdate with Anja.

MT. TABOR

Do-it-yourself lawn chair.

FATHER'S DAY- Kylee helped me decide on and make the dessert, pretty awesome cupcakes! The gift was a new Mariner's baseball hat for Chad, a baseball book to enjoy with the kids, and baseball gear for the kids to wear, too (he'd wanted them to have outfits for the game we were going to that week).

Post-cupcake.

The 10k

2010-07-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Chad and I began training for a 10k race in February. We started from scratch- no regular running exercise prior to beginning. For the first ten weeks we followed a schedule, four days a week, that got us running three miles nonstop. Then we had another six weeks to increase the distance.

On Memorial Day we ran in the Up the Lazy River 10k Race in Lake Oswego.

The front runners.

The name of the race was a lie. Halfway through the race was a supposedly "gradual half mile climb". Yeah right. In my memory (which is only slightly exaggerated) that hill had a 45 degree angle.

There is Chad- in the red hat, approximately the center of the picture. This was his first race.

Going strong. Chad (332) pulled ahead at the start.

And there's me (331).

Steve and Nicole came to cheer us on and watch our kids (and take pictures- I highly recommend befriending a photographer) while we ran. Here they are trying to catch us at a turnaround point, but they didn't quite make it.

Future racer.

It turned out that this man wasn't first place, but close. I think he's 4th. Apparently a few runners snuck by before Steve noticed. The winner's time was 36:07

After first place crossed the finish line, the kids waited and waited...

And waited...

And finally mommy came around the corner! (Time- 1:02:27)

And soon after came daddy! (Time- 1:06:06)

Happy Anniversary

2010-07-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

Chad and I traded babysitting with the Wagners for our anniversaries. We watched their kids for 24 hours in February, and now it was our turn. Chad and I got to celebrate our anniversary with the first night without our children- ever! We decided to vacation in downtown Portland.

To start we rode the Max downtown, just for fun, to give us a the feel of being on vacation somewhere different.

We had dinner at Portland City Grill on the thirtieth floor of the Bancorp tower, the second tallest in Portland. We ordered soups and a sampler appetizer. No entrees because of the steep prices! But the view was incredible. We were there early, the first guests for dinner, so we had the prime table at the corner with views of all the city.

Can't say we loved the food, but that was because we were adventurous- Rice Paper Spring Rolls, Black Tiger Shrimp Tempura, Seared Dungeness Crab Cake, and Sushi- not our typical diet. But I was pleased with the sushi. It was the only sushi I've tried that tasted good. I've always thought sushi just tasted like cold, squishy rice and didn't know what all the hype was.

After the Grill, we went to the world famous Voodoo Donuts to satisfy our unrefined palates. This is a picture of the lovely ATM there.

Then to Chinatown to get Kylee a pair of chopsticks.

Us in front of the "Portland" sign.

The amazing view from our room at the Hotel Vintage Plaza (we got 64% off our room with Priceline!) Definitely the nicest place we've ever stayed. Didn't know what to do with ourselves with bellhops opening doors for us and everything.

Random- me and some otters.

Getting a little crazy with the camera. We had some guy walking past laughing hard.

Just doing our part...

A Couple Activities in May

2010-07-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

RHODODENDRON GARDEN

Jake was fearless- he walked right into the middle of the ducks and geese, wandering around with them. I wish this picture showed just how surrounded and close he would get.

Kylee was not so fearless! Here she is trying to hide behind her friend Megan.

Running around with the big kids.

Playing with friends.

ZOO- Our membership was expiring the end of May, so we had to make the most of our last visit and do every activity at the zoo.

Riding horses.

Petting the goats.

Jake and Jeffrey! (Jake has a little stuffed giraffe, named Jeffrey, that he loves).

Feeding the birds.

Always one of Kylee's favorite exhibits- the sea lions.

And the special exhibit- DINOSAURS!!

Some of the dinosaurs spit water. Kylee didn't like them at all.

And Jake didn't like any of them, period.

Kylee wanted a picture by a velociraptor, her favorite (these dinosaurs were the most velociraptorish) but kept a close eye on them...

PLAYING OUTDOORS IN PORTLAND

End of May, still no sunshine, so I let the kids go play in the rain and mud.

Natalie is Married!!

2010-07-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

I designed Natalie and Josh's signing book with their engagement pictures. Their pictures are so awesome I have to post a couple of my favorites here. They had a friend, a semi-professional photographer, take their pictures and they had a lot of fun...

Here they come!

Our family! (Immediate family plus two husbands and two grandchildren). Top row- Jessica, Saren, Sheena, Roger, Ryan, Jake, Chad. Bottom row- Dallin, Neal, Dad, Natalie, Josh, Mom, Kylee, me.

Sisters!

Us and Josh's sisters.

The beautiful bride.

We had to promise Kylee one crazy picture to get her cooperation on the above picture.

Kylee and Saren (Sar)

Kylee, Jake and Sheena (Sheesh)

Trying to keep warm.

Low resolution but still cute.

Kylee and Dallin (Dee)

Moab Trip for Natalie's Wedding in May

2010-07-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

Playing at the B&B pool. (My family runs a inn, Sunflower Hill, in Moab).

Jake couldn't get enough of this little car. Are boys born knowing how to make car sounds?

My little brother dressed Jake up in this cape and Jake loved it.

Watermelon with Uncle Dallin.

Jake and Aunt Jessica

A new dress from Granna for Kylee.

Jake and Aunt Saren

Birthday kids. We had a small birthday party for Kylee and Jake with the grandparents in Moab.

Dinosaur Cake

Opening presents

Blowing out candles- four for Kylee, and one for Jake.

Happy to see Daddy! The kids and I flew down to spend time with the family for two weeks. Chad had to stay at school, and drove down just for the weekend of the wedding. This picture was taken just after Chad arrived, after driving all night! Both kids were super excited. Jake stared at him for a few moments and then cried, not scared- just overwhelmed!

Kylee loved staying in a bunkbed.

The drive home. (Wedding pictures in different post).

We stopped at a hotel on the way back to Portland. Kylee loves hotels! Staying at a hotel is the highlight of a vacation for her. So, of course she wanted a picture there.

Mickey Mouse Birthday Party for Kylee!

2010-07-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

Waking up to find the house decorated.

No, this isn't some scary magic trick, this is just Kylee opening her first birthday present. This is what happens when you have to get her up early before daddy goes to school.

Playing with the new table and chairs. They ate breakfast, colored, had tea parties, etc. at the table all day.

The birthday party!!!

Opening one of her presents- a pink pillow pet pig! As Kylee said later, "Just one hug and I fell in love."

Pretty awesome cupcakes.

Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog....!

[Thank you, Lacey, for making this video so special.]

Pictures of the Kids

2010-07-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

You know there are too many girls around when one of your son's first words is "pretty". Daddy had to get him something boyish.

Kids falling asleep everywhere. Now if only we can convince them to do this in their beds at night...

Making invitations for her birthday party!

Best friends!

Whose child is this?

Can you believe this is the same girl? :)

Easter Egg Hunt on the Beach & More Trees

2010-07-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Dyeing Eggs

Kylee looking in Jake's basket, and Jake looking in Kylee's basket!

More hiking that afternoon...

Can't see it too well because it had started raining, but we're under the root of a fallen tree here.

Playing velociraptor! Everyone was running around being dinosaurs and trying to scare each other.

Kylee doing silly poses with Daddy.

The Beach and Fern Canyon

2010-07-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed lunch at a gorgeous beach.

Fern Canyon was the filming location for Jurassic Park 2. An awesome choice for filming! It's a beautiful narrow rock canyon with a creek running through it, draped thick with ferns.

I'm glad it was a sunny day when we visited. We tried really hard to avoid getting wet, slowly making our way about a hundred yards up, carefully crossing on rocks and fallen tree limbs.

Soon, Chad and Doug rolled up their pants and went back and forth, carrying everyone from one side to another.

And finally we all gave in an just got in the water!! Getting wet actually made it a ton more fun.

The Redwood Forest

2010-07-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

(notice Jake at the base of the tree)

Driving to Crescent City

2010-07-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

On our long drive the next day from Reno to Crescent City, we kept Kylee happy by letting her take pictures of Jake, and kept Jake happy with a sucker.

Shortly after the above picture was taken:

We arrived at our rental house, only one short block from the gorgeous beach!

Snow?!

2010-07-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone wanted to snuggle with Nanna in the morning.

The weather forecast for the day seemed like a joke: snow in Nevada during spring break? But it was true! We'd planned to go to Lake Tahoe, but couldn't make it over the mountain because of all the snow. We stopped to play in it, but it was so bitterly cold all the kids wanted to immediately get back in the car.

We went a couple miles back down the mountain and found much nicer weather. The snow consistency was perfect for making a big snow fort and huge snowman.

After everything was built, the kids used their "karate" to knock it all down.

An Elmo Birthday Party for Jake

2010-07-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Cake- The large one to share, the small one just for Jake.

When Jake saw the cake he did "SO BIG!" because he has a book where baby Elmo does that.

The Decorations

Crazy Cousins

Birthday Dinner

Jake and Daddy

The Pinata

Opening his present from Kylee

Blowing out the candle

Trying to share

All done!

SPRING BREAK- Vacation with Cousins in Reno!

2010-07-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Having fun at dinnertime.

Ready for church, Kylee in her Easter dress.

Kylee and the boys.

Catching Up...

2010-06-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Jake playing with Chad's bike.

Jake's first experience with Playdough!

St. Patrick's Day!

Messy!

Kylee has become very intrigued by volcanoes- so we built one!!! (We live in view of Mt. Hood and Mt. Saint Helens.)

A family she made to watch the volcano. A little sadistic?

The second eruption. We already had it explode with baking soda and vinegar, but she wanted more!

Baby Klingon

Mommy and Kylee having fun.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Jake loves Elmo!

Kylee & Jake

2010-03-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

Snuggling in the morning.

Peek-a-boo!

Cheeser

Backwards and inside-out! Notice the seam edges and tag on her pants. She refused to turn her clothes around and wore them all day like this. At least she got dressed by herself!