I know it's been far too long since I've posted anything, so I will try to hit on the major events that I have pictures for.
Early this spring, March or April, a friend sent me information on a triathlon that was being held in Lovell this June. It just so happened that this was when we would be having a family reunion of sorts in the area so I forwarded the information to my cousin, thinking she'd be interested. In the end we ended up forming a team with me doing the bike portion, my cousin, January, doing the running, and my other cousin, Danielle, doing the swimming.
I have never really done much biking, aside from the summer we lived in Laramie and Aaron had the car in Denver, so I was a bit nervous. Luckily I had a very encouraging husband who went right to work fixing up his bike for me to use.
The kids were captivated by Aaron working on
the bike.
Aaron working on the bike. He really
enjoyed it and now we need to get
another one so we can ride together.
The end of the school year came all too quickly and we had a very busy June. We had fun helping out at the kids' field day and going to their awards assemblies. The Kindergarten class really didn't have too many awards, but Isaiah did get the language arts award. Carissa got several awards including the citizenship award and all A's. We found out she made it through the first round of selections for the gifted and talented program and she will be participating in that when school resumes. Final selections will be made after further testing and observations.
David also had a fun end-of-the-school-year party with all of the kids in the region from K12. We went up to Dallas where they had a science demonstration and lots of games and fun. He passed his TAKS test and benchmarks with flying colors and will go on to the 4th grade in the fall.
Isaiah enjoying cotton candy
Carissa enjoyed hers too
Jacob taking a turn on the slide
at field day
With the end of the school year came a break in scouts meetings for awhile. We had a fun cook-out with the cub scouts and Carissa had her Daisy Sundae party for selling over 150 boxes of cookies. (Thanks again to everyone who bought some. By the time booth sales were over she had reached her goal and is now the proud owner of a small stuffed panda bear.)
Carissa enjoying her ice cream with friends
After school got out David had a week of cub-scout day camp with Aaron while I continued to ride my bike and get ready for the big trip to Wyoming. He had lots of fun and can't wait until next year!
On June 12th we began our big vacation for the summer. We drove up to Washington, stopping at my parents house to drop off the dog. It was a long three days but well worth the trip.
One of the kids' favorite things was riding in the boat with Grandpa.
Aunts, Uncle, and cousins.
Carissa and Susan were best buds
But she liked hanging out with the big
girls, like her aunt Christy, as well.
As for me and Aaron; we just had fun seeing his whole family, visiting with them, and getting some nice group pictures.
We took a day out of our time in Washington and made a day trip to see Aaron's great grandma (the kids' great-great grandma). It was nice visiting with her and made the trip extra special.
We left Washington on a Friday, driving all day so we could be in Byron before the triathlon on Saturday.
We woke up nice and early and drove to the race site. Considering I had only been riding less than 6 weeks, went from 400 to 4000 feet in elevation, and had never really practiced on a hill like that one, I think I did pretty good. At least I correctly estimated the time I would do it in. And next year I will be in better shape and have more experience riding. It will be fun to try it, or another one, again.
After the race we got ready to go to my grandma's 80th birthday. A big party had been planned and most the family made it. It was nice to see everyone and celebrate her special day with her.
Sara, the youngest of the grandkids, and all except 3 of the
great-grandkids. (they were off eating or napping or on
their way and one couldn't make it)
Jacob pulling Joseph
He must have got tired because they switched.
After the party, we female cousins went out for the second annual "Rich Girls Reunite" Reunion and night out. We went out for appetizers and kareoke. It was great to be together and have some bonding time.
All the female cousins on my mom's side.
Monday I had to drive Aaron to the airport and send him home to work. And then I had the next week and a half to enjoy being in my hometown. One night my sister hosted a bath and body products party for "Sugar House" products. Another day I hosted a Stampin' Up party with my awesome sister-in-laws equally awesome sister demonstrating. Thanks for a fun time, Karen, and for letting us invade your house, Debbie.
We enjoyed the Lovell parade, as usual, watched the fireworks, had a play date with my best friend from school, went river rafting, and even squeezed in a trip up the mountains. (Please note, these pictures are not in the order we did them in)
The Big Horn Mountains
All the grandkids in age order
Shell Falls
Cora and Charlie climbed down to the bottom.
I snapped this picture and then joined them.
The people on the right are tourists who thought it
would be cool to follow. They are on their way back
up the trail in this picture.
More mountains from Shell Falls
Enjoying the show
Isaiah at our birthday date...We went to the rodeo!
Happy 6th birthday!
At the playground
We had lots of fun with Mary
and her kids!
Water rafting with Grandpa. We're sitting in
the back row and David is in the middle in front
of us. The boys wanted to sit in front and go
again by the time it was over. Thanks Dad!
We left on the afternoon of July second so that we could make it home in time to shoot off fireworks with Aaron. It was a fun trip and ended all too soon.
Our last moments in Wyoming. Can't wait to go back!
Since being home we really haven't left the house at all. We have managed to buy school supplies and are excitedly awaiting the first day of school. Carissa had a girl scout meeting last night and we have a primary activity today. Life is getting back to normal and I should be posting more often.