I Heart New York

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Alexis and Shae organized a group to go ride the Roller Coaster at the New York, New York Hotel. I was surprised Alexis still wanted to go when she found out it was $14. We ended up with two cars full of kids so Amelia and I drove. The kids loved the ride.

We decided that since we were already out on the Strip, we should go to the Bellagio's Garden Atrium. It was decorated with huge flowers and insects. Lawson brought this big backpack full of granola bars and PowerAid. I guess he is a true Boy Scout, prepared for anything. We also went to check out the cake store in the Bellagio. It has a huge chocolate fountain and amazing cakes on display.

We finished off the outing with $1 sundaes at McDonalds. I love that Alexis has such a good group of friends to get through Middle School with.

Flashback to the 80's

Monday, August 16, 2010

Amelia Haycock got this idea from Alexis' birthday to have an 80's themed skate party at Crystal Palace. It was to celebrate her birthday and earn money for a clean drinking water charity her girls are starting.

I talked Chris into going with me and we even dressed up a little. A few couples our age came, but it was mostly teenagers. We were feeling pretty old.

Alexis and Shae manned the door, collecting money.

Alexis and Mindie Barlow tied in the limbo contest! Being tiny probably helped.

Bang! Bang!

Friday, August 13, 2010

On the way to our camp site we took the kids shooting. They were a little intimidated by the rifles at first. We started out by trying to shoot clay pigeons Dave had. We weren't that successful. Finally we started shooting the box the clay pigeons came in and we had better luck with the bigger target.

A Camping We Will Go

Friday, August 13, 2010

We decided to take an overnight camping trip the one weekend Dave had off between school years. We went to Lovell Canyon, not too far from us.

We went shooting on the way to our camp site. When we got to out regular spot, Alexis, now a camping expert, want to "show" us how to set up the tent.

Camryn helped with the stakes.

When we got it set up, I was not feeling great, Dave had a slight insulin reaction, and the pump to fill up our air mattresses died. There was some debate about just packing up to go home. We decided to stay and things started getting better.

We made tin foil dinner, we played games (the kids loved the Jenkins' FHE favorite-the Indian Game, I guess I had never taught them before), I read lame ghost stories from a book I had checked out at the library, and we sang some songs. When it got late, and Seth fell asleep in my lap, Dave slept with the kids in the tent, and the lack of air mattresses made me opt for sleeping in the car.

In the morning, we made Barney Biscuits and cleaned up our camp site. We hiked around a little, then headed home, ready to wash up. Somehow I ended up last in line for the shower! We had a rough start (maybe it was the Friday the 13th thing), but we ended up having a good time together.

Justin Beiber Hair Pancakes

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Kids eat free at IHOP this month, so we went as a family this Tuesday. I had to lift my ban on IHOP, imposed Thanksgiving 2008, when the kids got sick on the way to the cabin. We drove as far as Cedar City, ate a gross breakfast at IHOP, had Seth throw up, and drove back home.


At least this trip to IHOP, no one threw up. Camryn and Seth got the Make-A-Face Pancakes. You were supposed to add hair with Gogurt. Camryn added her Gogurt and said it looked like Justin Beiber Hair.

Even with the free meals for Seth and Camryn we spent way to much on overcooked food that we can make so much better at home. I officially reinstate my ban on IHop.

First Year Fun

Tuesday, August 3 - Saturday, August 7, 2010

Alexis survived her first year at Girl's Camp. Her bestie, Shae was able to go this year too, even though she is not quite 12, and they had a blast. Lex loved repelling. One of the leaders said Shae was a little nervous about it, but Alexis pushed her to do it. Repelling was Alexis' favorite activity there. They also did the zip line, went on a tough hike in Zion, shot rifles, used a sling shot to shoot a big poster of Taylor Lautner, had a Freak Show (each girl sowing off weird talents), put on a skit, and had a great night hike and testimony meeting the last night. She had fun, but came home very tired and dirty.

School's Out for Summer, School's Out Forever (Or 3 Weeks)

Thursday, August 5, 2o10

The last day of 1st grade meant an awards ceremony. Here are the cute girls in our ward with their certificates. Most of their moms were at camp, so I was glad I could get a picture for them.

Camryn got 3 awards - A/B Honor Roll for the 3rd trimester, A/B Honor Roll for the year, and the Most Musical Award from Mr. Wilson, the music teacher. Of, course Camryn was most excited about the music award.

After the ceremony, we went back to Camryn's classroom to get her report card and give her teacher a hug goodbye. We have had a great year with Ms. Robertson and we are excited to have her as the Beatty librarian next year.

Camryn had a few friends over for an end of the year celebration.

First the girls decorated door hangers for their rooms. A lot of glitter was involved.


Then we made ice cream sundae with lots of good toppings.

The party ended with a round of Wii Just Dance. Savanah was the big winner. The kids had a good time and are ready for the 3 whole weeks they have until 2nd grade.

Party Crashers

Saturday, July 31, 2010

My parent's ward was having a party at the Whitney Ranch Pool. They invited us to join them. Since Seth is a new swimmer, we thought it was a perfect time for him to conquer the water slide there.

It took him about 20 minutes to get the nerve to go down, when he finally did it he looked like he was having fun until he hit the water at the end. He panicked for a second, then finally remembered to swim. Then we couldn't get him to stop the rest of the night.

The girls each brought a friend. Camryn brought Avery and Alexis brought Shae. We all had a good time. Me and the old people lounged in the chairs, we all ate pizza (although Cam got lost at the potluck table), and we tried to lure kids over to us so we could give them the Otter Pops we brought.

Visitors

Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Schultz Family was in town this week and we had them over to dinner. My parents came too. They wanted to catch up with Tim, who now lives in Tennessee. Camryn was very excited, she and Zack are pen pals. We grilled up some hot dogs and bacon wrapped chicken. After dinner we made my parents play Wii Just Dance. I wish I had a picture of that.

Zack was really into the dancing. He was pretty good.


Then we went swimming at the neighbors.

It was great to see Tim, Megan, Zack, and Sarah. We had a good visit.

Bubble Trouble

Last week I sent Seth in to take a bath and started listening to my book on tape. After a long while Camryn came to tell me that the water was still on. We broke in to find this. The bath was completely filled with water and he had dumped shampoo in to make bubbles. It was hard to show Seth I was serious about this not happening again because I was laughing too hard.