Petersen Posts

I can't believe Trent is really 9! How did that happen?

2009-04-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Trent turned 9 on April 11th. I can hardly believe that my youngest child is that old. Really? We had such a fun weekend at the Temple and in Tacoma. Trent really enjoyed seeing family on his birthday. I think the hotel stay and the escargot made it extra memorable!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Skylar

Brooklyn, Skylar and Rylee

Sean, Brooklyn, Casey, Rylee and Casey McAnally

The Temple in Spring

On Easter weekend we had a special treat. We were able to spend it with some of Todd's extended family. We also celebrated Trent's 9th Birthday. Saturday morning we went to the Temple where cousins, Sean and Casey, had their daughter, Skylar, sealed to them for

Time and all Eternity!

It was a privilege to be present as they had their three daughters in the temple. I truly felt blessed to witness this special sealing and feel my testimony of Eternal Families strengthened. We were also very happy to see Doug, Carol, Denice and Zina here from Vegas. After the temple we went to a delicious lunch and feasted on steak and seafood. Doug even challenged my kids to eat escargot. Three of them did! Amazing! It is not a surprise that Kyle declined the challenge. Spencer had a little too much to eat that day, but it was so yummy!

After lunch we drove to Tacoma. We took the kids and did a little shopping. Then we checked into a hotel and Trent opened his birthday presents. Then we went swimming and played at the hotel. We went to Bill and Janette's house for ice cream and then went back to the hotel.

The next morning we went to church with the McAnally family. Baby Rylee was blessed in Sacrament Meeting. What a great weekend for Sean and Casey! After church we had a yummy ham dinner at McAnally's house. It was so nice to spend time with family.

We really enjoyed the weekend.

Mukilteo Beach

2009-04-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our Spring Break was spent at home. Kyle was still in school and we are keeping vacations simple this year. But when Kyle finally had a day off, we (except Spencer who had a better offer) went to the Mukilteo Beach and Lighthouse. Kyle has a class this quarter about the beach creatures and he showed the kids all kinds of living things. It was a cool but nice day by Washington April standards. It was fun, especially because we had such a knowledgeable guide. Thanks Kyle!

Is there a drummer in the house?

2009-03-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Playing the full drum set is his favorite thing to do.

Look out Neil Pert.

One of Spencer's biggest fans.

Spencer is becoming quite a good drummer. He plays percussion in the school band and he is also the drummer for the Jazz Band. He is doing great job. These pictures are from his most recent band concert. He had a great solo during 'Brazil'. Way to go Spence!!

Kayak Point

2009-02-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

One Saturday afternoon in February we were feeling restless and needed to get out of Monroe. Nicole, Trent, Todd and I took an drive to Kayak Point State Park. It is only about 40 minutes Northwest from our house. We had so much fun just walking around and enjoying a change of scenery. The park is great. An awesome playground and a beach to explore. We can't wait to go back in the summer! Come visit us and we will take you there.

The Climbers!

Using up some of the energy!

Winter Beach Fun

Hello in there

We can see you

Trent's School Music Program

2009-02-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

Back row, 4th from the right

Future drummer?

Trent had his school music concert. The kids performed songs and played on different instruments. It was very nice and they had so much fun. Trent was mostly excited about playing the drums. I think we may have another percussionist on our hands.

Flushingly Beautiful Valentine's Box

2009-02-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

Trent really wanted to make a super cool Valentine Box for school. We didn't have very many ideas until Spencer remembered one he saw a couple of years ago. So we went on a trip to the dollar store and bought a white bowl and some white poster board. Then we measured, cut, taped and created the perfect 8 year old boy Valentine Box. The Toilet!!!! (Complete with lifting lid.)

Balloon Sinking

2009-02-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

The kids creatively and accidentally created a new game. I named it Balloon Sinking! We had some balloons from Spencer's birthday party (post still to come!) While Todd and I were at a baptism, the balloons got loose (hmmmm) and floated up to the sky light. The kids wanted to get the balloons down, but they didn't know how. Kyle came up with this awesome idea. They got Nerf guns and used the darts with suction cups on the tips. They shot at the balloons until the darts would stick. When there were enough darts on the balloons to give it enough weight, the balloons sink to the ground. Brilliant!

Now it is a game. Of course, you just take the darts off and let the balloons rise. Then start shooting again. Try it. It is a blast and your kids will think you are awesome! But I am not responsible for any Nerf darts that stick to your windows or walls. We didn't have any, to my great surprise. I am also not responsible for the cleaning that may happen after you play this game. After looking upward to the skylights and tall ceilings, you notice cobwebs and dust you didn't see before. Sorry.

This is a super cheap game. Just a few helium balloons and a Nerf gun or two. A balloon that has 'flat' sides would probably work best. Let me know if you enjoy the game.

Crepes

2009-02-13T10:24:00.001-08:00

Nicole had been to a friends house a couple of times when they had crepes and she started asking (bugging) me if we could make them. I had never made them before, so I finally gave it a try. Now we have them almost every Sunday morning. Nicole and Trent like to put lemon juice and brown sugar on them (I know, sounds yucky!) I like them with either a little butter and powdered sugar, or when I have planned ahead, whipped cream and berries! This also reminded me that crepes filled with custard and topped with strawberries is the refreshment that was served at our wedding. We are loving this new indulgence! Thanks or the inspiration Nicole and Risenmays!! I guess if she is going to insist that we make them, I am going to insist that she helps.

The best way to eat a crepe!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2009-02-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Our family was lucky enough to have Kaighin and Anslee Callahan come and stay with us for a few days in February. We had so much fun with them. They were a real treat to have in our home. There was a lot of singing while they were here. One evening they dressed up to perform their act. I think Nicole, Kaighin and Anslee have a real future together as performers.

Trent "The Pine Wood Derby Master"

2009-01-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

Trent made a Pine Wood Derby car. He modeled it after a Ford GT 40. It looked great!!! He had a great time racing the car. The car wasn't super fast, but he did win for his design and appearance. It was a great night. Way to go, Trent.

Sanding and sanding and sanding.

More sanding.

A little help from dad and the dremel.

A few coats of paint.

Trent's car and the model car. Sweet!

Lining the car up just right.

Christmas Day (Yes, I know it's almost Valentine's Day!)

2008-12-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Santa certainly found the Petersens!

The traditional 'top-of-the-stairs' photo.
This year they didn't all fit sitting on the same step.

ANTICIPATION!!!

Trent loved his digital camera.

Nicole is the new Scrapbook Queen of the house.

Kyle said all he wanted for Christmas was music.

Spencer FINALLY got a cell phone!

This may be the only White Christmas we ever enjoy in Washington. It was beautiful and nostalgic. What a treat!

We had a wonderful Christmas. We enjoyed a relaxed morning of opening gifts and eating Sticky Buns. The rest of the day we played and played with new toys. What a joyful day. Later that night we had the Golden family over for dinner. That topped off a great Christmas!

Christmas FHE Pageant

2008-12-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

Kaighan, Anslee, Trent, Nicole and Bridger

King Herod sent out a decree. (Kyle was a very good sport!)

Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem. Mary rode the donkey.

The Bridger Inn Keeper said 'There is no room for you at the Inn."

Jesus was born and laid in the manger.

The Anslee Angel appeared to the Kaighan Shepherdess and said "Fear Not!"

Mary and Joseph as Jesus grew older. We had to get McKay involved!

The Wise Men brought gifts.

On the Monday before Christmas we invited the Callahan Family over for Family Home Evening. With lots of children in the house, we decided to act out the Christmas Story. Originally I thought it would be a quiet, meaningful lesson, but reality set in and I soon realized that it was to be a funny, but very memorable, Christmas story. It was simply too cute and too fun!!! We laughed and laughed and hope you all understand that in the moment, that is all we could do. I am sure Heavenly Father has a sense of humor and will not hold this against us. We had a great evening with the Callahan Family and hope they will come again. However, with all of these fun and adorable children, I will not guarantee that I can keep my laughter in control.

Snowball Fight!

2008-12-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

What is in the snow?Who is in the snow?
Snow in the face... brrr

The Snow Bunny Incoming! Kyle and Spencer

Lookout Below!

Trent in a snow shower

Shannon and Nicole

Brotherly love? I don't think so. More like sibling rivalry.

Bring it on!

Big T

VanHorn's Snow Dog

Our friends, the VanHorn's called this morning as we were enjoying pancakes on our second Snow Day, and invited us to a snowball fight. Invitation accepted. We all dressed in snow gear, well as much as we had that would fit, and headed to VanHorn's, a short 1/2 mile down the road. I didn't capture a lot of the actual snowball action on camera because I was making and throwing snowballs as fast as I could. Tracy and I found that the snow on top of the hot tub cover was the best for making snowballs (it is very powdery snow and hard to compact.) But the hot tub is up against a wall and we found that snowballs coming too fast and furious. It soon turned into the two of us against everyone else. We were under seige with no end in sight. Todd came and helped us for a bit until the snow on the hot tub was gone. We waved our white flag and moved the fight out into the yard. We had a great time. The VanHorn's taught our kids how to climb the tree and when the enemy was right below, jump on the branches to shake snow on them. A great snowball fighting tactic! Mark just had to egg on the Bishop a time or two, and it as all fun. We had a great time. Thanks to the VanHorns for the snow party.

We're Dreaming of a White Christmas

2008-12-18T13:56:00.000-08:00

Nicole, the red-head snow angelTrent, the tongue-out snow angel
Spencer, the cool-hat snow angel

I told you it was a lot of snow!
And it is still snowing!

It has snowed off and on this whole week. The roads have been icey and the kids had 2 hour late start for school on Monday and Tuesday. Then Wednesday morning we had about 5 inches of snow and an official SNOW DAY! The kids were out of school and they played in the snow for hours while Todd and I took the truck and did some shopping. Last night the weather took another stormy turn and this morning we woke up to about 12 inches of snow. Another SNOW DAY!!! This is record snow for the Petersens in Washington. It feels quite nostalgic and homey. As the kids were getting dressed in their snow gear, everyone took another giant step forward on their right of passage. Spencer had to wear my boots and snow pants, and Kyle is wearing Todd's. Nicole and Trent are wearing whatever fits from previous years of snow play. All of my children aged a whole year or two in a matter of minutes. But or course, I did not get any older at all.

We love our friends, too!

2008-11-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

Kim, CiCi and Rhonda with 14 children. (Only Kyle was missing.)
Lewis, Keetch and Petersen Gang

Nicki and Sarah

Whenever we are in Utah we try and visit as many friends as we can. This trip we were able to make a stop in American Fork and visit our old neighborhood. That is always so fun for everyone! We also visited the Deans. On Monday night we visited with friends that the kids had when they were very young. It was so nice for all the kids to rekindle old friendships. I keep in touch with the moms all the time, but the kids rarely see each other. It was so much fun. The kids didn't want to leave. The played and played and played. They didn't even want to eat dessert. They just wanted to play.

BYU vs UofU or the Blue and Red Rivalry

2008-11-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

Keiko and Aubrey

Nicki and Rachel with Paige holding Aubrey. The girls played downstairs during the football game. I think they found the dress-up stuff.

John and Steph are stoked!

Celebratory Kiss

Christie and Jocelyn

Go Utes!!! or Way To Go Utes!!!!!

There's always next year, Cougars.

We arrived in Centerville in enough time to watch the first half of the game before I had to take Kyle and Todd to the airport. The game started out great, but then the Utes pulled away and won the game decisively. I was bummed but I was in the minority. Most of the family belong to the UofU camp. It was a competitive, fun night. Yummy goodies and lots games played, especially after the game attendees returned home with huge smiles on their faces.

Petersen Party

2008-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

Our traditional stop at the Big Rocking chair in Beaver. I wonder how many pictures I have of kids on this chair?

Todd on vacation.

T-bone

Spencer, Nicole, Melissa, Trent

Sydnie and Nicole, two adorable red heads!!

Corey! How I love his hair.

Kyle and Justin

Danielle and Spencer

Susan and Spencer

Daniel and Uncle Todd

Keith, Evelyn and family

Mark loves Susan.

Susan loves Mark, too.

Mark, Susan and family

Jessica, Kevin and Danielle. Lauren hid from the camera all night. We were sad to miss Kinley.

Giles Gang: Hunter, Justin, Eric, Wyatt and Michelle. Tyanna is all grown up, moved out and living in an apartment. She was working to pay the bills that night.

Brothers. Tall on each end and shorter in the middle.

Mark, Todd, Eric, Kevin, and Keith

Cousin couch!

Marshmellow!!

We left Seattle on the night of the 19th. We drove all night and arrived at my parents in Centerville the next morning. We took naps, then cleaned up and headed for Brandon's wedding. The next morning we met our niece, Melissa, and drove with her to LaVerkin, Ut, to spend some time with the Petersen gang. We all hung out at Mark and Susan's. It was so great to have so many of us together. All of the grandkids hung out, texted, goofed and played. It was fun to see them all interact. My, how we have evolved as a family. Just a few short years ago it was babies, babies, babies. Now it is teenagers, teenagers, teenagers! It was a fun Petersen Party. Since all of the siblings (Tari's children) are brothers, the entire bunch of us have he same last name! We also had Eric and Michelle there. Thanks for joining in the fun! We missed having Tari and Earl with us. We spent the night with Mark and Susan and then headed back to Salt Lake to get Kyle and Todd on an airplane. They had to fly back home so Kyle didn't miss too much school and Todd could work for a couple of days.

Brandon and Lindsay's Wedding

2008-11-20T15:27:00.000-08:00

Maddy, Nicole, Rachel and Paige posing with Elder Matheson Cutout who is on his mission in Seattle. (So close and yet so far!!)

My Sister, Tammy (groom's mother,) my mom, Sharon, me and my sister, Brenda, in front.
The Bride and Groom. I am so bummed that this is the best picture I have of the two of them. They were BEAUTIFUL!!

Groom's sister and my lovley nieces, Amy, Stephanie and Christie. Current missionary posing with future missionaries Seth, Michael, Isaac and Joseph.

Aren't my young nephews sooo handsome?!!

Joseph, Christie and Trent waiting their turn for the real photographer.

Mom and Dad. Another granchild married. That makes 4.

Joseph and Kyle

Bud and Tammy, the groom's parents.

Seth and Trent. Best Buddies!

Father and Groom, Bud and Brandon. No one was better looking than these two!

John (groom's younger brother,) Trent and Spencer trying to stay out of trouble.

Russ and Keiko (my brother and sister-in-law) and Todd. They look great!

Congratulations to Brandon and Lindsay! They were married on November 20, 2008. It was beautiful and memorable. We had so much fun and we are so grateful we could attend the wedding and be a part of the party!

Three in the Temple

2008-11-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

Trent trying to patiently wait.

Today I had three of my children participating in Baptisms for the Dead in the LDS Seattle Temple. It was wonderful to know that they had all chosen to participate. It was quite a balancing act to get them there. We had the van totally packed to leave for Utah. My nephew, Brandon, was going to marry his sweetheart, Lindsay, the very next day. Todd met us at the temple. Todd, Kyle, Spencer and Nicole went in the temple to do baptisms. Trent and I drove Todd's car to the airport so he would have a car when he flew home. Trent and I had an adventurous taxi ride back to the temple and went out for dinner. When the rest of the family was finished at the temple, we hopped in the car and started on a 'drive-all-night' trip. We are very glad that we made the efforts to participate in the temple activity. It was memorable for all of us.

Frozen Chicken

2008-11-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

I was making dinner this week and I used some frozen grilled chicken breast strips. I pulled some frozen chicken out of the bag and put it on a plate so it could thaw. Trent looked at the plate and said "Cool chicken sculpture, mom."

Todd's Birthday Nov 12

2008-11-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

Todd turned 41 on November 12th. We went to Red Robin for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the food and fries. Then we came home and had cake and ice cream. I tried a new recipe for White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting on a Devil's Food cake. (Todd thinks there should be NO other flavor of cake except chocolate.) He got some new jeans, sweaters, frames, matts, and pictures for his Bishop's office. Also a mini electric cooler so that he can have a cold drink or necessary nourishment on long Sundays.

The cooler used to look like this.

Now it looks like this.

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First Anniversary of Monroe Second Ward, Nov 11

2008-11-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

November 11th was the First Anniversay of the organization of the Monroe Second Ward. That means we have made it through one whole year with Todd as the Bishop. It has been a real pleasure, honestly.

Aimee's Baby Party Nov 7

2008-11-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

My friend, Aimee Catlin, is having a baby boy in a few weeks. So a party was in order! It was a progressive dinner of YUMMY Italian food. The pictures are at Meredith's house for the main course. The whole night was true treat. What great firends. Thanks for having a baby, Aimee, so we could have such a nice party. BTW, Brad's cheesecake was the perfect ending to the evening. I want the recipe!

Thankful FHE Nov 3

2008-11-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

We missed out on the red shirt assignment!

We invited the Golden Family over for a Thanksgiving Family Home Evening. It was so nice to have another family to share the night with. And even though our kids are all getting quite grown up, we still colored and glittered turkey's. Then we wrote the things we were thankful for on feathers and we have extra feathers to fill in over the coming weeks. It was a nice night. Thanks to the Golden's for being brave enough to accept the invite.

Halloween

2008-11-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Spencer the Samari Warrior

He went to a friends party (David Basher) and went on a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood.

Trent is Bobba Fett (SP? Help Tyler!)

Nicole the Nifty Fifties Girl.

(Her shoes were my favorite part of the costume.)

Todd and I took Trent and Nicole to the Ward Trunk or Treat. The kids went around the neighborhood when we got home. They can never and should never eat all of the candy that they brought home. Some of it is being shared with the Bishop's Candy Jar at church. Kyle was mister cool all night hanging out with friends. Of course, no costume. Todd and I were CaveMan and CaveWoman. I keep forgetting to turn the camera on the adults.

Pumpkins (Guts and Glory)

2008-11-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Spencer, Nicole and Trent carved pumpkins this year. It makes me feel old to know that my kids can all carve pumpkins without my help. Soon there won't be any carved pumpkins at all unless I do it. That makes me feel little sad. I don't know if you can read the sign. It says "This is what happens when you eat too much candy." This is Nicole's pumpkin. The boys were bugged that she had the idea first, but happy that it was on the porch.
Spencer's Horseman

Trent's Jack-o-Lantern

Spencer again

Trent is loving the guts!

Spencer is oh so cool.

They ARE having fun. Yeah!

Nicole, not so much lovin' the guts, but puts on a happy face.

Falling

2008-11-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Before Church After Church

This is our favorite tree. It is most beautiful in the spring, but we like it in the fall, too. It happens to be in the cemetery.

I was at Trent's Harvest Party at school and noticed this amazing bunch of leaves on the ground and a cool tree for the kids to play in. I took them back a few days later (with the camera, of course.)

Fall Colors and Patient Children

2008-10-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

The fall colors around town have been very vibrant this last week and we have been showered with sunshine instead of rain. I dragged the kids to a few bightly colored trees and tried to take some good pictures. They were very good sports. They actually ended up having some fun.

The Fort is DONE!!

2008-10-28T08:28:00.001-07:00

With shingles on the roof, (we have had some beautiful fall days in Monroe this month!)

Paint on the floor, (See I helped a little.)

Steps to get in,

Rocks laid underneath and the firepit wood stacked neatly,

IT IS DONE!!!

Now we can start another project.

Check out this blog for our friend, LaRee Keenan

2008-10-06T23:11:00.000-07:00

LaRee is a friend of ours that we have know since we moved to Washington. Reading the blog will explain her condition. She is very sick and facing months of rehabilitation. We would really appreciate it if you could keep LaRee and her family in your prayers. http://www.lareekeenan.blogspot.com/

The Fort (Started Sept 20)

2008-10-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

Happiness is helping your dad build a really cool fort!

Trent has been promised a FORT in the backyard for quite some time. So when I was on a girl's weekend in September, Todd started work on the promised play place. The structure was started and has been worked on every spare minute here and there to try and make progress. Todd even took a day off work and got the roof framed and shingles on before it got too dark (and we ran out of shingles.) Now it just needs a railing around the sides and a ladder to climb in. Todd has tons of work conflicts and the rain has started, so completion of the project is unsure. But it is still making one 8 year old boy very happy and is drawing the attention of all the neighborhood kids. I will post a picture when it is all done. Hopefully soon. As you all know, projects like this take longer than you think, and cost more than you plan. But it is worth it!

Spencer is playing football!

2008-10-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

Coach with his arm around Spencer telling him where he will play on the next down. "OK Boys, this is what you are going to do....." (Spencer is not the shortest, but I think he has the skinniest legs. Number 99 on the end.)

Spencer decided that he wanted to play a little football this year. He has never played anything but backyard football before he joined the 8th grade team. He struggled a bit in the beginning trying to catch up with all of the other players who have been playing for years. But in the long run he is enjoying the exercise, training, games and general activity of the football team. I am very proud of him for trying something new and sticking to it. He is especially proud of his tight, strong muscley thighs.

McAnally Barbeque Sept. 13

2008-10-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Sean andBrooklyn Janette and Lorraine (my favorite picture!)
Casey and Skylar
Leighton
Calvin

Nicole and Skylar Uncle Bill
The whole gang cooking.
Trent wearing his hot dog on his face.
The cool boys.

In September we went to a barbeque with some of Todd's family that live kinda close. We met at Bill and Janette's house in Tacoma and drove to Calvin and Lorraine's house in Gig Harbor for dinner. Kari and Dave were there from Bremerton with Leighton and new baby Audrey. Sean and Casey were also in town from Reno. It was so fun to catch up with everyone. Our family really enjoyed the afternoon. We had yummy hot dog and smores cooked over the new firepit. Can't beat that for an awesome Saturday. Thanks for the hosting Calvin and Lorraine. Let's do it again, soon.

BYU Football Game Sept 6

2008-10-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Several Months ago Todd bought tickets to the UW vs BYU Football Game. I am so glad he did. Friday night we went to hear the BYU Football Fireside in Kent. We were impressed. The Football players sang, played piano, and spoke. Then Holly and Bronco Mendenhall spoke. The message was clear. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Allowing the Savior to be at the center of your life will bring you true happiness.

We made the whole weekend a getaway. We stayed at a hotel in Kent, ordered pizza and chinese food, swam and watched movies. The next morning we got up and headed to the stadium. We thought we gave ourselves more than enough time, but the traffic and parking were UGH! 2 1/2 hours later we were all enjoying a little tailgate party, then we headed to our seats. I managed to embarass Nicole with my cheering for the team, but by the 2nd quarter she was finally into it. We had a great time! And what a game. THEY WON!!!! Yeah. The setting was gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and we all had a great time!

First Day of School for 3 Petersens

2008-09-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Trent is now in 3rd grade with Mrs. Goodrich. When he came home Wednesday, he ran in the door and yelled "That was the best day of school in my whole life!" I think he liked it. He is most excited to learn cursive writing and work on math. Of course, recess still plays an important part of his day and he is thrilled to be in class with his good friend, Sam Reppert.
Nicole started 7th grade on Thursday. She doesn't have a lot of classes with her best friends, but she will quickly make more friends. She is increasing her love of reading and is very social. Earlier in the week our friend had a 'Rise and Shine Breakfast'. While she was there in her pajamas, she met one of her new teachers. They hit it off. She is not excited about all the 8th graders in her gym class, but everything else is looking great!
Spencer went to school on Wednesday as an 8th grade ASB Volunteer for the new 6th grade kids (who get the school all to themselves on their first day of Middle School.) He helped pass out schedules and present an assemble. He had a great time. Then he started his own classes on Thursday. He is excited about continuing the drums in band, Algebra, and trying to play a little football.

Kyle is having a few extra days of relaxation. He is starting a program that is for High School Students at Everett Community College. He had 2 summer classes in preparation for his program. It is called ORCA. It is a science and math based hands on program that involves math, history, writing... all of the basics. Plus a bunch of research, excursions, and days in a boat on Puget Sound. He is excited about it, but I don't get the 'First Day of School' picture until Sept. 22.

Sea Kayak Trip

2008-08-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

Kyle and Todd went on a High Adventure Sea Kayak trip this past July with their Priest Quorum. Despite some of the boys getting sick on the last day, they had a great time. They drove north to Anacortes and then ferried to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. They visited Mount Constitution and then paddled their way to Sitca Island that you see in the distance in the first picture. When they got home they were tired and smelly. But they seemed to be content. Todd would love to buy a kayak and do more of this. They really enjoyed themselves. We are grateful that everyone was safe. There were great leaders with the group of young men that helped make it a success. We appreciate them and their families for the time they spent with the boys.

Girls Camp 2008

2008-08-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

Nicole was old enough this year to attend girls camp. She was more excited than you can possibly imagine. I was fortunate enough to attend camp with her as a unit leader. It was a great week. The Stake theme was D.I.R.T. (Daughters in Righteous Training.) Our unit was the Lady Bugs (Lovable And Darling Youth Building Up Great Spirits.) The week was full of songs and cheers, speakers, skits, food, water slide, crafts, rock climbing, archery, cleaning the biffies, walking, testimonies, more fun and a little bit of sleep. During the week, another leader came to me and said "I think Nicole was born to be at girls camp." That made me laugh and realize how much fun she was having even though it was her first year. She had a blast! She even got up at 6:00 am to do the Polar Dip in the cold river. She did not miss a thing.

I was especially grateful to all of the boys who stayed behind and survived while I was gone. They kept the house clean and their stomachs full. It was a successful week or everyone!

2008-08-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

I guess it is about time that I start a Blog!