Christmastime

Wow, where did the time go? And why do I have so few pictures of all the stuff we did this month? Oh well, we did a bunch of fun stuff and I can't really remember it all right now because I basically have no short-term memory when I'm pregnant. Really wish I'd taken more pictures for that reason! Oh thing we did do was go see the lights at temple square. We haven't been in years and I just don't think it's the same without the malls right across the street. We used to always go see the lights and then go inside the mall to warm up and get a treat. Now there are not many places to go inside and get warm and no where to get a treat. But it was still lots of fun! Very quick visit though since the kids were freezing. Apparently I didn't bundle them up enough.

Josh and I went to the Kurt Bestor Christmas concert for our anniversary. It was so good! We also went several parties and the kids met with a couple of Santas. I think that confused Sydney a bit. She must have noticed they didn't look or sound quite the same. She asked me if they were the real Santa Claus's. So I told her no they're not really Santa, but they are happy, jolly and gave you a present just to be nice so that's really what Santa is all about anyways. We think she might become a non-believer pretty early. That would be fine with us. We're not really big on the Santa thing and try not to focus on it much anyways.
So Christmas Eve finally rolled around. Do everyone else's kids go a little crazy the few days before Christmas? Ours sure do! The anticipation of Christmas was making for some emotional children. I didn't really think about it being caused by Christmas until it was over and everyone has been much happier ever since.

The kids and I got new jammies for Christmas.

It's hard to pick a favorite gift but we did recently have a lot of fun with the fire pit that Josh's brother and sis-in-law gave us. I've been wanting one for years because I always like going up in the mountains and roasting stuff over a fire. Now we can just do it in our backyard!

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas too! We had so much to be grateful for this year. We can only hope that 2010 will be just as good!

Photo shoot

Here's what I did today! I took these pictures, edited them, printed them and got them in frames. Yes, I am feeling very accomplished. It's about time I updated some of the baby pictures around the house. I'm no professional so please don't look too closely. They are good enough to be framed in my opinion. And since my kids cry pretty much every time we go to a photo studio, throwing a sheet over the back of the couch works much better for us!

Natalie's a sheep

This is a how Tanner talks now. "Na-any's a sheep" means Natalie's asleep. It's one of Tanner's favorite phrases since he's usually the first one up every morning. Tanner also likes to call things "two one", we haven't figured out what it means. He'll say this things like "Daddy's a two one", "It's a two one", and whine about "two one." He talks about "two one" when he's happy, sad, annoyed. Who knows! He still jabbers on in his own special language and will tell me whole stories that way, but he's also starting to throw in a few more English words. So we're happy about that!

Our staycation

Shame on me, I've been a bad blogger lately! It could have something to do with my laptop dying and going through the process of adjusting to my new laptop. Thanks Josh! Glad you understand how important a computer is to me. Anyways, no photoshop on this computer yet so the pictures are not edited. About a month ago we decided to do a little "staycation" (a vacation where we stay home for those not familiar with the term). We did go down to St. George for the first few days so we were away from home for a bit enjoying the nice warm weather.

Here are the kids doing some exploring in Snow Canyon.

Playing in the sand dunes.

The kids are getting to a good stage where we can actually take them to a restaurant without completely embarrassing ourselves. So nice! When we got home we made a list of some things we've wanted to do or see but never get around to it. We decided to get a 6-month membership to the Discovery Gateway museum. The kids love it there and I'm excited to take them this winter when we get a little stir-crazy.

My favorite thing about the museum is that they have all these toys to play with and yet my house stays nice and clean.

The next day we went downtown to the church history museum. Sydney actually has requested to go back to this one more than the discovery gateway. She really loved the "I am a Child of God" exhibit. There were a lot of fun things for kids to do and there was a station that looked like a hospital nursery with lots of little baby dolls and you could hold them, rock them, pretend to feed them, etc. I was happy Natalie really enjoyed the babies too. I hope she likes having a real baby around in May! I'm a little concerned she might get a bit jealous. We'll see.

We walked around temple square and went in one of the visitors centers and also had lunch on the grounds. It was a very pretty day.

On our final day we just went to the zoo to see all the baby animals we've been hearing so much about. My pictures from that are still on my little camera. It was our first visit to the zoo with no stroller. The kids did pretty well! I'm just loving the fact that they can all walk, talk (sort of), and feed themselves. I guess it's time to start potty training soon. Ugh. Anyways, it was a very fun and low-stress vacation that I would definitely recommend.

Halloween

Last week was so fun! I love Halloween. I got to help in Sydney's kindergarten class with the Halloween party which was fun.

Then we had a party with our neighborhood playgroup. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures there. Tanner was a lucky boy this year and got to use 3 costumes this Halloween. I wasn't done with his Peter Pan costume, so he was Super Tanner and wore one of his super hero capes.
We usually go to my parents' ward for their Halloween carnival. Josh took the kids this year since it was on the same night as our Young Women's mystery dinner, which was also very fun. So I wasn't there for the carnival but it looks like the had a good time and my Dad took lots of great pictures.

Here is our Peter Pan, mermaid, and Tinkerbell. I finally got Tanner's costume done and it turned out really cute I think! It seems that Peter Pan and Robin Hood get mixed up a lot. Just to clarify, Peter Pan has jaggedy edges on his clothes while Robin Hood's shirt has straight edges. Peter Pan has a green hat with a feather, Robin Hood's is yellow. And Peter Pan uses a dagger while Robin Hood has bows and arrows. I saw so many costumes online with Peter Pan using bows and arrows! Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Sydney thought the eating a donut off a string thing was pretty cool and told me all about it when she got home.

We tried to think of a fun place to go during the day on Halloween. There were quite a few places doing fun stuff for kids. We have passes at the aquarium so we decided to go there.

This is us at the entrance to the "haunted rain forest."

They decorated for Halloween by putting skulls and detached hands and feet inside the aquarium tanks.

Halloween night my parents were so nice to come and pass out candy for us to Josh and I could both go trick-or-treating. I love trick-or-treating in our neighborhood that has so many kids. It makes it so much fun to have lots of people out walking around.

Sydney is a seasoned trick-or-treater and was right with her friends running from house to house. Tanner and Natalie caught on that running was the thing to do but it took them a few times to understand that they were collecting candy. Tanner would go up with the group of kids and stand there with them and as soon as some of them started to leave he would turn around and follow them without getting any candy. They figured it out eventually.

And here is Tanner's 3rd Halloween costume. I found it for cheap the week before Halloween and thought it would be a fun addition to all our dress-up clothes. We decided to have him wear it on Halloween since it was a little warmer than Peter Pan. Also, he has a rather large head and I'm pretty sure that hat is not going to fit him next year. Isn't he a handsome little pirate?

Pumpkins and Witches Hats

Our little pumpkins might just be my favorite thing we grow in the garden. We got 76 this year and they are making my house look so cute for this autumn season. We also have fun giving them away to anyone who comes over.
This year we also visited a pick-your-pumpkin patch. We intend to carve them sometime this week and watch and kids get grossed out with having to pull out all the pumpkin innards. Hee hee. Actually Josh might be doing a lot of that job. I can't imagine that smell is not going to make nauseous right now.

Natalie has to take her stuffed puppy everywhere. It's like my 4th kid. Whenever we got anywhere it's apparently my responsibility to remember to bring puppy and his blankie.

This afternoon I did a guilt-induced craft/treat with the kids. I don't feel like I spend much quality time with the kids lately doing things just for fun. By the time I get done everything I need to get done I just don't have a lot of energy for extra things. There are other moms that do seem to have the energy, so I just want to pretend they don't exist right now. Anyways, I found this cute idea on one of my favorite blogs, for making these witch's hats. Go here if you want to check out the recipe. This is not a low-fat snack, but they are yummy!

Here are Sydney and Natalie doing some frosting. Tanner didn't join us because he took a late nap instead. It's not really his thing anyways. We let him eat one when he got up. Eating treats is Tanner's thing.

Natalie made a short attempt at frosting a cookie. Then she tasted the melted chocolate and said "Hey! It's yummy mama!" like she was surprised. After that hardly any of her frosting made it onto the cookie.

Resolutions

Lately I've started my yearly ritual of preparing for New Year's resolutions in October. Yes. I know New Years is two months away. I like to practice before I get there so my goals are more habits that I've set. Okay...my calendar is wrong and I'm off my rocker.

That being said, I listened to a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland that points out these three points about doing what is right and doing it now:

1. See the value.
2. Set it as a priority.
3. Scheduling won't be required because the need will dictate.

I thought this was so profound. I'm a list making guy. I made a list of the seven things I'm working on being consistent with daily and monthly. I created a spreadsheet to track how I've been doing. Just seeing the list helps me remember to do them. Seeing my consistency gives me more desire to make sure they're not just tasks, but see their value more and more. I've found that when these items have value, everything else falls into place.

Here's my list:
1. Morning Prayer.
2. Physical Exercise.
3. Personal Scripture Study.
4. Family Scripture Study.
5. Evening Prayer.
6. Monthly Temple Attendance.
7. Monthly Home Teaching.

What's your list?

Hero Week Day 7: Lisa

As Hero Week comes to the end for 2009, it gets harder to choose who will make it this year and those who will have to wait for next year. So many people have made a big influence in my life. I'm grateful for an outlet to publicly thank others and remind them how incredible they are. There have been several this week that have touched my life so frequently and with such power that it's hard to single out specific individuals. However, this week must end with a redo of a past hero.

As several of the choices in my life have led me to be unsure of myself, one of the few constants in my life is Lisa. Not only has she brought me from a time where I was even more unsure of myself, she has quietly yet forcefully made all the difference. Lately I've noticed several attributes of Lisa and wanted to point them out as my way of saying thank you. Hopefully this doesn't come across as Celine Dion-ish. :)

You have to know the answer to give it

I used to love the phrase "fake it 'til you make it". It made me feel more confident that I could work my way through life trying to be the best I could until that was who I was. What I've learned since, is that in trying to fake so much, you need to take a break to see how your heroes accomplish the task, then emulate it. Pretending to be something your not intending to become it doesn't work. Working hard to emulate others in the correct things they do allows for frequent course correction to actually "make it".

This is Lisa. As most of you know, she's pregnant. She's still in her first trimester and extremely tired. She takes care of three children, runs the house, laundry, food. She's in the Young Women's presidency. She has lofty goals for painting the off-white ceilings and trim. She takes care of the garden and constant is talking about improvements to the yard. She wants the kids to enjoying gymnastics or some other sport. Teaching Sydney to play the piano. A husband that tries hard but fails a lot. And throughout all this, she is the most happy person I know.

Lisa is so much the better half, it brings such joy to my life. She has all the answers and in her humble, patient way, frequently helps me in learning how to become more.

Consistency

Lisa doesn't know how to stop. She's a freight train with things to get done and she's moving fast. One of my two main goals this year has been consistency. Lisa has tried to help by making every effort to support me in all that I do. She dislikes those who nag and doesn't do it. She does, in kind ways, remind me of things I want to accomplish. She has blessed me with an understanding I'm still learning to adapt to: do your best, make small changes, and be happy with who you are.

I am incredible at starting new goals, ways to improve, but dropping the ball on past items. Lisa is the model for consistency (and looks like a model too). I'm so grateful for someone who will share her secrets to success.

Loving

If there were anything I was concerned about losing when moving from my parents' house and getting married, it was my mom's frequently shown love for me, and my dad's hard work ethic. I know you marry someone just like your mom or your dad, but I did better: I got both in one. Lisa shows her love slightly differently, but with all the same intensity my mom did. The children all know their mom loves her because she spends a lot of quality time. She thinks about them all the time. She blesses their lives in more ways than they can see. This applies to her love for me as well.

Bean - you're amazing. I'm so grateful for all you are. You are my hero. Thanks for being patient with me and keep pushing me to meet my goals. Love you!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 6: Natalie

As much as I love the twins, I didn't want to call them out as heroes so quickly. I love them a lot and they are incredible kids, but I want my gratitude to go to those who have taught me the most, or made a big impact in my life. That being said, now I know why they're my heroes.

I think there are several sides to me. One is intended to be humble, considerate and kind. I see several of those people on my Hero Week list. One is passionate, driven, who gets things done out of duty and honor. There are definitely those on the list. The third side is the need to be funny, silly, and spontaneous (Lisa's word for this part of me would be "weird" or "immature", in a kind way). It's this side I see how Natalie affects me so.

Natalie is a spunky little thing. Always wants the spotlight. Always knows how to get what she wants using many different weapons in her arsenal. I thought we had a bit in common just because (for another 7 months) we're both the youngest in our family. When Grandma Moore is around, it's looking like a tender lamb, who is ignored and malnourished. Grandma will then pick her up, and hold her for hours on end. When we're at the dinner table, it's playing with her food or making funny faces to make us laugh as well as keep attention on her. When we're watching a movie or just hanging out, she laughs at all the opportune times, despite not being old enough to get the joke (just that everyone else is laughing).

The thing she really does well at is being a great friend. Sure, she and Tanner have had their "it's mine" fests, where I swear they're two seagulls from Finding Nemo. Sure, Mrs. Grumpy Gills comes out on occasion. But when it's just the two of us, she makes the best friend. Lisa and Tanner went to the grocery store tonight, so Syd, Nano, and I played for awhile. When they got bored of playing cars, Sydney started pretending she couldn't see Natalie. Natalie got this big grin on her face, pushed Sydney a little, and Sydney flailed onto the love sac. This repeated over and over as they both came up with new ideas on how to make it even more funny.

Natalie has this way with everyone. She adapts to different people to see what they find funny, what makes them happy, and just makes it happen. It's fun to see how she makes Lisa happy versus Tanner. She knows my buttons to push (both good and bad). I love when she doesn't need to be reminded to say "please" and "thank you". She pauses after saying these kind words, looking at me for the express purpose to say "I did this to please you".

Sometimes I get so focused on trying to do what's right, I lose the friendship qualities. Doing what is right is important. Not losing your friends in the process, not judging, and not coming off like Mr. perfect (while we all know it's just the opposite) etc. is equally as important. I really love Nano because she knows what she wants, she's really good at it, and it frequently includes helping others. Her best friend is Puppy. Her little stuffed animal takes baths when she does, takes naps, washes hands when dirty, etc. She cries when he goes in the wash.

Natalie is my hero because she loves me and finds ways to make me happy, as great friends do. I love you sweetie!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 5: Rich Moore

Rich has always been a part of my life. I never would have grown to love computers or software development if it hadn't been for Rich. Classic games of ping pong and Warcraft II (IPX/SPX baby) bring back a lot of memories. He gave me my first computer. It was because they knew his work ethic that I got my first software job. But the thing I've always appreciated most was how much time Rich and I have spent. Of all my siblings, I'm sure we've spent the most time almost surpassing the rest. The thing I've learned the most from Rich is that despite pain and other heartache, you come through the kindness and caring beyond belief.

Anytime I'm struggling or needing someone to just listen, Rich has been there. Frequently he'll instant message me just to see how things are going. From Halo parties to just hanging out, Rich has always looked out for me. It's fun to see a good friend become a dad. Rich loves his kids beyond anything else.

Just this past week, we got together for lunch. Not only is his focus on what's new with me, he had personal experience that could help me with situations at work. We're quite similar in what we like, but he's far surpassed me on humility, kindness, and a guy that just wants what's best for his family.

Here's to hoping this friendshop just gets even better over time. Thanks for your example Rich!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 4: Harvey and Mary Brown

For years growing up I had an extra set of grandparents next door. Harvey and Mary Brown were the best things growing up. I could spend all day over at their house. Playing games, eating sugar cereals not found at my house, etc. Later in life going over with Rich to play Rook. The losers put the scorecard on their fridge to give them added reason to play again soon. I miss so much having two people so easy to talk to. I frequently tell Lisa when we die, I can't wait to introduce her to them.

As a common theme this week, I didn't realize how much they gave until later in life. I never thought that they had other plans, places to be, etc. It was all about me. I love how they were always finding new ways to make me happy, like it was their only goal in life. It's like the grandparents that tell all their grandchildren (individually, of course) that they are the favorite.

I wish I had the chance to tell them how much they meant to me before they passed away. Some of my most vivid memories were at their place when I was young. The Easter egg hunts, playing cards, helping wash dishes and thinking it was fun because it was at their house, learning to ride without training wheels.

Giving with the only expectation of joy and friendship. I miss you so much.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 3: Rob & Liz

Day 3 is all about Rob and Liz (my brother and sister in law).

When they were married, Liz's dad gave Rob a dollar. He said Rob would need it as Liz is extremely generous. Rob and Liz are frequently doing great acts of kindness that go unnoticed except those they're blessing. I remember multiple times growing up I was invited to play basketball with Rob and his friends when I'm sure it wouldn't have been any of his friends' first choice. You never know what great examples you have around you because they're just humble and consistent. The thing that amazes me most about Rob and Liz is simple: doing what's right looks easy. I've never heard Rob or Liz complain. It just doesn't fit who they are. They always look like they have something to laugh about or just a smile implying they have it great, even on occasions when they don't.

I remember when Rob was knocked out cold playing soccer. After coming to (in the hospital) he motioned for a pencil and paper, as he couldn't speak. He wanted to know what happened, and make sure everyone knew he'd be just fine.

Rob always seemed to know what I'd do (wrong) before I did it. I remember his advice I didn't take before I left on my mission. I remember playing basketball with some guys that were getting out of control. He took me aside and said I should go home. I told him I could take care of myself. It got out of control. If I did all this for someone else (with great care) and they treated me like that, it'd take a long time for me to get over, if I ever did. Rob still calls to check in, see how things are going.

Hero week is about people that have the attributes I crave. I'm so grateful for great people and that I'm blessed to have them in my life.

Love you Rob and Liz!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 2: Tanner

It all started with the smile. Tanner is the cutest, sweetest, gentlest little boy I'll ever meet. Sure he has his days, but here's why Tanner takes the cake (oh he'd eat it if it were literal...):

Caring:

Tanner brings such happiness to our family. Yesterday I was stopping to think what about him makes him so special. Frequently with daredevil sisters, his most common phrase is "ssss ok?", wanting to make sure whoever is hurt is ok. Despite the need of the twins to say "mine" lately, he is often found looking for puppy (Natalie's lovey) so he can give a peace offering to his sister. Anytime we go to the park, etc. he's always coming over every fifteen minutes or so to give me a hug, then runs back to play.

Quick to forgive:

Tanner always shows me how important it is to forgive and forget. No matter what wrong has been done (stolen toy, pushed over, etc.) as soon as the wrong is righted, he's back to happy ol' Tanner. I don't know how he does it.

Unforgettable laugh:
Tanner has this laugh that you just want to tickle him to death to hear, because you can't stop smiling or laughing yourself. Yesterday we were playing steamrollers and he get so excited to spend one on one time that he just bursts with energy and laughter. I wonder if he realizes how infectious his mood is. A few minutes with Tanner can right any wrong. Any time I ask who loves Mama, he's first to thrust his hand in the air and yell "meeeeeeeeeee!"

Instead of getting older, I hope someday to be younger so I can act like Tanner. Caring, easy going, loving, and fun.

Love you buddy! Thanks for your example.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 1: Paul Evans

It's that time of year again. A great time to say thanks to the heroes in my life. I'd hate to have one entry to say thank you and never say thanks publicly again. Here is a look back at the past two years:

2008 Heroes:
Chris Okelberry, Thomas S. Monson, Eric and Andrea Ruben, Joseph Smith, Sydney Moore, Colin Lewis and Nick Galieti, Jeffrey R. Holland

2007 Heroes:
Frank and Jenny Moore, Paul and Mo Ruben, Henry B. Eyring, Justin McMurray,
Dan Aird, Jeff Eschler, Peter Tew, Wayne and Eileen Moore, Lisa Moore


As Hero Week came rolling around, this hero came readily to mind: Paul Evans. For those of you who don't live in the Park Pointe Ward, Paul is in the Elders quorum presidency. He frequently teaches, shares his experience, and makes comments that make me reach for pen and paper.

It makes me wonder how we are so blessed to have such good examples around. Paul is a humble man who allows you to see his strengths as well as his weaknesses, if he feels it will help. His lessons are quite frank yet he's careful not to offend. We had a lesson about anger management. He told a story of when we has angry with his swamp cooler (haven't we all been?). He said he was letting some frustration out, but couldn't hear his son saying "don't be scary, daddy". Who can take offense when he's explain how he had to learn the lesson just that very week?

I have really been focusing a lot on putting your energy in the right place and giving it your all. Passion drives Paul Evans. This is why he's my hero this week. Keep it up, buddy.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

General Conference and Hero Week approaching

As General Conference approaches, my Outlook reminder dings "Reminder: Hero Week approaches". For those of you who weren't reading the blog last year, this will be year three where, each year (the week following October General Conference), I post seven blog entries about those who have made a lasting change in my life over the past year.

I love October. General Conference always makes me remember what's important in life and a renewal of energy to try a little harder and put give a little more. It's helpful to have so much spiritual guidance in one weekend to help me realize who is most important to me, how far I've come, and say thanks to those who have helped so much this year.

Stay tuned...

Twins

I've found myself making a few comments lately that might suggest that I wish I had had my children one at a time instead of getting my set of twins. In anticipation of our next baby I keep saying things like "it better just be one in there" and stuff like that. So just to set the record straight I am SO happy we were blessed with our twins, Tanner and Natalie. Yes, two babies are more challenging than one baby and the same goes for two 2-year-olds and so on. But it's so worth it and I wouldn't have it any other way even if I could. I like to remind myself that there are people out there with sets of 3, 4, 5, or 6 kids, which would be WAY harder. I'm writing this now while my kids are playing all cute together. Later on today they will probably fight over toys, throw their lunch all over the floor, and refuse to take their naps. And then, I might be feeling a little less grateful for them. The majority of the time they are just plain good kids though. For the most part, they have learned how to share and take turns because they had to do that from day one. They make up funny games to play together. As soon as one gets hurt the other one is usually right there checking to see if they're okay. Sometimes Tanner will jabber on in his own little made-up language and Natalie will listen and nod in agreement like she totally understands him. And whenever Josh asks "who loves mama?" I always get a chorus of "ME!" with hands in the air. So I'm going to try to do better about complaining less and remembering that I would way rather have these kids, with all the messes, and timeouts, and crying that comes with them, than not have them at all.

Kindergarten

Yay for Kindergarten! Sydney had her first day a few weeks ago. She has really enjoyed it so far. She was excited all summer and all of the sudden had this emotional meltdown the night before school was going to start. I kept asking her if she was nervous about school but she insisted that she was NOT nervous about school, she was just mad because her ice cream melted onto her hand. Right. When I took her to school the next day she was also nervous and didn't want me to leave, but then later she just said she was annoyed because of "all those parents standing around taking pictures of us." She's all adjusted now! It didn't take long.
At this same time she was invited to start a Jr. Tops class in gymnastics. It involved taking her twice a week for an hour and a half. I was a little worried that 3 hours of gymnastics every week was a bit much for a 5-year-old but we did it anyways. It seemed she wasn't going to get better in her regular class. There were too many girls and some of them were as old as 9 or 10 so the class had too big of range to work well. Her new class had girls all her age and size and was great, but apparently it was stressing her out. She stopped trying to get better and kept telling the teacher "I can't do it" when they did cartwheels. I started having to convince her to go every time so we finally decided it was time to take a break. Maybe in a couple years she'll want to get back into it. It was probably just too much with kindergarten and 3 times as much gymnastics all at once. I think it's been a relief for all of us actually.

Alaska

Over a month ago all the boys of my extended family from the Muir side went to Alaska for a guys retreat. I obviously was not on this trip but Josh isn't getting around to blogging about it so I'm going to post some of their cool pictures. I wish I had a good group picture of all the boys. There were quite a lot of them but they all split up a lot so there is no shot of the big group. Thanks Jer for funding this trip! Josh had a blast!

Here is some of my family getting ready to board one of Jeremy's planes. Pretty awesome way to travel! Apparently Josh even got to sit in the cockpit for part of the flight.

Here is Nick, Eric, and Josh ready to a little fly fishing.

It's a keeper! Well actually, no. All they did was catch and release in the river. Poor fishies. They were saving their keepers for the deep sea fishing day.

If you look closely in this picture you can see how this river is filled with fish. The guys said they could walk out in the river and be kicking them out of the way.

Here are the real keepers! They didn't catch as much as they were hoping out in the deep sea but it was still a good haul. We have quite a bit of halibut and it turns out I really like halibut!

Isn't this picture awesome? They nicknamed this old house "the shrieking shack." On top of it are two bald eagles just hanging out.

Ketchikan, Alaska looks so beautiful! Even though we usually opt for sunny beaches on our vacations, I would love to go visit there myself someday.

Backyard camp-out

It's been some time since we've been camping. Tanner and Natalie haven't yet had the pleasure of the experience. All summer we meant to do a practice run in the backyard so we could see if the kids could handle real camping. We meant to do this before our neighborhood camp-out but never did. We figured it was better late than never, so on the same night our neighbors went and camped in nature we made an attempt in the backyard.

Let it be known I do know how to rough-it and sleep on the ground, under the stars and all that. I have done it without complaint in the past. But I'll choose comfort if I have the choice. Our 8-person tent sleeps the five us quite comfortably and allows a mattress for each of us. So we had the girls wing...

The boys wing...

And the master suite, which Natalie kept confusing as her wing...

Since we had no chocolate, marshmallows or campfire with which to roast them, I made up another special treat.

Don't they look delicious? They were. Way better than smores!
It turned it was a good idea for us to have a practice run. Tanner was kicked out of the tent at around 10 pm for being such a loud, noisy boy and refusing to stay in his wing of the tent. I went to sleep inside the house with him. And by 3 am Josh brought the girls back in the house too. I think they got cold. Oh well! We'll try again next summer.