Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Huckleberry Shakes
While we were all back in school this week, Mark was very busy managing his BIG CHEMICAL PROJECT in the Big Horns. We missed him terribly and were happy to have him back. We were especially happy to learn that he had picked some Huckleberries while he was over there. We were treated to a couple of nights with Huckleberry Shakes for dessert. Fresh Huckleberries...... mixed with ice cream.......soooooo delicious!!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Back To School
This week it was back to school. This has been one of the hottest weeks we have had this summer...muggy really....and yet we had to say farewell to summer and hit the books!! There are so many things we didn't get a chance to do this summer that we intended to so it makes it that much more difficult to see it come to an end. Oh well, now it is on to my favorite season of the year....FALL. Let's hope it lasts for a bit this year:)
Bailee moved over to the 7th grade hall this year and was excited to get her computer back. She was placed in both Advanced Math and Advanced Language Arts. We are so proud of her and how well she does in school. Although I think it makes her a little nervous that it will be too difficult, we have complete confidence in her and her abilities.....bring on the challenge!!
Karsyn was anxious to get things rolling in 4th grade and she thinks it is pretty great already. They are changing things up a bit this year and will group 4th and 5th graders together for both Math and Reading time. The goal is to place kids with others working at their level and to allow the kids who need more of a challenge to move ahead/back if necessary. It will be interesting to see how it all works out!!
Emmrey won't start Preschool until after Labor Day, but she did have her first morning at "Small Wonders" (it's like saying a bad word-ha). Actually we visited quite a few centers before deciding and I think this one will be great!! When you have never had to use daycare, it is quite a difficult adjustment and it has given me a new perspective on those parents who don't have any other choice but to put their little ones in the care of someone else. I could never do it if Emmrey was not going on 5:( She will go there part time and preschool part time while I student teach. Right now she will just be there when I have to do prep hours. I won't officially be a Student Teacher until the 19th.
We traditionally have our Back to School dinner before school starts or on the first day. But this year it was just too much with all of us getting ready for our various destinations and Mark was gone ALL week, so Mama was stressed out!! We had our dinner when Mark got back in town over the weekend.
Here's to a great school year for EVERYONE!!!!
Bailee moved over to the 7th grade hall this year and was excited to get her computer back. She was placed in both Advanced Math and Advanced Language Arts. We are so proud of her and how well she does in school. Although I think it makes her a little nervous that it will be too difficult, we have complete confidence in her and her abilities.....bring on the challenge!!
Karsyn was anxious to get things rolling in 4th grade and she thinks it is pretty great already. They are changing things up a bit this year and will group 4th and 5th graders together for both Math and Reading time. The goal is to place kids with others working at their level and to allow the kids who need more of a challenge to move ahead/back if necessary. It will be interesting to see how it all works out!!
Emmrey won't start Preschool until after Labor Day, but she did have her first morning at "Small Wonders" (it's like saying a bad word-ha). Actually we visited quite a few centers before deciding and I think this one will be great!! When you have never had to use daycare, it is quite a difficult adjustment and it has given me a new perspective on those parents who don't have any other choice but to put their little ones in the care of someone else. I could never do it if Emmrey was not going on 5:( She will go there part time and preschool part time while I student teach. Right now she will just be there when I have to do prep hours. I won't officially be a Student Teacher until the 19th.
We traditionally have our Back to School dinner before school starts or on the first day. But this year it was just too much with all of us getting ready for our various destinations and Mark was gone ALL week, so Mama was stressed out!! We had our dinner when Mark got back in town over the weekend.
Here's to a great school year for EVERYONE!!!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Bear Lake
We just got back from the most glorious few days at Bear Lake with my family. We rented a Beach House that we could all stay in and it had everything you could hope for and more!! Bear Lake is always nostalgic for me as we spent time there as kids nearly every summer. It has changed in many ways over the years, but some things will always be the same. It is one of my favorite places for sure!!!
My brother in laws hauled up all their water toys for our enjoyment and we certainly did not let them go to waste.... We played in the water as much as possible.
We boated.......and attempted to Wake Board for the first time (much different than skiing:)
and played on the tube.....A LOT!!! Emmrey became quite a brave lil' passenger and was always up for another ride she was also upset when her turn was over:)
We spent as much time as possible on the lovely deck...
We prepared meals and ate scrumptious food......
and we spent a lot of time just hanging out with those we LOVE!!
We soaked in the Hot Tub and made Hazen his own version so he didn't feel left out:)
We made an attempt to visit Minnetonka Cave with part of our crew, but failed miserably~ CRAZY BUSY:( Instead we took a little jaunt through the jungle to see Blue Pond Springs........
To make up for the disappointment, we headed for LeBeau's for a Raspberry Shake (which by the way did NOT disappoint....yummy!!
Our last night together we had the chance to show off all of our talent:) It was better than I had anticipated and I was so very entertained that I didn't get pictures of all of the acts. I tried to get all my girls, but some of the pictures were just too poor a quality to even share. Bailee played a piano number by herself and also one with Landri. Emmrey put on a puppet show with hand puppets she had made herself (our little arts & crafts gal), and my adorable little Karsy "juggled" for us....I was such a proud mama!!! We also had some dance numbers, gymnastics, magic tricks, a comedian and a couple of skits. Bailee had the cousins do a skit that poked fun at Grampa Wayne;) I hope he knew it was with LOVE. My sisters and I did the Chicken Dance as the show opener....complete with music, costumes and plenty of moves!! Kris had put a lot of work into making this happen and it was pretty hilarious if I do say so myself:) I wanted to add some video of these acts, but it is taking so darn long to load I can't take it anymore:(
We also celebrated birthday's for me and Chris. It has been a while since I have had ALL my family around me for my birthday so that made it extra special:)
When we first arrived at Bear Lake, we had been warned about this black critter who had been spotted around the Beach House. The owner was not sure exactly what the animal was, but he had told Kris that if we spotted it to let him know right away:) Well....throughout the trip a few "reliable" sources had seen it and Grampa and Gramma even saw it cross the road by their car one evening. Needless to say, the kids were all a buzz over it. On our last evening before dinner, Grampa called all the kids out on the lawn because something was moving in the trees nearby....and yes, it was black!!! So we all assembled on the lawn and watched with anticipation and fear. As the movement continued WARNINGS were called out from loving parents to "stay back" or "don't get too close". I have to admit I was getting a little freaked out myself. The movement behind the brush became bigger and more exaggerated until out came this HUGE..........BLACK.........GORILLA!!! The unsuspecting kids all went screaming and running toward the house. Apparently a good number of the adults had been let in on the little joke, but I was not one of them. I went a racing for the deck right along with them. I am ashamed to say that I may have even pushed past my own little ones to save myself...ha ha:)
Mom and Dad had bought us all a T-shirt with our number on the back. Not just any old number, but the number in which we came into the Fortie Family. I was #7, Mark #20, Bailee #23, Karsyn #26 and Emmrey #30. It was so much fun to put everyone in numerical order even though not one of us is "just a number" in this family. I loved the idea so much we had to get a picture of the gang from the front as well as the back (some numbers are not in view but we did our best). There was a total of 33 family members so far....all but 6 were with us (we missed you Leslie, Sean, Courtney, Killian, Breckon and Lance:) Such a fun idea Mom and Dad...so glad you thought of it!!!!
We packed so much fun into our 3 days. This family trip was just my style and I loved that we all stayed together and could just hang out and relax.....can't wait for next year!!! When it was time to head home we were all sad to leave...
We had the best time....but man were we worn out~whew!!!
It was a fabulous way to end summer but boy was it hard to get back into the swing of things and be ready for school to start up again!!
My brother in laws hauled up all their water toys for our enjoyment and we certainly did not let them go to waste.... We played in the water as much as possible.
We boated.......and attempted to Wake Board for the first time (much different than skiing:)
and played on the tube.....A LOT!!! Emmrey became quite a brave lil' passenger and was always up for another ride she was also upset when her turn was over:)
We spent as much time as possible on the lovely deck...
We prepared meals and ate scrumptious food......
and we spent a lot of time just hanging out with those we LOVE!!
We soaked in the Hot Tub and made Hazen his own version so he didn't feel left out:)
We made an attempt to visit Minnetonka Cave with part of our crew, but failed miserably~ CRAZY BUSY:( Instead we took a little jaunt through the jungle to see Blue Pond Springs........
To make up for the disappointment, we headed for LeBeau's for a Raspberry Shake (which by the way did NOT disappoint....yummy!!
Our last night together we had the chance to show off all of our talent:) It was better than I had anticipated and I was so very entertained that I didn't get pictures of all of the acts. I tried to get all my girls, but some of the pictures were just too poor a quality to even share. Bailee played a piano number by herself and also one with Landri. Emmrey put on a puppet show with hand puppets she had made herself (our little arts & crafts gal), and my adorable little Karsy "juggled" for us....I was such a proud mama!!! We also had some dance numbers, gymnastics, magic tricks, a comedian and a couple of skits. Bailee had the cousins do a skit that poked fun at Grampa Wayne;) I hope he knew it was with LOVE. My sisters and I did the Chicken Dance as the show opener....complete with music, costumes and plenty of moves!! Kris had put a lot of work into making this happen and it was pretty hilarious if I do say so myself:) I wanted to add some video of these acts, but it is taking so darn long to load I can't take it anymore:(
We also celebrated birthday's for me and Chris. It has been a while since I have had ALL my family around me for my birthday so that made it extra special:)
When we first arrived at Bear Lake, we had been warned about this black critter who had been spotted around the Beach House. The owner was not sure exactly what the animal was, but he had told Kris that if we spotted it to let him know right away:) Well....throughout the trip a few "reliable" sources had seen it and Grampa and Gramma even saw it cross the road by their car one evening. Needless to say, the kids were all a buzz over it. On our last evening before dinner, Grampa called all the kids out on the lawn because something was moving in the trees nearby....and yes, it was black!!! So we all assembled on the lawn and watched with anticipation and fear. As the movement continued WARNINGS were called out from loving parents to "stay back" or "don't get too close". I have to admit I was getting a little freaked out myself. The movement behind the brush became bigger and more exaggerated until out came this HUGE..........BLACK.........GORILLA!!! The unsuspecting kids all went screaming and running toward the house. Apparently a good number of the adults had been let in on the little joke, but I was not one of them. I went a racing for the deck right along with them. I am ashamed to say that I may have even pushed past my own little ones to save myself...ha ha:)
Mom and Dad had bought us all a T-shirt with our number on the back. Not just any old number, but the number in which we came into the Fortie Family. I was #7, Mark #20, Bailee #23, Karsyn #26 and Emmrey #30. It was so much fun to put everyone in numerical order even though not one of us is "just a number" in this family. I loved the idea so much we had to get a picture of the gang from the front as well as the back (some numbers are not in view but we did our best). There was a total of 33 family members so far....all but 6 were with us (we missed you Leslie, Sean, Courtney, Killian, Breckon and Lance:) Such a fun idea Mom and Dad...so glad you thought of it!!!!
We packed so much fun into our 3 days. This family trip was just my style and I loved that we all stayed together and could just hang out and relax.....can't wait for next year!!! When it was time to head home we were all sad to leave...
We had the best time....but man were we worn out~whew!!!
It was a fabulous way to end summer but boy was it hard to get back into the swing of things and be ready for school to start up again!!
Just Peachy
On our way to Bear Lake we detoured through Brigham City and took a little stroll down their fresh produce stands along the street.
Mark was on a mission to get some real peaches, none of this stuff they try to pass off in the grocery store here in Cody. Well it wasn't hard to find....literally on every corner.
Mark bought about a dozen to take along with us but he could hardly contain himself and had to try one right away. One bite and he was in HEAVEN!!!
Who cares that there was juice dripping all over and everyone was a sticky mess. Oh...My...Goodness....so delicious!!!! Now that is a PEACH:)
Mark was on a mission to get some real peaches, none of this stuff they try to pass off in the grocery store here in Cody. Well it wasn't hard to find....literally on every corner.
Mark bought about a dozen to take along with us but he could hardly contain himself and had to try one right away. One bite and he was in HEAVEN!!!
Who cares that there was juice dripping all over and everyone was a sticky mess. Oh...My...Goodness....so delicious!!!! Now that is a PEACH:)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Greys River
On our way to Utah to pick up Kars, we camped overnight in Alpine WY along the Greys River. It was a super quick overnight trip so we didn't want to get too carried away with packing. We kept it very simple!!! We were bummed to find that our usual Pizza joint was not open and the options are very slim in this town. We did find a little local place that made brick oven pizza that was pretty tasty....a little burned, but still yummy.
Mark immediately got set up to take Bailee out fishing and they fished for most of the evening. Emmrey and I played around the campsite. She made "houses" for her Bear and I tried to read a little.
We set up a quick tent for 2 which Mark and Bailee slept in and I slept in the van with Emmrey. She thought this was her very first time sleeping in the van (her infant/toddler camping memories had escaped her:), so she was super excited about the whole idea.
It was a fun little "overnighter" and it broke up the drive which always helps.
Mark immediately got set up to take Bailee out fishing and they fished for most of the evening. Emmrey and I played around the campsite. She made "houses" for her Bear and I tried to read a little.
We set up a quick tent for 2 which Mark and Bailee slept in and I slept in the van with Emmrey. She thought this was her very first time sleeping in the van (her infant/toddler camping memories had escaped her:), so she was super excited about the whole idea.
It was a fun little "overnighter" and it broke up the drive which always helps.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Magnetic
The countdown is on for Back to School. With only one week left and Karsyn still living large in Utah, Bailee wanted to spend a day with her good buddy Miranda. These two girls have so much in common. They both LOVE American Girl Dolls, both are swimmers and both love to make projects and crafts (and they both are crazy about their Mommy's-ha ha:)
They spent a day lap swimming at the rec center, going to lunch, playing AG dolls, starting water fights with the neighbor boys, and making magnets. I have so many of these bottle caps still that we are always looking for fun ways to use them. We have made some magnets for teachers, but this time it was all about the girls. It is easy to get carried away because they are so easy and there are so many possibilities. These girls will have the best decorated lockers in the 7th grade hall:)
They spent a day lap swimming at the rec center, going to lunch, playing AG dolls, starting water fights with the neighbor boys, and making magnets. I have so many of these bottle caps still that we are always looking for fun ways to use them. We have made some magnets for teachers, but this time it was all about the girls. It is easy to get carried away because they are so easy and there are so many possibilities. These girls will have the best decorated lockers in the 7th grade hall:)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Something is Different.....
This week has definitely been a little different around our house. There are not piles of clothes on the floor because shirts and shorts have been changed a number of times for comfort. The sound of the back door opening and closing hasn't been heard quite as frequently. There isn't a bike helmet on the back steps to trip over, nor a bike on the front lawn or driveway. There has been one less bed to make in the morning. One less argument to solve. All in all it has just been a little bit quieter......Well, there has been less noise, but there has also been a little less laughter and silliness, one less playmate, and less hugs and kisses. The LEGO table has sat untouched, the WII remotes have remained in their basket, and newly discovered facts from Horse books have not been shared:(
Yes, there is something different all right. The difference is we are missing our little Bean this week. She stayed in Utah a WHOLE EXTRA WEEK to have some serious cousin time!! Everyday when I talk to her she says she misses me and loves me, but she is not in any big hurry to come home yet. She is LOVING her time with Bode. These two are quite the little pair....
As for the rest of us, we have definitely felt her absence and we will be jumping for joy when we get her back at Bear Lake next week. For now we are glad that she is having this neat experience of her very own. And we count down the days till we can give her hugs and kisses again.
We miss you and love you Eva Lu!!
Yes, there is something different all right. The difference is we are missing our little Bean this week. She stayed in Utah a WHOLE EXTRA WEEK to have some serious cousin time!! Everyday when I talk to her she says she misses me and loves me, but she is not in any big hurry to come home yet. She is LOVING her time with Bode. These two are quite the little pair....
As for the rest of us, we have definitely felt her absence and we will be jumping for joy when we get her back at Bear Lake next week. For now we are glad that she is having this neat experience of her very own. And we count down the days till we can give her hugs and kisses again.
We miss you and love you Eva Lu!!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Hawaii 50
We made a very last minute trip to Utah last weekend for Mark's parents 50th Anniversary Party. We had not planned on going since we would be in Utah the following week for a trip with my family that has been planned for nearly a year. BUT....as the day got closer, the idea of not being there for this very special occasion was really weighing (I mean REALLY) on Mark and so we made a decision to head out Friday morning and return home Sunday. It was a speedy trip for sure, but I know Mark was so glad he was able to be there for his parents it truly meant a lot to him and we were all happy to support this worthwhile event:)
We celebrated Hawaiian style complete with Leis, Grass skirts and a dessert bar that would make your head spin (and tummy:) It was a great evening and it was nice to see our parents so happy and enjoying their friends and family.
All 6 children in attendance +
16(missing a few) grandchildren present ....
Equals= Happy 50th to a Fabulous Couple....so happy we could share it with you...
"Aloha au iā 'oe." (we LOVE you)!!
We celebrated Hawaiian style complete with Leis, Grass skirts and a dessert bar that would make your head spin (and tummy:) It was a great evening and it was nice to see our parents so happy and enjoying their friends and family.
All 6 children in attendance +
16(missing a few) grandchildren present ....
Equals= Happy 50th to a Fabulous Couple....so happy we could share it with you...
"Aloha au iā 'oe." (we LOVE you)!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)