Our Big Trip

Well, we're back from our trip--our family survived watching our kids and they're not too traumatized that we were gone for 9 days. :-) We have over 300 pictures and I can't yet figure out how to do slideshows so here are some of my favorites. First we went to NYC and basically hit Battery Park, Wall Street and then took the Subway to Times Square which was packed full of tourists! It was pretty hot and humid, too. I got the experience (Shawn has been 3 times before), but I'd like to go again when we have more time. Then we flew to London and drove up to Scotland. We went to Edinburgh and took a train from there back to London.

Outdoor Adventures

I got a stake calling to go to Girl's Camp this year and help with one of the programs. It was a lot of fun. We went on a five mile hike to Heather Lake w/ Mt. Pilchuk in the background. Our camp was Cascade Park near Granite Falls, WA. It was beautiful! I love being in nature! Shawn hung in there and watched the kids for 4 days! What a trooper!

In other news, Shawn took Auri fishing with Uncle Ryan and she caught a...catfish! She thought it was pretty scary looking and didn't really want to hold it. But she posed for a few pictures.

House Painting

I like to do a lot of posts at once, it seems. When I find a few free minutes I have to take advantage...Here are some pics of the color we chose for our downstairs. It's cheery and I balanced it out with a lot of dark brown furniture. I would give more pics of the final project, but everything is kind of on hold because we decided to go on a trip to Great Britain this month rather than finish decorating. I think it's worth it!! (Details to follow about our trip)

Before Picture

After Picture

In Between Picture--Vaulted ceilings are a pain to paint! We still haven't finished the very top edge between wall and ceiling.

Auri's Last Dance

Auri and her friend Aubrey right before a dance performance.

I was so glad when Auri finally had her recital--she isn't really into dancing and I had to bribe her to go and finish up the year! I'm not really into the whole putting make up on thing--kids already get enough pressure from TV to grow up fast. Anyway, next year we're trying the sports avenue, but overall I think kids are too overscheduled these days and we try to limit how many activities they're in. They just love to PLAY--something a lot of kids don't have time to do!

Fishing Fun

Shawn and Will went fishing on Moses Lake with Uncle Ryan (Rischel's husband). Shawn was very proud of his two catches (they were just about to go when he got the bite). He doesn't usually like fishing, but now I think he's "hooked" -- no pun intended.

More Recent Pictures

Well, I guess somebody really does read my blog! Thanks for caring! :-) Anyhow, I have a few more recent pictures to post. As you noticed, most of my blog posts end up being pictures--don't have time to write a lot. Although I do admire those entertaining posts that people like Jeremy Cooper and Jayne Crook have--they could easily be professional freelance writers!!

Ashlyn (cousin), Blake, Grandpa Don holding Emry
Goofing around at Grandpa's! (Shawn covets their hot tub)

Payton (14 months)--Who in the heck does he look like? What do you think?

Payton was left with Shawn for the morning and they planted the garden at Grandma & Grandpa Turners. Here he's analyzing a little ball that fell from the tree.

It Has Been a Very Looonnnng Time!

Okay--so I got off the blogging bandwagon when my time was spent with work-related duties. I also didn't think very many people were looking at my blog, but I'll try it again and see how it goes! I usually work on the computer at night doing things to get ready for class, but I'll see if I can sneak in some blog time. I've also been horrible about getting the camera out and taking pictures of the kids. I'll see if I can scrounge up some new pictures--I know we've got some of Payton's First Birthday, of course! I'm not that horrible of a parent! :-)

Will & Payton's awesome army/giant bug birthday cake that dad made.

Payton loved his birthday cake! March 2008

Auri getting ready to dance at a high school basketball game. February 2008