Gone Fishin'!! or Gone Crazy!!

Jan and Brian took their boys camping to Mackay this week. Mom and I (and my kids) decided to join them for the day. After a crazy 90 minute drive where nobody took a nap, and nobody could get along, we finally arrived. We went to the fish hatchery and let the kids fish the ones out of the pond. The water was so clear and shallow, you could literally put the worm right in front of the fish's face. Avery was the best angler of the day with the biggest fish (I had no idea a Barbie pole could bend so much), with a close second of Mike, who just kept bringing in fish, time after time, then Kendal, who decided to fish in the restricted area, and got one to bite.

Next came dinner that my children were completely not interested in and in the process, Avery had an "accident" (and I use that word suspiciously)in her clothes. Well, being in the wilderness and at the end of my rope, although having access to a camper with warm water, I chose to rinse her off in the creek (I know, many of you have wanted to, but few have actually done it. I was surprised at myself). I had to go in up to my knees, and it was refreshing only for a few seconds, then it was just cold. But after a few minutes of crying and drip drying, she was put in clean clothes and was fine the rest of the time. It may be old school parenting, but it worked like a charm. (I am researching ways to put a snow runoff creek in my backyard for the reduction of fits and overall tantrums. If my research proves promising, I may just write a book.)




Kendal also got to try out Josh and Mike's new Honda 50. It is so cute and just right for a 6 year old. Kendal didn't want to get off. He actually could ride it without help within 3 or 4 tries. Needless to say he wants his own now. Boys are just all about creepy crawlies and dirt. Even harder than that, is a GIRL that is all about creepy crawlies and dirt. I think if I had to pick between dirt and tantrums, I would pick the dirt and the bugs and the fish and the worms, etc. It is quite a thing to realize you don't get to pick, AND that they can all hit at the same time.

Sometimes motherhood is just so much better than we can possibly imagine it, and I mean that in the most sarcastic way!! Seriously though, I love them very much, and this will be a day I can laugh at for years to come. If I can't, I think I will just go fishin' or maybe just completely crazy!!

Summer Days Like These!!

If this doesn't look like summertime, I just don't know what does!!!



We took a trip to the Rexburg Splash Park and had a ball!!




Avery and Kendal were so excited to jump in and get wet, but Drew took his time and scouted it out a little first. It didn't take too long though and he was just as drenched as his brother and sister!!





These are just pictures of kids hands and feet. I wanted to see if the camera could capture it the way I was seeing it. I am pretty impressed with our little camera since it isn't really a very professional one. I love little fingers and toes.

I will always remember these fun moments with my kids. I love wrapping them in a big beach towel that is warm from laying in the sun. I love watching them eat juicy watermelon. These are days that I just love to be with them. I hope these beautiful summer days will be in their memories as well. I think life should be full of days just like these!!

T-Ball Is Totally T-riffic!!!

Our oldest son, Kendal, tried t-ball this year!! He loved the idea that he didn't have to run as much as he did with soccer last year. He liked wearing his blue shirt and his leather mitt, but I think most of all he liked the treat at the end. He did get to do a grand slam once, meaning that since they have a ten player rotation, on the tenth batter they have everyone on the bases to run all the way home and Kendal was that magical tenth batter when the bases were loaded. It was a really fun moment for him.

We are hoping all our kids will have an opportunity to try a bunch of new things in life. Kendal is interested in so many things that I am happy that he is also brave. He will try most anything with enough encouragement. We sure love him!!

Great Season, Son!!!

Happy Happy Birthday, Cameron, Dear...

Okay, so Cam's birthday was actually July 15th, and I am just way behind with the blog, so, I decided to catch up a little while the kids are playing nicely (not sure how long it will last).

Cameron Noel Bryan was born July 15th, 1976 in the small hospital of the town of Portsmouth, Virginia. He was a bouncing baby boy of Rodney and Lynne Bryan, the third boy and the third child to arrive in the family. He would grow to be a quiet, thoughtful boy, and intelligent, able man. I happen to know that he is also a loving husband and my eternal best friend. Here are 33 things I love about Cameron:

33. I love his dedication to his family.
32. I love that he pays the bills for our family.
31. I love that he is proficient with a lawnmower.
30. I love that he will eat anything I cook, even if it is not gourmet.
29. I love that he does NOT have a hairy chest.
28. I love that he kisses me goodbye every morning before he leaves for work.
27. I love that he lifts heavy things for me.
26. I love that he is so tall.
25. I love that he can reach the highest shelves at the grocery store.
24. I love how he tries to sing hymns at church and is never on key.
23. I love that he takes the kids to the park to launch rockets.
22. I love the way he looks in hospital scrubs.
21. I love that his wedding ring is all scratched up, and he never wants it buffed.
20. I love that he can eat, and eat, and eat and never gain a pound (actually I am jealous of that one)
19. I love that he can grow a goatee.
18. I love that he throws crazy things in the grocery cart when he is hungry.
17. I love that he leaves the seat down.
16. I love that he lets me handle the remote...most of the time.
15. I love that he is friends with the husbands of my friends.
14. I love his trust in the Lord.
13. I love that he can fix lots of things.
12. I love that he is tall, dark, and handsome...my very own prince!
11. I love that he reads to the kids every night he is home.
10. I love that when I make dinner, he cleans the kitchen and the dishes after.
9. I love it when he tells me I am cute.
8. I love that he can never get a figure of speech right, but he tries anyway.
7. I love the way he holds my hand.
6. I love to watch Cam carry Avery (or any of the kids) to bed when they fall asleep cuddling him. So cute!!
5. I love when he flexes his muscles in the mirror.
4. I love to watch him bowl left-handed.
3. I love to watch him do everything left-handed.
2. I love that he is my best friend.
1. I love that he is mine.

He has been mine for 14 of those 33 years. It doesn't seem that long. That is probably why we are still together.

I love you, Cam!!

Happy Birthday!!!