Sigh....

Hey friends.  I thought I'd share some pages with you.  Not much more to report...other than my seething rage at the Supreme Court's decision on Obamacare.  Our country is heading down a dark, dangerous hole. It makes me sad.  But, on a happy note, the sun is shining to day...so that 's good :)



































Here is week 25~

Letting go

Do you have a hard time letting your kids go places on their own for extended periods of time?  I have always had a hard time with this.  I worry terribly about their safety....certain that no one else can keep them as safe as I can.  This last week has been a good exercise for me.  First, Jillian left us for 3 days of outdoor school.  She was up at a camp where cell phones didn't work so for the first time in her life, I didn't talk to her in 3 whole days!  They were LONG days and I constantly wondered how she was doing.  Thankfully, she returned happy and whole and not the slightest bit homesick.

Next, I had to say goodbye to Allison for 2 days.  She was invited to visit The Great Wolf Lodge in Washington with our best friends.  We had a family prayer before she left and I struggled like I did with Jillian...though it was easier because we got constant texts and pictures.  I am slowly learning to have faith that my children will indeed, be okay without me (for short periods of time).  I know it's going to get worse though as they get older and more involved with school and church activities.  Uggh, letting go is hard!

Allison and her friend stopped at the temple on they way to Washington.

Here is week 23

Week 22

Memorial Day

Our Memorial day 2012 started with a hike up to Mt. Pisgah.  We did this last year and had such a great time that we decided to carry on the tradition.  Note to families with young kids:  this is a tough hike.  It's uphill the entire way.  Lydia barely made it...and she only did so by holding hands with her friend Lauryn and cousin Joel, or being carried on Casey's shoulders!  She had a great time though!

A quarter of the way up, the kids were already breathing hard and had to take a much needed rest on a rock pile.

We took several stops along the trail to get a drink, pose for pictures and just rest.  Originally, we were going to do this hike alone, with perhaps, Grandma Walburger.  But, as we were talking about it at church, others became interested and before we knew it, we were a huge group.  It made the hike that much more fun...and it kept the complaining from our kids to a minimum.  Peer pressure will do that for you!

Thank goodness for strategically placed benches.  We had to be careful because the sides of the trail were covered in poison oak.  Apparently, the forest service hadn't sprayed it yet.  

Here is our group at the top!  We were so relieved to make it...and very grateful for the cool weather!

The best part of the hike was the surprise birthday party that the Andersens gave Grandma Walburger.  Eric had lugged up a full cake, frosting, ice cream (packed in ice) and utensils!  What a stud!  Grandma was so surprised and the kids welcomed the energy from the cake and ice cream.  Grandma felt very loved!

After taking a few hours to rest, we all gathered at the Booren's house for a BBQ.  (and yes, the whole hiking group joined us!  It was quite the party)  Casey made these lovely kabobs.

And he brought out the giant slide.  After a strenuous hike, 2 hours of playing on a giant slide sounded exhausting to me but the kids loved it!.  Needless to say, sleep came very easy for them that night.

Charlotte spent her time holding baby Caleb.  She claims him the instant she goes to the Booren's house.

We had more cake and ice cream for Grandma Walburger after the BBQ.  We worked off all those calories earlier in the day right?  All in all, it was a great Memorial day.  We are so thankful to the men and women who serve our country so we can have the freedom to hike, play, and party.

Here is week 21