Mike's trip to Four Lakes Basin

I (Mike) went with members of Cheri's family on a backpacking trip. Here are some pictures of the trip.
Our destination was the Four Lakes Basin in the Uinta Mountain Range. It was a nine mile hike. After our hike, a few of us got in the lake, to ice our legs, and it felt great. I actually dipped my body in up to my neck for a second. You could see snow on the mountains still, but the water wasn't that cold.

And eventually we had to hike back out. Three days wasn't long enough, but I'm very glad we got to do it. It was a fun hike both ways, difficult at points, but well worth it. It had the type of scenery you don't get in Texas, and it was great to see everyone again. Thanks to Don for flying me up there, and to all the guys for planning the trip.

Back 2 Skool

The boys started school bright and early today! Jake started off third grade with confidence and excitement. Andrew tightened his grip on my hand as we approached the front door of the school. He told me he felt a little nervous. I told him that was normal, and that there were four whole kindergarten classes full of kids starting just like him, and that the teachers were there to help him. Jacob spoke up and reassured Andrew that everyone felt a bit nervous today, because everyone had a new class in a new grade, so for Andrew not to worry at all.



As we walked in to the cafeteria and split up into grade sections, there were 5 other kindergarteners there so far. Three of them were silent with tears pouring down their cheeks. I'm guessing their parents had to leave for work already. As soon as Andrew saw them, his eyes got red and began welling up. Of course this made me almost lose it. I gained control, though, and quickly began introducing all the little kids to one another, and asking what teachers they had (most of them told me they couldn't remember) and then we found some things to laugh about. After a few minutes Andrew's teacher came striding up waving both arms high in the air and calling out Andrew's name. He gave her a little wave and a big smile. She was so sweet! She came right over and said, "Andrew! I have a TON of pencils that need to be sharpened. Would you like to come with me to the classroom and help me sharpen them?!" Oh boy, would he. He gave me a kiss and was off.

At the end of today Jake reported that his class was "Great! My teacher has excellent control of the classroom. It was so quiet. And I really like the kids in my desk group."

Andrew told me that an "Emily girl" was driving him crazy. "She kept getting up and running all around and out into the hall and was just so loud. I kept looking at her like 'what are you doing?'"

Conclusion: they are both excited to go back tomorrow. And Millie and I look forward to all the time we have to read books together, dance, and work on our popsicle weaning! (; Good times!

Jacob is 8

Happy Birthday, Jake the Snake! Oh wait, Captain Rex, sir! Here is the post you have been looking for, buddy boy. I'm slow, but my brain's fried on kids. Behold the sweet, blue masterpiece. Ok - decent for a 10 minute time slot allowed for frosting the cake before people start arriving for the party.

Chipmunk boy extinguishes the flames.

Jacob is obsessed with all things Lego and Star Wars. Many kind family members and friends fed his appetite. I thought this picture did his reactions to the evening justice. BEYOND thrilled.

Two of his youngest uncles team up with he and Andy Roo to race against each other in building identical droid bombers Jake received. (I already know that "droid bomber" is SO not what these are called. As soon as Jake reads this he will inform me of their real name which is probably something like Droid Battleship 4TP originating from the Galactic Region which was overseen by Lord So and So....)

Fittingly for the birthday boy, his team (okay- Kris) won by a close margin with Sterling moments behind.

We had tons of fun this night with lots of family and some friends over. Barbequed (Mike made some awesome grilled pineapple), and played some Bocci.

Family Came to Town!

Some of my family came to town and it was so much fun to spend time with them. We took my sister and her husband and their sweet nine month old baby girl (who we met for the first time!) for a little "hike" and around town. They are wonderful to be with and it was fun to show them where we live. Their daughter is hilarious. Quite the personality. She and Amelia had a grand time together. Amelia loved being able to share her Weebleville town and to teach all she knows about Mr. Potato Head.

Then my parents and grandma came. We, of course, had to hit the pool. Doesn't Amelia look like she's thinking, "Yeah, little girl, you should be nervous." My dad and mom had lots of fun swimming with them.

Here Amelia is trying to be hot stuff. She looks so much like my mom did as a child! Same eyes definitely.

Here we are after Jake's baptism. This is the reason they all came out. It was a beautiful program and it meant so much that family came to show love and support to Jake. This certainly was the highlight of our summer. And we were so happy that Granny felt well enough to come! Look at her! She looks beautiful and always spreads happiness. We love you all, family!

Hey Baby!

Andrew just came running in the kitchen while I was cleaning up dinner. He has been in the front room making me birthday presents (6 weeks early).

"Mom! I just found a [gift] bag that says 'Happy Birthday'! And it's so beautiful, see... (holds up bag)"

"It is beautiful, Andrew! But instead of Birthday, it says Baby. Good job though, they both begin with a B."

"oh............Mom! Remember in Maria (Sound Of Music) the boy (Rolf) calls the girl (Liesel) baby?! (Big sparkle in his eyes) And you are a baby, too! That's a nice thing to say. So I am going to use this bag!"