“Redneck” Pool & Other Happenings

Chuck got the above ground pool set up in the backyard. The kids are loving it!

Samuel and Bella have all types of races across the pool and spend awhile swimming each day. It’s fun to hear their conversations while their playing in the pool. Isaac was doing great in the pool until he tipped over in the tube and got water up his nose. Now he will occasionally get in. He likes to stand on the ladder and watch the other kids because he doesn’t like them to splash him.

The pool may be a little “redneck”, but I think it’s fun and fabulous!

Our experiments were a little safer this week – no matches, just magnets. We taped magnetos on top of match box cars and had races using the repulsion power of magnets. We’re trying our hand a chemistry this week.

We frequently pass the splash park and the kids ask every time we drive by when we’re going to go. We finally made it this week. Isaac, after much negotiating, eventually got brave enough with the help of Samuel and Bella to walk into the middle and get a little wet. After Jenna finished every ounce of snack we had, she ventured into the water and loved it.

 

Bella and I went to help Trina pack and clean since she’s moving tomorrow. I can’t believe our bad luck. We had only been there about an hour when Kambree started complaining that her belly hurt. Next thing we know she’s throwing up all over the carpet. Honestly, I wanted to run from the house screaming! We just can’t come down with another bout of stomach bug! After too much experience this winter, I happen to know it usually has a two day incubation period. So I’m praying Bella makes it through tomorrow without incident.

I cleaned all of the kitchen cupboards in my sister’s house and I was amazed at how clean they were. She is very tidy, but I could hardly find a speck of dirt. I know the same could not be said about my kitchen cupboards! I try really hard to keep things neat, but sometimes I swear I have tornadoes on my heels. So imagine my excitement when I got home last night and Samuel had a great idea to make this sign and had Chuck hang it above the basement door. It says, “Clean up after you play in the basement” and the picture is of someone playing with the big blocks and then putting them away in the bucket. The basement is solely the kids toy room and I just tend to close my eyes when I walk by because it’s always a mess. We do a good cleaning whenever the kids decide they can’t play down there anymore because the Legos are too deep. It actually really bugs me that I can’t seem to find a good system for keeping it organized. But we’re trying yet another idea and hopefully this time we can keep it at least somewhat under control. I guess that’s the beauty of a basement toy room – it can be a mess and I can shut the door and pretend it’s not there!

Crash, Crash, and Crash Again!

For this weekend’s adventure we decided to take a family bike ride along the trail in Snow Canyon. Chuck thought it would be a good idea to try starting at the top of the trail because then most of the ride would be down hill. Now I know when Chuck rides his bike on the road from the top of Snow Canyon he pushes 40 m.p.h. I’ve seen countless bicyclists speeding down the hill and I just can’t picture myself ever doing such a thing because the thought of extreme road rash is too much of a possibility. Before we made our decision where to ride, I asked Chuck a few times if the beginning of the trail had such steep down hill grades because I was worried about the kids – and myself! He thought we would be fine so we decided to give it a try.

    This was our happy little family getting ready for our bike ride.

And this was the scene literally a few minutes later.

We started off down the first hill and quickly came to a bright yellow warning sign showing a bicycle going down a very steep grade. Bella took a few years off my life as I saw her take off down the hill driving like a crazy mad woman. She was totally out of control, weaving all over the trail and picking up speed with each passing second. All we could do was watch from behind as she finally flew off the trail and landed with a thud in a giant bush. Chuck rushed to pick her up. All I could think was thank goodness she landed in the bush and didn’t get pavement road rash. Then I heard her say, “All that hurts is my arm” and instantly thought, great a broken bone. Her arm was fine and she shed a few tears, but she’s not one to let a little wreck slow her down so she jumped right back on her bike. Samuel walked his bike down the hill repeatedly asking Bella why she didn’t use her brakes, didn’t she see the sign that showed the bike and what he thought was someone flying off their bike. Again all I can say is thank goodness it was Bella because that girl is tough and reminds me of a wet noodle – she can just bend and fly in all directions.

We had just gotten back on our bikes when it was time for another hill. This time I started out first and before I knew it Bella was flying by me and she didn’t even have her feet on the pedals. We were all hollering at her to get her feet on the pedals and use the brakes, but she was going too fast.  All I could do was helplessly watch yet again as she flew totally out of control down the hill. This time she flew off her bike and landed on the pavement in a heap. I rushed to pick her up and was relieved to see that her knee was just a little scraped. Again she shed a few tears, but was ready to get back on her bike. It was at this point I decided there was NO WAY we could do this trail! We turned around, walked our bikes up the hills and back to the van. All the time Bella kept asking Chuck, “Daddy, why did you choose this steep hill? Kids can’t do this hill.”

After a disaster of a start, we headed over to our usual starting point in the middle of the trail. We had a fun ride and then Bella decided to join Samuel and I riding the trail out of the park. Samuel and I do this every time while Chuck loads up the other kids and the bikes then meets us outside the park. I should have realized it was not Bella’s lucky day, but she wanted to join us so she came along. We were almost to the end when we started down a little hill. Two other riders were coming up the hill and this caused Bella to forget what she was doing and for a third time she crashed in a big heap as I sat helplessly watching. This time she landed right on her face and I was sure she was going to be a mess, but I helped her up and she only had a little scratch under her nose and a few more scrapes on her knees. Again she shed a few tears, but got right back on her bike and we finished the trail. This Bella girl is one tough cookie! She continually gives me little heart attacks, but she’s tough. 

Fire! Fire! Everyone Run Outside!

Fire! Fire! Everyone Run Outside!

These are the words poor Samuel was running around frantically hollering, while Bella and Isaac stood paralyzed in their chairs after and experiment I was doing with the kids went a little awry.

 

The kids love science experiments and so my goal this summer is to have at least one day a week where we conduct a few fun experiments. This experiment titled “Hungry Jar” sounded simple enough. Basic air pressure principles at work as you fill up a water balloon that is too big to fit into the jar, light a paper towel on fire to remove the oxygen from the bottle and the great finish, the balloon is sucked into the jar!

I love that the science book says, “This experiment uses matches. Make sure you supervise your child during this experiment!” A few paragraphs down it says, “Always have adult supervision and watch what you’re doing when using matches. Make sure you drop the paper towel into the jar!”

Okay first mistake with this experiment that Samuel was quick to point out. It’s a little hard to drop a burning paper towel into a jar. Paper towels burn pretty quick and after I started it on fire I tried to drop it into the jar, but the flames were climbing and almost burned my hand. So I rotated the paper towel and then the flames really took off which caused me to scream and drop the paper towel onto the island. Thanks goodness I have granite countertops or I would have scorched the island! It was at this point Samuel got a little scared, jumped down off his chair and proceeded to run around the kitchen hollering Fire! Fire! Everyone Run Outside!

This was one of those times when everything seems to move in slow motion. I had a million thoughts run through my mind about how to take care of this problem before it got any worse. I wondered if it would just go out by itself, I knew the fire extinguisher was under the sink but wondered if I would be able to figure out how to use it fast enough, finally I realized the paper towel was close to the sink. I grabbed the end, whisked it into the sink and turned on the water.

Samuel jumped back onto his chair and said, “Mom I told you that you should have put the paper towel in the jar and then dropped the match in!” Yeah, why didn’t the people writing the book talk to the six year old first! That’s exactly what we did the next go round and it worked much better.

 

This is an experiment the kids won’t soon forget! And it was a great chance for me to talk to the kids about why they should NEVER playing with matches.

Speaking of fires, this was the scene outside our bedroom window Friday night. A fire was started on the Indian Reservation a several miles west of our home. Luckily crews were able to put it out before any homes were lost. I took the kids outside to see the flames earlier in the day and they were a little nervous that it looked so close. There usually isn’t much traffic around our area, but people were flocking all over the place to catch a glimpse of the hillside on fire. It was pretty spectacular from a distance.

Sand Hollow

This picture just makes me smile! Really what can be better than warm sand between your toes, sitting in the shade of a super cute big umbrella and watching your kids play in the sand and water with your amazing husband.

As I sat relaxing, I couldn’t help but think how this place brought back so many memories. Maybe it’s because we take an adventure here every year about this time and I picture in my mind the growing stages of our little family. I remember a picture of Bella, barely able to sit perched by the water wearing a little yellow outfit, tan hat and a huge smile on her face while Samuel splashed in the water (I don’t even need to look up the pictures because they are imprinted on my memory). I see Isaac as a baby screaming his head off as we sat him in the big Tonka truck for a picture by the water. Next I see Isaac as a 2 year old screaming about his feet touching the sand and not wanting to get wet. I see baby Jenna, about 2 months old, in the stroller wearing her cousins Jackson’s clothes because she had a blow out just as we got to the lake and I had no change of outfit. Yes, this place holds many memories!

But this may have been the most enjoyable trip so far for many reasons. The three oldest are getting so they are very delightful to take on adventures. Jenna can be hard, but things are much easier now that only one of the kids requires a lot of work. This was also the first year I didn’t have a nursing baby – much easier for me. Also the water level is very high so we didn’t have to walk across the sand forever hauling a lot of equipment. It was just really wonderful!

I also love this picture because we are the only family on the beach. There are advantages to the kids waking up at the crack of dawn. We were at the lake my 8:30 and literally there was not one other person on this beach until after 11:30. By the time everyone else started showing up, we were ready to go. You really can’t beat having the entire beach to yourself!

Jenna loved the water and was not afraid to wade in by herself. She did fall down and swallowed a huge gulp of water because she was having a hard time standing back up and trying not to lose her shovel. I took off running into the water to rescue her and was super glad I had my old camera since I didn’t take time to sit it down as I splashed water all over myself in the process.

I had to post this picture because if you look closely you can see Jenna’s first little tooth has finally broke through. 16 months and barely one little tooth! I also love her dirty face. She LOVES Pringles chips and was finding every little crumb the kids dropped and would gobble it up, sand and all. Oh well, I’m sure a little digested sand can’t do much harm!

I also couldn’t believe that Isaac was running and splashing through the water. He was terrified of the water last year. I just love his long curly hair shining in the sun!

 

And what would a trip to the lake be without building the sand castle and water system to the lake. This is Chuck and the kids lakeside tradition. I was laughing when Samuel was explaining to Chuck that they needed to build false passageways in the structure just like the Egyptians did with their pyramids. Samuel really took the Magic Tree House book about Egypt to heart!

All in all it was a wonderful adventure at the lake! I sure am loving summer!

Summer Happenings

Samuel has his last t-ball game this week. I was so glad it was not as hot this year the weather was actually very pleasant. Games were twice a week and we would get home from karate or gymnastics just a few minutes before we had to be at the game. Samuel had fun, but the rest of us are glad it’s over.  

This pained look on Samuel’s face captured what happened after every game. The players would get their treats and drink after the game and I always wanted to bring the other kids a little something, but I never remembered. This caused weeping and wailing and lamentation all around. Samuel was good about sharing his treat, but no one was ever completely satisfied. Bella even began saying she wanted to play t-ball just so she could get a treat after the games.

Of course everyone was all smiles when we went to Marv’s to celebrate the last game. We don’t really need much of a reason to celebrate with a shake at Marv’s. They really are the best shakes EVER!

The kids also finished swim lessons this week.

Samuel was getting pretty good at floating on his back.

I finally convinced Chuck to let us get an above ground swimming pool. He didn’t want to buy one because they look pretty “redneck”. Granted they are tacky, but I’m sure the kids will love it. He’s getting the ground leveled and hopefully we will be able to set it up this week sometime.

What Was That?

A few evenings ago, the girls and I were eating dinner when suddenly there was a loud crash that literally made me jump. We have birds that run into our windows all the time. I’m not sure why since my windows are NEVER clean. In fact, they are usually covered with little dirty handprints and red dirt. About the only time my windows are clean is when my mom comes to visit because she has a thing about cleaning windows. I always love when the windows are clean, but I view it as one of those tasks that’s just really not worth the time and effort.

Anyway, I looked out the window and sure enough a pigeon had hit the window going so fast it instantly died. Bella asked me if the bird would be resurrected someday. Later when Samuel saw it, he wanted to know if the bird was flying with its eyes shut. This question confused me until he clarified that the bird must have had its eyes shut or else why would it just fly right into the window.

I did find it interesting that it left it’s imprint on the window. Good thing I don’t clean my windows or who knows how many more birds would crash into them.

Camping Test Run

We took our first camping trip of the summer this weekend. We called it our test run to see how Jenna would do over night. Last summer she was difficult, but I was nursing her so each time she woke up it was pretty easy to get her back asleep. We weren’t sure how she would do so we choose Snow Canyon for our destination since it’s close to home and I could make an escape during the middle of the night if I needed to.

I’ve decided the key to a successful camping trip is to go into the experience realizing that you probably aren’t going to sleep very well. The kids did amazingly well and Chuck and I weren’t really roughing it since we hauled along our big 4 inch foam mattresses and two pillows apiece. Sleeping conditions were actually quite comfortable.

The other thing I’ve decided about camping is it’s pretty easy to spot “those” campers who aren’t very considerate. And it seems like we always end up right next to “those” types. Now I know when people spot us with our crew of little ones they count their blessings we’re not camping next to them. So we were pleasantly surprised when our neighbor campers had 5 kids. When we went to sleep that night I mentioned to Chuck that we were probably in trouble because the neighbors had left earlier in the evening and weren’t back yet. Never a good sign! Sure enough at 11:30 p.m. they pulled into camp and it was not a quiet entrance. The dad was in fact the loudest offender, ordering commands like a drill sergeant. I had to resist the urge to come racing out of our tent to inform him if he woke up our baby we were all going to have a miserable night. Then my passive aggressive nature took over and instead I laughingly whispered to Chuck that I would not feel compelled to try and keep our kids quiet when they awoke before the crack of dawn. And sure enough the kids were all up early and we turned into “those” campers. Horrible I know!

I’ve decided one of the reasons I enjoy camping is because Chuck does the majority of the work. He gets all the equipment ready, he sets up camp, he does the cooking and he kills the bugs. It’s a wonderful treat for me! What a great husband!

We found these GIANT marshmallows for roasting and making Smores.

The kids loved them, but we decided it was just too much marshmallow and won’t be buying them again. It was sugar overload and as captured, very messy!

Our campsite was beautiful and was already in the shade when we arrived. The kids had fun squashing all the giant black ants and exploring the rocks.

Jenna even joined in the exploration. She trudged and scooted right down the hill after the kids.

They even had fun just playing in the tent.

Based on the results we think we are ready to tackle a couple of nights next time!