Brewer Clan

Dalen's 8th Birthday

2009-10-21T14:32:00.001-07:00

Birthday Boy
Dalen had a great birthday, and it was successful, he is another year older. We went to his soccer game where it was his turn to bring treats (it's all about the treats you know), then we went to El Matador for an early dinner. From there we went to a new store on 25Th street called Color Me Mine. It is a ceramics studio where you get to pick out the ceramic you want to paint, sit at a table with every color paint possible, and paint your choice. Then you leave your creation with them for 1 week where they glaze and fire it for you. We had a great time and even the Dad and Grandpa got in on the action! We had a blast and Dalen will always have his skull head to remember the day.

Painting at Color Me Mine

Working on our creations

Non-Labor Day...

2009-09-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful friend invited us to go to Flaming Gorge over Labor Day weekend. It was a well needed trip for Casey and I. Our schedules had been hectic so a little down time was just what the doctor had ordered. We got there Saturday morning and had an amazing breakfast on the boats (thanks for the recipe Kristi). The kids swam and paddled in the air raft. Then we rode to the other side of the Gorge to find a place to camp for the night.

Although the beach we picked was far from ideal, the kids had a blast playing in the mud. It was quite amusing though, watching people get stuck. It didn't help that the mud seemed to get deeper the drunker we got!!!

We went to the Parade of Lights in Lucern to watch Traci's dads boat compete for the best decorated. The kids loved it. There were boats with huge metal and light sculptures on them. There was one of Nemo and another with a U for the Utes.

When it was time to leave the kids were crushed. However there are preliminary plans to do it again next year, maybe just longer. Thanks guys for an unforgettable weekend. We love you!

What were we thinking...

2009-08-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a brilliant idea! On one of the busiest weeks of our lives, my friends Candice, Robyn, and I decide to attempt suicide by running. After spending countless hours getting our kids registered for school, dealing with PTA functions, Back-to-School nights, soccer, tumbling, and not to mention a sudden rush of work, we decide to run a 5K at Sugarhouse Park.

We spent Friday night in Salt Lake as to avoid a very early drive to the race. We however didn't know the area surrounding the hotel we chose to stay at. Needless to say, when there is a 16 yr old hooker checking in with her john at the same time you are waiting for your room keys, you're not at the Ritz Carlton. I will say they had a very decent continental breakfast. I think we could have slept in a cardboard box and still had fun though.

Just a piece of advice for those considering running a 5K, you may not want to stay up talking and giggling like school girls till 1:30 am and a healthy well balanced meal the night before rather than breakfast at Village Inn is also recommended. We also decided against hydrating ourselves and went with a stint in the hot tub and a Dr.Pepper right before bed!

At any rate we actually pulled it off quite well. Robyn and Candice came in at the 35 min mark and I came in at about 38. I am attributing my time deficit to PMS and cramps. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!! Next year I do think we should try a spa date instead ;-) Love ya guys!

He can finally do it!!!

2009-07-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a lazy day for us. Dalen, however, can not sit still for anything so he went outside to play. Through our bedroom window, Casey and I could see him on his bike puttering from the backyard to the front. He didn't know how to ride his bike and didn't have any interest in learning so this was really strange for him. Since it was keeping him quiet and busy we just left him alone. Later in the evening Casey went out to finish doing his fireworks with him. Dalen grabbed his bike and said "watch Dad" and off he went. The little turkey had taught himself to ride his bike. We were so excited and proud of him. He has always been the cautious one so it was a very big deal that he did this all on his own!!!

Way to go Buddy!!!

Hiking Timpanogas...

2009-07-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

Since the new school year is creeping a little quicker than we expected, a few moms and I decided we had better get the kids outside for a hike up to Timpanogas Cave. At 7:30am (to beat the heat) the 11 of us set off. Once we got to the canyon and bought our tour tickets we found a picnic bench and ate since we had a couple hours to wait. After some lunch we headed up the mountain. The older kids were way too cool to stay with us so they got as far ahead of us as possible. The little boys were too busy with their walking sticks to worry about anyone else. After a long trek (and a little whining) we made it to the cave. We had a chance to rest and get some pictures before the tour. Of course refueling with some snacks since we had mostly growing boys with us. Then it was cave time. The kids were excited and a little apprehensive at first. Our guide was great and answered all the kids questions without hesitation. It was so much fun and the kids had a blast. After the trek down we beat the afternoon heat with a stop by Dairy Queen. Thanks Peggy and Candice for the awesome afternoon. Can't wait to do it again soon.

The Hike Up!

The fearless leaders!

The pool inside the cave.

Slip and Slide...

2009-07-20T16:09:00.000-07:00

Casey took Friday off of work for a fun family day in the sun. We took the kids to Cherry Hills. I hadn't been there since I was a kid and man has it changed! Dalen was a little apprehensive until he knew he could touch at the bottom of the slides. Once he was comfortable he was gone. Kenna is our little daredevil and needed no reassurance of any sort. She would bungee jump tomorrow without a second thought! Casey and I were completely content laying on the tubes in the lazy river. We went around in circles for at least an hour and a half. It was one of those great days. We topped it off with ice cream from DQ and a movie night in our bed. A truly great day!

2009-07-06T17:02:00.001-07:00

Parade, party, and my favorite people!

2009-07-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

This 4th of July was a complete blast! We started off our holiday with the Hooper parade. Dalen had fun gathering the hand fulls of candy and Popsicles being thrown at him. He appreciated the help he got from Uncle Toby. Sadly, Kenna was too old for this behavior this year.

Grandpa checking out Dalen's loot bag

Good morning sunshine!

Then it was off to Skip and Colleen's for our 4th of July/Skip's 50th birthday/Kristi's birthday party. There was great food (as usual), swimming, water balloons, volleyball, Razr racing, fireworks, and a bonfire. Needless to say, the kids slept good that night. We of course had the family clowns (Kathy and Kristi) to keep us entertained during the slower times. There is never a bad moment with our family. We love you all!

(See the slide show above for all the highlights!)

Dalen's turn to shine...

2009-06-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, another blog about soccer. It is our life.

Dalen got to compete in his first soccer tournament with his AYSO team from this year. They changed their names from the Green Snakes to the Green Dragons to sound more intimidating. All their games were held in Hooper so it was nice to have them close by for a change. They played some hard teams but tried their best. Danny, their coach, was very proud of how well they played. Despite their best efforts they didn't win any of their games. You would never have known it by looking at them though. They had a blast and it was fun to watch them put all their hard practice in to good use. It was great to watch a team go out to just have fun and not worry so much about the winning.

Halftime huddle with Coach Danny

Dalen going for the block.

2009-06-15T21:43:00.001-07:00

We are the champions...

2009-06-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Here are our girls, in the pouring rain, receiving their silver medals at the 2009 Utah Summer Games. It was amazing to see the looks on their faces despite the down pour, and the pride in Travis's (their coach) eyes. This was a big moment for the little team that had been built and not chosen. Most of these girls have been together since they played on an AYSO All Star team when they were 8 yrs old.

Silver Medalists Rampage TW!!!

We say go, you say Rampage...

5 games in 4 days...

2009-06-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

McKenna's Rampage soccer team traveled to Cedar City to compete in the Utah Summer Games. The team went 2 years ago and left with all three games in complete shut out. We didn't score a single goal the entire tournament. This year was a far different story. Our girls played the most amazing games and fought against some of the hardest teams we have ever played against. Our first game was the night we arrived against the Spitfire, our long time rivals. We were shut out 1-0. These girls fought back in their second game the next day against the Sharks to a 1-1 tie. Later that day we played the Bombers who we shut out 2-0 for a good end to a tough double header. That moved us to the Semi-final round where we played Dixie Dragons and won 1-0. This was the most emotional game for all of us because the winner of this game got to play in the Gold Medal round the following morning. After this win there were no dry eyes in the house! The next morning, at 8 am on a windy Saturday morning, we entered the Gold Medal round against none other than.....Spitfire. All things considered, they played like the champions we always knew they could be. We were beat 3-0 and still came out the winners in the long run. Our team won the Silver Medal in the U-12 girls division, but in the hearts of everyone who saw how far they had come, they were the champions!

5K Walk for Briggs

2009-06-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Kristi, Kathy, Staci, Me, and Mom

We had a very busy Saturday, we also did a 5K charity walk for a little boy named Briggs. He is the little brother of one of Dalen's good friends, Quayden. He has a form of brain cancer and they arranged a walk to raise $ for his medical care. Since it was a more than worthy cause, 6 of us got out of bed early and walked 3.1 miles (5K) around the streets of Hooper. They had a great turn out and we had a lot of fun. Realize this was 8 am and I had worked till 11 pm so forgive the fashion statement we are all making. Here are your pictures KATHY!

Three generations of walkers!

Kenna and Grandma happy it's over!

Rock on...

2009-06-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Casey's first "gig" with his band on an actual stage, at a venue where people have to pay to get in. They have played family parties before, but this was their first official hired "gig". They played at Lorin Farr Park along with the car show and MMA fights. Unfortunately it was sort of a bust but a good experience to get their feet wet. They are hoping this could lead them to some other "gig's". It was still just family and friends for the most part, but they sounded great. It was such a difference listening to them through professional sound equipment rather than in a basement or backyard. The show started with Angel Street, then Brewster Cogburn, then Shadow. They are all friends of ours so it was awesome to have them all on the same stage. The weather was wonderful and I was so proud of my hottie of a husband!

Angel Street

Daddy's little roadie

The "crowd"!

Shadow

The Fam

Hooper Field Day...

2009-05-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Dalen and Tiernan at field day

Friday was the elementary school Field Day. McKenna has hit the elite position as 6th grader, therefor earning her position as a dunkie for the Dunk Tank. It just so happened that her group was chosen to go at the exact same time the first grade was having their turn at field day. Dalen was more than happy to take the first shots of his sister sitting atop the dreaded white board. I was volunteering that day for the PTA and was witness to this blessed event. Dalen took great pleasure in enacting a little revenge on the Big Sister. He also enjoyed the sheer look of terror on her face as she realized what was about to happen! Even though he didn't hit the target with the balls provided, he still gave her the splash she deserved.

McKenna in the aftermath...

Good Job Bubba! It was hard to see this event as one of the last they would ever share at the same school. Now she is moving on to bigger and better things, and soon he will be the one in the dunk tank.

Her first dance card.....

2009-05-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

6th grade dance card

McKenna and the rest of the tortured sixth grade had their very first dance. They had a luau theme with fruit and slushes, a blow up tiki hut, and inflatable palm trees. Each kid had a dance card that they had to fill with names of the opposite sex and those were to be their partners for the dances. Kenna's group of friends and her friend Austin's group of friends sort of stuck together. They worked for weeks with their teachers to learn line dances and partner dances so they should have felt prepared. After they got the first dance under their belts the nerves subsided and they were having a great time. Their teachers were great with the planning so nobody was left out. It was fun for the mom's to watch, too. Till it hits you that you are now old enough to have a child who is dancing with the opposite sex!!! The beginning of the end..........

Kenna and Austin's first dance

Getting the "go away mom" evil eye!

Kenna and friends under the tiki hut!

Go Green Snakes

2009-05-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Dalen's soccer team has been undefeated this year. They call themselves the green snakes and Dalen is #6. The boys are playing great together and may be playing in the AYSO fun fest this year. Dalen is very excited at the prospect of playing in his first tournament since he has been drug along to his sisters games and tournaments for 4 years now. It is so fun to watch them run in a herd and knock each other over despite Coach Danny's attempt to explain their positions.

Outstanding Standings....

2009-04-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

McKenna's Indoor Soccer season ended with a bang. Her team finished first in their division. She also scored enough goals to make the high scorers list! She has come such a long way in her playing and is really starting to get competitive. We love watching her play and are definitely her biggest fans (us and Grandma and Grandpa that is)!

Drive in...

2009-04-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

The sixth grade started off their year by making a deal with their teachers that if they were prepared everyday, and earned sufficient points by doing so, that they would receive a killer party at the end of each term. Thus far, Kenna has earned her way in to every party. This last party had a drive-in theme. The kids were asked to build cardboard cars that they could wear over their shoulders. Kenna and Casey spent the better part of a Sunday afternoon cutting, gluing, and constructing the perfect convertible. I then took it to the garage where we spray painted it baby blue (Kenna's favorite color). From there it was all up to her to decorate and customize it just in time for the big night.

They were invited to the school from 6:30 pm till 9:30 pm to partake in the festivities. They had to pass a drivers test (obstacle course using flat scooters), earn a drivers license, watch a movie, and participate in an optional demolition derby (killing the cars their parents spent countless hours building!).

When Kristi and I got there to pick them up it was complete chaos. They had a great time running the pitch black halls of the school where the boys were going out of their way to scare the girls. They had pop and popcorn for their movie and danced to Mrs. Porters i-pod collection. These kids truly lucked out with the wonderful teachers they have. Congrats Kenna, you are a remarkable student!

Happy Birthday Uncle Timmy!!!

2009-04-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful night out to dinner with my mom and dad, Casey's aunt Kelli and uncle Tim, and our brood. We went to one of our favorites, El Matador. Since it was the day before Tim's birthday we decided to have the waiter announce it to the entire restaurant while we all sang to him and wearing the ever popular sombrero. Luckily Tim is a very patient and laid back personality and he took the embarrassment with a rock on and a smile. It was a great night and we will hopefully be doing it again soon! Love you Uncle Tim and happy 50th!

Kenna's best game!

2009-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday afternoon, Kenna had an indoor soccer game at Ultimate Indoor in West Haven. She scored the first goal of the game against Valley Hot spurs. Then she was on fire. She scored the next 2 goals as well in what they call a hat trick (3 goals in a row), but she wasn't done there. She managed to score yet another goal before the game ended at a 7-0 shut out! It was her best game ever. She was passing beautifully and managed to be in the right place every time. She even made the high score list on the web site! We are so proud of our little soccer player!

My beautiful baby girl...

2009-02-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today is McKenna's 12th birthday. She wanted contacts for her birthday so yesterday I took her to the eye doctor. She was an instant pro at putting them in and taking them out. She also got a new bike from her Grandma and Grandpa. A mountain bike with all the gears a techie girl could need! Tomorrow she is going to her first cooking class since that is still her passion. I've never had a problem with my age or getting older but this birthday of hers is a little tougher for me than I expected. She even looked older this morning when she was getting ready for school (and I felt older!). So here are 12 things I love about my beautiful baby girl...

1. She is not a girly girl, but a perfect mix of tough and tender.
2. She is always happy and laid back, no drama.
3. She lights up a room with her smile.
4. She is always more concerned with others feeling over her own.
5. She has so many dreams and plans.
6. She is a great cook!
7. She is never worried about what other people think.
8. She could make friends with a rock!
9. She never sees the bad in people, only the good.
10. She will help anyone, anywhere, and anytime.
11. She is so nurturing and motherly to anyone who needs it.
12. She is my angel sent to make me a better person.

Happy Birthday Kenna, Sparky, Kenna Bear, Kenna Leigh, Ken, Sis, Baby Doll... :-)

In leiu of Lava luau...

2009-02-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

For the last few years my friend Kathy and I have been taking a huge group of friends up to party in Lava Hot Springs for our birthday. This year we were afraid people would not be able to make it due to our countries great economic situation. So we planned a luau at Kathy's house instead. Since our birthdays are 20 days apart we split the difference and put the party in between them both. We had a great time with decorations, karaoke, jello shots, and wonderful(as always)food. We learned the proper jello shot technique from Julie and Karen (no I am not kissing everyone in the slide show below). Our friend Ginnett had real Hawaiian leis flown in from Hawaii for us and made us these great cards with our pictures as hula girls. I love my framily (friends + family) and couldn't make it through a day without talking or e-mailing at least one of them. On my actual birthday I had dinner with Troy and Staci. Troy is such a sweetie and was the very first person to wish me a Happy Birthday (via e-mail). Thank you to everyone for making it such a special day and party.

Happy Birthday to me.....

2009-01-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

I got an early birthday date with my husband on Wednesday. We got offered great tickets (thanks Tammy!) to the Saving Able, Buckcherry, Avenged Sevenfold, and Papa Roach concert. It was awesome! I love Buckcherry and Saving Able. I was also surprised at how many Papa Roach songs I love that I didn't even realize they sang. The only band that was rather disappointing was Avenged Sevenfold. All they did was scream. Everyone else was so worth driving to Salt Lake in the snow for. I got a whole night with my hubby and no children which was the bigger bonus for us both! If you want to watch the Saving Able video be sure to go to the bottom of my page and pause the music player. Enjoy.......I sure did!

Scientifically speaking...

2009-01-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Kenna and her display board.

Her certificate of participation

The dreaded 6th grade science fair project is finally over, and we all survived. Kenna found a fun you tube video of people walking on a mixture of starch and water. So, for her project, she hypothesized whether starch and water is a liquid or a solid. Her project board looked great. We are so proud of how smart she is becoming. Now we wait a few years, then we have to make it through Dalens'.

Flashback (yet again)...

2009-01-07T07:23:00.001-08:00

Layton High Prom 1994 Junior Year

This Saturday, my friend Candice and I are assistant photographers for the Grantsville High Snow Ball. So, of course, this brought to mind a flashback. Since I was one of those who went to every school dance, I have oodles of pictures to amaze and amuse. I loved the creativity in the asking and answering, the coordinating outfits, and day long activities that had to accompany each one. Much love goes out to those I will be bringing on the humiliating journey along with me...hehehe!

Layton High Morp 1994 Junior Year

Layton High Harvest Dance 1995 Senior Year

Layton High Prom 1993 Sophomore Year

Layton High Prom 1995 Senior Year

Layton High Morp 1993 Sophomore Year

Ringing in the New Year

2009-01-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

New Years was great. This is my first attempt at using the video feature on my camera, it is short and dark, so hopefully I'll get better. We had a party at the Chavez household with a benefit concert to help with medical bills for the Poore family. They have had a really rough year, medically speaking, and we were hoping to help. It was a small framily party and we still managed to donate about $500 to their family. Casey's band "Hard Eight" and "Angel Street" both played. The kids had fun with the noise makers. All in all it was a very good start to 2009. Hope yours was a good one, too.

Kathy and Colleen mixing up the "bubbly"!

Kristi showing off her dance moves.

Me, Mary, Stacy, Kristi, and Traci and our usual girl pic.

The kids getting in on the fun!

Well the weather outside is frightful....

2008-12-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

Another successful Christmas here and gone. Sorry to say, I am glad to have it over, but it was fun while it lasted. I didn't get to bed till 2 am and Dalen talked Kenna into coming in our room at 5 am to see if we were ready to open presents. Being the scrooge that I am, I turned her away and told her I had till 6am when Grandma and Grandpa got here. I laid there and finally decided that in order to have a productive Christmas morning I had better have the coffee ready for Casey and the old folks. So after making the proper morning arrangements and waking Casey and Kenna (Dalen of course was just laying on his bed staring at the door) the festivities began. Of course the stockings were first with Dalen practically throwing everything out on the floor and asking what was next and Kenna savoring every moment, knowing it never lasts long enough. After the presents were opened, Grandma, Kenna, and I retired to the kitchen to fix homemade cinnamon french toast and bacon. The boys were busy playing the new DS games and removing everything from their child (and adult) proof packaging. Grandma and Grandpa headed home to let out Rocco the rat dog and prepare for round 2. So bravely trudging through the horrible weather we made our way next door where we were greeted by puppy licks and a whole new pile of unopened presents. Of course the kids dove in to their stockings (yes they get stockings there too). Then came the "family" gift. The kids began tearing into their parts to find a bunch of Wii games, but we don't have a Wii.......and then began the screaming and jumping. We are now boxing in the living room and moving the furniture to accommodate our new virtual bowling alley. We then packed up our new toys and headed back out into the storm for a little R & R at home. Of course we didn't get any rest with a Wii to play with. So after playing with all the gadgets and some much needed hygiene we headed back out in the snow to visit Aunt Kelli and Uncle Tim and a quick stop at Grandpa Gene and Grandma Chris's before it was back home for dinner. A little more unpackaging and playing then it was finally time to collapse (at 8 pm!!!). Wow do we know how to party or what!!!

Christmas Eve Party at the Hite's...

2008-12-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the dwelling, there was a big framily party raging, and the decibels swelling.

The Hite family household was ready to rock with the sounds of band noises, gossip and talk.

Ma in the garage with Lucy the dog and John in his usual Crown induced fog.

Traci is sure to keep the house running, so all us degenerates have a place to keep coming.

Kids with their new toys, racing round the Christmas tree, and Kathy's cackle infused with sarcasm and glee.

Gordon can be found in the kitchen with the Mikes, and Kristi in conversation with whomever she likes.
The girls with new boyfriends meet us for the first time, find out having fun still isn't a crime.

With white elephant gift giving, hugs, and kisses galore we hope the next year will be as special as this one before.

The Girls

Kaden, Gage, Weston, and Lucy

Kristi with her favorite gift ever!!!

The gangs all here!

Casey and T-roy

Cute kids in love!

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!!!

Fight Night

2008-12-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Joel, Andy, Brent, Tammy, and Casey engrosed in pre-fight coverage

So last night was the long awaited return of Oscar De La Hoya. Yes I know it is a little strange to be a girl and enjoy boxing but I love it. We always make a big deal out of the Pay Per View fights. We also pay $2 and draw rounds. If the fighter wins on the round you drew, then you win all the money that was paid for the rounds. Casey and I bought 5 rounds. Needless to say, with De La Hoya throwing in the towel in the end of the 8th round, Kristi won. Which was fitting since she sacrificed her house for the event. Pacquiao was quicker and proved to be the better man last night. As always we had a great turn out and a great time.

Kristi, Me, and Colleen in our gossip circle

Darrin, Angie, and Stacey enjoying the festivities downstairs.

Kathy and I, saying cheese!

Blue Ribbon Winner

2008-11-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

Thursday night, Kenna competed in her first 4-H cooking competition. The kids were required to put together a place setting and cook their favorite food that a judge would be tasting. McKenna made our family favorite, Mexi-tot casserole. She made it all by herself. We picked a western theme place setting since it sort of went with the ethnicity of the casserole. They had a blast. She had several friends there that were also competing. She was up against 16 other contestants. Kenna won a blue ribbon and got 98 out of 100 points. She was only marked down for a lack of eye contact with the judge while she was being questioned. It was a great experience and now she is really loving 4-H.

McKenna's place setting

Talking to the judge.

Aspen setting up for the competition.

Megan's place setting, chocolate torte.

The Hooper Aces.

Mexi-Tot Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 large can of enchilada sauce
1 small can diced green chilies
4 tsp taco seasoning
1 can black beans
frozen tater tots
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease casserole dish with cooking spray. Line bottom of dish with frozen tater tots. Brown beef in large skillet. Drain grease. Add enchilada sauce, drained beans, taco seasoning, and green chilies. Cook on medium heat till bubbly. Pour over tater tots and top with shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-30 min.

Halloween Night

2008-11-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

Kenna & Dalen

Kenna & Jessica

I forgot to blog about our Halloween night. I made Kenna's costume and of course, she chose to be a chef! Surprise, surprise, surprise! Everyone loved their costumes at our neighborhood Trunk-or-treat. This was the first year Kenna kind of took off on her own with her friends so we only had to worry about taking Dalen around. The Trunk-or-treat was huge and Dalen's bag got so heavy he made me help him carry it. They had a great time and our neighbors are so much fun.

Trick or Treat

Kenna & Aunt Kelli

The Trial of Alice in Wonderland

2008-10-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Aspen, Kenna, and Breanna prior to show time.

Last night was Kenna's performance of her class play, The Trial of Alice in Wonderland. Mrs.Tonioli worked so hard for this. The kids did such a good job. It was fun to watch, because I remember most of these kids since kindergarten. Kenna made a beautiful daisy. She spoke her lines perfect. The costumes were amazing and the set was awesome. There were so many parents and grandparents that helped. Each class did their own play so there was plenty of room for family to come watch. My mom and dad as well as Kenna's step-mom, brothers, and little sister even made the trek to see her. Kenna was so excited she could barely contain herself. I was so proud of all of them.

Such cute costumes!

Braden made a great caterpillar.

Chelsea did awesome as Alice.

Michelle, Presley, Bo, and Rowdy watching their big sis!

Party like a rock star...

2008-10-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

So Saturday was our annual Halloween party. It was held at Steve and Ginnett's house in Clinton. I always love to see how creative our friends can be when it comes to dressing up. I thought Dalen's costume took the cake. How many 7 year olds do you know that want to dress up like the band Motley Crew for Halloween? Mine is a unique child. His outfit turned out great though, and if I'd let him wear it to school, he probably would. Casey and his band (still un-named) played and drew quite a crowd. We had great food like Gordons famous (at least with us) pork wings. Dalen's favorite were the mini hot dogs made to look like bloody fingers. Thank you Kristi, now my son can't eat just a normal hot dog ever again. Mike even carved a brain out of a watermelon. Ginnett went all out with her decorations. The room where the bands played was amazing. Then there was the costume contest. Dalen should have won but since the prize was not age appropriate, he was alright with it! Despite a few spills here and there (Kathy!!!) the night was a total blast and complete success. Here are some of the goofy pics of our "framily" in costume.

Kathy, Traci, Casey, and Kristi say cheese!

The un-named band...Troy, Casey, Darrin, and John.

Me and my HOT date!

Even Ozzy (Ken) made an appearance!

Field Trip

2008-10-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Dalen had his first grade field trip to the dinosaur park. Nothing like 92 first graders all crammed on one bus. I was smart and drove myself there. We got to make Utah Raptor masks in the education center.

Then we got to go inside and explore the museum. We watched as some of the archaeologists looked through silt and sand for fossils. We also got to look at all the cool gemstones, fossils, and dinosaur bones. Then we got to watch the automated dinosaurs. I think this was the boys favorite part, of course.

Then we got to explore the park which was decorated for Halloween. The kids loved all the bones hanging from the trees and coffins with "dead" bodies inside. Dalen got to play by the Jack-o-Lanterns with Blake and played dead in the dungeon with Tiernan. The sign on the bars was put there just for them! By then they were ready for some free time on the playground (I think the teachers and I were too). It was a great field trip and we didn't even lose anyone along the way!

Flashback...

2008-10-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

So I did a flashback previously about me. Since this is a family blog, I saw it only fair that Casey have his day to shine as well. This is a picture of a band that my husband played with in Denver, Attic Toys. This was a promo poster for a show they were having. He is the Sebastian Bach look-a-like in the upper left hand corner (scarf adorned, blond headed, eye liner wearing....). I love this picture of him. He is such a talented musician and can make the most beautiful guitars. This is certainly not the little cowboy I married! Although he has changed his looks (drastically) he will always be a rock star in my eyes and a rock legend to his kids. Love ya honey!

Mental Note: The couch is far more comfortable to sit on than to sleep on!

Dalen turns 7!

2008-10-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

Friday was Dalen's 7th birthday. I took him treats for his class and balloons to school and stayed to eat school lunch with him. We had Chicken fingers and mashed potatoes. That evening grandma and I took him to Chili's for dinner where grandma gave him a Nintendo DS with a Mr.Slimer game. Then we took him over to Target where he got to pick out his present from daddy and I. He picked a huge transformer named Bumblebee, a slinky, and Star Wars figures. Yes, he is very easy to please. Then on Saturday we made cupcakes and went to our friends Kathy and Gordon's for American Idol Karaoke on the Wii. The kids had a blast and did really well with the songs they picked!

My helper

2008-10-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Blogging would be so much easier without all this help!

7 days in paradise!

2008-09-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well we survived 7 days of fun in the sun! It was heaven. We stayed 7 days and nights in an all inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya 2 hours south of Cancun. We went with my sister-in-law Dawn, brother-in-law Chad, and friend Becca. We had 1 1/2 hr massage at the spa, went on a jungle ATV tour, snorkeled in the cenote, kayaked in the gulf of Mexico, ate the most wonderful food, drank margaritas on the beach, broke toes playing soccer, read a great book, saved several tiny hermit crabs from certain death, watched my husband impersonate David Hasselhoff, found a kitty and named him Jorge, beat everyone in a game of Rummy, and enjoyed every minute of it! Here are just a few of our pictures...

McKenna's new toy

2008-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

So Casey and I always said we would never let our kids have their own computers in their rooms because we wouldn't be able to monitor their "surfing" as easily. So call me weak! McKenna's grandma Carol offered her old one to her and we couldn't refuse! She is not allowed Internet access in her room but it is rigged with all her favorite games, a typing teacher, and windows where she can write her stories for hours without tying up the family one. She loves the fact she and have her own background and screen saver. She can also listen to CD's and her MP3 player on it. Thank you Grandma Carol!!! You made this little girl a very happy camper!

Flashback......

2008-09-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

So I thought I'd entertain with some pics I found while cleaning out the hall closet. I always see these flashback blogs and thought how funny it would be to open someones blog and see a goofy pic of yourself at 15! So here are Ryan and I and the last day of 9th grade. Don't you love the Sally Jesse Raphael hair and glasses! (Ryan, just be happy I haven't whipped out the prom pic yet!) We went to the mall and Sizzler for lunch so we could sign every ones yearbook.

Ahhhh to be young and stupid! So I will try to find some other fun pics from the past so I can not only humiliate myself, but also those I love! (Ryan, Jayne, Tony, Randy, I'd be scared if I were you!)

Sunday on a Saturday!

2008-08-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

Since Casey had to work Saturday morning we decided to hang at home with movies and ice cream sundays. Since we are quite partial to Frosted Rock or Baskin Robbins we don't usually fix ice cream at home. Dalen was in heaven with his mini banana split in a waffle bowl and Kenna had the only ice cream she will eat, Birthday Cake. We watched Drillbit Taylor and enjoyed our quiet evening at home. Sometimes those are the best ones!

Schools back!

2008-08-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah for me! School is back in session and I am free from 8:10 am till 3:35 pm!!!! So what am I to do with my free time you ask? I go get 2 jobs. I will be working for a sports photographer and coaching tumbling.

The kids are so excited to be back with their friends. All Dalen cared about was getting to eat school lunch and Kenna was excited about the parties the 6th grade teachers offer as incentives. The only part I dread is homework. I know I'm not smarter than a 6th grader so I have to look up her homework subject via the Internet.

The kids got up bright and early Monday morning, showered, and had pancakes for breakfast. Dalen was so excited he couldn't even eat. Then it was new school outfits, backpacks, a kiss and they were off. Just think, next year will be JUNIOR HIGH. Damn I'm old!

The things kids say.....

2008-08-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Setting: Just finished bathing stinky camping dogs.

Dalen: "Mom, I love that new dog smell."
Me: (hysterical laughter)

Camp Brewer

2008-08-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

So instead of doing the usual family activities that the kids will enjoy but forget by next weekend, we wanted to make some lasting memories. So we decided to go on a weekend tent camping trip. Casey's friend Corey told us all about this great campsite up by Hardware Ranch. We were going to leave Saturday but the anticipation was killing us so we were out of here by 5 pm on Friday. We had a map and figured we were both smart enough to read and follow. Little did we know how much more technical it would be than that! We were on some scary ranch road, not fit for man nor beast. There were huge jagged rocks sticking out of this dirt road (if you could call it that) which wound around cliffs (I don't do cliffs!) and it didn't remotely resemble the map. By now we were definitely lost, it was cold, it started to rain, and it was getting dark. So we headed back the way we came and stopped at the first flat spot we came to. We were on this wide open plain, in a huge patch of dead weeds. The wind was so bad we couldn't light a fire. By now I was crying, (and white knuckling the door handle)afraid something was going to go wrong in the middle of nowhere and Dalen was crying because this wasn't what camping looked like on TV! I got about 1 hour of sleep worrying about everyone getting cold, reenacting the tornado scene from Wizard of Oz as our tent shook violently in the wind, and we just happened to be camping on a hunting trail on the first weekend of the bow hunt. Every ten minutes or so a 4-wheeler, truck, trailer, motor home, etc...would pass by on the crappy road at all hour of the night. Here are a few pics of our first glorious night!

The only redeeming moment on the road from hell was the moose that was standing in a steam right off the side of the road (still debating the use of this word). He was the biggest moose I'd ever seen.

So needless to say we were up bright and early and out of there in search of the campsite that would better suit the camping visions in my children's heads. A few miles of going back the way we came, towards civilization, we found the perfect spot. Covered by trees, fire pit, flat ground for the tent, right next to the river with the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.

The kids got to fish (even though the fish were sleeping) and play to their hearts content. Dalen, the great scavenger that he is, spent all day finding shells and fossils. Kenna had a good time throwing rocks into the river and playing on the stepping stones. Casey made up a game of spill the milk with the firewood we brought and rocks. Both kids have a pretty good arm on them. I made the kids each a camping activity book with pictures to color, word searches, and a scavenger hunt I found on the Internet. We made dutch oven chili dogs and played in the fire till bed time. Despite the not-so-great beginning the trip turned out a total success.

The kids loved it and so did the dogs. Jackson is the best car dog alive and Mattie was just happy it wasn't so hot with all her thick hair! We will definitely be going again, but maybe next year we will look into buying a trailer. (Mental note: bring can opener and contact case!)

Classic Skating

2008-08-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

So summer is almost over and I gave the kids the option of doing one more big activity before school started. After exploring their options via coupon and online they decided on Classic Skating. My mom and I used to go skating about once a week when I was little but I must say it has changed drastically. My kids had more fun on the Bounce Zone and Pirates Cove than they did the skating rink. Of course I forgot my camera (amateur blogger) so the best I could do were pics from my phone. They aren't the best quality but I managed to make the best out of a bad situation.

I was, however, smart enough to bring Dalen's scooter just in case either of them had a hard time with the skates. They both did really well. Once Dalen settled down he caught on pretty good. The only problem was his little legs tuckered out on him before his spirit did so he switched to the scooter. Kenna also had her turn on it as well, just so she could say she did everything. They both had a blast!

(Mental note.....take camera with you!)

Ouch!

2008-08-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

So a lesson to everyone with boys; they should be required, prior to birth or marriage, to take a first aid class. I keep well stocked in gauze pads because between the two of them, there is almost always a need for them. I have never had stitches or broken a bone so these two give me a run for my money! I now know I probably would have made a good nurse or paramedic. Maybe I missed my calling in life, but I am busy enough here apparently. This was Dalen's latest OOPS! He slipped off the edge of his step stool we keep in the bathroom and caught the only sharp piece with his heel. It took Kenna, Casey, and me to calm him down enough to get a wrap on it for the night. He rather enjoys the "limping" and "moaning" part of recovery.

Wendover

2008-08-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend was nuts! Two days in Park City, Lagoon and then finally Wendover. A mere 623.3 miles in 4 days. My poor car was about to cry uncle. We finally got to gamble, golf and relax in the armpit of America. After Casey competed in the golf tournament we had a banquet with prizes and games. Of course, the only thing we won was a beer mug and 4 gold dollars which Casey gave to the kids. I laughed so hard at Casey's friends that I thought I was going to choke. It was a pleasant ending to a chaotic week!

Sophia and Bob in the balloon popping competition!

Dallen and Lynn Weed say cheese!

Mr.Boss Man Mike Bringard!

Park City Tournament

2008-08-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Kenna and friend Kyra before game 3.

McKenna's soccer team competed in the Park City Extreme Tournament this past week. The team played so well with Ali filling in as a guest player so we could substitute the girls out of the heat. They said it was 85 degrees but I would dispute that. It didn't feel any cooler up there than it was down here. We won our first game on Thursday 9-0 and lost the second one 0-4. Then we had one of the strangest soccer days we had ever had. We tied our first game 0-0 and our second one 1-1. After the other teams had played their final games, this left us in 3rd place out of 5. I think the girls did a beautiful job with Kenna scoring the only goal we scored on Friday. I was so excited for her I started crying. She was in the right place at the right time and made the shot! It was beautiful. She was really upset about an earlier mistake she had made that allowed USA 97' to score on us so she needed this goal to finish this tournament with her head held high. I am so proud of her. GO RAMPAGE!!!

The pre-game warm up.

Kenna playing midfield.

Kitties

2008-07-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't have anything fun to say and the rest of my week may be a little crazy busy so I thought I could slip in a picture of my cute kitties. I love them as much as my kids and have just about as many pictures of them too! The one up top is Tyler, the one hidden is Gidget, and the one taking up the entire rest of the couch is Lump (or Harley which we never call him). As you can tell it's their house and they just let us live here. I know this is a lame blog but it's mine and I can do what I want! (hehehe:-)

Male bonding

2008-07-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

On a slow Saturday afternoon there is nothing better than a little one-on-one time with the boy child! Our backyard pool was one of the best investments for our little fish. He would spend every waking moment in there if I would allow it. I think it's time for swimming lessons! He is going to have the hardest time dealing with school starting since he'd much rather be outside barefooted than anywhere. He and daddy had a great time that then turned into a quick game of hoops before dinner. The dogs didn't mind it much either!

The 24th of July

2008-07-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

I know to those of you not from Utah the 24th of July is just another day but to us, it's a holiday! We went next door to Grandma and Grandpa's and had a BBQ. We set up the slip-and-slide and watched baseball. I never knew how much fun a $10 slip-and-slide could be. I'm not sure if the kids had more fun on the slide or reenacting an episode of WWF. They spent most of their time trying to throw each other in the sprinkler and pushing each other out of the pool end of the slide. I also had no idea my husband and dad could snore in unison!

Here we go....

2008-07-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

So, I have seen all these cute blogs from other friends and thought my family should have one too! This is for everyone who knows how bad I am at keeping in touch and keeping up with pics of the kids. I will try to keep this site as up to date as possible.

Love,

Chan