2008 Family Pictures (when a reward is on the line)

Fall 2008

I decided it had been a few years since our family had a decent family picture taken.  The reason being is that it is so hard to get everyone happy and excited for pictures.  Sometimes I wonder who hates getting pictures taken the most, the children or Mark.   It has never been a pleasant experience- you would think how hard is it to just smile and sit still but believe me for our family it is torture.  So this year I planned to turn this event around.

I've learned from experience how amazing our kids will behave when they know a reward or a prize is at stake.   I knew I would hear endless grumbles if I told my family we were going to get family pictures taken.  I could just see the agony this would bring, the boredom and pain.  So before I announced to them the fun evening I had planned, I carefully placed in the middle of the floor 4 beautifully wrapped packages.  I called the children into the room and explained the activity.  

At first I saw tears well up into Samuel's eyes as I told him what was on the agenda for that evening and I was never completely sure if the evening events even registered into the little minds of Luke and Marah for their eyes were fixed on the gifts that lay before them.   I explained to them how I just knew they were going to be the best children in the world this evening and as a thank you to them I had purchased a few items in appreciation.   The only catch to this now exciting evening was if I heard any grumbling whatsoever the surprise was going back into the box.  

You wouldn't believe the miracle that took place thereafter.  I witnessed children quickly scampering about to get ready.  They were eager to please their parents and the photographer, it was wonderful.  Best of all, we had a great time at the lake and for a few moments forgot there was someone there snapping photos.  Moral of the story never underestimate the value of a dollar store gift.  

TUBING ON PINEVIEW

Do you want it mild, medium or spicy??? 

This is the question you get before your ride.  

What a Fun Day!!!

On saturday the day before Melissa's birthday we had a friend bday party.  Melissa wanted to take her friends to see the new American Girl movie.  It was great fun, we loaded everyone up with popcorn and pizza and enjoyed the movie.  Afterwards we all went out for "oreo smoothies".   She has some cute & bubbly friends we had a great time getting to know them better.  Sunday was a fun day as well for Melissa.  Grandma Allen and Uncle Russ came to celebrate her special day.  We decorated her cake and she opened up lots of fun presents.  One of her gifts was a night out with mom and dad to go see the new "High School Musical" musical at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake.  She is so excited and is already trying to decide what to wear!

BIRTHDAY GIRLS!!!

Both Mom and Melissa celebrate their birthdays this month.  Melissa turned 9 on the 13th and Mom is celebrating her 39th bday on the 17th!  We hope you both have a wonderful and happy birthday!

Little Nieces

Sooo much Fun!!!

It's always a treat to have cousins come and visit.   Kyra and Annika are staying with us for a few days.  It's been a blast hanging out and playing together.  Tonight we played night games, we played and played until we were all too spooked to stay outside any longer :) We have had alot of fun with them around.  

Just Horsing Around

We braided hair, put on levi's and were off to horse lessons this morning.  Sky was ready and waiting when we got there.  Kyra and Annika were very excited to see what horse lessons was all about and Melissa and Marah couldn't wait to show them.  The girls had fun riding Sky.  Annika loved using the reins to lead him around the corral and Kyra couldn't believe that she could give this great big huge animal orders and he would obey.  She was able to trot with Sky which according to Melissa and Marah is a big deal.  They feel very empowered when he listens and obeys their commands.  He is a good horse.  

Oh My Goodness!

So Far So Good- She's Having a BALL!!!

The Annika Update:

A little ray of sunshine has come to stay with us.  Annika is our cute and bubbly little niece.  She is staying with us while her family is gone on vacation.  Water, soap and blowing up water balloons has kept Annika very preoccupied.  When she is not playing in the water she has been riding horses, playing with bunnies, feeding the sheep and going on bike rides.  We have been having alot of fun-  we'll keep mom and dad posted on more Annika updates :)

4th of July

We had a pretty kicked back day.  We went to the parade in Huntsville.  Played at home in the sprinklers.  Made some yummy pasta (I know it's bbq day but we like to do things a little differently- besides our grill is out of commission).  Rode bikes.   Hung out at Liberty Park and then watched the firework show.   It was a easy going fun 4th!!!

Bandaids

HORSE LESSONS

Melissa and Marah have been begging and pleading to take horse lessons from Allie LaSalle.  Allie is a young rodeo star from Eden.  She is 15 yrs old and can handle a horse like nobody's business.  Once a week for a hour each, Melissa and Marah are trained in the art and care of horsemanship.  Allie is attentive to every detail, from beginning to end she teaches the girls every step of the way.  THEY LOVE IT!!!!  A week is too long to wait for the next horse lesson.  Everyday that's all Melissa and Marah will talk about was how much fun it was to ride SKY,  Allie's horse.  These were some pics I took of their first lesson with Allie and Sky. 

A BLUE RIBBON FAMILY

Marlon and Nancy Winger have 6 of the most well behaved and hard working children.    They are a blue ribbon, grand champion family.  Marlon and his sons run a small sheep farm in Weber County.  They were very helpful when our 6 families showed up to their house wanting to buy sheep.   Little did we know that when we bought the sheep, they would be in it with us for the long haul.  It's been great learning from them the tricks of the trade.   Their kids have all had huge success in the fairs they have done (not to mention in every other aspect of their life).  After the showmanship clinic on Saturday we loaded up and went to the lake for a couple of hours.  It was great fun- (hanging out and getting to know this family a little better.)    These are some pics of their family.  I love the picture of 3 yr. old Sarah, she is so sweet.  

JUNE 28 - GOING SHEEPISH

Somehow a small idea of raising a couple of sheep for the summer turned into a neighborhood sheep farm.  Last summer in Idaho Samuel raised a lamb and took it to fair.  We told a couple of people that we wanted to do it again this year and the word got out and the next thing we knew we had 6 families involved.  Overall it really is a good experience (we just keep trying to tell ourselves that).  It definitely is not a huge money maker and the work you have to put into it far out weighs the compensation you get in the end.  However, the kids have to work hard (and their parents, I must say ) and it teaches them about responsibility.  So we are in it for the lessons learned and experience gained.  We ended up with 3 sheep because one hurt it's leg. Marah was thrilled because that meant she got to have her own sheep to walk.  She loves roping and chasing down the sheep to take them on walks.  So don't be surprised if Marah is the next FFA president.  She is all business when it comes to walking and caring for these sheep.  It is killing her that she has to be 9 yrs. old to show a lamb at the Weber County Fair.  She can handle the animal better than any kid I've seen.  Last saturday we all gathered together and had a sheep showmanship clinic.  Marlon Winger and his family were so kind to come and share with us their expertise on showmanship.  The kids practiced setting up their sheep and walking them in front of Marlon, our pretend judge.