Going Straight to the Big Guy

Elena REALLY wants a cotton candy machine for Christmas. During one of many requests for one at Christmas, Karen finally told her it absolutely wasn't going to happen.

Here response, "Fine, I'll just ask Santa then!"

Summer in Review

 

We did a lot of stuff over the summer, however blogging was not one of them. So here is a quick recap.

Marcus turned 4 in June. He really wanted a bounce house for his party, so we rented one for him. Now he points out the sign advertising the bounce houses every day when I drive him to school.

 He got lots of Legos and trucks for his birthday. As you can see, he was one happy kid.

Marcus also worked on his first shop project: training wheel modification. First he drilled some holes.

Then we cut off some excess metal.

and tightened the bolts.

 

 Here is the finished product!

Regarding training wheels, Elena ditched hers.

We started a 4-H club, the Sunnysiders.

We got some bantams for 4-H chickens.

We had horrible luck with the chickens, and only one survived until fair.

Early one morning the chickens were making quite a ruckus. I ran out there in my underwear without any shoes. I then did battle with a great horned owl. Did I mention I didn't have on any clothes or shoes? Anyway, I am currently working on new quarters for the 4-H chickens.

We also went to the cabin a few times.

While there we visited one of our favorite hot springs.

We did some hiking as well.

For the 4th of July we did fireworks and a pool party.

 

  

In August we went on the Idaho Power camping trip near Stanley. One morning Karen and Mia hiked to the top of the ridge while I hung out with the kids. 

Elena thought she was the Dog Whisperer on this particular trip.

While there, we all went for a hike near Redfish Lake. I dubbed it "The Trail of Tears" because the kids have decided they don't like hiking any more.

This summer we removed the last of the big maple trees at our house because it died. I rented a boom lift this time and it was actually pretty fun.

We also had a new roof installed on the house. Very exciting!

Elena loves to have sleepovers. I've come to learn that sleepovers don't involve much sleeping. Here she is after one of her sleepovers. She barely made it in the front door before passing out.

A couple of random photos:

Then it was time to go back to school. Elena started the first grade while Marcus is now in Pre-K.

Here is a class photo of Marcus.