A Pirate's life for me

We had a pirate treasure hunt at my in-laws. (Organized by my charming husband, captain scruffy beard here). We all made hats, and come to think of it... the whole darn get-up, out of paper bags. I think Brett's was the most impressive. We had a lot of fun... and it is nice to know that if on tight halloween budget... it is possible to create a whole costume out of grocery bags.

MY BABY!

I have a sister who, when she was little, totally looked like my aunt's kid... or so they said. So, for those who know Mark and his little crew... Doesn't Connor look like one of his boy's?

I had a really peaceful time making dinner and this is why! I was ok with them making mud pies and it turned into a mud WAR.

Madi's first day of school! We had fun getting everyone ready... Ben and Brooke had to have their new crayons and notebook too. (They are doing preschool with me at home and it is way fun!!!!!) Here is Ben with his pack... he was so excited that he went to bed with it on. That seems to be his thing...

"Camping Trip"

Dad was on a business trip and we needed a little something fun... so we had a camp out in the living room. The kids even drew forest and animals on huge pieces of paper and decorated their "camp site." It was really fun. We had smores and all sorts of nasty camping food (like top rommen and instant oatmeal).

Playing Catch-Up!

So between a wedding and a funeral (the last two weekends) and driving all over the place, we have been really busy, so here is another quick catch-up.Guess where girls! We went to find a geocache in Rexburg while we were there and it was right THERE and I couldn't resist a picture of our old stopping grounds. Kind of silly, but... Hooray for Birch 216!
Me and my Curly Girlies!
The girls both wanted curly hair this morning, so we had some fun with the mousse and blow dryer.

Hot stuff Madi! She kept saying, "I feel like a big girl today." After that, I was all for doing pony tails on her the next day.

Brooke was prancing around like a beauty queen.

Daddy daughter dance! Brooke and Madi LOVED this part! (We were at Brett's cousin's wedding reception).

Brett's cousin Sarah was married in the Rexburg temple. It was so nice to be there, see family, and sit in the temple with my sweet heart. The kids couldn't wait for Sarah to come out. They followed her around holding her train. (She was so tolerant!)

Goodbye Grandma

My grandmother passed away this Monday. She was such a wonderful woman... one of those amazing people that touch the lives of everyone they meet. I am so glad that my children got to meet and really to know her. (Grandma collected dolls like no one I've ever met. She gave each of my girls one of the most beautiful dolls in her collection.) My girls love to hold their "great grandma doll" and I am glad they will have a little something to remember her by. We will miss you Grandma!

Daddy's new hobby is fun for everyone!

My husband has a new hobby and he is including the whole family in the fun... Geocaching! It is like a treasure hunt with a GPS. My kids love to go with their daddy and the hikes and hunts are really neat. We find caches EVERYWHERE we go and I think that geocaching fever has hit my husband. (But to tell you the truth I am so happy that he has found a fun, healthy hobby! One of his other hobbies is computer programing, planning and budgeting. I really don't think THAT is a healthy hobby at this point... I mean, working all day and then coming home to worry more about money. Nice). Brett and the kids following the "compass" to find the "treasure"!

A Wee Bit of an Update

I really should get this updated a little more regularly... but whatever works right. So here are a few pictures of our crazy clan this month. Father's day wrestling match... actually this is a common sight at our house... when ever Daddy has a few extra moments... he is usually ambushed.

Connor being oh so helpful putting away the clean laundry.

This is Ben's gold fish "Jelly Bean." He named it himself and it was the only fish to survive our family. (We started with three and the girl's fishes were both goners by morning). Then we went on vacation... but Jelly Bean still made it. We then bought in bulk, hoping a few would make it a little longer for the girls. They all were wimpy, and once again Jelly Bean had the tank to himself. So I thought I should take a picture of Ben with his fish before anything unforeseen happened. Oh the irony! Jelly Bean went to that big goldfish bowl in the sky only a few hours after this picture. But hey, you can't go wrong with a pet that only costs $0.28 and a free fish tank... it also gave us an chance to teach the kids about death and heaven. So, to make a long story longer... we found out that we are NOT fish people. (And they really smell!) But it was fun while it lasted...

Ben got his first tie and he is SO PROUD! He fell asleep with it in his hand the night he got it. He feels like such a big boy and looks like a mini Brett!

One of the big things here is the miners convention once a year. It is a big ta-do held in the convention center here in town... we just go for the free balloons.

Playing ball with Grandpa Conover... This guy has taught more "all stars" than anyone I know. Start them young right?

Connor and Grandma Conover watering her flowers. Gardening with Grandma is all part of every visit.