"Gampa's Wishing" Trip

Hyrum can't quite say fish yet, it comes out "wish" instead. Last week's fishing trip was his second time fishing, probably the first he comprehended. I'm not sure, though, if he enjoyed the boating, the fishing or the candy snacks the most.

(Check out the hillsides...GREEEEEEEN. I guess an every-other-day rain storm keeps 'em that way. I'm a little confused this year about what state I live in, cause the weather's acting awfully coastal-like.)

Cousin Tyler enjoyed chillin' in the front seat.

Every now and then we'd hear him snicker about my kids' antics.

I remember waking up early to fish with Dad. He'd drag me out in my pajamas, still sleeping and put me in the camper. Then we'd try to catch fish off the bank for several hours. From what I recall we were very seldom successful. (I hear from reliable sources that this cutie pie is my twin, so feel free to use your imagination.)

As I thought back to those early mornings as a kid, waiting and waiting to catch a "big one", I realized that it's not just about the fishing (though it can be fun at times), but about hanging with family in the mountains, breathing the clear air, watching the brilliant sun rise over the mountain peak throwing glitter on the water...I could probably go on and on.

Thanks, Dad, for taking us fishing then, and now passing the tradition on to my kids!

Isn't it about time?

NOW...

and FOREVER...

...we are family!

Swimming lessons are always a highlight of our summers. We may get a little chilly doing it at the beginning of the summer, but the kids never lack enthusiasm.

Kayla thinks she's part fish.

Benji and Ally have always been close, just like twins. (I couldn't resist this photograph!)

Orem Summerfest gives us a good excuse to watch a parade and a pretty decent firework show. (They're giving Provo a run for their money I think.)

Last, but not least, my yearly favorite--Daddy and the kids on Father's Day! (Hyrum was napping already, oh well.)

Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, Sons

I noticed that my blog is a little devoid of pictures.  As I looked through my pictures today, I decided that I wanted to share some of my favorites.  (Not because the composition of the pictures are great, but because they capture some fond memories.)

Ben running with and encouraging Benji to finish the 3K race.
Hyrum copying his dad.  It's cool to have pockets!
Ally and I after the Mother/Daughter Fiesta.  Notice Ally's flower creation on the left!
Ben laughing with Mom as she recounts a family memory.  
Loving a precious moment with the last of the five snuggle bugs.  I'll miss it when they are too big to climb onto my lap. 

Waiting, Running, Contemplating

Have you been waiting long?  I haven't been blogging a lot lately.  There are no real excuses.  Just 'cause.  

A summary might be good...ummm...Ally just proudly announced that she finished my book club selection before me.  Benji not too proudly admitted that he feels short for his age.  (I must qualify that by saying that many of his classmates have extraordinarily tall parents.)  Kayla is getting way too excited for her field trip tomorrow.  Sammie is speechless since she fell asleep from exhaustion at about 5:30 p.m. (or maybe earlier, I can't remember).  

She ran the mini-K race at the elementary school today.  Surprisingly she never stopped running to catch her breath or anything.  Then towards the end of her race I caught her sprinting to the end in order to beat the boy next to her.  (All the kids did great today.)  Oh, Kayla said after the mini-K race was over, "Mom, can I do the 3K race now?"  Ugh! I barely made it walking and running her race let alone trying out the "real" one. 

Hyrum threw a temper tantrum today and even went to his room and "slammed" the door.  (I wonder who he learned that from?  You know, you really don't have to answer that.)   Wow!  Big boy has come to the Pack house.  

As for me, I must admit that I'm an American Idol fan. BUT after tonight I think I'm done with it.  The "if it weren't for that part" showed up in the middle and I'm convinced now that there is NO prime-time t.v. worth watching.  Okay so American Idol is the only prime-time show I watch.  "Super Why" and "Word World" don't count.  Ben, you can say, "I told you so.",  T.V. just isn't worth our precious time.  I should catch up on my reading anyway.

Now...reflection...Can I tell you how grateful I am for good school and church teachers?  I am glad that it is almost summer.  I thought I would dread having all my kids home, all day, everyday.  This year I'm actually looking forward to it.  They are all great helpers and I can't wait to be a part of their summer adventure.  

Cheers for a fantastic summer!  

  

Spring has Sprung out of town...

From the evidence of the snow falling outside my window, you wouldn't think that we celebrated Easter just four days ago.  In case you need a reminder, here is the evidence:

We are going on thirteen years this month.  What an exciting ride it's been!

Mini-Ben (Hyrum) sporting his Easter duds.

"Ehk?" Yep, Hyrum, that's an egg alright.  The pink is a little misleading.

Who says you can't have an Easter egg hunt when it's raining?  We cheated and hid the eggs around the house.

I'm not the best photographer but all of what I lack is made up for in the cuteness of the child.

 HAPPY SPRING!!

What do Real Estate & Singing have in common?

I can't seem to get into real estate topics like my husband would like me to.  Topics relating to money figures and crunching can be such a bore to me.  Is it any different if I started talking about a topic I'm interested in, but he's not?  I think that a conversation about keys, notation, technic and other aspects of singing might bore him as well.  Married individuals somehow have to find a balance in each others interests, while still letting each other "fly".  I guess I'm just not sure how.  How do two people "fly" together?     

Reminiscence

A neighbor friend of mine wanted to know where the best places are to visit in or around Prague.

Charles Bridge in Prague

  

It has thrown me into reminiscing about my LDS mission to the Czech Republic.  I have been surprised at the mix of emotions I get from it.  I love the land and people, but there is a certain sadness that has come from losing contact with the majority of those I came to know well. I can't wait for the day I'll be able to return.  I may be reacquainted with old friends, and even make new friends.  No matter what happens, however, the Czech Republic will always occupy a special place in my heart.