Family Trip 2010: Mesa Verde

I remember going to Mesa Verde when I was about 10. Though I do remember being impressed with it, I mostly remember being terrified! The road trip from the entrance to the tops of the mountains left me wanting to scream, cry, throw up and wet my pants - all at the same time - because of the winding roads and the extreme drop offs and the fact that there were no guardrails. I didn't want to relive that part of Mesa Verde as a 38 year old so I did all the driving. It is soooo worth the winding road to see!!

The hiking was very enjoyable: a perfect temperature, a slight breeze, steep hills for a workout and level spots to catch our breath. Nathan and Hyrum were amazing hikers! At one site it was a 1 mile round trip hike and at the other site it was a 2 mile hike and they both walked it all (with the exception of a brief shoulder ride for Hyrum). Once again, I was a little nervous about the extreme drop offs to the rocky depths of mountainous oblivion but the kids were all good to watch out for each other and it was very fun. Erika kept torturing me by pretending to jump off the edge so we posed for a picture.

Rock, rock, rock, and more rock. Yet we were never bored by the view. We were in awe at the size, the shape, the colors, the foliage growing out of rock. It was all gorgeous! The really great thing about hiking among rock is that when you get to hot it is easy to cool down by going to a spot of rock in the shade and pressing your hands or face or back to the rock.

Once we got to the dwellings were starting wondering. How did they build it? Where did they get all that loose rock? How many people lived there? Why did they leave? Were these Nephites or Lamanites? What was their water source? What did they eat? What did they do without a Wii? It was fun to imagine family life in the rock homes of these mountains.

Behind Erika you can see the area that we started at and the other side of the canyon that we hiked down to. And more of the scenery as well as the silliness of our family. It was so fun to not be on any time schedule so that we could just wander and look and laugh and wonder and be (and not have any cell service available).




Because we couldn't take the guided tours (time and toddlers) we took the trolley ride to look at the more remote and larger dwellings. There we did another 1 mile hike to see 4 separate mini-dwellings. The circular, underground dwellings were the very impressive. The picture with Levi squating down next to a big circle shows the depth and size (and how well he ignored that "stay behind the ropes" sign). It made sense that they were underground and built with rock to have natural cool air inside their homes. Justin is standing next to one of the covered, more shallow, underground dwellings.

We spent about 6 hours at Mesa Verde and didn't even see half of it. It was long enough for the little guys in our group and had we had camping stuff it would have been fun to stay and hike the following day. For this trip, it was the perfect ending.

Family Trip 2010: Edards Family Reunion

That's not a typo. That is the family nickname and Robin even used it on her Face Book album.

On our first night in Texas we stopped in at Lenora's house where we met up with all the family. We make up a LOUD crowd! But it was super fun. It took a bit of time for my travel worn children to open up with their cousins and to follow the several different conversations going on during dinner but as soon as Rock Band was pulled out they were fast friends.

Nathan took all of the pictures in this collage. He thought he should have the guitar or drums the whole time and that wouldn't work with the number of kids that wanted to play so his feelings were hurt. I recognized the little-kid-stuck-in-a-big-kid-world look and went to get the camera for him. He felt very important taking pictures.

The Edards Reunion took place at a lake. When I heard that we were going to be outdoors all day long I thought we would all suffocate and fry to death in the humidity and heat. Luckily, the day was only in the mid 90's and I don't know what the humidity was but it was bearable. It helped to have a few clouds now and then. Levi didn't ever swim but spent the day shirtless working on his hot tan and he ate and chatted the day away with his cousins, Jarlath, Heaven, and Danielle. Erika and the other boys all swam off and on when they needed to cool down. Derek and Lilli spent nearly 5 hours in the water together and despite all that sunscreen Derek was burnt to a blistering, bubbly, red, sore, scream-when-touched sunburn.

It was so great that there was a full playground for Nathan and Hyrum (and Justin, Derek and Lilli). It had a fun climbing wall, little mini tree houses, slides and oodles of things to climb on. With the mixture of the heat and the playground workout, Nathan and Hyrum and I zonked for a while in the air conditioned camper (THANK YOU Scott and Lenora!!) which re-energized us for more fun.

It wouldn't be a complete reunion without food. Lenora and Amy planned everything (which was soooo nice!) and we all had plenty throughout the whole day. Somehow, the food seems to bring everyone together for reconnecting and a day full of chatter. It's not just for nourishment but a vital part of a true "reunion". Oh, and that big picture of Papa . . . my kids call that him "Cool Papa".

And of course there must be family pictures. We snagged a couple of strangers to take our big group picture and then we all took our turns taking each others family pictures with Papa and Grandma Cynthia.

The grandkids with Papa


One of my favorite memories from the lake is playing horse shoes with Robin. The guys had set up a whole tournament and we were stuck in there for a comedy round. We had some pretty wild tosses but in the end we did find all of our horse shoes and no one in the crowd was injured by a misguided throw. It was a long and close game (even though we only went to 7 points) but Robin won in the end. Great laughs!

My other favorite thing from the trip is Hyrum's love for his "Papa". He gets so excited when he sees his picture and every once in a while he will say "Go, Papa" or "where Papa". It will be a long time before he sees his Papa again but hopefully we can keep that love alive in the pictures and phone calls.

Thank you Edards family for a very fun reunion!! Next year . . . Georgia?

Family Trip 2010: Traveling

A common size for a solitary confinement cell is 8' x 10'. It is used for punishment or torture. Not intended to be fun. The seating space in our Yukon is 8' x 6'. In less space than is used for punishment for one person we stuffed 8 people for 48+ hours . . . and we had a GREAT time!!!

I was mentally prepared for 24 hours of argueing, whining, complaining, and major boredom leading up to 12 hours of yeah-we're-a-family-and-happy-to-be-here-at-this-reunion followed by 24 hours of whining, complaining, even more boredom and all out fighting. The only preconceived problem that did sneak it's way into our travels was a bit of boredom but beyond that we laughed, sang, watched movies, read, played games, laughed more, slept, told stories and, of course, snacked away on everything not good for us.

A few of the highlights:

*There were just enough technological things to save us from too much interaction with each other and just enough interaction to make good memories.

*Hyrum started to say "pee, pee" thinking it was the only way he could get out of his carseat. Hey, it worked for Nathan.

*I have never seen the pee-pee dance done in a carseat before but Nathan perfected it as we would frantically search for a decent place to stop. We are such responsible parents that he didn't pee once on the side of the road.

*Public restrooms are disgusting. The silver lining: after a weeks worth of hover squatting over filthy toilets I have fulfilled my quad workout for the week, and then some.

*Souvenier shops are money pits. Each of the kids had their own hard earned spending money for the trip and Nathan was thrilled to find a cowboy set complete with gun, sherriff's badge, holster and kerchief to take home as his Texas trophy (yes, the same one you can get at any dollar store in Idaho). Hyrum wanted a gun too. I have this thing about guns, even play ones. I don't like them, especially when my two year old keeps pretending to shoot me. I tried really hard to find something else for Hyrum and the closest thing I found that could replace the gun was a purple princess blow dryer. Even at two Hyrum knows the difference between a prissy purple princess blow dryer and a shiney silver sharp shooter. They both came home with guns.

*I consumed enough caffeinne and confections to either cause a lifelong addiction or a diabetic coma. It's so not fair that LeRoy can suck on the same tootsie roll (or licorice or bit-0-honey) for 30 minutes (what fun is that?). I can finish a bag of candy in the time he eats one piece. Oh, and how does 1 pound of tootsie rolls convert to 4 pounds on the scale? Not fair.

*I did listen to my ipod running list several times. I'm hoping that it somehow tricked my brain and muscles into thinking that I actually worked out instead of just pigged out this week. Unfortunately, my metabolism, blood sugar, fat cells and muscles are all well aware of the sugar high that has been constant for almost a week so it was probaby just a good music list to keep me awake while driving.

*Derek's motion sickness was held off with monitored doses of Dramamine and he did very well until we got to Idaho Falls, only 30 minutes left to go. I've never seen LeRoy pull over so fast!! Poor Derek.


*Not all hotel rooms are created equally. Thanks goodness they all have air conditioning. Some have more floor space than others. Some have more hot water than others. Few are made to hold a family of 8. Our house seemed HUGE when we checked back in.

I thought that since school was out for the summer that I would be free from the last minute surprises like, "hey mom, I have a report due tomorrow and need a poster board". Nope. I remain the on-the-spot mom.

12:45 Sunday afternoon - "I can't find my shoes!!!"
(as we are heading out the door for church - good thing Heavenly Father blessed me with a knack for storing away a plethora of photographic mental images of lost things)

6:30pm Tuesday night - "I'm supposed to take treats for young men's."
(which starts at 7pm - thank goodness I have all that junk hidden in food storage.)

Time for Bed - "But I'm hungry, I wasn't here for dinner."
(uggh, can't I send them to bed hungry?)

10pm Sunday night - "I'm getting an ear infection in both ears and they are killing me."
(why couldn't he tell me 3 hours sooner?)

Coming from Derek I don't question it. He's had them his entire 14 years and is never wrong, he knows. The problem is that all pharmacies are closed and he is supposed to leave at 7am for a week long scout camp. I'm already nail-biting worried about him since this is his first time being gone that long and it isn't a ward thing so he won't be with anyone he knows. Adding the ear ache only makes me worry more - I can't make myself go to bed because I don't know what to do about it - and he's not even gone yet. Will he be bold enough to tell someone if it's really that bad? Will someone take care of him? Will they call so that I can go get him? Can he show up late so that I can take him in first thing in the morning or will they not let him go once they know he has an ear infection?

My Levi

Yes, he is cool. He has his buddies. He wants to be his own man. He doesn't want to hang out with his family.

But . . .


He still takes the time to console Nathan and explain why life is so hard . . .


and teach him how to sneak the caramel without getting caught.

He may not want to be with our family but he does love family. When he picked up 2 week old Hailey his comment was, "ohhh, I want one of my own".
In time.



And for not wanting to hang with his family he sure is available when game night includes bowls of Tootsie rolls for the winnings.
He even laughs and seems to enjoy himself.



How am I supposed to take the cool act seriously when he keeps wearing his platypus t-shirt?



I think he's cool because he is good to his mom. He makes me stand up to give him a "proper hug" each night. He sends me goofy texts that make me laugh. He gives me a few minutes of chat time, even if his girlfriend is ready to leave. He drools over the food I make and complains that I keep cooking his favorite things even on the nights that he won't be home. He calls "just in case" I might be worrying about him, which usually I am. He shines. I don't know how to describe it and he would be embarrassed if I did but he is just . . . good.

He will leave soon enough and someday he will be someone else's Levi.
But for now I try to look beyond the tough guy attitude and enjoy every day with him, as my Levi.

Memorial Day Field Trip

On May 28th, the day after school got out, the boys and I packed up and left town. We didn't venture far but we did have a great time! We played with cousins, visited the science museum in SLC, stayed up waaaay past bedtime watching movies and on our way out of town we stopped at Memory Grove Park. The weather was perfect for a hike and the place was perfect for Memorial Day.

We started out reading the markers for the names of the lost soldiers and where they were from, why there were markers there for them and what Memorial Day is about. It was a good 15 minute reverent tribute and the kids all showed more respect than I expected (except Hyrum, who thought that the stones were meant for a follow-the-granite-stepping-stones course).


And then we headed up through the paths. We took a trail that led clear up the canyon to the Avenues and also gave us a great view of the capital building. I was impressed with my little hiking buddies! The only complaints of the hike was when I told them it was time to go home.


Along the way Derek kept having trouble with his pants. He had forgotten his belt and finally took matters into his own scout hands as he found a long, thin, flexible branch, skinned it and made himself a mountain man belt.


The kids enjoyed throwing rocks into the stream and pond, climbing random parts of the hills, running over the bridges and playing in the water features at the courtyard. As we were leaving they found a post that seemed meant for statues so they took turns providing living art.


Thanks for a fun weekend boys. You're some of my most favorite people to hang out with.


**The extra boy in the pictures is my nephew, Brendan, who is staying with us for a couple of weeks.

Dear Grandma,

I missed you tonight.

After getting the kids tucked into bed I wandered down to the basement to talk to LeRoy and ended up on the couch watching the Lakers and Celtics play game 2 of the finals. We haven't watched the finals (or really any sports but the BYU games) since we moved into our home 2 years ago. Just like old times I fell asleep to the commentary, buzzing, whistling and LeRoy's outbursts and constant chatter of stats. When I did wake up (from the kink in my neck) I fully expected to be on your couch in your living room in Rigby. I was a little disoriented being in my own home.

I can't believe it was 19 years ago! It was our routine during those first few months of our marriage to make the drive from Rexburg to Rigby to watch the games with you. I soon realized that no matter what team LeRoy wanted to win you would choose the opposite team just so the two of you could banter. But at the end of every game the two of you would somehow compromise, we would have evening prayer together and we'd be there in a couple of days for the next game. I always fell asleep on the couch. Part of it was pregnancy tired and part of it was my lack of interest in sports. I knew the two of you didn't need me awake to enjoy your sporty dates together and I had some of my best naps on your couch.

I remember finding one of your notebooks at our house during the short time that you lived with us and I laughed right out loud at all of your stats kept so carefully not only for that season but for many previous seasons. No wonder you and LeRoy seemed to fall into sports love at first tip off.

When I woke up thinking of you I wanted to call. And then I remembered. Sometimes I forget that you are gone. My first thought when Dad called to tell me that you had passed on, was of you meeting Leon and Joe again. One of my most tender moments with you was going through their pictures and as you shared their stories with me, holding hands as we both cried, telling me about your angel boys. Such pure love and tender emotion! Thank you for sharing them, and you, with me.

Thank you for the love, memories, smiles, stories, cards, hugs and most importantly for sharing your testimony with me. I love you Grandma!

Until we meet again,

XOXO

Kimmer

How nice . . .

I'm concerned about the tree that we purchased and planted last year. A beautiful red maple. . . at least it was beautiful last fall. Right now it is the only tree in the neighborhood that is still bark naked! Not even a tiny bud to be seen.

When I went to the nursery to ask questions and follow up on that one year guarantee the lady said to me, "It's pretty hard to kill a tree".

I thought to myself "well it really wasn't that hard".

Now I'm searching frantically for my receipt.


And Also . . .

I was told today that I should have a large family. This was after our house guest found out that I have six kids!

Seriously, what number is considered large? Okay, I KNOW that 11 made a large family but if you go by the amount of laundry that I do on a daily/weekly basis I think 6 is plenty large.


Tree Update:
I found my receipt. I almost dug up the tree to take it in for the return but just in case it was a bogus guarantee I decided to wait. Good thing I didn't go to the added effort in this ridiculous wind.

It was pointed out to me that "if I'd only read ALL of the notes on the guarantee", I would have understood that if I purchase something with "discounts more that 20% off regular retail price the purchase will not receive the one year guarantee". Darn fine print!

Great! So because I waited until fall to catch the better sale I saved an additional 10% and now I lose 100%. Buy your trees now people. The sale is at 20% and still gives you the guarantee.

So when you come to my house please take notice of the bare naked tree in our back yard. I'm gonna leave it for a while, just in case. Feel free to add "Big Red" to your prayers. He needs them.

Oh, and Ruth, I was asked the same thing. DUH! I DID water my tree. I'm STILL watering my tree.

Prom Night 2010

Erika went to Prom with Dyllan and they double dated with Erika's best friend Brianna and her date Brady. Their all day hike and picnic lasted until 6:30. When they got home the girls took such fast showers that I wondered if they had used soap. Then they quickly did hair, using at least a full can of aerosol hairspray, and put on their dresses. The guys picked them up at 8:30 and they went to 5 different places to show off for all the parents and get pictures taken. They only spent 2 hours at the actual dance and were home right on time (that might be a first!).

Though it is not what I imagine a Prom night to be, the kids all seemed googly eyed and extremely happy with their night!

Two New Records

The Hosting Record:

LeRoy volunteered our house for the Woodbadge staff dinner in May. I'm so grateful for my big kitchen and I love having the extra room to host events like this!

There were 12 extra vehicles at our house that night. (Justin thought it was so cool that he took the camera outside and shot this picture). But I don't think that is a record, Bunco still wins on that one.

We had 38 adults, 4 of my own kids, 4 extra toddlers and 1 infant (16 days old!). Now that is a record at our house! I had no excuse other than "I might blog this" to take pictures so you get the empty chair visual.

It was a fun evening and because it turned out so well we have all the monthly meetings scheduled at our house until September.



The Laundry Record or The New Family Dresser :

These 6 baskets are actually holding 9 loads of laundry.
They are all clean.
Maybe I have to many clothes baskets.
Or we all have to many clothes.
I should have pulled shirts out and hung them.
I should iron.
I'm not gonna get to that, I promise.


So if you happen to see any of us around town in our wrinkled attire, please just appreciate the fact that the clothes we have on are clean.