Camping in the Backyard

We purchased a really neat tent on Ebay. It is three separate tents, that are connected with little tunnels. I forgot to take a picture of it. It took a month to get here, and we thought for a while we had been scammed. Every day for a month, we waited on pins and needles for the mail to get here, and every day we were disappointed when it didn't arrive. But finally, it came, and Jordan, Mason and Miles were able to have the camp out in the backyard that they wanted to do for a long time. No one got much sleep, but they had fun, and we can't wait to try it out on a real camping trip next month.

The 4th of July

Sorry for the lack of posts. There just wasn't much going on that was worth posting. Every time we do something, I ask myself, "Is this event post worthy?"

Anyways, we had a terrific holiday. We started out by doing our own little firework display on the third of July. We put Vance to bed, and waited for it to get dark(when you are used to putting your kids to bed at 8:30, keeping them busy for an extra hour is a challenge!) When it was dark enough, we went outside and started the show. As you can see from the picture, Miles wasn't too thrilled. He kept asking to go inside. But, we spent 55 dollars on those fireworks, dang it, and he was going to watch them! (But as soon as they were over he bolted for the house.) Mason enjoyed them very much and also enjoyed catching lightning bugs.

I told the boys before they went to bed that night, that the following day was a holiday, and that they should treat it as such and sleep in. And wouldn't you know, they listened to me!! Hooray!! Mason didn't wake up until 8:40. Miles and Vance got up later than that. I haven't slept in that late in a long time!

On the 4th of July, Jordan's mom has a big (fabulous!) rib dinner for family and friends, then she provides tickets for everyone to go and see the Lansing Lugnuts(a baseball team). The game was a blast. The boys were very good, and Miles was a winner in the group raffle. They even flashed his name on the screen in the outfield. We went to claim his prize, which was a baseball. He kept showing to everyone saying, "I won! I won!" We were able to watch the Lansing fireworks, and the Lugnuts had a firework display also.

I have one gripe that I must make about the 4th of July. I know it is every one's right and privilege to set off fireworks, but why must people do it at 11:00 PM or later? Don't they know that some people have to work the next morning, or that they have children sleeping? Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now!

Miles is doing his part to keep the outdoors beautiful. I have another funny line from him. The other day he went up to Jordan and said, "Do you want a piece of me?"

Today he learned how to box on the Wii. I was impressed! He knocked out his opponents twice, and has a skill level in the 200's.

(1000 is pro. Not bad for a three year old.) Mason did very well with the bowling. I didn't think the boys would be able to play the Wii yet, but they have proven me wrong!

Vance and Mommy

Credit for this picture goes to the photographer, Mason.

Wii!!!

This last weekend we purchased a Nintendo Wii! They are really hard to find, and Best Buy had 10 come in. Jordan managed to beat a pack of little children to where the Wii's were and got one first. Should we feel guilty about this?
If you haven't tried one of these yet, you must. It has a wireless remote control paddle that can be used as a tennis racket, golf club, baseball bat, ect. You have to make sure that you have empty space around you, because you could be dangerous. Jordan laughs at me because I get way into the tennis.
We are both suffering from "Wii arm." It's that feeling you get when you exercise muscles that you haven't used for a long time. But, with a little (a wii more) practice, it should go away. And hopefully I still get other things done in the house!

To my Dad on his 50th Birthday

Dad,
Happy Birthday! I hope that you had a great day, and enjoy your fifties! I am so sorry that I could not be with you today. I miss you so much.
Thank you for all you have done for me. I could not have asked for a better father. And a better Grandfather for my children.
I love you!

Elaine

PS-Did you notice that I was nice and didn't tease you about your old age?!!

Called to Serve

My brother Andy(the youngest of my three younger brothers)received his mission call this week. He is going to serve in...Munich! The Munich Germany/Austria Mission!! He was really hoping to get called to Germany, so he is very excited.
The post office where my family lives(in Magna, UT) does something really neat when people get their mission calls. Instead of having to wait for your mail to be delivered to your home, the post office will call you to tell you that your mission call has arrived, and you can come pick it up. They called Andy at six in the morning. And it was picked up immediately.
I am so excited for you Andy, and I pray that the Lord watches over you while you serve Him.