Lagoon X 2

     We were able to take a couple of quick trips to Lagoon this year (thanks to free tickets from daddy!)
     On the 1st trip, we also picked up a Toyota T100 truck for daddy to be his run-around truck. Sweet new (used) ride!
     And on the 2nd trip, Lagoon was decorated for Frightmares, so it was almost like going to a new place. The kids knew which rides they liked the best from the 1st trip (Rattlesnake Rapids was their favorite) so we were able to do more in less time.
     And one of the highlights of the trip for me was when we watched for someone to give an extra ticket to that we had. The kids & I waited & watched, hoping the Lord would guide us to someone that needed it. We finally saw a couple with 2 small children that felt right. We went up & explained & gave them the ticket. They were surprised & excited. They said on the way there, they were talking about how expensive Lagoon is & weren't sure about even coming. They kept offering to give us some $, but we told them we wanted to give that to them & hopefully it would help a little with the expenses. It was such a special experience for me, I kept tearing up the whole time. I was glad we were blessed with that opportunity.

Lemonade Stand

     Thanks to good old Curious George, my kids could not stop thinking about setting up a lemonade stand one day. After much persisting, I caved & we made a quick sign and set up shop in the front yard. Of course, their buddy, Gabe, was there to help too.
     At first it was a little mellow, but once the kids, especially Carson, discovered that the more one shouts, dances, & hollers, the more cars notice & stop. :) They were so fun to watch as they got into it & started getting lots of customers. People were so generous- they even got a $10 tip!
     It was a great way to help them with counting money & paying their tithing for the 1st time. Love these kids and their excitement for life!!

Sleeping Cuties

     Can you tell these boys are related?! While camping at Taylor Mtn this summer, we found Carson & Dylan sleeping next to each other in the very same position. What cute cuddly studs these boys are!!
     And Ashley girl is such a little princess! On the way home from town one day, she fell asleep in the backseat with her legs crossed & looking so dainty. She can be so feminine one minute and so tom-boy the next! We just love our kids!!

Mesa Falls Half Marathon Aug '12

     At the end of August I finished the Mesa Falls Half Marathon with a time of 3:35. Ashley ran me across the finish line (she was adorable!!) This half was my 1st last summer, so it was fun to do it for the 2nd time. And considering I did no.none.absolutely.nothing as far as training since the half marathon I'd done the month before this one, I'd say that was pretty good.  I actually felt really good after this race, and felt much better than I had the year before.
     It was fun to do the race with Derek's mom, his aunt, & their friend (whom all did the FULL marathon! Whowza!) again. They are an inspiration to me.
     And we went camping again with Grandma & Grandpa Anglin. We had fun enjoying time with them & borrowing their 4-wheelers. The kids would beg to go on another ride even before the current ride was over. We're all 4-wheeler junkies! It's in our blood.

It's Raining CATS & DOGS!

     Well....we have 2 cats and 2 dogs around our place now. We've discovered that cats are a must-have living in the country, and dogs, well..... we are just dog people.
     When we got our kittens earlier this year, the kids named them "Creamy" & "Olive." Olive is a bit shy, but Creamy is a sweet friendly little thing. And Ashley just loves her!! She is always packing & walking her around, just like a rag doll.
     Then, surprising us one evening this summer, daddy brought home a Basset Hound, whose owners had had enough of her barking. We affectionately named her "Shortie" compared with our big black Great Dane, Daisy. Shortie is a sweet, active little thing. She is a petite Basset Hound and is very in shape. We had to keep her locked up a lot at first, but now she is getting better at sticking around. And coincidentally, our shy cat Olive, LOVES Shortie -- always rubbing on her, and even cuddled up sleeping with her at night --- so funny!
     Carson has been a great help with taking care of Shortie. It's nice to have someone old enough to help now.

Summer Activities

     Summers are always a blast with so many fun activities to do! Summer 2012 included: Riding the lawnmower with daddy, Carson boating with Grandma Anglin, Chuckars baseball game, dunking tanks, and a trip to W Yellowstone while daddy did business. So glad we have such beautiful summers here in Idaho!!

Summer Fun with Friends

     The kids had so much fun this summer playing with friends and staying cool in the water!

The 1st pic is Ashley brave girl holding crawdad

Pics 2-4 are a water party at our friends The Lewis's

5-7 bouncy toy fun with cousins

8- backyard sprinkler fun with buddy Gabe

     We love having such great friends & family!!