Mass

On Monday afternoon, Phil got a call sending him to Massachusetts for a surgery on Tuesday. The company booked him a hotel room. We had nothing going on around here, so we loaded up the kids (minus Jake who is at scout camp) and headed to Massachusetts for a little overnight trip.

We got into town (Westport or Falls River) around 8 or 8:30, and of course we had to head to the pool. I mostly sat in the hot tub, as the pool water was a little chilly. But the kids enjoyed it. The next morning I drove Phil to the hospital (5 minutes away) while the kids ate some cereal he brought up from the breakfast room. I got them more breakfast when I got back, and we just hung out until time for checkout.

About 11:30 we started cleaning up to go. After leaving the hotel, we began looking for something fun to do. We found a little shopping center with a Dollar Tree and a Walmart, and spent some time there. Then we headed down by the water. It was hot out, but in the shade it was absolutely gorgeous with the breeze coming off the water.


After walking along the trail a bit, we found a gas station where we could get drinks and a snack, then found a park to hang out at until time to pick up Phil at the hospital.

Someone at the hospital had recommended a little local burger joint to Phil, so we headed to the UglyAmerican. It's the type of place you see on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Just a tiny place on the corner, without even a parking lot! But, oh, it was worth it! Very reasonable prices, and FABulous food! We got a half-and-half order of fries: half sweet potato fries, and half zucchini fries. We were not disappointed. Phil also tried the chocolate covered bacon. I was dying to try their deep-fried homemade oreos, but they didn't have any. Bummer. Guess I will have to deep fry my own homemade oreos.
Anyhow, it was a good find, and if we go back up there, we will definitely go back and try some of their other delicious burgers.

On the way home we had to stop and Toys R Us for Jackson and Gabe to spend their birthday money. Jackson got some Buzz Lightyear toys, and Gabe got a Yo-Be, a combination Frisbee-yoyo. Phil was dying for a diet coke, so we stopped repeatedly at gas stations looking for fountain drinks. About the fifth or sixth stop, we finally found fountain drinks. But only Pepsi products. He settled for a diet mountain dew that tasted a little like cough syrup. Figures. It was rather funny, though. Apparently Rhode Island doesn't do fountain drinks. Which is funny, cuz they don't charge deposits on the bottled ones.

All in all, not much exciting, but a fun little unexpected trip.

Technologically Challenged

Apparently I am much more technologically challenged than I ever knew. I tried to change the background on the blog, and I have made a mess of the whole thing. For now, we'll just say I am tired and need to start over tomorrow when I am fully awake. I apologize for the crazy look of it all. Sooner or later, I will get it to look how I envision it!

While I am at it, I should tell you I updated a post I started awhile ago, so if you are checking up on me regularly, you might never see this post, as it posted itself chronologically according to when I started the post, as opposed to when I finished it. Go down past Jackson's birthday to the End of Year Celebrations post. Or don't. It's up to you, and I will never know. But if you are curious, feel free to browse down aways.

Raccoon Wrangler

On Thursday Phil saw a little raccoon in our front yard. He tried to get it to come out. Every time he got near it would snarl (awful big snarl for such a little 'coon) and then whimper. It was cute, but probably wouldn't make a good pet.

Weekend Getaway

We decided to take a last minute trip to Pennsylvania this past weekend. It was time for us to get away from it all, and Phil's surgery cancelled on Friday, so we packed up and headed to Sharon and Rob's.
On Saturday we all went to Blue Marsh, a lake about half an hour from their house. We met up with Cheryl and Jason and their kids there too. The kids had a blast playing in the water. All together there were 13 cousins there. It was so relaxing. We had a great time visiting and enjoying the water. It was a perfect day. We will have to do it again soon!
I took pictures until my camera battery died.

Reconnecting

Last night I reconnected with a college roommate. (Facebook does have it's redeeming qualities!) We haven't talked in years, but it was as if no time had passed between us. We "chatted" till late into the night, and reminisced about the "old days" when life was simple. I was lucky enough to have good roommates with whom I made some great memories.
Karrie reminded me of a time when I was working on a paper for a class when a couple of my roommates, who were goofing around, knocked the plug for the computer out of the outlet. This was in the early days of the computer, when autosave didn't prevent loss of information. She was amazed at how well I handled that situation. It made me think.
Where did that patience go? Because if you asked my kids, I doubt they would tell you they have seen that kind of patience out of me. And really, who deserves my patience more than the fruit of my loins?
Alright, so I know it's in there. Buried deep within me is the patient gal I used to be. Now the next step is to pull her out and dust her off. She is probably a little rusty, too, so a little "oil" might be necessary (I recommend chocolate). But nevertheless, she is in there somewhere. And it's time she kicked out the tired, impatient old grump I am becoming and take back over!
Thanks Karrie!

Jackson is Six!

So for Jackson's birthday, he wanted a soccer ball cake. Unfortunately, I don't have a dome pan or oven safe bowl. So I improvised. Hopefully you can tell that's what it is. (When it all came down to it, he didn't care, he liked the m&m's all over it!)

Being that his birthday was on a Monday night, we were invited by a couple in the ward for family night. All their kids are grown and gone, and they have a pond, a huge tree house, and a fire pit in the backyard. I told them it was Jackson's birthday, and they said tell him to come fishing for his birthday. That did it for him. He was thrilled at the prospect of fishing, and everything else.
All four kids had a great time. The sunfish were biting, and they all caught at least one. Jackson and Gabe played in the treehouse, and the kids all roasted marshmallows. Phil and I enjoyed visiting with Jerry and Janie. It was an enjoyable evening, and a fun way to spend Jackson's birthday.



On Friday, we let Jackson do his "fire pit birthday party". He invited over two boys from the ward, and the two kids that live on our street. The little boys had a blast running around the house. We had hotdogs and made smores. (Okay, so they roasted marshmallows and lit them on fire).



He got his first big nerf gun and his teacher made him this adorable crown.
I can't believe my baby is six! He is growing up so fast, and I'm starting to understand what people mean when they tell you you're going to miss this. I won't miss the diaper changing, or the sleepless nights, but the funny little comments, sweet smiles and hugs and I love yous I will miss. He has already told me not to blow him a kiss on the bus, because that embarasses him, but for now he at least will give me a hug before he goes. I'll take what I can get it gratefully, knowing he is my last little one.
Love you Jack-Jack! Thanks for always making us laugh!

End of Year Celebrations

JACKSON:

Jackson had a Kindergarten Celebration, where they performed a few songs and showed what they have learned. Then we were able to have snacks together. Phil was off so he was able to come too. (Pictures are on my hard drive at home, so I will have to add them later.)

He did so well in Kindergarten this year. We are so proud of him!

GABE:

Third grade didn't do a whole lot for the end of the year. They had a field trip and field day, and a few fun things like that. The last full day of school, they had a third grade Spelling Bee. Gabe won for his grade!!! The last word he had to spell was loneliness.
GOOD JOB GABE!

He has become quite the reader the last couple of months, and has read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series, and started a couple of other series as well.

JACOB:

Jake officially finished elementary school, as he is ready for the 7th grade. They had a few little field trips at the end of the year as well. He made it into the Honors Algebra class for next year.
The last full day of school he came home with the Team Boy Award for the last marking period. This entails being outgoing, respectful, and polite. Anyone who knows the struggles Jake has had at school since third grade can appreciate the magnitude of this award. Definitely something to celebrate!! So proud of you, Jake!

MADY:

Mady went to her eighth grade dance. They make a huge deal of it here, almost like a junior high prom. The funniest thing is that there are no slow songs played at the dance! She had a good time with her friends.




She also won two "pin awards" this year, for the top percentage in Spanish and PE. And then there was graduation. We officially have a high schooler now. (Heaven help us!)

Gabe's Birthday!

I'm a little late posting this one. Who am I kidding, I am REALLY late posting. I could explain everything that has been going on, but I hate excuses, so I won't make any for myself. So without further ado, here it is...

Gabe turned 9 on May 7th. We took cupcakes to school. After school, he opened presents. It was a Nerf birthday for him for sure. He was thrilled.
He had asked for a BYU cake. I came up with a Y on my own and I couldn't get the blue dark enough. But he, being the sweetie he is, loved it. And that's all that mattered in the end.

He had soccer practice Friday night, and then had two friends over to do the firepit thing. We did cake and ice cream and they made smores over the fire. The boys all had a good time.

Gabe is such a great addition to our family, and we are so thankful to have him. He is my peacemaker, a sensitive soul who tries to make others happy. He has acquired a little attitude, but I figure that's part of growing up. Hopefully it won't last too long. He is still loyal to BYU and loving soccer. He is our blondie.

We love ya Gabe!!!!

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day this year, we were invited by some friends for a casual, low-key barbecue. They have a pond in the yard, so Phil and the older boys spent most of the evening out fishing. They caught several small fish, and had a great time. The younger kids spent much of the time getting each other wet.
A relaxing time was enjoyed by all.

Random Springtime Pictures

These are some random pictures, mostly from the park, that we have taken. Also pictures from Jackson and Gabe's soccer season. I have been so busy with my two online courses, tutoring, taking the Praxis test, and life as a Mom, that I haven't been keeping up with the blog. Now that most of that is over, I hope to do better.
Enjoy the pictures!