The Wallace Family

Gracie is 3

2012-02-02T12:43:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it? My baby is 3.

We had a little party with a friends on her birthday, which was on Sunday.

Nothing big and exciting, just cake and pressents, but she loved it.

Happy Day Gracie Girl.

End of Football and Rondom

2012-02-02T12:21:00.005-06:00

Lucy is getting BIG.

Caleb found the bones of a mole in an owl pellet. I was so happy Matt got to help with this school project.

Matt joined a biker gang!

I gOt my hair cut!

For the end of the year football part we all got to go roller skating.

Isaac did reallt well after practicing with the tripod for a bit.

My favorite part was when Andrew came out of no where and held my hand as we skated for a couple of loops. He was the only player not to cool to skate with his mom.

Caleb was a pro-- I think he went back to his hockey days in MN.

Adam would NOT give up until he got it, learned faster than Ike even.

It was a great way to end a long seasoon.

Halloween

2012-02-02T11:29:00.006-06:00

Here is Halloween, a little late. :) I swear this year is felt like Halloween was never going to end. Maybe that is why it has taken me so long to share. Here is the crew. 2 jail birds, 2 cowboys, 1 desert storm fighter, 1 transformer, and 1 Dorthy.

We introduced Tony and Mirna to carving pumpkins. Isaac was so happy to work with Tony and his BIG knife.

Adam was happy to have Mirna, who quickly turned it into a competition.

Adam had one of the cutest preschool programs I've ever seen. Really it made the whole holiday.

Andrew, Mirna and Adams, Isaac's and Tony's,

Grace and Daddy's, Calebs, Moms.

It was a beautiful night to go out, kind of brisk but really not that bad. Gracie ended up giving me here coat after a couple of blocks because she got to hot.

We ended the night with a trip to Tony and Mirna's for pizza and fun.

BYU Volleyball Game--Best FHE EVER

2011-11-03T15:29:00.005-05:00

BYU womens volleyball came to town, so of course we had to go and since the tickets were only $1 each it was even better.

We had so much fun with all our friends.

I caught a hotdog toss and won a free hotdog, Caleb thought it was so cool.

My friends: Leslie, Pam, Heidi, Tawna and Misty. I just LOVE these girls.

Leavenworth 1/2

2011-11-03T15:18:00.003-05:00

I had a girls weekend in the middle of Oct, my friends and I drove out to Leavenworth to run another 1/2 marathon. We went out to dinner.

Got hot chocolate and walked around the cutest little town and then went back to my friends parents house to sleep.

The next morning we were up early for our race.

It ended up being one of my worst races ever. Two weeks before the race I started having troubles with my knee. Matt gave me a shot of hydrocotizone to help. And it worked great, I was running 8 1/2 min miles for the first 5 miles and was so excited that I was on pace to beat my personal best time. Then at mile 5 1/2, we went down a hill and turned and my knee went on fire. I couldn't run, I could barly walk. I stopped and prayed for help. It calmed down enough so I could walk, and I decided to walk to the next water center and get some help from the first aid center. Only problem was that there was no first aid. So I kept walking. It sucked. I cried. I wanted to quit and take a short cut. But then I looked at the shirt I was wearing and kept thinking of the saying of the signs that where posted around BYU campus to keep people off the grass corners. The signs read, "Cougars don't cut corners." So I couldn't stop or make my own short cut, I am a Cougar, and I don't cut corners. Needless to say, I haven't given up on running. I'm doing therapy and have already signed up for my next 1/2 in May. I am going to get better and I am going to break the 2 hour mark in May.

Our 6th Child

2011-11-03T15:13:00.002-05:00

Really it is amazing how much having a puppy is like having another baby.

We just love her so.

Preschool Preformance

2011-11-03T15:08:00.002-05:00

Adam had his first musical preformance at school.

He didn't sing too loud, but he sure participated in everything.

He is loving his preschool and growing and learning so much. It was been a wonderful year so far.

Best part was Daddy got off to come watch.

Then we went out to lunch with his best buddy.

Fall Sports

2011-11-03T14:53:00.005-05:00

Lucy has become the 6th child in this house and goes where a dog is allowed to go.
She even got dressed up for Andrew's homecoming football game.

The boys let all their moms be the homecoming queens and gave us all flowers, really sweet.

Isaac played soccer and really improved from last year.

He actually ran after the ball this year and didn't ask to sit out the whole time.

Adam got to start soccer this fall too.

He loved it!

Needless to say, it was a busy fall for our family.

Big Day--Lucy comes home and Matt's bday

2011-11-03T14:40:00.004-05:00

We got to bring Lucy home on Matt's birthday. Caleb, Grace, Adam and I drove 2 hours out to get her.

He fell right in love.

Looking at these pictures, really brings it home on how fast time goes. She is so much bigger now.

That evening we drove up to Mirna and Tony's cabin. They had a huge work party. Sweet Mirna got a cotton candy machine just for the kids.

They loved it!

We are so blessed to have them as friends.

The poor lady making the cotton candy, ended up looking like she was attacked by spider webs.

First Day of School--2 months late

2011-11-01T23:13:00.003-05:00

Adam's first day of preschool! Such a big boy.

Isaac so excited to be going all day.

Andrew ran into a pole, the night before school, and was so happy it went down to this level before he had to start school. :)

LOVE that the school is right in our backyard, this is the farthest they have to walk.

Labor Day--LAST day of Summer

2011-11-01T23:10:00.005-05:00

We started the morning off with a 5k family fun run. Caleb set a goal to run the whole thing this year and asked me to run with him. He started off strong, but was trip up even before we got out of the parking lot. It was an ugly crash. Scuffed up on both knees, hands and even his face, at first he didn't want to run any more. But we waited, let him catch his breath, let everyone else run on, and he finally decided to keep going. He ended up finishing strong, with a time of 27 Min's (not counting our break for the fall). I was so proud of him. This picture doesn't do the scratched justice.

We then went to the lake to play, have a picnic, swim and boat.

Matt even did some wake boarding.

Kristin tried.

This was the closest I came to getting up.

It was a wonderful way to spend the last day of summer.

Silverwood 2011

2011-11-01T23:05:00.002-05:00

Piano Recital

2011-10-31T13:04:00.005-05:00

The boys had their summer recital right before school started. They got to play on a piano that was worth more than both of our cars put together, more than our first two houses put together. To say the least I was very nervouse that they would break it.

They did a wonderful job! And we blessed to have Aunt Mirna come to watch.

We all just love Mirna.

Their piano teacher is my best friend here. My sister of choice, Tawna.

FOOTBALL

2011-10-31T13:02:00.003-05:00

Andrew started football this year, it was a good learning year and he had a lot of fun. His number was 33, just like my dad.

Professional Pic from the Dirty Dash

2011-10-31T12:50:00.005-05:00

I NEVER buy pictures from races, but these ones were too good to pass up on.

My BRAVE, super COOL, Father in Law who raced with us and did awesome through the whole thing.

Our TEAM, standing: Dave, Brent, John, Rob, Scott, Andy, Matt, and Brent. Kneeling: Misty, Pam, Katie, Kristin, Tawna, Beth

Already signed up for next year!

Little Spokane River

2011-10-31T12:24:00.003-05:00

The little Spokane river is one of my favorite places. The kids love the water, I love that it is free and cheap. So we invited the Stroms to come along a play one afternoon before school started. Trying to get as much fun as possible before school hit.

The Lake

2011-10-31T12:14:00.004-05:00

Back in Aug, we partied hard the last week of summer. Here are pictures from one of the two trips we took the one of the many lakes around here.

Isaac loved the tube until he lost his grip.

He learned that life jackets really work and was brave enough to get back on the tube and ride again.

Only a face a mother could love!

The Dirty Dash--Dirty Words

2011-09-25T20:20:00.007-05:00

The Dirty Dash came to town for the first time last month. And my in laws just happened to be here while the race was going on, so Brent of course had to join in on the fun.

Our team was coupls from our church.

It was a 6 mile trail run, up hills, through lakes, under tunnels, over hay bales, down a slip and slide, over horse jumps and through mud pits. It was awesome.

It was a slopping, dirty mess of fun.

Matt was kind enough to throw me up so I could get over these horrible jumps at the end.
Superman than just pulled himself up and over no problem.

It was so much fun.

A race everyone should do at least once.

Hiawatha Trail and Baseball Game

2011-09-07T13:03:00.009-05:00

When Nana and Papa Wallace came into town last month, we loaded up the truck with our bikes and two barrowed ones and hit the road for an adventure.
We drove all the way through Northern Idaho, past Wallace, ID. Very fitting in our minds. Stopping our long drive at the Montana boarder.

Once we got passes, we got the kids ready with their flash lights and bikes and potty breaks.

And hit the trail. We road the Hiawatha trail, which is an old railroad route, where they took the rail off and let people ride the 15 mile ride. Up and down if you want, we choose to get the bus ride back up. This ride starts off with a 1 1/2 mile ride through a tunnal, so creepy and cool at the same time. We witnessed a major crash on this part of the ride, a lady got to close to the edge, lost her balance and fell into a gutter that lines the road. Matt thought she had an open ankle fracture, it made us all more careful after that.

Right outside the major tunnel is a beautiful little waterfall.

We started super early, and it was crazy cold in the first tunnel, we slowly started shedding clothes as the day wore on.

There were 5 tunnels to ride through, some huge, some not so bad, but all fun.

We stopped for lunch, and a rest of our bottoms. Bike seat sure aren't forgiving sometimes.

Around mile 13, Isaac lost it. He was so worn out. His bike was so little he had to petal the whole time and his tenders were so sore from not having shocks on his bike. So we switched some kids around, Adam road in the seat behind Nana, Ike took Adams spot and Papa carried Isaac's bike and rode his bike the last two miles. Talk about superman!

Only one crash, thankfully. Nana, got a little tore up, but kept riding.

Once we finished we had a while to sit and rest before the bus ride back up.

It was needed by all.

The bumpy ride back up put the baby right to sleep. It was a wonderful way to spend the morning.

We then raced home after getting ice cream in Wallace, Id. We cleaned up and made it to the baseball game. Matt was invited by a local PT, to bring the whole family for dinner and the game.

We were so close I was actually worried about foul balls.

And one boy got lucky enough to be given one foul ball that came so close to us. It made his night.

Braces!!!

2011-09-07T12:44:00.004-05:00

The big boys got braces right before Nana and Papa came to visit.

They will get the bottoms put on right before Christmas.

Lucy Mae

2011-09-07T12:34:00.005-05:00

Meet out newest baby. Back in Aug, we went out and met our new baby. We got to choose her from a litter and just fell in love.

We have been promising Andrew that when he turned 10 we would get him a dog, knowing that when he was 10 we wouldn't be moving any more. Well the poor kid had to wait a little longer, but I think we got a good one.

She comes home this Sat. and we can hardly wait.

Summer Time Happenings!!

2011-08-25T11:06:00.004-05:00

Summer for us has been jam packed with camps, vacations and scouts. Here are a little of the other things we have been doing.

The big boys did a golf camp. And the last day a parent had to come and keep score for them while they golfed a course. It was beautiful and fun, even with all the kids. But the best thing is the boys learned a ton.
Yep, I was the crazy lady who had all 5 in tow walking a golf course.

By the last hold Caleb drove it to the green, it was so impressive.

It was so much fun and we are so going to do it next year, maybe even a couple of session.

She has LOVED having Andrew around, to snuggle and play with. It makes me so happy to see them have so much fun together.

We just can't get enough of the cherries here. Mirna invited us over to her house for more picking and we jumped on the offer.

It was a little harder, but the kids got to climb a ladder so they thought it was awesome.

Got another 7 bottles of canned cherries from these.

We went to another ball game and had a wonderful time.

Gracie wasn't a fan of the awesome fireworks show afterwards, but the rest of us LOVED it.

We went on a bike ride with the scouts and learned about protecting our melons and the importance of wearing a helmet. I haven't had to remind my boys once to put their helmets on after this.

And the best news, this little girls is potty trianed. Easiest one EVER! I can't believe after 10 1/2 years, 4 of those years with 2 in diapers, that we are finaly a diaper free home. It is so AWESOME!!!!!

Grandma and Pops First Visit

2011-08-24T10:53:00.004-05:00

My mom and dad were able to come and visit us for the first time and we had so much fun showing them our city and just being together.

First stop, downtown for the falls and rides.

We then went to ride, so they could get and even better look at the falls.

She got a little worried when we started going up.

The big boys rode in another cart.

Then it was on to the carousel. My mom loves them and it was so fun to ride one with her.

Though this picture is blurry, it is my favorite one, look at the joy on her face!

Bowl and Picture

2011-08-24T10:46:00.003-05:00

We took Pops and Grandma down for a short hike at the bowl and picture park. It was a beautiful day.

Grandma was fearless!

Pops, took a couple of steps out on the suppension bridge and went right back over to the other side.

The brave crew! Note that big rock behind us, that's what we hiked up next.

It was a beautiful view. Love you Mom!

Fresh Fruit!!

2011-08-24T10:33:00.003-05:00

The day before Grandma and Pops left we drove up to Greenbluff for some fresh fruit.

First we picked cherries!

Then we hit the strawberry fields.

Warm but wonderful day!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-08-24T10:26:00.003-05:00

Matt's office had a night out at our local baseball team. We started with a free dinner, yay.

Then the kids moved on to the kid toys, while the adults got to sit and watch the game and talk.

Andrew was so sweet, he stayed by his sister all night, even took her up the slide.

And helped her down. Moments like these make me so happy.

It was a great way to spend the evening.

Cub Scout Day Camp

2011-08-24T10:12:00.007-05:00

This year I got to go to two days of cub scout day camp with the boys. I have to admitt we all had a great time.

Shooting wrist rockets.

Making dog tags.

Setting up tents.

Putting on a skit.

On the day I didn't go, I traded out babysittting with my friend. She watched mine one day, I watched hers the next. Here the kids are doing craft time.

Back to camp.

Archery was their favorite, our team won best shooting both days.

The science center was pretty cool.

But the water rockets took the cake.

Nevada-- Day 8

2011-08-23T17:16:00.003-05:00

The cousins came down to say goodbye.

Andrew and Luke were good buddies.

Nevada--Day 7

2011-08-23T17:03:00.006-05:00

BEACH DAY!!!

Nevada-- Day 6

2011-08-23T16:45:00.008-05:00

Today we drove up to Virgina City.

Meet the cousins there for some old time photos.

And the Train ride.

Nevada--Day 5

2011-08-23T16:30:00.004-05:00

Today Papa helped the boys pass off some building stuff for scouts.

Caleb built a tool box.

Isaac just loved being in the shop.

He wanted to take some saw dust home with him because it smelt so good.

Gracie is never far from Mommy.

Andrew built a stool.

Nevada Day 4--The Amazing Race

2011-08-16T11:10:00.015-05:00

This day we got up early and drove over HWY 4. If you have ever driven it you will know why we had to stop after the pass to let the carsick people out to get some fresh air and for Adam to throw up on the side of the road. Apparently my boys are not used to mountain roads. We then drove over to Columbia, CA for lunch.

We walked around the cute litle town and got tickets for a carriage ride.

It was a crazy hot day.

We than squeezed 25 people into one carriage. It was a little tight, let me tell you.

On the ride we got robbed! Nate was very good about keeping his hands up. While the boys who were riding on the outside happily offered their new watches to the bandits.

Will was not a fan.

Here are the 21 in our party who road the ride. Can you find Nate?

We then jumped back into the car and drove to the Big Trees.

Really is one of my favorite places on earth.

Nevada Day 3

2011-08-16T10:34:00.005-05:00

The 4th of July started out with fishing with Papa.

Then the movie Cars 2

Finally off to see the fireworks.

Love how you can see the back of Isaac's throat.

LOVE this man!

The old guys.

The crazies.

A wild bunch.

Sweet

The Crew!

FIREWORKS!!!!

Nevada Day 2

2011-08-15T16:57:00.000-05:00

The next day was church. And our newest nephew's blessing.

Love!

3 generations

A father and his son.

After the meeting we lined the grandbabies that were able to attend, up in age order. Love how Gracie is the only girl.

Valerie and her boys.

Funny thing, Laurie and I showed up in the same shoes, just different colors. Got to love them!

The men in the circle.

Sisters!

Baby Jack

The women in his life.

After the blessing we met up at Mom and Dad's for a lunch. Love how father and son have the same look.

Just love this kid!

Caleb was so excited to hold the baby.

And so was Gracie.

She didn't want to give him back.

He is such a sweetie.

Nevada Day 1

2011-07-12T16:23:00.006-05:00

Driving down, so much fun.

Laurie had the great idea to visit our nieces gravesite on her birthday. First we found my moms parents.

And left flowers.

Next we found Bryns grave, so sweet to see how reverant the boys were.

Then it was back to the house, for games and playtime.

Papa, was busy making this beauty for little miss Gracie.

The one and only time the boys got soda, only time because Caleb spilled his all over the floor and it took forever to get it all cleaned up.

She was so happy when she woke up and saw Papa's gift.

Only problem she had to fight her brothers for it.

Making dinner.

Love these kiddos, especially the chubby cheeks one.

Random

2011-07-11T21:41:00.000-05:00

Adam thought Gracies looked just too pretty to go to church without taking pictures first.

So of course I made everyone join in.

Andrew took this one himself. Not to bad.

Not sure who got this one of Grace, but it cracks me up.

It has been beautiful here latly, so picnics at the park have become our normal dinners.

This night our friends asked us to join them for FHE playing at the park, we just couldn't say no.

Gracie called me over saying, "Look Mommy, I'm a good Mommy too."

Hoopfest

2011-06-28T21:52:00.003-05:00

Andrew participated in Hoopfest, which just might be the largest 3 on 3 basketball tournement in the US, if not the world. They shut down blocks and blocks and blocks of roads down town, create courts using tape and get hoops donated by people in town. Poor kid was really tired from camping the whole night before and waking up at 4:30 in the morning, cause that's when it starts getting light around these parts now. So after driving late the night before home, I left early and picked Andrew up and took him downtown.

His team didn't do to well, but Andrew loved it, cause they hardly called any fouls so his defence was amazing.

He had a great time, and now we feel like we are offically Spokanites (?).

Who wants to join my team next year?

Camping Out

2011-06-26T18:17:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we had a chance to go camping with our church. It was a beautiful spot, that the church owns. And it is so nice knowing you are out there just with people you trust. Gracie was so excited, this was her first time getting to go camping. She got even happier when the other families showed up with little girls to play with.

Our sleeping set up.

Hiking/exploring

Loving having Dad around. Matt got done early, so we were the first family out there.

Andrew may or may not have screamed like a little girl when his best friend showed up.

Adam loved every minute of it.

Isaac was so happy, even doing chores of gathering wood was fun.

I loved how Isaac had to wear his head light all day and night long.

The kids loved having so much room to run free and explore.

Gracie's good friend, though she doesn't look to happy here.

The weather was perfect, not to hot, not to cold.

Silly girl.

Only down part, Gracie fell asleep early, and then woke up as we were getting ready to go to bed. And she wouldn't go to sleep. So around 11, I drove us home. She stayed awake for 30 out of the 40 min. drive home. Though it was still a wonderful fun night. I can say that now since I just finished all the laundry left over from it.

Our Neighbors

2011-06-26T18:12:00.003-05:00

Every morning this summer I have woken up to this big guy, crowing his heart out. Never knew a pheasant was that loud.
And just about every evening we watch this mama walk by and eat her dinner. Man I love the place I live!

Cub Scouts

2011-06-26T17:57:00.004-05:00

So I've got a new job at church, I'm no longer the Wolf cub scout den leader, I'm now the Committe Cub Scout Chair. So sad to not be working weekly with my boys any more, but happy that I'll still be with the scouts. Here was our last field trip. We went to the fish hatchery.

Tri Boys!

2011-06-21T13:39:00.010-05:00

The 3 big boys competed in a kids triathlon last weekend. Isaac was so excited to be old enough to compete. Here he is setting up his transition zone.
The two big boys were in the same group, which made it a little crazy as you will see later. It was a cool morning only 55* in the middle of June, at least the rain held off until after the race.

Getting ready to go in.

Waiting for our start, love his hat.

So happy our friends got to race with us.

It made the race so much better to have friends to cheer on.

Getting a little nervous.

The cheering crowd.

They were so happy to get their numbers written on them.

His best buddy, raced with him, he was so excited.

Andrew getting ready to start. Third one up from the bottom.

And he is out.

Only picture I got of Caleb in the water, I know wonderful isn't it. I snapped it as I was running out to get Andrew's transition. Hence the craziness of two in the same group.

Andrew working so hard to get his shoes on.

Walking his bike out of the transition.

Caleb meanwhile raced in and started his change.

And quickly took off.

Caught Caleb on his first lap.

Andrew on his ride, missed a couple of his loops watching Caleb go.

Andrew coming in from the bike route.

Dumped the bike and took off.

He followed this kid in, and slowly caught him on the run.

And while Andrew was running, Caleb joined the route with our good friends.

On the last straight away, Andrew finally passed the kid, beat him with his kick and ended up coming in first. The other kid tried so hard he actually threw up after the race.

Caleb running and trying so hard.

Crossing the finish line. He was so awesome, tried his very best and that is all we can ask for.

Then it was on to Isaac's turn. Getting ready to start.

Nervous and excited all at once.

He kind of took off at his own time, but went hard anyways.

Andrew was so sweet, he helped Isaac along the whole time. Here he is getting Isaac's shoes on.

Helping him get his bike out.

Ike is off.

Off the bike and running to the run.

Andrew really ran the whole thing with Isaac, cheering him on the whole way. It was my favorite part of the whole race.

See, they are still side by side.

Nice to know you have a friend, who will cheer you on no matter what, even run another race just to help you out.

The final stretch, Isaac tried to slow down and Andrew wouldn't let him. I could hear him cheering on encouragement the last 50 yards, it made for a proud Mom moment.

DONE!

And so happy with himself.
He did something that he didn't think he could do. We are all faced with that in our lives and I loved seeing the joy he had after he did it. That is why we sign our kids up for this, to teach them that they are stronger than they think. To teach them that they can do great things if only they try, and keep trying even when it is hard.

It was a wonderful way to spend a morning.

So much fun to have so many friends do it with us. Next year we are going to spread the news and have a real party.

I promised Isaac if he didn't stop the whole time and kept trying his hardest we would take them out to DQ. I think it really helped. And sure tasted good.

Last Day of School

2011-06-20T20:37:00.006-05:00

After school got out, I loaded up the truck with bikes and a picnic and followed my good friend up north to a cool park. Where we had lunch.

Played.

Shot guns.

Explored forests.

Created bandages out of grass.

Biked

Found animals in the lake.

Tried to knock each other off the pier.

Tried to not get wet.

Climbed trees.

At leaset Dalyn was smart and wore a helmet.

Found bugs.

And had a wonderful start to summer.

A Night at the Museum

2011-06-16T17:06:00.006-05:00

Matt's group got invited to take his whole family for dinner and a museum trip. So you know us, anything free and we are all over it. The museum had a showing of all of Leonardo Da Vinci's inventions. With tons of hands on things that the kids got to touch and feel and learn with. It was an awesome night, made even better cause we didn't have to pay anything for it.

Every sign we saw like this, Gracie had to go and pose in front of it, too funny.

After we finished with the inside we walked around the grounds afterwards.
I don't want my picture taken any more mom.

Never yet have met a boy who could resist climbing up on rocks.

Tri Man

2011-06-16T16:23:00.002-05:00

Matt completed his second Sprint Tri last weekend. He got up early and drove 2 hours away to do the race. He did awesome, coming in 5th for his age group. We are so proud of our Man!

So Cute, I Could Eat Her Up

2011-06-14T09:10:00.003-05:00

Mirna has been busy again. After we spent the day up at Mirna's cabin, and Mirna watched Gracie eat most of the watermelon, Mirna called me on Monday saying I've got something for Gracie.

She found my little girl this watermelon dress and matching leggings. She is so sweet I could just gobble her up. Thanks again Mirna, we love it!

The Centenial Trail

2011-06-06T17:24:00.007-05:00

On Saturday we decided to take the kids for a bike ride on the Centenial Trail here in Spokane. It is a 100 miles of paved tails that run from the Idaho boarder up into Washington. It is what I ran my 1/2 marathon on, but thankfully my strech of road was much flatter. We got some advice on where to park and get on, but we should have looked into it more, because this ended up being really hilly for our little guys. Here we are starting off, you can't tell, but this is all up hill.

Really hard to take a picture and ride at the same time. I've got mad skills people.

Isaac gets the award for the hardest worker. He was so scared going down the big hills, and it was so hard on his litttle legs going up the big hills. With the help of pushes from Dad and cheering from Mom, he made it and we were so proud of him. We stopped at this lookout point and had dinner. The beautiful Spokane River is right along side you as you ride.

The day was BEAUTIFUL!

Gracie did so well sitting behind me. Though I found out she didn't like when I stood up to petal up the hills, so it was a hard leg workout on me sitting down and petalling the whole time.

After dinner we loaded up again and road another mile or two. Here is Super Man, who towed Adam on the tag-a-long and pushed Isaac whenever he needed help. Really Matt was amazing.

Matt then dropped us off at a campsite area, and road all the way back to the car by himself, so he could pick up the truck and come get us.

It was an adventureful way to spend a beautiful afternoon, one where we all felt like we did something amazing when we were finished.

ORVing

2011-06-05T20:27:00.009-05:00

On Friday, Matt got off early and so we loaded up the kids and the bikes in the truck and went to a place Matt has been wanting to go since we got the truck, the local Off Road Vechicle park. First we drove all around the park and found out that Mom and Andrew don't like doing anything crazy and that Caleb will NEVER be getting his licence, because nothing was crazy enough for him.

We we almost the only ones at the park, so we stopped in a little valley and got the bikes out and let them ride the trails.

She wasn't a big fan of the bumps, she cried the whole time Mommy took her out on a little ride. But she sure looked cute.

Yep even I rode some big ones with the baby seat on the back. I know, ya all want a babyseat, it's the next coolest thing.

All the new mountain bikers are doing it, you really should try it out.

We packed a picnic dinner and had a great time in our warm weather, it got up to the high 60's today and we loved every minute of it.

Great family fun and a great way to burn off some energy.

The Spokane FIRE!

2011-06-03T16:07:00.004-05:00

Last night Caleb had his 3rd grade Spokane History play. He was the Spokane fire! Don't we just have a wonderful camera?

He so wanted me to invite Mirna to come, and when she texted back that she would be happy to Caleb did a happy dance when I told him.

I was so worried about how to make a fire costume, but when I saw what other people had to make, like a freeway, a bridge, an ice storm and a river. I was really happy we got fire.

He was originally asked by his teacher to have one of the biggest parts, Narrator, but he turned it down saying he was just too nervous. Matt and I both agree he would have done a great job at it, I think he just wanted a cool costume instead.

Gracie loves Mirna!

So do all the kids.

Here is Caleb with his good friend who was the Spokane River, again, so happy we got fire.

Sweet Aubrey, The Centenial Trail, was so worried about getting burned by the Fire.

And finally Drew and Caleb, so happy he has such a good friend in his class, it has made all the difference this year.

It's in the Genes

2011-06-02T11:54:00.007-05:00

Andrew joined the track club at his school and loved every minute of it. Here he is running his first ever timed mile. He started out really fast, and actually had the lead for the first two laps, but then he started to die. Oh and on a side note that is our house in the back of the picture. So nice to have the school right in your backyard.

I loved watching him run, the kid gives it everything he's got. After his race, which he came in 4th, he sat down by me and started to cry. When I finally got it out of him, what was wrong he said, "I'm just so tired." Got to love a kid who will leave it all out on the field.

He next ran the 200, love his face.

His next track meet was the next day. Here he is running the 800. Yep, that's Andrew right out in front.

Look at that stride.

He came in second, and qualified for the district meet the next week. He did so awesome.

Here he is running the 100, not the fasted, but I love how kids run all out. Who cares about form, just run.

His final event was the 50 meter hurdles. He did awesome his first race, but forgot his time, so he had to run it again with the 6th graders, and did really well.

The district meet was yesterday, he ended up getting 5th for the 800 out of 6 schools, so we were really proud of him. He bet his PR, and that is what it is all about. Caleb can't wait for his turn to join next year.

Bowl and Picture

2011-05-31T20:37:00.006-05:00

Poor Matt was on call all weekend, which makes for a long weekend for all of us. Thankfully he was able to get some free time and hang out with us, it just ment that we had to stay close to home. So we decided to go on a short hike at a park that is right close to our house (10 mins away).
There is this super cool, dangerous bridge there that spans the Spokane river. The boys love seeing the water run under them through the slate in the wood. but feeling the bridge sway in the wind was a little unnerving for all of us.

The river was crazy full from all the spring melt off. Such an impressive sight.

Once on the other side, we picked a random trail and started hiking.

Here is a picture from a distant of the bridge. Note the big rock on the upper left, we climbed that and you will see pictures of that at the end of this post.

Love Andrew's "I'm too cool to smile at the camera face."

We took a little break and ate a snack outside. Everything tastes better when you eat outside in my book.

Adam was all too happy to get his picture taken. He was so excited to make this funny face.

Here we are back on the other side of the bridge and up on that rock lookout point. My nerves were getting tested today.

It was beautiful, but crazy high up there with very little to keep the kids from falling over.

Note, my death grip on the baby.

It was a beautiful day, though still cool. It was perfect hiking weather and we all loved it. I know we will be making many trips back here.

Andrew's Dream Cabin

2011-05-31T16:38:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, we got invited up to some of Matt's partners cabin for a BBQ. Their cabin is beautiful, located right next to Mt Spokane, they have 53 acers to run around on. After lunch we of course had to have some Smores, and Mirna bought the Jumbo marshmellows.

They were a huge hit.

Look at how it is just overflowing with cream.

Tony had to get into the action.

Sad to say it was a little chilly, even though it was the end of May, so Gracie and I hung out on the inside.

The view was amazing!

Tony then loaded the boys up in the wagon and took them for a ride.

They loved it. Getting dirty was the best part.

Look at that joyful, dirty face. Only a boy would love that.

We then got Gracie in.

And Daddy took them for a ride. I'll admitt, it was a little nerve racking to see all your babies ride away from you.

Then it was on to yet another dessert, and love from Mirna. We just love Tony and Mirna, and are so blessed to be working with them. They have helped make this move so nice. The boys asked Mirna if she would be their Grandma for their next Grandparents day at school. Though she is by far not old enough to be their grandparents, she loved the idea and can't wait.

That night all they boys included Tony and Mirna in their prayers and all asked for a cabin just like theirs. I told them, they better start saving now.

Father/Sons Campout = Mother/daughter fun

2011-05-31T15:56:00.004-05:00

The boys got to go on a Father/sons campout with our church a weekend ago. They had so much fun loading up in the truck to go on an adventure.

Here is Adam waving goodbye as they headed out.

So since the boys were away, Gracie and I headed out for a girls night. We first went out to dinner.

And shared a plate of chicken tenders. It was so much fun to be with just one of my kids one on one. She loved everything and talked and talked and talked. It really was wonderful.

After getting dessert of DQ, we went home for a long bath in the tub and then painted our nails.

We ended with watching Tangled and snuggling on the couch. I had such a wonderful time with my little lady. It was a perfect evening.

My 2nd Big Race

2011-05-31T15:42:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I completed my 2nd 1/2 marathon. My training for this race was a little more relaxed. I know I could finish it, so I wasn't so driven with my training. That we took a weeks vacation to Texas and had my sister come for a week, so I didn't train the best.
It was a beautiful day, the warmest day we had, had all spring. The heat, my sore foot and not training that well made for a long race. The first 7 miles I felt great and was running at a 9 mile pace, which is good for me. The last 6 were harder, but I still came in with a time of 2 hours 12 min. So I was happy.
Matt brought three of the kids down to cheer me on. The other two were already at soccer games.

Once I found a bathroom and got a little food, I felt much better. It's always good to have your face match your shirt, adds so much to your look.

I love this man, who supports me in whatever crazy thing I want to do. And will literally let me run away from the house at night to train, while he puts the kids to bed.

On to the foot story. Two days before the race, Gracie tipped over in one of our new kitchen chairs. I tried to catch her, but all I ended up doing was getting the chair to land right across the top of my right foot. I swelled up crazy the first day and Matt put me on ice wraps for the next to days. The day of the race was the first time my foot had fit into a shoe since the accident. Needless to say around mile 7, I started to get weird blisters because my foot was such a different shape. I held strong and kept running.

My race number was actually my dad's birth year, so as I ran I kept hearing his famous words of wisdom pop through my head. The one that I kept repeating the most was, "Suck it up Davis." It kept me running through all the pain. Love ya Dad.

9 Years Old

2011-05-18T17:34:00.005-05:00

For Caleb's birthday we all got to go into his classroom as we was Star Student of the Week. He got to make a poster all about him and tell the class about the pictures in it.

We we so lucky to have Dad get off work early and come and watch too.

We brought cupcakes for the whole class to enjoy.

And balloons just for the Birthday Boy.

Caleb and Drew, his good friend, who also happens to be on his soccer team.

Then for his birthday party, he got to invite 3 friends to go play laser tag. After shooting it out, they all came back to the house for pizza.

Presents.

Cake and fun.

Happy Birthday Sweet Caleb! It's hard to believe you are already 9. You are such a wonderful kid. I'm blessed to be your mother.

Isaac is 6!

2011-05-12T13:26:00.000-05:00

Isaac turned 6 last week and it was a crazy, packed full day of fun.

Started early with him choosing one gift to open.

Then Gracie and I got to go to his class to watch him be the VIP and show off his show and tell, his new gift from Nana.

We bought him balloons, which he just loved.

And brought the class cupcakes. Which she just ate the frosting off.

It was so sweet to see him in is element. So grown up. Oh and look behind me that is my mothers day gift from him, so funny. It's a rice baby.

After the brothers and other friends got done with afternoon school we started his party. We made monster masks.

Monster balloons.

Then we loaded up and when to Chuck E Cheese for games and dinner.

Matt showing the boys how it is done.

Whitley was so sweet, when she ran out of coins she willingly took over watching Grace.

Pizza wasn't that bad.

Then it was back to the house for a monster cake.

And pressents.

I think he had a totally wonderful day! He kept saying over and over, "This is the best day EVER!" I love my big, little boy. So weird to think of him as 6 years old.

Cake Auction

2011-05-12T13:18:00.000-05:00

The boys had their cake auction for scouts a week ago. I made these pinewood derby cars for the $1 table and was happy only to bring 2 home. Note if you are going to make these, twinkies get hard really fast, so either make them right before you leave or leave the twinkies in the wrappers.
Caleb had to tell everyone why his cake was soo good and worth a huge amount of money.

He made a magnifying glass which is looking at ants eating.
Andrew telling about his tank cake.

Third time we have made this cake, the kid likes to stick with what he knows.
Thankfully we made enough to help pay for most of scout camp this year.

Family Visit Day 3

2011-04-26T13:27:00.007-05:00

Friday, I took the little kids to donuts with Dad for Isaac, Matt had a case going on he couldn't miss or postpone, so it was just us. Isaac loved it anyways.

Then we drove downtown and met the cousins up again to see the Spokane river and Falls.

Needless to say, 7 little kids on a bridge over white water rapids is a little stressfull.

Throw posing for a picture, even more stressfull.

At least we got most people looking at the camera for this one.

We visited a little park.

After naps, Adam had to get a picture with Ben. He just loved the little guy.

While I just couldn't get enough of this guy.

Or this guy, such cuties!

That night we died easter eggs. Note even the lone girl in the group followed the dress code. I'm happy to report, there were no spills.

And even though Andrew doesn't look like it in the picture, they all had fun.

Oh and The Bunny came that night so we could enjoy the goods while we were together.

Family Visit Day 2

2011-04-26T10:25:00.006-05:00

The next morning we got my big kids off to school and then drove downtown to the Children's Museum. It was just the right size, not to big, not to small and it had some really cool things for the kids to play with.

Got to love the dress up station.

The water station was a HUGE hit.

Ben loved the space just for him.

Adam loved the water so much, he tried swimming. Well he just fell in reaching for a toy, needless to say we left soon afterwards.

Laurie and her college roommate Jessica met up and had a nice visit, too bad I had to leave with my drenched son.

Once we all got home again, we made cookies.

Then that evening, Matt and I watch all 10 kids. Fed them, played with them, bathed them and got them all to bed by 8pm, no small feet let me tell you. We had a wonderful time.

This is how the big boys spent most of their time. Between Wii and Lego's, everyone was happy.

Family Visit Day 1

2011-04-25T13:20:00.012-05:00

My sister Laurie and her family drove up to visit us for their spring break. It was so wonderful having them here. They arrived just in time for dinner on Tuesday night, no pictures, cause dinner with 14 people, 10 of which are kids all under the age of 10 is a crazy affair.

The next morning, Peter was chasing Gracie around and she couldn't figure out why, until she stopped and he gave her the biggest hug, caught by me. Aren't they the cutest 2 year old ever.

Once my big boys got out of school we headed to Wonderland for some fast driving, golf and games. I swear Caleb had the fastest car, which totally matched his personality.

Andrew drove safe, and kind of fast.

Gabe was a professional.

Jake was so cute, we stuffed his shoes to make him tall enough and the poor boy could hardly reach the petals but he still had fun.

Laurie and Nate had a blast! To quote Nate, "That was totally WICKED!"

The cheering crowd.

Then Dan and I got our turns. Driving Isaac.

Me driving Adam.

My car was so slow, Dan took pity on me and finally let me pass him.

Then it was on to golf.

My favorite picture of the day.

On to games.

Biker Babe.

We had so much fun, it was a wonderful way to start off our first full day together.

Bragging

2011-04-25T12:59:00.002-05:00

This is the first time in 5 years that I haven't pushed a stroller out onto the soccer field. The first time in 5 years that all the kids carried their own chair and were pretty easily entertained for the game. Something to brag about in my book.

Spring Soccer

2011-04-25T12:46:00.003-05:00

Soccer season is back on, and so far it's been great!

Isaac has been playing hard and loving it.

Andrew is doing great as always.

And I didn't get any pictures of Caleb since he was playing the same time as Isaac, but Caleb is doing wonderful. Even had a diving save as goalie in his last game. It has been so wonderful to see them all doing well and loving playing.