Family Summer Olympics 2015

Before the kids left for Pennsylvania this summer, we wanted to get together with Brandy and her family.  Rather than sit around, we decided to have the First Annual Family Olympics.  Elli helped me come up with all the events and the rules.  The events were: pogo, hurdles, sprints, free throws, jump rope, hula hoop, javelin, golf, and long jump.  One point for each event participated in and additional 3 points for 1st place, 2 points for 2nd, and 1 point for 3rd.  Most points at the end wins a medal.

 Elli ruled at the pogo stick.  We had to make her stop.

 Most jumps in a minute, keep track of your own.

Putting, best out of 3.

Broom Stick Javelin Throw

 Everyone tried this event.  Simple really...throw as far as you can without stepping in the grass.

 We all had different approaches,

and various grips,

 but equal determination.

I believe the boys took the lead in this one, but I predicted they would.

Hula Hoop Hustle

 Everyone competed in this event.  

 Amy had a good rhythm going.

 Gregory and Adam did OK, but it wasn't their best event.

 Grandma sneakily patiently waited to go last while she watched the technique.  Since it's all about smooth, relaxed rhythm, and not speed or strength, she ended up medaling in this event.

Gold! Silver! Bronze?

 Elli and Amy were neck and neck throughout the games.  They both ended up with 17 points at the end, so for the tie breaker, we decided to have a shoot out.  Even the shoot out was close and took several rounds until we finally had our bronze medalist....

 Adam took SILVER!!  Gregory won the GOLD!! and Amy stole the BRONZE!!

Congratulations to all our competitors!  Everyone did a great job!

Elli Does Not Show Her Age

 Even though she doesn't like it yet, that will be a good thing when she's older!  She turned 13 this year and had a movie party at our house.  No sleepover this time.  They watched Bye Bye Birdie and had snacks for dinner.  The burgers are really cupcakes, so along with the chips and popcorn,  I tried to throw in some fruits and vegetables.  I'm glad she has a bunch of good friends.  Happy Birthday!

My Sister Will Be Famous Someday!

MY sister,  Brandalyn Athons, is a true artist.  Her clever creativity and unique style are among my favorites.  I am lucky to have one of her pieces in Amy's room.  She created my raw website, has made the cutest newsletters for Elise's salon, and even makes her own games along with her husband, Gregory.  Here she is next to her art work that was chosen above many many students to be displayed at the Boise State Art Show earlier this year.  I'm so proud!  You are awesome, Brandy!

Tea Parties are Fun!

Amy opted for a party this year instead of getting spending money for her birthday.  I was so happy that she wanted a tea party!  I love going to a beautiful tea service with friends!

 I got so caught up serving and preparing the food that I forgot to take pictures, but they started with  cucumber sandwiches and prosciutto rolls.  Second course was scones with cream and jam and custard tarts.  For dessert there were chocolate strawberries, lemon cookies, strawberry cupcakes and cupcake chocolates with berry herbal tea.  Amy said the food was her favorite part!  Yay! 

 After tea we took pictures with some props...

 played musical chairs...

 and the telephone game.  What is a tea party without some gossip?  They also tried to throw tea bags into the top of the tea pot and played a game like Pictionary by making pictures in tea leaves for their team to guess.

 Happy 11th Birthday, Amy!