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!

Thanksgiving Rocks!

There's no pressure to give the perfect present or the stress of Christmas shopping.  You just get to relax, eat, and be grateful for what you have.

Grandma and Amy

 Khanya and Elli

 Adam 

We had a marble game tournament, so Brandy, Elise, and I brought our marble boards.  We split into teams.  Your place at the table had a figure that matched someone else's.  

 Nell and Brandy were the turkeys.  Brandy just had surgery the day before and wasn't feeling 100%.

 Gregory and Khanya were the corn.  (It took a million tries to get a photo of Gregory with his eyes open!  He looks asleep in ALL the others!)

 Chelsea and Elli were pies.

Amy and Elise were pumpkins.  

Grandma and Adam were pilgrim hats I think and 

Joel and Steve were a team but I can't remember what they were.

I think Brandy and Nell won.  People kind of pooped out towards the end.  Lots of slow movers (kids) make the games take a long time.

Next year will be here before you know it!

60 Years is a LONG Time!!

My grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June.  Elise planned a beautiful party complete with photographer, dinner, and toasts.  Here is my family with the guests of honor.  They have been a perfect example of love, friendship, and endurance in a marriage.  

This is what happens when 2 people fall in love and make a commitment. 

Congratulations on 60 years together!  It is not a common thing anymore and I'm glad I got to see it happen in my family.

I Have the Prettiest Mom...

and I hope I can look as good as she does someday! 

Elise came over from IF and surprised everyone so we were all together again.

Happy Mother's Day!

Good Things Take Time

I have been working on this book for about 3 years now.  It is about time I finished it!  My grandparents are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this summer and it was just the push I needed to finish.  Here is the link:  http://www.bookemon.com/read-book/228039

Thanksgiving Day is Too Short!

And too far between!

 I haven't been "home" for Thanksgiving for many many years.  It was delightful to be around so many family members.  Ivan was here with Elise and Chelsea surprised everyone by coming a few weeks earlier!  And of course there was more food than we could handle.  Perfect!

 For the place settings, I made these pilgrim people.  Find your face and sit down!  

 That is the Mayflower behind us.  Next year, I'd like to do mystery baby photos or something else fun.

 Some people didn't like their faces.  Maybe next time I get the camera out, they will look at me and smile!

 Here are the two presiding couples.  Thanks for a great day!  Much to be thankful for this year!