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!

Boise is Better with Friends!

 March was approaching and that means it is time for our annual girls trip.  The original plan was to go to San Francisco, but my budget was not going to allow it.  I was so bummed…but, Heather and Lenette decided to surprise me and switched the destination to Boise!  No plane ticket for me meant that I could go!  YAY!  (Debbie and Mar were not able to make it this year)

We always try to go to the temple first.  That way, whatever happens on the rest of the trip won't matter.  Not really!  It sets the tone for the rest of the trip is what it does.

 We always try to find a tea place, too.  This one had lovely sandwiches and goodies.  Hard to resist!

 For our activity, we went zip lining! Heather was so cute on the platforms and jumped even though she was terrified and shaking!

We also went to the spa and had massages and pedicures and of course tried to find the tastiest places to eat.  The food was okay, but the best thing was hanging out with my girls.  They are the best!  Thank you guys!!  

The Zoo is Funner When Your Kids Are Little...

 It was Amy's idea to go to the zoo and she had the most fun, I think.

 She wanted to go down the big giraffe slide, but no one else did.

 She wanted to feed the goats, but no one else did.

 Elli was the second enthusiastic.  She was willing to try a few things.  Hello Mr. Prairie Dog!

 Adam was the least happy to be there.  After every exhibit, he would ask, "Can we go home now?" And this is his happy face!

I was just happy to be outside in the warm weather and away from the Xbox and computers!  It was our first time at the Boise Zoo and I liked the lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes the best.  It makes me  marvel at the variety of life and wonder at the creation.  Such beautiful animals.  Too bad we probably won't be going again.  The zoo is a great place, but it was definitely funner when my kids were small.

Everyone Should Do a 5K (at least once!)

 I signed us all up for one this August.  It was here in Middleton and my kids thought they could do it after running the 1 mile before we left PA.  The race was a Colorama and not timed, but I think Adam came in at about 25 minutes.  Better than any 5K I've ever done!  Amy ran ahead too while me and Elli only took 2 short breaks.  

 I would not ever do a colorama race again though.  Colored powder was everywhere and got in the car and in tiny spaces of my shoes.  Way messy, but fun to try once.  

I was very proud of each of them!  Get ready for Spring, cause we are signing up for another one!

Linder Farms is the Funnest Part of Fall!

And I want to do it every year!  They have tractor races for all sizes!  

 You just have to adjust the seats!  Look, even Adam was having a good time!

 Round and around the track you go.  You can go as many times as you want, unless other people are waiting.  And it was free!

 Riding the zip line was fun, too.  It cost 7 extra bucks though.  Good thing Elli and I were the only ones brave enough to try it.

 They also had jumping straps for about 4 dollars.  Fun, but maybe not next year.

 Amy could flip, Elli couldn't quite get her feet over.http://linderfarms.com

 My favorite part was the maze.  It is in the shape of a bronco and once we figured out the map, I was having a blast!  Which way should we go??  Next year, we are finding all 10 check points!  This year we could only find 3 before the kiddos were getting raunchy.