Bear Lake 2009

This year we went camping at Bear Lake. It was a new experience for two different reasons. One, I have never been to Bear Lake. Two, I never really been on any type of vacation with my dad or little sister Toni Marie.

This was a very memorable trip. My kids got to spend time with their Grandpa Tony and all of my sisters and so did I!

We spent a lot of our time on the beaches of Bear Lake swimming and fishing. No one caught any fish. I attribute this to Richard's luck. He hasn't caught a fish in the almost thirteen years that I have known him. Bradley and Olivia loved being in the water, they are my fish. So hey I guess you can say we DID catch two and we even brought them home.

Toni Marie and Chris were a lot of fun. Olivia just loves Toni and would follow her every where. At the beach on the last full day we were there the water was very cold. No one, even my fish wanted to get in, so to keep us entertained while Richard and Grandpa Tony tried to fish, we decided to bury Toni Marie and Chris. Then of course Bradley and Olivia had to have their turn too. It was such an adorable picture opportunity I couldn't turn it down.

We had such a great time, I am so glad I got to spend this quality time with my family. We are even planning another trip next year to Flaming Gorge. Hey maybe next time we will catch fish will gills, that is if Richard stays back at camp ;)

~Amanda

Olivia Starts Preschool

Olivia has been excited to go to school ever since her big brother started going. September 9th was Olivia's first day of Preschool. She couldn't wait to go. She was actually cooperative and happy to get ready in the morning. Usually mornings are not her happiest times. She had new clothes and a new backpack.




Yes she is my tiny little girl. Her backpack drowns her, but she loves it. She even picked it out over the Tinkerbell bag.



Here she is in the car waiting to get dropped off. She is so happy and can't wait to get to school.





When we picked her up she talked and talked about her day. She was so excited to see her 3 teachers again and meet all her new friends. Then she told us she had story time and got to eat fish, "but not really ones." She also got to eat bears "but not really ones." She got to color and play on the playground too. There was a lot more information she gave us too, but she was so excited and talked so much that it was hard to get it all straight.

Girls are made so much different than boys. All I have ever gotten out of Bradley when I asked what he did at school was "I don't remember."

Olivia's teacher said she is such a sweet little girl and listens so well. I hope this continues, as she is my little trouble maker. But it is probably just at home and not with others.

~Amanda

Bradley's first day of 1st grade

Thursday was Bradley's first day of 1st grade. He has been so excited to go back to school and especially to eat lunch at school.

Bradley is my morning child. He has had an alarm for a few years now and hates it when we won't set it for him. First thing Thursday morning he comes running upstairs (after his alarm went off), yelling "Guess what? I get to go to school TODAY! I am in 1st grade!"

He was so excited he want to pack a lunch first thing, there was no fighting to get him going, but there usually never is for him, just for his sister.



Olivia and Richard took Bradley to school. He is FINALLY old enough to play on the playground before school. In kindergarten he had to go straight to his class when he got to school, I guess to him a whole year of kindergarten is really long and unfair to not get to play before school. Then the bell rang and it was time to line up and start the day.






I was so worried and stressed for him, but of course he did great. When school was out he was beaming. He loved his first day, he really likes his teacher (and I actually do too), he was so excited to have 3 recesses (really only 2, but he counts playing before school as one too), lunch was great, and he loves to learn.

He will be a star student. I am just a little sad he is growing up!

~Amanda

The Spruces

This weekend we went camping at the Spruces. Richard and the kids went Thursday, which meant I had a whole night of peace and quiet at home. Thanks Richard!

Heather and I came up Friday afternoon, then Jeff and Ivy came up later. We had a lot of fun hanging out by the fire and playing games. Ivy even broke out her camp songs. I got to be my klutzy self and twisted my ankles while falling into a bush (not too bad of an injury though).

Saturday we went on a hike. We didn't make it all the way to the waterfall (because of the before mentioned injuries). But we got some welcomed exercise and wonderful pictures.

Late Saturday afternoon my mom came up and we had dinner, played more games and sat around the campfire. We even used our dutch oven that we got for a wedding present and have never used until now.

The whole trip was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed being with my family and being in nature. I just wished I could have showered. I felt very dirty and I know my kids were, they were practically rolling in the dirt. I guess Richard wins, I am a camper as long as I have a trailer!

The post below this one is a slide show of some of our camping pictures from this trip. Hopefully you don't think it too long. I have a hard time deciding which to post. At least I didn't put all 126 on!
~Amanda