Hall-elujah!

Put the ol' girl down

2011-10-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

She was a good truck right up until the frame broke! Yes the little truck that could, can no more. We were moving mulch in our yard with the bobcat(that is all we seem to do anymore these days) and I was backing up the driveway with Paul's trailer full of mulch and "snap", "crackle", "pop".
As you can see from the pictures the left side frame rail ripped and then crushed the right side. No Brian, it was not overloaded!! Yes Sherrie the pictures may not be clear, but trust me it is bad!!

After several visits from the insurance adjuster, yes they insure stupidity and freak incidents, they declare it must have a new frame. In case you need to know a new frame is 6 grand plus 41 hours of labor. We sold the truck to a "guy" and took the money to buy a new truck. And yes it will be a big boy truck this time.

P & L Reunion cont'd7

2011-10-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Action Glamour shots continued...We are awesome! And I told you Cho went hangliding. You didn't believe me, did you?

P & L Reunion cont'd6

2011-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is our fabulous, free girls day out at Jockey's Ridge Sand Dunes. We decided to do action Glamour shots. Rachel even hanglided. These are some of the funniest photos ever!

P & L Reunion cont'd5

2011-10-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Island Time Girls are so cute! Now, P & L Reunions always include a dance off (this one also included limbo). Grandma, how low can you go? And we were there for Easter, so of course, we had to color eggs and have an easter egg hunt. The 4 year olds enjoyed their candy more than anyone.

P & L Reunion cont'd 4

2011-10-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we all have to have a family photo in front of the Hatteras light house. And then, a lot of us climbed it, including Evan. Pretty impressive. You can't be carried, you must climb the whole thing on your own. Notice Rachel in the back ground of our family photo. We didn't even know she was back there. Rachel then got to have her own photo session as a pirate. Finally, we stopped for ice cream on the way home from the ferry. That was a fun day!

P & L Reunion cont'd3

2011-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

The three oldest girls took pictures and made movies (now posted on Youtube) most of the time. Except for when they had to take their tapioca stirring turn, of course. And Heather, always amazing in the kitchen, probably preparing something healthy and yummy. Of course, we had some girl-wrestling showdown. Someone always has to show Cho who is boss. I think one of the funniest pictures taken is Troy in the pool with all his personal flotation devices. And Jill and Troy's family were bribed into taking a family picture where no one was actually crying (thanks to the cunning and preparation of Aunt Annie's blow pop purchases).

P & L Reunion cont'd 2

2011-10-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we came up with some pretty decent outfits this time. Rachel was extremely proud of us. We even had some strangers wanting us to come to the airport to pick them up too. The next day, we came back with all the grandkids to get the rest of the crew to arrive. Everyone had to choose one of Grandpa's hats to wear. Then we were on to the Outer Banks (OBX). Evan and Ethan started us off with hours of sand throwing. I think it might have been their favorite thing after the heated pool.

P & L Reunion cont'd

2011-10-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Family photos on the side while we waited for the professional... and then of course, the cousins the first night here. They were so excited to be together, they could barely sleep. Meanwhile, their moms were dressed up funny picking Rachel up from the airport. We cannot go to pick up Rachel from the airport dressed normally, it is not allowed. You must find something embarassing or crazy or... whatever. So, check out the next post!

P & L Reunion on the Outer Banks

2011-10-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

The mature table...

the crazy side of the cafe!

Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, one of our favorites.

Tessa, doing her version of the titanic (wishing there was no rail).

A few highlights since February...

2011-10-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

Elise, Lauren, and Caroline going to the Daddy-Daughter Hawaiian Luau.

Elise and her date.

P & L Reunion on the Ocracoke Ferry.

Tessa and Kira (Kira, come back to NC).

The story behind the house

2011-03-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

For those that don't know, Dad and I designed every square inch of this house on his computer using CAD. Then Les and I took it to an architect where we worked with him for several months to get little details and the exterior decided. Then we went to a general contractor and great friend of Dad's and hired him to build it. We started designing on CAD and cutting down trees in September of 2009, deconstructing the old house already on the lot in Oct (including Les and I doing asbestos removal). By April and May, I moved into acquiring permits (this took a while, we have a septic system). And by June, we had a big hole. In July, we officially started building and we moved in, in January 2011. We are more than blessed in so many ways. I can't even begin to say how fortunate I feel.

Some of the cool things about the house... we had to cut down several 100 year old white oak trees, but Dad had a sawyer come and mill some of them into gigantic 12in by 12in by 20 foot beams. Les and Dad and I planed and sanded them and they are in the house in the dining room and the breakfast area. Les also made the mantel and corbels that help support it. The mantel is so heavy, the general was worried about it pulling over the entire wall that it is lag bolted to. We had to fortify the entire wall it is mounted to as well as below it in the basement. (Don't worry, you know if Dad is involved then it is definitely over engineered.)

Grant cut and hole punched all the steel ballisters on the deck by himself. Grant was also the one on the Bobcat skid steer whenever we were here cleaning up (which was every Saturday for 6 months).

Les also did all the low voltage wiring (security, central vac, speakers and sound system, phone and cable). Where ever we could save money, we did it ourselves.

Soon the exciting job of landscaping will begin. It sits on an acre and a third, so I don't think that I will run out of room for plants this time. At any rate, we are so greatful to be able to live here (did I mention it is right across the street from the elementary, middle and high school). Just thought I would share a few photos of what has been our life for the last almost two years.

More of the house...

2011-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Coming in from the front door...

from the dining room back into the kitchen...

and the very sparse dining room for now. More updates to come, featuring the second floor and mud room.

More from the new house...

2011-03-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Fireplace and family room...

the deck for now...

the office...

and the entry way.

We are In! (mostly)

2011-03-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the main area/great room, followed by the kitchen.

Breakfast area...

View from the kitchen, across the family room into the office (for me and the kids).

Snow days in NC!

2011-02-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Its not very often we get to do this in Raleigh. We finally got some real snow over Christmas (just what Rachel wanted) and we definitely took advantage. We went sledding all afternoon on the golf course. We went there on the gator, took a huge jug of hot chocolate, built a jump ramp and only two people went in the creek at the bottom of the hill (Tessa and Darius). It was a blast!

Almost there!

2011-01-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

We are so close. I think we will get our C.O. on Friday or Monday, then it is moving time!

The Journey from Tree to Furniture

2011-01-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

As you can see Paul is in his prime with his 4ft chain saw as we took down this nearly 100 yr old oak tree last year. It was so tall that we wiped out part of the neighbors fence. It stood where the new house stands today so unfortunately it had to come down. Rather than make mulch, a portable sawyer milled this tree and many many others for us and Paul. This tree eventually became the fireplace mantel, dining room columns, and eating area beams and columns you can see below. (plus a large pile of lumber in front of Paul's shop). All part of the fun of building a new house.

Dedicated to those that care-my bro

2010-12-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

Elise's bedroom

Master bathtub

front door and entry

Fireplace

Kitchen nook

Kitchen

Laundry Holes

master closet

Master bath

Hallway upstairs

above garage (playroom)

Kitchen

Front

St. Augustine

2010-10-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Our second stop with Oma and Opa (after Greenville) was St. Augustine. It was a beautiful city and gorgeous weather. We stayed right on the harbor.

Greenville visit cont'd

2010-10-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

Gigi with her youngest great grandchild, Evan.

The "Greatest" Aunt Penny and...

Uncle Bobby B!!!

Visiting Gigi and Bobby and Penny

2010-10-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

On our way to Disney, we stopped to visit in Greenville for Easter. We enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt, a gourmet breakfast, jewelry making, creek exploration and 4 generation bonding. Are the kids lucky or what?!

Crazy kids

2010-10-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Apparently Tessa decided that she needed an at-home spa treatment. Way to take care of that on your own.

Grant made a nice replica of our solar system. It had to be to scale.

Daddy Daughter Dance

2010-10-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Les and Elise had a date to the daddy-daughter dance. Notice the matching bowtie.

Snow in Raleigh!

2010-10-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

Snow in Raleigh is a rare thing (enough to do anything with anyways) But we did have fun with it!

Tante drives her boat!

2010-10-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

Reta finally got to test out her boat on the water! She is definitely a natural. Her co-pilot is pretty hot! We were along for the ride and it was definitely a beautiful day in November. Thank you Tante!

Part of the demo

2010-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Grant helped Grandpa and Dad pull over the last part of the old house standing, the fireplace and chimney.

Christmas '09 Highlights

2010-10-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

cont'd... Ethan's awake to open some presents, Cho wants to be in the kid picture under the tree, Grant absorbed in a "great scientists" book, more violent hugging, and Tessa singing on her new singing machine.

Christmas '09

2010-10-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Some highlights from Christmas are as follows: the kids piling on Rachel begging her to play her music on her computer (mostly from Wicked), the usual not-so-serious Nativity re-enactment, gratefully violent hugging when given a gift they had been hoping for by someone, and Ethan sacked out through most of Christmas Eve.

The Bartholomew way to pick someone up from the airport late at night

2010-10-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, we must invent ways to keep ourselves awake when we pick people up from the airport late at night. Thankfully, we were not arrested. Notice mom and dad hiding inconspicuously. Rachel will never find me in this hat. (Somehow she did.) Les probably fit in the most here in NC. Everyone at the airport probably just thought he'd gotten back from a recent hunting trip. (Later in the year, you will see he went to an airport pick-up in a red one-piece long johns with buttons and butt flap, and then a cowboy hat and boots.) Rachel, the things we do to provide you with entertainment. I hope you appreciate it.

Oh, and Ingrid... this reminds me of a picture I must find. It involves small bathroom appliances. (to be cont'd)

Misc Dec highlights

2010-10-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

Javita and I... we are together all the time and yet we never take a picture together, so finally we have one.
And poor Tessa was so excited to help Grandma make brown sugar muffins on Sunday morning... she leaned in a little too close to the beaters. It took about 30 minutes to untangle, but we didn't have to use scissors.
Of course, we have all the class Christmas parties and crafts.

Tessa and her best friend Cayda and her favorite teacher (still), Mrs. Latta.

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

For Halloween 09, we had James Bond, the Purple Halloween witch, a red power ranger and Mrs. Claus.

NC Yard Crashers

2010-10-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

We (Me and Mom) did Tami and Grant's yard. This is what it looked like just as we were getting started. You should see it now. That is Trey and Tom out there with me and Les and mom and dad.

Fall Baseball 09

2010-10-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

This is our life for six weeks in the fall. Grant plays fall and spring baseball. This team won the championship this year. He is front row 3rd from left. Daniel enjoyed a game with us one cold Saturday morning. As you can tell, he was cold. Anna and I were plenty warm.

NC State Fair 2009

2010-10-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite Raleigh traditions is the fair. A few of the highlights are the food, the rides, the agriculture (Elise is milking a cow), and friends.

Evan turns 3!

2010-10-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Really, the pictures say it all.

We love red dirt!

2010-10-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here is my clean-up crew. Grant is often on the Bobcat. It is obviously his favorite part of helping and he is a pretty good driver, even according to Grandpa. Every weekend is spent cleaning up the lot. So, yes, I am already cleaning this house. Most of the time, the kids are hard workers. Evan's job is always picking up nails and believe me, he can spot them. He even picks them up when we go over every day during the week. He loves the head framer, Jose. They are pals. He is sad now that the framing is done because he doesn't get to see Jose. Insulation started today and sheetrock starts Friday or Monday. It's crazy!

A few of Their (the Kids) Favorite Things

2010-09-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney in October '09 and it was a great time to go (free dining plan, great weather, no crowds) We stayed at the Yacht and Beach Club and the kids loved it. Here are a few of their favorite things from this trip. The pool and the pirate ship slide probably ranked the highest. They also loved the "soft and squishy" beds.

Fav things cont'd

2010-09-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

... the family bike ride, HSM3 (of course), occassionally being at peace with your siblings, and eating dinner at a drive-in movie (steak again for Grant).

Disney cont'd

2010-09-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

More favorite things... the water parks, and steak every night (for Grant). And Rachel, by the way, that is you I am talking to on the phone in the picture.

The Pumpkin Patch in Simpsonville

2010-09-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

GiGi's 85th Birthday!

2010-09-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

We went to SC to visit for GiGi's birthday. Les decided that she had to have the right amount of candles on her cake... so we put 85 candles on the cake!

Falling...

2010-09-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Check out the size of Dad's chainsaw blade. (That is for the men who care.)

The sound the tree made when it it the ground was pretty impressive. (Brian, I really did this post for you. I thought you might appreciate it.)

A Tree Falls in the Forest

2010-09-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

So, here in the first photo is a front view of what was sitting right where my new house is now sitting. The huge oak (I counted 96 rings in the trunk) is about to fall, at the hands of Dad (on the chainsaw), and Les (on the Bobcat).

What a great shot of Dad! I think after clearing this lot, he and Les are actually good NOT cutting anymore trees for awhile. This lot definitely gave them their fill of tree-cutting.

Beach cont'd

2010-09-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Visiting the Beach in October

2010-09-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

I really love the beach in all the seasons. We went to Andy and Alex's for Ethan's birthday last year and stopped at the ocean for a few minutes. It was so beautiful! At Ethan's birthday, I got so busy chatting with everyone and watching the kids have fun, I didn't even take any pictures. I was so bummed after we left and I realized that.

Rub-a-Dub, Two Cousins in a Tub

2010-09-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

I am back to updating my blog and I found this from August of last year when Andy and Alex came to visit. I love it! Ethan and Evan in the bath. They are so goofy.

Snapshots of the Week

2010-09-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

So this is all we've been doing lately... Going to baseball games and building a house. Grant is in a fall league and loves baseball. He plays catcher, second base or center field. I just thought this was a cool shot with the dust flying out of the glove. And this is what the house looked like on Saturday after we did the clean up. The shingles started going on today. It is amazing to watch.

Clearing the Lot - Happy First House-Building Anniversary!

2010-09-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

We started clearing the lot to build our house last Sep 2009 (exactly a year ago). We cut down, cut up, chipped, stacked and burned about 70ish trees. It was more work than we could have ever imagined (even with a Bobcat skidsteer and a gator). Later when we decided to position the house differently than originally thought, we decided to bring in some professionals to do the next 60. It was worth the money.

"The Man in his element"

2010-09-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dad is definitely where he loves to be... Fifty-two feet up in the air, balanced on a complicated truss system designed by him. So, here is the house as of a few days ago. Its looking a little larger than Les and I anticipated. But never fear, there is plenty of storage shelving designed into the truss in the very large attic space (thanks to dad).

Trip to the Mtns of NC - Sep 2009

2010-06-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

We headed to the mountains for a long weekend. Les had a conference at the Grove Park Inn, so we stayed there with the kids. It is an old spa retreat from the early 1900's. Everything is craftsman and stone. Even though it was rainy, it was beautiful and even relaxing. The kids wanted so badly to go to the spa section to "relax". They were so disappointed when I told them that you had to be 18 to go in (not to mention that it was about $180 just to go in, without services). We did get the huge athletic indoor pool to ourselves for an afternoon, and we also toured the Biltmore, the winery (where we all tasted the grape juice), and the farm.

Girls Camp 2009 at Umstead State Park

2010-05-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

In the midst of selling our house and going to 2 family reunions out west I was also the Stake Girls Camp Director for the third year in a row. It was a blast! I am going to miss it this year. Where are the Super Heroes? was kind of the theme. As you can tell, we had a lot of super heroes in costume make appearances at camp. It became a super hero training camp. Even our kitchen staff brought their capes!

4th of July in Boise

2010-05-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

We finished up the Reunion trail with fireworks on the Fourth. One of the best American traditions ever! And yes, I am neurotic and made my kids wear matching 4th of July stuff.

Reunions cont'd

2010-05-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

A couple of photos here show us hiking the back of Timp. Then we were on to Boise, ID where we had another reunion with the Robison's and it was a great reunion! (Thanks Robyn!) Water fights, good food, swimming and the best... adult Mission Impossible were all part of the shindig.

Reunion cont'd

2010-05-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Cascade Springs hike, the Olmpic Park, matching dresses, training on the bobsled run and carrying the torch were just a few of our activities in Heber. More to come...

P & L Reunion in Heber

2010-05-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

We had a nice drive up to Heber (there were those of us that probably didn't enjoy it as much due to some vehicular malfunctions). At any rate, one of the traditional (right Cho?) activities at a P & L reunion is, of course, a dance off. We are divided up into groups of 3-6 (grouped mostly by age, as to not give one an advantage over another) and we... dance. So many styles and non-styles, lifts and interpretations, one cannot describe the experience in words.

On our way to Utah... - July 2009

2010-05-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Our kid's newest travel uniforms include Things One through Four. Everyone knows my kids belong to me and Les (We wear Thing One and Thing Two visors to be identified as the parents to all the Things). It really works well.

The funniest thing about this trip at the beginning was... there we were packing on the day before we were to leave. I had all day, I wasn't stressed. All the laundry was clean and we weren't to leave until the next day. Except... suddenly at about 1pm EST, Les and I realized that the flight we had painstakingly booked with frequent flyer miles had actually left that morning. We had the wrong day in our minds! We busted a move and threw our stuff into the suitcases, ran to the airport and tried to get on stand-by before the day was over. (They still honor your ticket through the day if it was purchased with frequent flyer miles.) Through a lot of pleading, hoping and bribing (j/k), we managed to get at least to Dallas that night. The next morning we were able to finally continue on to SLC. Truly, a little bit of a stressful beginning to a vacation.

Bartholomew FHE - East Coast Style

2010-05-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

As you can see, we are a very formal, having-a-spiritual lesson, and serious- discussion-kind-of-a-group. Really, we just hope the kids keep some clothes on and don't fall in the pond. The key is to feed Loren candy, keep Super Grant and Les from breaking one of the kids' limbs, and keep plenty of costumes on hand for Tessa and Rachel. It always adds up to a fabulous night with those ingredients on hand!

The Polynesian

2010-05-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it was hard to choose between the parks and just the pool - especially on a hot day (as they all were). Breakfast on the pool patio every morning was great, except we had to keep a constant watch on Evan who loved to feed his Mickey waffle to the ducks.

Hollywood Studios

2010-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

We loved the rides and shows at Hollywood Studios. Of course Star Wars was a big hit with the kids. However, Evan was pretty upset that he was not big enough to go on that ride. Some other favorites were Indiana Jones and the Stunt Show (big explosions and high speeds are always enjoyable). Evan also takes his driving very seriously on Planet Endor. I believe he could keep up with the Ewoks.

Disney 2009

2010-05-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney in April during Track out and took Grandma and Grandpa with us. These are photos from Animal Kingdom. We loved it! We stayed at the Polynesian and they had a great pool and rooms, etc. I would stay there again! It was also right on the monorail line and across the lake from Epcot. Great location!

Elise's Baptism cont'd

2009-11-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

It was also really cool that Elise got to be baptized along with her two very close friends, Addie and Avery Davis. They were all three in the hospital together as newborns. Their mother, Angie Davis, and I grew up here together in Raleigh.

Elise's Baptism

2009-11-22T17:02:00.000-08:00

Elise was baptized on February 14, 2009. She was so lucky to have 2 sets of grandparents there.

Elise's 8th Birthday

2009-11-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Elise turned 8 in February. For her birthday party, we did a hair salon, complete with stylists, manicures, etc. She also cut her hair for Locks for Love. She cut 10 inches off. All the girls had a manicure and their hair done. As you can tell, one of the manicurists was Les (he was kind enough to help out). Of course Evan insisted on a manicure as well. However, he only wanted a boy color, blue. Ironic.

House for Sale!

2009-11-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

We decided to sell our house. Sometimes Heavenly Father has plans for you that you may not understand, but you still follow because you know it is the right thing to do. We sold it in July. We were lucky enough to sell it to a great family.

HSM Forever!

2009-11-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

A once in a life-time chance, a tour of East High (from High School Musical), courtesy of Aunt Cho (who worked there). Amazing moments included reliving the cafeteria dance scenes, sitting in the drama club classroom, and touching Sharpay's locker. We will never forget!

Draper Temple Open House

2009-11-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Additional highlight... the Draper Temple Open House. What a great thing for my kids to experience.

Ice Skating with the Family

2009-11-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

More winter sports in Utah. Everyone went ice skating, including 2 year olds and 60 year olds.

2009-11-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

More sledding and a drive up to Alta.

Sledding day at the Point of the Mountain

2009-11-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

One of the days in Utah (Jan 09), we went sledding up at the point of the mountain. Really scary sledding. I don't even know how fast we were going. All I know is that I didn't want to fall off the sled and hit the ice/snow at that speed. Plus, the hill was soooo long, which also makes for a long ride, but a longer hike back up.

Trip to Utah

2009-11-03T19:51:00.000-08:00

The next groups of pictures are fun times had by all in Utah in January 2009. While the kids were tracked out we went to visit all the family in Utah.

Here we are playing in Heathers' parents basement (play heaven for kids and some adults as well).

Catching Up...

2009-11-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

I decided to catch up on the past year, so here are a few highlights...

Hall-oween, Grant was Darth Vader, Evan was a dragon, and Elise and Tessa were both Princess Lea.

The family photos we had taken in the fall.

Right before Thanksgiving, Grandma and Grandpa came home from their mission in Australia. It was a great day!

Hall - oween!!!!

2009-11-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick Halloween post... (I will catch you up on the last year later). Tessa was, well, most people thought she was Mrs. Claus. She merely dictated to me how she wanted a fancy dress. Elise was the "girl who takes over Halloween". Grant was James Bond and Evan was the red Power Ranger. I went as a Geisha.

The deck is completed!

2008-10-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Les and I laid the patio, built the deck and three sets of stairs, built the pergola, stained it all, and planted and mulched. I was on the nail gun and he was on the saw. It was a great project, but it sure is nice just to enjoy it now.

GiGi's visit cont'd...

2008-10-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Tessa's gymnastics class. She is doing level 3 gymnastics and goes 4 hours a week.

Elise also takes gymnastics and wants to pass up Tessa's level.

GiGi's visit cont'd...

2008-10-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tessa's class,
Elise introducing GiGi to her class,

Grant at his desk.

Gigi's visit cont'd...

2008-10-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Evan loves chocolate ice cream!

Grant got braces.

The latest rock band in our house...

Elise at her desk at school...

GiGi's visit cont'd...

2008-10-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Evan playing in the rain in a puddle.

And no, Grant, we won't let you in public in this. It is too small!

My Russian and German girl...

GiGi's visit cont'd...

2008-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, the kids did swim in Fall's Lake. The day was October 3. We love North Carolina!

GiGi visits the Hall's!

2008-10-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Leslie's grandmother, Bonnie Allen, was able to visit us in September for 2 weeks. We loved having her here!

We even got to all go out on Reta's boat, a 1957 Runabout that has been fully restored. Thank you Tante!

Grant's Favorite Sport

2008-10-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Grant plays fall and spring baseball. We did 2 games and a practice every week for the month of September. It was crazy, but he loves it. He has been with the same team for 3 years. Both of his coaches played for NC State. They are great coaches. Last year, we won the championship. This year, we made it to the last game before the championship. Grant plays center field. He has quite an arm.

Girls Camp 2008

2008-10-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from Girls Camp this year. I am the Stake YW Camp Director. (It was only one night because they did the Trek this summer.) My great friends Liz Brown and Laura Alvarez (Stake YW Pres) and I decided to do a pyramid. Liz didn't want to because she's always on the bottom (she's 5'10"). Fine, Liz, be on the top! Other items worthy of noting, the girls were drawing on their faces and I let them color mine as well. I told them I did used to do that in college (right Ingrid?), but then you had to kidnap someone using a bathroom appliance as a weapon (bathroom only). I think I need to find that picture and post it.

I am posting this stuff, because sometimes I feel like we only post stuff about our kids (or cats, as the case may be) and I always want to also see what the "posters" are up to.

The Zoo (not BYU)

2008-10-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

During track out, we went to the Zoo with our friends, the Marcellinos. As usual, we go with our trusty 4-wheel drive wagon, to carry all things possible, including, sometimes Mommy or Daddy when needed. Evan loved the animals, but was most interested in the train/shuttle. Of course. You'll notice that Les is finally pictured in his true character, zoo keeper of our family (of mostly monkeys).

The FAIR!!!

2008-10-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

We love the North Carolina State Fair! It has been a long time tradition in our family. Besides enjoying the rides, feeding, petting and milking the livestock, perusing the crafts and gardens, enriching our minds from the truly southern culture, we really go for the FOOD! Can't you tell? You always must have a funnel cake, a turkey leg, roasted corn on the cob, cotton candy, NC State Dairy ice cream, a fresh Mount Olive pickel, a cold glass of milk, a sampling of fudge and a caramel apple with nuts. (We preloaded the Mylanta.) Fun was had by all.

Labor Day at the Lake in Georgia with the Robison's

2008-09-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

We all went down to Georgia to spend Labor Day with Ron, LoAnn, Marleice and Richmond. We had a great time as usual. Of course, Les loved the boat and the dogs, two things he won't have of his own for a long time, Grant loved gaming and water sports with Richmond, Elise and Tessa loved watersports and doing anything with Marleice, and Evan only had eyes for the boat and the jetskis. He cried when we had to get off. I (Anne) loved teasing Ron and chatting with LoAnn. It's always great to go there and see them. I wish we could do it more.
Well, if you haven't noticed already, I'll leave the writing to Rachel, for the most part, and just post pictures of our life on this blog. I consider it mostly a picture blog site (you know, since I'm so good at going to the post office and sending them).
Highlights from the Lake: That is both Elise and Tessa jumping off the 15 foot high dock.
Evan loved to catch the boat spray in his mouth.
Evan did also not like his first tube ride. However, later he wanted to get back on.
Les had MANY great busts.
I didn't want to stand up on the wake surfer (but I did).
Grant, Elise and Tessa all knee boarded. Crazy!
Both Les and Cocoa (one of the dogs) got sick the next day. Go figure!
Les got all the kids up on the wake surfer with him at the same time. Skills, Brian and Andy, skills.

We have arrived!!!

2008-08-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, the art of blogging has eluded us for sometime but with Black Belt Bloggers Sherrie and Rachel as our personal tech support we have jumped in with both feet!!! I am sure you are as shocked as we are. Stay tuned for all the exciting photos that you know will never come from us in the mail. Enjoy our blog!!!

2008-08-28T19:30:00.000-07:00