Finally Five!

For the past seven months Dalanie has been asking if her birthday was getting closer and the countdown has been on.  She jumped up and down when she saw 4th of July decorations because it was her birthday month.  Too bad it's not until the end of July.  But finally the day rolled around.  

Grandma and Grandpa surprised her by coming to movie night.  We had the entire crowd sing her happy birthday.  In the morning it was a cinnamon roll birthday and quick present opening before G&G had to head back.

She hasn't got much of an attention span, but Ruby has enjoyed countless hours of combing Rapunzel's hair.

 A summer birthday was the perfect chance to get her a bigger bike.  Her poor little legs had to work so hard to keep up with us on her old bike.

 Red Robin for dinner and then a bike ride at Freeman park.

 There was all sorts of traffic on the way home, heading out to get a better look at the fire burning just south of us.

 A new bike for Dalanie meant a new one for Ruby as well, complete with lessons and all.

 We took the boat out, but another failed attempt with that thing.  Wouldn't you know, if it's not the carburetor or fuel lines, it's the water pump.

 Birthday cake fatality.  This is what you get when Dalanie insists on doing things by herself.  Not to worry, we had two other cakes to choose from.

 As per tradition we had a joint bbq party for her and Grandpa Hillman who celebrates the day after her.

 All the excited cousins.

Modeling the new fancy shoes.

And for five things to remember about her @ five:
1.  She's a nail biter, and on ocassion toenail trimmer.
2.  She is persistent as they come.  She's not afraid of a challenge and works hard to overcome obstacles.
3.  She melts her Daddy's heart by requesting snuggle time.  He's her snuggle-wuggle.  And we often find her and Ruby sharing a bed, giggling in the mornings.  She revels in affection.
4.  She loves to be helping.  She will repeatedly ask "What can I do? or how can I help?"
5.  She's fallen into a very shy streak.  She loves to bury her head, hide behind mom, her hands, or even Ruby when others are talking to her.  We blame it on Grandma Hillman.  Hopefully it's something she will overcome in kindergarten.

We love you Dalanie Lane, Lanie Bug

A Favorite Summer Tradition

July 26, 2012

Back by popular demand, our annual outdoor movie night.  Despite my 'sick summer' our entire family voted to have movie night.  (There's nothing like a deadline to get a project wrapped up- the swing set completion warrants it's own post.)

The biggest undertaking is getting invitation passed out.  It requires several shifts in the delivery car, but we enjoy those quick visits almost as much as the actual evening.

 Hudson was adamant about having a 'ticket booth.'  He oversaw the construction of the stand we doubled as a popcorn stand.

 The tire swing was a main attraction as was the candy cannon.

 Chairs and blankets were the only way to reserve yourself a seat.

 A new addition was the photo booth.

 Grandma and Grandpa showed up for a birthday surprise for Dalanie, even bringing cupcakes.

 More photo booth fun.  Can you guess the movie by the props?  We showed Up.

 Anna and her assistant, Clayton popped all the popcorn for the evening.

 Homemade rootbeer to wash down all of the concessions.

Parish Reunion

July 19-21

While we wanted to go camping again, planning and preparing meals was a major roadblock for me.  Just thinking about food made me sick. So we decided to take advantage of the Parish Reunion in Elba, ID.  Mom and Dad joined us for the fun, and I only had to contribute a few dishes to potluck meals.

 Grandma and her Ruby Duby

 The teepee makes its appearance.

4-wheeling up New Canyon.   Lunch in the shade.

 Cooling down in a creek.

 Fancy sandals Grandma made for Hudson out of skunk weed leaves and grass.

 I've always loved the view of the patchwork of fields.

 Durfee Hotsprings, complete with one of Hudson's famous nose bleeds.

 A roadside glance of the City of Rocks, Brent's first experience.

 Fishing at Lake Cleveland.  Only fishing, no catching.

 Kaleb's kids and our kids quickly became friends.  I can't get over how adorable his kids are.

 Wearing Papa's glasses.

Headed home through Malta.

Grandma Camp

July 12-14

There were some happy campers all ready to head off for three days of fun at Grandma's Camp.  This year we read Indian In The Cupboard so the kids were anticipating all sorts of indian fun.

This fire was blazing as we drove through massacre rocks on the way there.

Although all the happenings are usually 'top secret' since parents aren't welcome, I gathered up some good pictures off of Mom's facebook.  The highlight was definitely the teepee that Grandma and Grandpa constructed.  I'm not quite sure how they're going to out do that next year.

 There were bows and arrows, headbands, beaded macaroni necklaces, Warriors Seth and Logan, breakfast in the trees, sleeping in the teepee, indian dresses and pants, and Grandma Camp shirts with their own indian name on the back.

 From left to right on the rocks you have Chief Rock Arrow, Chief Straight Arrow, Princess Bright Eyes, Princess Helping Hands, and Chief Backward Walker.  Yet another wonderful Grandma Camp, full of all sorts of memories.  Thanks Mom and Dad.