I Hope they Call Me on a Mission

Our nephew Zach got his mission call. We are so excited for him! He is such a great example to our family! It's a big step and a really big deal to go through the Temple. We wanted to make sure that we supported him in that decision. So turns out that we had a little semi- unexpected trip to UT this week. I say unexpected because our plan was always to just send Brett but with the high price of plane tickets these days, Brett drove and took the older 3 kids with him. They had a blast! Since Glory & I were not there, this is a "second hand info" post narrated by the kids. LOL! But at least it's documented, right? And I just want to say... I am so proud of my hubby for taking some pictures! ;) Luv ya, Honey!

DAY ONE: July 13th 

Longest drive Ever!! We saw buffalo, took naps, watched movies, and only stopped 3 times. We finally arrived in Utah around 2 am. What a long day! Of course, the farther West you go- the more mountains you see, the happier Brett gets! ;)

DAY TWO: July 14th

Shauna was so kind to take the us in for a day or two. Once everyone could get out of bed, we took advantage of some time with her. We took a trip to the Lion House where Brigham Young lived. Liberty's favorite part was all the books (of course). Victoria loved the doll collection and Justice loved the jewels and the huge gold mirror. We also went to the 26th floor of the Church Office building to check out the view. It was HOT!

We went to McDonalds for lunch and had a fun time at the Gateway Fountains. Justice would put plastic cups on them and watch them shoot up like rockets. We even got to take a short tram ride. It was cool!

We also got to see Grandpa's name on a smooth stone wall that honored those that helped out in the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. Pretty awesome!

That night, we went up the Canyons for dinner. We got to hang out with Grandma, Grandpa, Janet, Skyler, and Ky. We explored the forest and got tons of scratches. But we did find an inch worm that we called Larry! But Aunt Janet wouldn't let us take him home. ;0( There was an amazing sunset though and Dad loved the mountains!

DAY THREE: July 15th

We slept at Shauna's again. In the morning, she had to go to work but we did a little swimming in her pool before we packed up. Then we headed to Grammy & Grandpa Randy's for a BBQ. We got to see Grammy, Grandpa, Grandma Karla, Ryler, Aunt Tauni, Uncle Trave, Aunt Shiloh & her fam, and Aunt Danica & her fam. All the kids were going to stay for a big Grandkid sleepover while Dad went to the Temple with Zach but Liberty started not feeling very well. So Justice & Victoria stayed for the fun while Liberty went to rest at the Rasmussens. She got to visit with Anna & Jake and play some Wii before taking a nap for the evening. Poor kid! [We think it was the achy body flu bug]

After dinner, the Crump crew took a little trip up the canyon's for a sky lift ride to see the full moon. The kind where your feet dangle from the benches. Justice rode up with Grammy, Grandpa and Ryler. The boys were playing around and Justice almost lost his glasses. Oops! That would have been a long drop! ;) Good thing Justice is a good catch. It was like an hour ride straight up the mountain! Victoria got to ride with Grandma Karla who kept her warm. On the way up Victoria started to get a headache but when we got to the top- we all thought the full moon was awesome! Unfortunately because Victoria started to not feel good, we met Dad at the Freeway exit after and he took all us kids back to the Rasmussens. So much for the BIG sleepover. Sorry Grandpa! But it was so great to see everyone! Thanks for the food and the full moon adventure!

DAY FOUR: July 16th

Today, we went bowling with the Rasmussens. Grandpa & Grandma Seamons came with us too. Liberty was still not feeling very well but everyone else had a great time! We gave each other awesome bowling names like Godzilla, Linda and even Aunt Lori was Optimus Prime. ;) Then we had ice cream and went back to the Rasmussens for lunch and to play the Wii.

In the afternoon, we headed out to spend some time with the Laroccos. We ate dinner and watched a movie. Most of the Hill cousins came out for a sleepover with us. We had so much fun! We even got to see Uncle  Justin for a bit. We told him to send our love to the rest of the Fam. (We're sorry we missed the rest of the Sadler crew- luv you guys!)

DAY FIVE: July 17th

In the morning, we got to go to Church with them as well. It was fun to go to class with the cousins. After Church, we got to play and eat lunch with them as well. Thanks for having us out guys!

On our way back to the Rasmussens house, we made a little detour to see the Temple that Zach had gone through. It was beautiful! We really liked the trees and the flowers and they had the best grass ever! It was so nice and comfy and it didn't even itch! We of course had to touch the wall. Someday it'll be awesome to go inside!

Back at the Rasmussens house, we had a little going away Party for the Hills. Uncle Daniel got a new job and they are moving to Alabama. [Congrats guys and we wish you the best of luck on your new adventure!]  Dad took some pictures of everyone that was there. Our favorite ones were the funny ones! We are so silly! Aren't we a good-looking group of people? Can't believe how many of us there are now. And this isn't even everybody! Crazy! We got to have a yummy dinner and play with everyone before we headed up to the Davis' for another awesome sleepover! Thanks to everyone for spending time with us! It was so great to see you all! You're the best!

On our way up to the Davis', we made a stop at Grandma Karla's to say goodbye. We got to visit with Grandma, Ryler and Aunt Tauni for a bit! Tauni taught Liberty again how to make friendship bracelets! They are awesome! Grandma Karla also gave us some new pillowcases. Thanks so much! Love you guys!

DAY SIX: July 18th

We had a fun sleepover at the Davis and once again, Cheri spoiled us while we were there! She made us delicious smoothies for breakfast! We love those things! We had a lot of fun playing with their dog Cricket. For lunch, we went up Weber Canyon to the Oaks for lunch. It was so pretty! They had GIANT sandwiches! And the waterfall was neat! Sorry Shauna that we missed you!

After lunch, we headed back to the Davis' and did a little swimming in the neighbor's pool! They had a diving board and we had a blast! Even Cricket came to swim with us but it was a little too cold for him. It was so funny! Aunt Cheri made us homemade pizza for dinner. We have so much fun where we stay with the Davis'! Justice actually even tried to negotiate that he should just stay and we could pick him up when we come back next year! LOL [It's OK...I'm used to it- Mom is chop liver when it comes to competing with Aunt Cheri- lol! Luv ya, Cher]

DAY SEVEN: July 19th

We got up early and after goodbyes, we packed up and got back on the road. Another really, really, really, really long drive! We didn't even make it back until 3 am this morning! Wowzers!

THANK YOU to everyone for making time to spend with us! I'm sure there are tons of things we left out but we enjoyed every minute! (Well except the not feeling well parts!;) We miss you so much! See you next year!

(DISCLAIMER: I'm gonna have to move this to it's proper place (July 20th) at some point!

But I have been waiting for some pictures from other family members to post it.

*hint*hint*hint*

Seeing as I haven't gotten any more pictures,

I figured I better just get up what I have and add to it later if I need to

If I post it where it's supposed to be- you'd never see it so

I thought I would put it here for a couple of days! ;)

Father's Day Celebration

First, a shout out to all the amazing men who have touched our lives. Hope that you know how much we love you and that you have a terrific Father's Day!!

Second, Brett deserves the royal treatment way more than he gets so it makes me grateful that we have days like this. Today, the kids and I tried to make his day extra special cuz he deserves it!

First, we let him sleep in. At least as much as we could for a Sunday morning. Then we had got donuts & chocolate milk for breakfast. Turns out that plan didn't work out so well since the donuts sucked! Dang- sorry, Love! Liberty told him "Next year, we are making you a fancy home-made breakfast!" LOL

After Church (which by the way, he came back with all sorts of home-made gifts), we let him open gifts. The kids love to spoil their Daddy! They got him new slippers, a pair of shorts, and a Captain America T-shirt that he could wear for the day. We loved the card because it reminded us of Daddy's bedtime stories. Brett is always telling the kids stories about some little kids named Bonita, Guapo, Linda and Bella who are "so brave and so strong". They love his stories especially because they are about them!!! The card reads "Hey Daddy, because you're brave.. and strong and tough... and you're the BEST... at lots of stuff... Happy Daddy's Day!!" The kids added "We love you! All these things are true and you are the absoulute BEST! We love you! -The kids

Liberty requested to have a picture of them kissing him so she could make a last minute present. She made an adorable little memory book of things they love doing with their Dad. (It was so sweet! I'll make a post of how it looked soon.)

Dad played some games on the tramp with the kids. They love it when he plays anything with them! Then they all helped shuck corn. They have definitely learned how to be hard workers and helpers from their Daddy! Thanks guys!
Next, we let Daddy take a nap while we made a fancy dinner. We had some of Dad's favorite stuff- BBQ boneless ribs, real mashed potatoes & gravy, corn on the cob, a R,W&B fruit salad [strawberries, bananas & blueberries], and salad. Yummmy!
After our Sunday walk (another of Brett's favorite things), we had some mini- oreo cakes. We ate the entire star platter! So good!

Brett-

 Hope you know how fabulous you are! You work so hard for our family and keep us all together. Our life would be so boring without you! You are always making us laugh and keep us looking on the bright side of everything! You are so HOT! Thanks for being such a fabulous Daddy and Hubby! We love you! Happy Father's Day, Love!

Priesthood Commemorative Campout aka Fathers/Sons

Brett, Justice, Michael and Ryan braved the grey skies to attend the annual Father/Sons Campout now known as the Priesthood Commemorative Campout. Politically correct title, I guess. That way ALL the men & boys feel welcome! They do have a small fireside with a speaker about the Priesthood Restoration every time so the Priesthood title is fitting. They did a campfire dinner and stayed up way too late! In the morning they did fishing and shooting. A Father/Son Paradise!

P.S. I didn't remind them to take the camera so... you know what that means. No pictures of the fun! But here's what the sunset looked like out towards their direction. I guess when it's all men--Ya get what ya get!!! LOL It was a pretty sunset though so enjoy! and imagine what it'd be like camping under it! ;)

Mr. & Miss Fixits

Remember those bikes I told you that Brett collected from Clean-up week? Well, I must have teased him too much about last year's one still being in the backyard. It must have been a "I'll show you" moment cuz he & the kids fix, scrubbed and cleaned them all up this weekend. They look fabulous! They're gonna sell them on Craigslist to make a little mula. Way to go guys!

Superman!

Before I tell you anything about my fun weekend out with the ladies, I owe a BIG, BIG, BIG thanks to my SUPER amazing, SUPER patient, SUPER resourceful, SUPER fun, SUPER good-lookin' Hubby! Thanks, Love for watching up to 9 children for 38 hours so that my girlfriends and I could go. You are the best SUPER hero ever!

Brett is definitely my SUPERMAN this week but around the Y and at his work, he's known as Captain America. Proof that no matter how you look at it- He's a SUPER hero! XOXOXO

Thanks again, SUPERMAN! I am so lucky to have you! XOXO

Go, Daddy, Go! GRAND Basketball

A mini-family trip to GRAND Forks was in store for us this weekend.

Right after school, we packed in the car and drove North. We went to support Brett in his first game of the Grand Am Basketball Tournament. He is a pretty amazing ball player, I must say! The whole game was so close- back and forth by a point or two. Unfortunately, the other team got a really lucky 3-point streak at the end and won. But it was fun to watch him play. Way to go, Honey!

The kids and I got to watch from the front row of the stands. (the bottom part of the arena was closed) It was really fun because Liberty had brought paper and some markers. She made tons of posters for us to hold up and cheer on Dad! Go, Daddy, Go! Brett had the best cheerleaders there, by far! LOL At half-time, we got popcorn for the kids. They thought it was the best night ever!

Before heading home, we decided to stop for dinner. McDonald's with a Playland was our goal. Easier said than done, unfortunately. Thank goodness for the GPS! It took us 4 "new destinations" before we found one that fit our criteria. A little scenic drive through Grand Forks was an added bonus. LOL Well worth it though! The kids had a fantastic time. Yeah! Thanks for the BBall Adventure, Brett!

Where's Waldo... the Leprachaun?

The Youth Program at Church (the Young Mens and Young Womens) started a tradition a few years back to do a "Where's Waldo?" Game at the West Acres Mall. Several people dress up and "hide" at the mall. The Youth break into groups and go searching. First group to find them all wins! Brett has participated every year. Here's his disguise for this year! My little Lucky Charm! LOL

I AM one Lucky Lady!!!

Happy hiding Honey!

XOXO

Deer Hunt 2010

Brett got out for the Deer Hunt 3 days this year. This was the first year that he got a buck tag. Three, LONG, beautiful days; a $100 fine (dang- first day of the hunt rules); but no Buck. Darn it! Except for the buck he pulled out of his pocket to tease the kids. LOL! He's SOOO funny! He went again this year with Phil Christiansen and Jason Erikson on the first two days. This is the beautiful sunrise they saw: (Of course this is the ONLY picture he got- I can see I have a long ways to go on my photo-op-Honey-training LOL!)

On the 3rd day, it was Veterans Day. Brett and Jason let Justice tag along. The brave souls were up at 5:15 AM to brave the cold. They returned at around 7:45 PM. What a long day! They saw a couple of deer today and even shot at one but didn't get to bring any home. It was good experience for Justice to see what a hunting day is all about. (Only it would have been AWESOME if they had got one) They kept in contact with walkie-talkes and all took turns with a nap in the truck at some point. Ahhh that's the life! Thanks Honey for spending some "Guy" time with Justice. He sure loves you!

At least Justice brought some wildlife home today. ;) It's an empty Turtle shell. He found it by the lake. It's really cool! This is the back:

Better Happy Hunting to everyone else!

Crazy Camping Papa

Brett has been wanting to take the kids camping one more time before the weather got too cold. Well-  a little too late for the coldness factor but they went camping nonetheless. Brett got off a bit early from donating blood and packed the older 3 kids up. Victoria surprised us that she wanted to brave the adventure.They ended up heading out to Brewer Lake for the night. They made yummy and a bit crisp (oops!) Hobo dinners and did marshmallows by the campfire. The pesty mosquitos were out by the swarms until the temps dropped too low for them to fly. (Oh-that's comforting for a Mother to know! LOL!) Victoria spent a majority of the time in the Burb warming herself up but she did say she was glad she went. After a gorgeous sunset, they got all suggled up tight in the tent with the Buddy Heater. It worked awesome until it ran out about 2 AM at which time Brett woke up and spent the night listening to the coyotes howl. (Another comforting Mother moment;)

They did survive the cold night alive! In the morning, they packed up camp and did some Go-Kart driving. Great-- teach the 9 year old to drive! Thanks, Love-That's helpful!! LOL! She did love it though. They also did a bit of fishing. They only caught ONE and let him go but they do LOVE fishing! Well- at least Victoria and Justice do. If it wasn't for the cold- they could have done it for hours.

Thanks, Honey for making memories with the kids. They love being with you even in the artic temps!

Happy 39th Birthday

My HOT Boyfriend had a birthday today!
Happy Birthday Brett!
The kids got up early and helped make him a special breakfast in bed.

After work and a little home-teaching, let the Partay begin! Upon request, Justice made him some Taco Soup for dinner. And the girls made him Reese's PB cup brownies for the treat! YUMMMY! (well for those PB lovers! ;) Then we opened presents! This year, we got him a Vehicle Charger, the Iron Man 2 DVD, a new Wii Nunchuk with coupon for a game that is coming in the mail, some gum and a bag of Reese's PB Cups.

One thing we weren't able to get this year was his favorite cereal- BooBerry or Frankenberry. (Can you believe that ALL of Fargo is out? It's only the 13th!!!! And they aren't getting any more in before Halloween. LAME!) The Larsens had the same idea and went looking for it as well. They didn't having any luck either but picked the next best thing... Cookie Crisp and Capn' Crunch Berries. Brett is totally spoiled! LOL! The Larsens stopped by to drop off their presents just in time to join us for singing and cake! Thanks Larsens! We got the bestest friends! ;) [Disclaimer: The picture below of the cereals... yes! That is Frankenberry but only because Brett bought himself a box last week]

Happy Birthday, Honey! Hope you had a fabulous day and know how much we love you!