Friday, February 13, 2009

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner







A friend brought Dan a live lobster from CA. I wish you could have been here as Dan introduced his dinner to the family. The screaming had no end. Just when we'd think the lobster was looking "fake" it would move and the screaming would start all over again. Dan cooked the lobster outside on the grill. Rebecca, Natalie, and I were very grateful. We didn't want to hear it "say it's final words," smell it cooking, or eat it. So it worked out well for us. The rest of the family was more adventurous and ate some. They all loved it. This was one definitely one for the journals!

The Skate Park 2008


The Birthday "Cakes"



Birthday caks at our house buck the norm. We've had: a plate of ginger snaps (Ethan), a strawberry cake (Chantelle), a purchased cake (Eli), cheese cake (Mary Ann) ice cream cake (Dan and Josh), brownies (Natalie) and Skittles (Isaac).




Joshua's 11




Our family has decided traditional birthday cakes are not for us. Josh chose an ice cream cake (Dan's favorite too). Shortly after turning 11, Josh went on his first scout campout---the Klondike. He packed well, but still woke up with numb hands because he fell asleep with them outside his sleeping bag. He had a GREAT time despite the balmy 3 degree low.

Dan's Elk October 2008




After 16 years of applying, Dan drew his premium bull elk tag on the West Desert Unit. He spent the summer shooting his new gun, getting ready for the hunt, and scouting the area with each of the boys. He then enjoyed 10 terrific days of hunting with Josh, his brother Gary, and several of his friends that culminated with a 1.3 mile run and stalk across the desert floor to take a handsome 6x6 bull. It will be hanging on our entry way wall in the next couple of weeks.

Chantelle 2008




Our Chantelle would rather hang at home than going somewhere else. She spends a lot of time on her bike when it's warm. She is afraid of most dogs, but loves having Bella sleep with her. She and Eli are great buddies. He'll even play Barbies and dress-up with her. Instead of going on a snowmobile ride in the winter, Chantelle rode the "Kitty Kat" in the backyard in the summer. Not a bad idea. Chantelle is our crafter and spends hours working with beads, paper, glue, scissors, markers, stickers, etc. Being a very generous girl, all of us are usually the lucky recipients of her beautiful work.

Rebecca and Ethan doin' the Teeth Thing