MOM: Loves sending Christmas letters
ALL: Who doesn't love cookies?
BOYS: They just like to get dressed up for fun!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Its COLD -- Now what?
So - what does a family of "unique" individuals do when the temperature hasn't been above freezing and all our "outside" clothes are wet?
RYAN: Invites everyone and their relatives over to eat Chicken Nuggets!
KATE: She stays cute
MOM: What else -- she reads
TYLER: Gets frustrated and then overdoses on sweets
COREY: Nothing -- he couldn't solve this with a guide book
RYAN: Invites everyone and their relatives over to eat Chicken Nuggets!
We are SICK of diapers!
So -- Laura has embarked on the thrilling exercise of training our last child. Since Laura has spent so much time lately in the bathroom with Kate - we couldn't resist the picture!
SNOW?
It never snows in Spokane. Much to our surprise -- that changed last week. It was hinted at several times and we had even had a trace over Thanksgiving but this week it was for real. It snowed all day Wednesday and set a new record of over 18 inches in 24 hours. We got twice that in CDA. We spent Thursday shoveling and playing and then back to work on Friday. The roads are slick but clear but it's so cold that this snow is going nowhere! More pictures soon!
Corey's Wardrobe Issues
Well -- when Laura called me at work and told me she had gotten a call from Corey's bus driver, I new Corey's antics had finally caught up with him. Was it the smart comments? The constant badgering over which radio station? Or maybe picking on some smaller six grader over the back seat? Heaven knows Corey has had it coming for a long time!
To my surprise it was something totally different. You can imagine my surprise when I learned the driver had call to let us know that Corey was not going to be allowed on the bus any longer unless he was dressed properly. Our oldest son had been "sneaking" to the bus stop in his shorts and no coat when it was below 10 degrees outside! Our shock and horror was quickly redirected from the driver (who had the GALL to point out we might not be dressing our son properly) to Corey. Mom was embarrassed and I was surprised that even Corey could be that crazy. Coming from someone who didn't like to wear long pants too often himself I thought I could relate but Corey (as usual) had taken this to a whole new level.
Laura asked if we could skip YM's and resolve the issue. I escaped early but after helping a friend and a late call from my boss - we didn't get out early. In the end - Corey spent just under half of my 401k (okay -- not what it used to be) and had himself a new coat, sweatshirt and two pairs of jeans! He even promised to wear them! 
So -- my wallet is lighter but Corey is warmer and the bus driver will again let Corey ride. DISASTER averted!
So -- my wallet is lighter but Corey is warmer and the bus driver will again let Corey ride. DISASTER averted!Monday, December 1, 2008
Parents Party in Hawaii
As we just saw our first snow of the winter last weekend, our hearts return to a warmer memory Laura and I had this summer. Due to some great wheeling-and-dealing by Laura, Laura and I were able to run away for a week to Hawaii.
Now I'm sure Laura will remember some different things than me but I'll put in a few highlights I remember and then leave Laura to fill in her thoughts later.
We left on Sunday and headed for Seattle. I was super excited because I was going to see my buddy Mikey in Seattle who I had not seen in a long time. We made good time (thanks to books on tape) and had a great night with Mike. I stayed up way to late talking with Mike but who cares -- I'm on vacation. Early flight the next morning was long but we had great seats and made it. With the long flight and busy weekend, we just checked in and relaxed for a while. Late that afternoon we took a walk on Waikiki beach and saw our first Sea Turtle (Laura squealed!). We enjoyed just walking. The beach was beautiful and the water was so warm! We walked until late and then called it a day!
The next day was my favorite (at least the first half). We booked a tour and got to go out and swim with the dolphins and turtles. Here is the boat we took:
This was an amazing experience. There were probably almost 100 spinner dolphins that were just kind of trolling in a general area. They would come swim fairly close and even jumped some. My favorite part is when I got away from the group and as bale to get in with a group of dolphins -- literally swimming with them (until my legs gave out) and was within arms lengths of almost 10 dolphins. I was in heaven. We also spent a while watching 3-4 turtles and had some very up-close experiences as they surfaced. It was my first time in a snorkel or warm water and I was the last one out. I would still be there if Laura hadn't yelled at me to get out! Laura fell asleep on the way and then we decided to take the rest of the day off and just sleep. We had a nice dinner and a long walk on the beach and loved it!
The next day we decided to kick back and try the Polynesian Cultural center. We had made the decision to get out of Waikiki but had to kill another day so the tour was it. We took the morning slow and hopped on the bus at lunch. The drive over was fun and the guide was great. It was pretty hot but we had a good time walking around the center but the Luau was the best part. All the food we could eat and we made a pretty good dent! Then a really nice show that evening but before it started -- Laura got in some of her favorite activity:
We got home late but had fun! The next day we hoofed it back to the airport for a rental car and freedom. We had to get out of town and we headed for the other side of the island. We grabbed some snorkels and fins and drove. The place we wanted to snorkel was closed (full for the day) so after some Taco Bell (I made Laura) we drove. It was fun just to drive and look. We ended up on the other side of the island. We rented kayaks and paddled out to a bird reserve and hiked and swam. It was a lot of work but is was a blast and only a few people. Then we paddled back and just goofed around. After a small issue with our B&B, we moved north and got a hotel.
The next day we drove back around the island and spent the day at Hanama (SP?) preserve. This is a secluded bay where only a limited number of people can come each day. We had a great time snorkeling and laying out on the beach. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a recommended restaurant. The highlight for Laura was that we found out the Clinton's had eaten at the restaurant and we got to sit and the same table for just a minute. If the waitress had been nicer - we would have eaten at the same table! I was crushed (NOT!) 
Now I'm sure Laura will remember some different things than me but I'll put in a few highlights I remember and then leave Laura to fill in her thoughts later.
We left on Sunday and headed for Seattle. I was super excited because I was going to see my buddy Mikey in Seattle who I had not seen in a long time. We made good time (thanks to books on tape) and had a great night with Mike. I stayed up way to late talking with Mike but who cares -- I'm on vacation. Early flight the next morning was long but we had great seats and made it. With the long flight and busy weekend, we just checked in and relaxed for a while. Late that afternoon we took a walk on Waikiki beach and saw our first Sea Turtle (Laura squealed!). We enjoyed just walking. The beach was beautiful and the water was so warm! We walked until late and then called it a day!
The next day was my favorite (at least the first half). We booked a tour and got to go out and swim with the dolphins and turtles. Here is the boat we took:
This was an amazing experience. There were probably almost 100 spinner dolphins that were just kind of trolling in a general area. They would come swim fairly close and even jumped some. My favorite part is when I got away from the group and as bale to get in with a group of dolphins -- literally swimming with them (until my legs gave out) and was within arms lengths of almost 10 dolphins. I was in heaven. We also spent a while watching 3-4 turtles and had some very up-close experiences as they surfaced. It was my first time in a snorkel or warm water and I was the last one out. I would still be there if Laura hadn't yelled at me to get out! Laura fell asleep on the way and then we decided to take the rest of the day off and just sleep. We had a nice dinner and a long walk on the beach and loved it!
The next day we decided to kick back and try the Polynesian Cultural center. We had made the decision to get out of Waikiki but had to kill another day so the tour was it. We took the morning slow and hopped on the bus at lunch. The drive over was fun and the guide was great. It was pretty hot but we had a good time walking around the center but the Luau was the best part. All the food we could eat and we made a pretty good dent! Then a really nice show that evening but before it started -- Laura got in some of her favorite activity:
We got home late but had fun! The next day we hoofed it back to the airport for a rental car and freedom. We had to get out of town and we headed for the other side of the island. We grabbed some snorkels and fins and drove. The place we wanted to snorkel was closed (full for the day) so after some Taco Bell (I made Laura) we drove. It was fun just to drive and look. We ended up on the other side of the island. We rented kayaks and paddled out to a bird reserve and hiked and swam. It was a lot of work but is was a blast and only a few people. Then we paddled back and just goofed around. After a small issue with our B&B, we moved north and got a hotel.
The next day we drove back around the island and spent the day at Hanama (SP?) preserve. This is a secluded bay where only a limited number of people can come each day. We had a great time snorkeling and laying out on the beach. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a recommended restaurant. The highlight for Laura was that we found out the Clinton's had eaten at the restaurant and we got to sit and the same table for just a minute. If the waitress had been nicer - we would have eaten at the same table! I was crushed (NOT!)
Our last day we just explored. We started with a quick trip to the temple and then explored
BYU Hawaii. Then we drove all the way up the north shore and stopped wherever we wanted. I loved watching the kite surfers (I'm trying that next time) and Laura loved the lunch place we picked. We stopped at this great beach and snorkeled, swam and just relaxed. On the way home we stopped at a shrimp shack and then headed back.
Sunday it was off the the airport. We got there way too early and had plenty of time to shop and just hang out at the airport! Way fun! Long flight home and then crashed. We slept in and then had to hit IKEA in Seattle before it was time to head home!
Lets just say it was great to get away and just as great to get home and see the kids again!
Halloween Hotties!
These are two good looking dudes!
Corey and Drew decided at the last minute that they did want to go to the school Halloween dance. Thank goodness that Drew had an outfit to match the outfit Corey pulled out of his Dad's closet. Together they tore up the middle school. Corey reported that he actually made eye contact with 2 different girls and actually touched one (even though it was only an accidental bump at the drinking fountain!) Mom gave him a 10 minute discussion on "remembering who you are and what you stand for" and then spent most of the night worrying about her baby. She may be having a problem with Corey growing up.
I just hope Corey remembered to put Dad's shades back in the truck!
Just some fun pics
No comment needed.
Ryan with a healthy lunch.
Tyler already has a way with women!
Ryan goes GQ
Just cute Katie
We always know when Tyler is hungry!
We always know when Tyler is hungry!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Halloween Spooks!
Okay - I know this blog is late but several people have asked about my pumpkins. I've told them I refused to do the same thing as last year (57 carved pumpkins with everything you can imagine.)
Laura was my inspiration when she came home and said something about a "cute" spider she had seen while shopping. So - the boys and I went to work and although there were a lot more pumpkins in the yard this week - a lot less flames!
Notice Ryan's favorite with the legs in the air!
Who knows what we'll come up with next year!
Laura was my inspiration when she came home and said something about a "cute" spider she had seen while shopping. So - the boys and I went to work and although there were a lot more pumpkins in the yard this week - a lot less flames!
Notice Ryan's favorite with the legs in the air!
Who knows what we'll come up with next year!Fake Christmas Spirit!
Yep - I have broken all the rules and destroyed the opinions and respect of all those who believed in my undying Christmas spirit. Yes -- after years of whining about the cold, pine needles in the house, dried out tress by December 14, and always trying to find the "good side" we saw on the dark lot - we broke down and bought the fake tree. I may have been under the influence as it was Black Friday and I was at Costco with all the kids and no Mom. 
That said - the tree looked awfully good and the positives seemed to outweigh tradition. I did commit to still take the boys out and pretend to be looking for a tree so we can throw snow balls and have fun but Mom is exuberant!
That said - the tree looked awfully good and the positives seemed to outweigh tradition. I did commit to still take the boys out and pretend to be looking for a tree so we can throw snow balls and have fun but Mom is exuberant! So - with no fear of letting it dry out - we decided there is no better way to spend our Sunday night than breaking out the new tree and doing some decorating. A few fun highlights!
Whose kids are these?
Thanks for Turkeys!
Well - the boys and I decided we needed a Thanksgiving day entry so here goes. I'm letting them pick the items they are most thankful for:
Kate: Kate is easy to fill in for. Although she cant' talk yet - she is clearly most thankful for her visiting cousin Baby Jessica. Since meeting her earlier this year, Baby Jessica has been the standard by which everything Kate does is measured. Kate enjoyed having a younger friend around and other than learning Baby Jessica is not as quite as tough as her brother, the two had a great time!
Tyler: I would have sworn that Tyler was going to pick the food. Tyler always picks food! Instead Tyler's favorite part of our holiday was our Friday trip to CDA. The boys (including Kate) headed to CDA to let the ladies of the house have a break and to stretch our legs. We looked for three geo-caches and although we only actually found one - we had a blast. Tyler loves geocaching. After that - we stopped by Dad's office for some hot cocoa to help us warm up and a little miniature golf for fun! A great way to spend the morning!
Ryan: Had to be first and was most adamant he is most thankful for Rolls! Yes -- the bread like food item that as far as we can tell Ryan lives on. We are currently working on polishing off our fourth bag of Costco rolls (yes - had to go back for more on Friday) as well as 4 batches of homemade rolls by Grandma! What will Ryan do when we run out of rolls?
Corey: Okay - He's a teenager (almost)! He didn't like anything. Too much family, lost his bedroom and Dad ate all the pumpkin pie. Regardless - I think we saw a smile or two during the "Family Shoot fest" on the XBox with Uncle Frank and Dad!
Mom: Mom's are required to give sappy answers and our Mom is no different. Mom's favorite part of the holiday was just being together. Not that she loved the noise, dishes, fighting, shopping, laundry, messes, etc. - but she loved the opportunity to have family in our home and create memories. Some that stand out:
FOOD! Another great Turkey (No Christmas vacation this year!)
Having Mom in town (it helps that Linda loves to do dishes!)
Dad: Let's try and keep this thing real okay? The food was great, the time off was wonderful and the sleeping in (sort of) was marvelous! I loved running around CDA on Friday and even catching some tidbits of football on rare breaks. But my favorite part of the break has to be the beginning of the Christmas season. Not the shopping and the chaos that goes on with that but the lights and decorations! Thanks to some help from Frank - we got our lights up late on Saturday. No one fell off the roof (Not like my Dad!) and we now have our lights and singing Santas. No pictures but be sure we are well lit. Everything I learned about exterior illumination I learned from Clark Griswald.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Corey Crowned Cross Country King!
Corey tried his hand (or maybe I should say feet) at cross country this year and found some success. Even though mom and dad missed his first meet in early September while they were in Hawaii, that did not slow Corey down. Corey won his first meet here in Liberty Lake and never looked back.
Corey went undefeated until the last two meets of the year. Corey's only loss came at a nail biter when he was literally "out dived" at the finish. That meet was Corey's fastest time of the year and was definitely the hardest course.
Corey missed the last regular meet due to a cold but came back at all-district with a vengeance. After swapping the lead the whole way with the Taylor (the young man who beat him), Corey took control with 400 yards to go and this time won the sprint to the finish.
Although Corey likes the meets, he definitely liked practice more and the 8th grade girls team the best.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Boys TRI something new
July 12th was all about a day at the races -- but this time it was not Mom or Dad who was doing the event. Instead, Corey and Ryan tried their hand at the Valley Kids triathlon in Liberty Lake. About 100 kids participated. Unfortunately -- Tyler was too young to participate.
Corey went first. He had been training hard as was shown by his incredible physique.
Corey was glad to final be on the run as this is his favorite part. The run was pretty steep and most of the participants in all age groups walked some portion but Corey put on the burners and made the race for second close. 
We got back down to the lake just in time to see Ryan take off this time. Ryan had spent a lot of time prepping himself. He started with a heavy dose of meditation and focus sessions
and finished his preparation off with some significant body branding to scare the competition off.
Ryan has never liked the water that much (you should try getting him to shower) so the swim was a challenge. Thank goodness for free water noodle support stands (which sold out on lap one)
After surviving the swim - Ryan found his attention to detail hurt him in transition one. The effort to get ALL of the sand off his feet before putting his socks on made him pretty late out of transition 1.
But he made that up on the bike. Ryan stormed around the course on his faithful steed helped also by his custom designed SPIKEY HAIR helmet cover.
Note the carnage behind Ryan caused by his passing with such great speed that it blew some of his competitors literally off their seats.
Then the run was hard but good. Ryan pounded up the hill for a great finish.
Although Ryan too thought this event was very fun -- he has stated it may be his last!
We all had a great time watching them and are so proud of their efforts in this event.
Corey went first. He had been training hard as was shown by his incredible physique.
Or maybe he hadn't trained at all. Corey found the swim a bit challenging and although he got kicked in the head, managed to come out of his gruelling 80 yard swim about 1 minute back.
Then after a great transition, Corey donned his specially designed helmet and took to the road bike. The specially designed Mohawk Helmet cover provided the extra boost as Corey moved up from 10th to third.
Corey was glad to final be on the run as this is his favorite part. The run was pretty steep and most of the participants in all age groups walked some portion but Corey put on the burners and made the race for second close. Not minutes after his finish -- Corey pointed out he would like to do another and is now signed up for the CDA triathlon in August.
We got back down to the lake just in time to see Ryan take off this time. Ryan had spent a lot of time prepping himself. He started with a heavy dose of meditation and focus sessions
and finished his preparation off with some significant body branding to scare the competition off.
Ryan has never liked the water that much (you should try getting him to shower) so the swim was a challenge. Thank goodness for free water noodle support stands (which sold out on lap one)
After surviving the swim - Ryan found his attention to detail hurt him in transition one. The effort to get ALL of the sand off his feet before putting his socks on made him pretty late out of transition 1.
But he made that up on the bike. Ryan stormed around the course on his faithful steed helped also by his custom designed SPIKEY HAIR helmet cover.
Note the carnage behind Ryan caused by his passing with such great speed that it blew some of his competitors literally off their seats.Then the run was hard but good. Ryan pounded up the hill for a great finish.
Although Ryan too thought this event was very fun -- he has stated it may be his last!We all had a great time watching them and are so proud of their efforts in this event.
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