Hunter House of Horror

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Soccer Star is Born

2011-04-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Pre Returns to the Oval

2011-04-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Conference Sunday - Yipee!

2009-04-05T18:50:00.001-07:00

Well it started off like any other Conference Sunday - with FOOD!

Nothing makes conference as god as when you are sharing coffee cake with family! Conference was great but so was the weather. So nice in fact that we needed to get outside and enjoy it. So - we set the DVR and headed for the park.

Mom wanted to stay home and "rest" but the begging and pleadings of the kids drug her along. We even had to go out of our way to map some running routes bu we convinced her to go with us and she ended up having fun.

Mom's Favorite part was the lady bugs. It was a pleasant surprise when we discovered the warm weather had brought out the creatures. We caught one of the three snakes we saw (the largest) and although we loved the chance to play with it we discovered heir defensive scheme of shedding a STINKY smell was not so fun! We also found that the lady bugs were hatching.

There were literally hundreds of thousands in clusters all over the forest. It was amazing to watch as the forest came alive.

Other parts were not so fun -- like Corey having potty issues on the trail:

We got up to the bridge and had a great time. We threw rocks and built dams in the creek. Even Mom got involved at the risk of getting her feet wet but it was great fun.

The only downside of the trip was when we found that Corey had slipped back in to some of his old habits. We found that he had become depressed when we found him on the bridge and threatening to jump. We were able to talk him down (this time) but we are going to have to go to work on him again!

GGGOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL (X4)

2009-04-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well - Saturday the 4th was the start of yet another soccer season. This year we only have one playing but we made it an entire family event. See how excited they were to go:

Tyler started off the season where he left off last year. 2 minutes in to he game he scored his first of 4 goals. He was a bit rusty though as Tyler dribbled 2 more just outside the two posts.

Probably his best play of the day was missed with the camera. After losing the ball, Tyler sprinted the length of the field and dove just in time to deflect the other teams "sure" goal. It was a great effort and fun to watch.

Kate enjoyed being the cheerleader,

but Corey was more focused on his social calendar,

Mom worked on enjoying the sun and being outside, and

Ryan was, well Ryan!

Last but not least is a small glimpse of our future. Kate insisted on playing soccer (she had to be pulled off the field during the game several times) and showed some skills I'm sure she will be applying soon to the field.

Spokane World Championships

2009-03-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Hunter/Christensen team brought a strong team to the Mt. Spokane world championship.

Although this picture makes it look like a sunny day - nothing could have been farther from the truth. It was a very windy and FREEZING day but nothing was going to change our minds. After Egg McYuckYucks, we picked up Shawen and headed for the hill. It was freezing when we got there but the idea of heading home to try another day was not well received so off we went.

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Haney - we used our Christmas gift and got some rentals and lessons and began the day. Corey, Shawen and Dad got in one nice run and then we can back to pick up the boys from their lessons.

Ryan was skiing for his second time and all his teacher had to say was that we needed to work on Ryan's turning skills as he had a tendency to turn his skis downhill and say LATER! Thank goodness his teacher had an extra pair of goggles. Ryan had a great day skiing other than a major face plant on his next to last day. Only his pride and dad's goggles were hurt but on we skied!

For Tyler - this was his first time on skis. After watching his brothers go last year, nothing could have kept him from going this year. His first lesson was a great success and he picked skiing up faster than either of his brothers! Tyler's instructor had a different type of advice "GET HIM A HELMET" was all she offered. While you might think that is because he is a new skier or young but I believe it is because nothing scares Tyler. After a couple runs with Dad, Tyler insisted we go do some harder runs. I caved and we did and Tyler did awesome! HE had an amazing day and has not stopped asking "when can we go skiing again!"

Corey is our skiing expert. Due to some good friends generosity - Corey has been skiing a couple time a month and has gotten pretty good. Though - I am not sure whether Corey is up here to ski or pick up on snow bunnies - I've never seen anyone so concerned about how they look. As the picture above shows - Corey has the looks part down! Now we just need to teach him to move off the bunny hill!

It was a great day, cold but great. the sun came out for the last hour so I got to break out the camera and we got in a couple nice runs. I'm afraid this may become a Hunter tradition!

March Madness

2009-03-08T17:36:00.001-07:00

Laura never takes any pictures so we just have to work with what I have.

Has anyone ever heard of doing gingerbread houses in March? Well - we had the extra kit so on a rainy day we put it to good use.

Although Katie loves making the house she has decided the 3 year old candy may be a little sale.

Ryan always takes his art seriously and a little help from the neighbors never hurts.

What does this one have to do with the rest? Who knows but I couldn't resist throwing this one in! After all - the kids did need a bath after making the gingerbread house!

Mozart? No!

2009-03-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

While Mom was gone sunning in San Diego - Ryan had his first piano recital. Kate and I really enjoyed the great music. Ryan in his most formal manner did a great job on his song and we had a great time!

We are not too sure if Ryan really did but it was probably the worlds shortest bow ever!

Blue & Gold

2009-03-08T17:31:00.001-07:00

Ryan is growing up to be our Chef Boyardee. This year for the Blue and Gold Banquet - Ryan refused to let anyone help (that may have been a good idea as the Scout Leader specifically asked the Hunter's not to have any rat cakes this year - no fun). Anyway - Ryan picked out what he wanted to make and did a great job. After sampling way too many - I still think his tasted the best!

We also enjoyed the fine dining - I've never seen Ryan eat so many meatballs.

And last but not least - Ryan insisted on showing of his new kerchief holder. This drew many praises from his peers.

Is that the sun?

2009-03-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Well - this is an addendum to the ASBELL INVADE post. We had so much fun actually getting outside and seeing the sun. Dad had a miserable cold and it was still very cold outside but we had a blast going for a walk.

Now if we can get Laura to quit complaining about Dad thinking he is the Paparazzi!

Did you ever think we could get a picture with Laura's eye's open?

Tyler found and carried this piece of ice for several miles. Every time he dropped it he picked up the biggest piece. I guess over time hunger overrules love!

Ryan and Tyler are trying to help fund their college savings accounts by modeling for Coldwater Creek outdoor gear.

Darn sun - it ruins so many pictures with shadows!

Mom is counting this as a workout so she decided to carry Kate (its the only way to keep her out of trouble.)

Tyler's best friend the stick. He gave up this friend up when he found the ice (see above)

Asbell's Invade!

2009-03-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

We were so happy when Frank and Kim told us they were coming to visit. Frank's job was going to bring him our way so they call came for a week. We were so glad they did.

Although the weather wasn't great - the last day they were here the sun came out and we played. A nice walk in the park was great other than a few frozen toes/fingers needed some loving.
Hey - after 213 shots - one with everyone smiling! (sort of)

Baby Jessica really wanted to go swimming!

Kim is not sure she likes this hiking stuff!

It's hard to be happy when your cold!

Functional and good looking!

Baby Jessica waits for no one!

Well - the pictures are all of our trip outside. The rest of the week was spent shopping, reading, chasing monsters around the house and other fun. We loved having them here and hope they come back soon!

FEBRUARY FUN!

2009-03-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

Just some random shots!

Kate has started to accessorize - with PIZZA!

The only soft, cute pink thing Corey can get to snuggle with him.

Brace Face!

2009-01-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

Well - you have to take the good with the bad. Corey has very nice, very strong teeth -- the bad news is they are also very LARGE! Sorry Corey - you got your Dad's teeth!

So -- for MLK day, Corey got to spend 2.5 hours at the orthodontist and is now the owner of some serious hardware:

If he is really good - he might get to take them off in two years. And then maybe get them again! What a lucky guy. Another great part of having braces means now Corey can't go to college -- we used his entire college fund to buy him the pretty braces and nice red/black bands.

It's Tuesday now and Corey is really hurting. I'm trying to be a good Dad so I brought Corey home some pudding and jello. Smile!

Christmas Sprit

2008-12-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

We had way too much fun catching the Christmas Spirit this week

MOM: Loves sending Christmas letters

ALL: Who doesn't love cookies?

BOYS: They just like to get dressed up for fun!

Its COLD -- Now what?

2008-12-21T15:58:00.001-08:00

So - what does a family of "unique" individuals do when the temperature hasn't been above freezing and all our "outside" clothes are wet?

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!

2008-12-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-12-21T15:48:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

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!

Parents Party in Hawaii

2008-12-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

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!)

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!

2008-12-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

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!

Halloween Spooks!

2008-11-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

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!

Fake Christmas Spirit!

2008-11-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

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!

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!

2008-11-30T14:49:00.001-08:00

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.

Corey Crowned Cross Country King!

2008-11-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

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.

Boys TRI something new

2008-07-20T11:15:00.001-07:00

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.

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.

NORBA Jr. National Champion

2008-07-20T11:05:00.001-07:00

Corey recently participated and won the NORBA Jr. National Downhill Championships held in Liberty Lake County Park. The competition was stiff (as seen below)

But Corey was able to hold then off with his tenacious climbing skills and his fearless descents (undoubtedly helped by his cool looking armor). The total event was a great success and everyone enjoyed the event.

POST NOTE: Unfortunately -- Corey was stripped of his title upon returning to the parking lot when his pre-race drug testing showed abnormally high levels of Sugar and Chocolate in his blood.

SINKING SHIP

2008-07-06T12:30:00.001-07:00

Well - we knew it was only a matter of time but Ryan's ship has sunk. As part of his third grade end of the year celebration, Ryan's class had a Titanic party. The whole class prepared for months by earning the money to buy there tickets on the vessel, research the person they were assigned to be, and even learn to dance! Ryan's really enjoyed the getting ready and the party was a huge success. As our family clothes-horse, Ryan loved the chance to dress up and Dad and Ryan had matching bow-ties and canes.

We are just grateful that Ryan was able to catch one of the life boats!

News from the week ending 5/24

2008-05-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Okay -- Laura refuses to take any pictures and I was out all week but as normal, the week was far from boring. A few highlights:

Ryan had a little accident at school - resulting in the fire department visiting Liberty Lake Elementary. We think it may have been a carryover from the campout but thank goodness there is less to burn in the school. Actually -- it was just fire safety week and Ryan liked the "role play" where he got to jump out the window of the house filled with smoke! Future bungee jumper if you ask me!
Sunday dinner conversation revolved around whether we support the death penalty and whether we think Tellitubies and Veggie tales is appropriate considering none of them wear any clothes!
Tyler also found himself on the wrong side of the law. Unfortunately - the police came and put Tyler in the car before we were able to talk with them and see what is going on. The bright side was that we were able to bribe the officer (one of Tyler's classmate's Dad) to let Tyler out!
Corey ran the mile in PE and ran 6:07. We think it may have been wind aided!
While Dad was slaving away working at a friends cabin, the family went to Manito park with the Romneys. The kids "enjoyed" looking at all the "Lovely" flowers (Snoozer) but did have fun running around the park until kicked out by security after Tyler was caught drinking from the fountain!
Ryan had his much anticipated Bday sleepover. Four friends from the neighborhood came over Friday night and played video games, board games, ate and generally raised chaos. Darn-- I was gone for the fun! Then Ryan fell asleep leaving his friends to cry themselves asleep! The next morning -- way too early -- they were up again and back in the basement playing Wii. Dad made the best pancakes ever for breakfast and they stuffed themselves!
Laura says she does not remember much but did get in a few good runs and rides that promoted some sanity.

Nuff said!

Father/Son Campout

2008-05-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was once of the funnest weekends I've ever had. It was the Father and Son Camp out up at Farragut State Park on Lake Pend Oreille and it was beautiful. The weather was also the best of the year and made for almost perfect conditions.

Laura brought the boys to CDA so I did not have to backtrack and that was awesome. It was also the first problem as we realized that she had forgotten my bag. Who needs clothes anyway! Well, we loaded up and headed north. Short stops for some grub and we made it. We were the first ones there so we got a great spot and everyone else showed up within like 10 minutes. I made the boys set up first and then we headed down to the lake with some friends to play.

The lake was low but beautiful. We had a great time throwing rocks, finding treasures and from the picture above -- enjoying a rope swing we found.

Tyler was my trooper. When his older brothers ran off with their buddies, Tyler was left to show Dad around. He didn't seem to mind too much but when he walked in to the lake with his socks on -- I knew he was having fun! The advantage of hanging with Dad was he got his picture taken more!

Another bright note was that in his excitement to go camping -- Tyler left his bag and sleeping bag in the garage! OOOPS!

That evening we had a great time with a nice fireside and and then just a few marshmallows.

Ryan also found his favorite part of camping -- the outhouse:

The boys were also very excited to establish the NEW WOLFE PENN CT here in and we were very excited to have our neighbors join us. Our own fire pit was a great source of MORE marshmallows and lots of fun.

But the best part was the next day! We had a great breakfast and actually had fun breaking camp (okay - DAD broke camp but the boys had fun playing) but it was fun. Then it was off to the Hunter Boys new family sport -- FRISBEE GOLF!

Dad smoked them all but there is no question the boys are up for a rematch and soon will be beating their father!

Home and lots more fun for the weekend - but that is another BLOG!

Hot Summer Days

2008-05-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

With the warm weather -- out came the swimsuits and the street has become chaos once again!

Summer Hair

2008-05-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well -- when Corey (who doesn't have a lot of hair already) asks for a haircut, you never know what you are going to get.

I even tried to bribe this sexy guy to wear this style to school for one day but with Corey's love of attention -- he refused. Oh well -- maybe next time! I bet I can get Ryan to do it this summer!

SPRING has hit Wolfe Penn Ct.

2008-05-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Just some fun shots from the hood!

Kate's Room!

2008-05-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

Now -- most of the time it is better that the rest of the world not see what is in Kate's room but as she is helping me type this morning -- she is insisting we put some of her pictures on the site this morning. So - to that said:

Kate loves shoes and she is willing to share with the neighbors:

And Kate had to have this picture from her room added - she loves her brothers!

FOOD!

2008-05-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know why but as I loaded the pictures on the camera - I found a wide variety of food pictures! I think that explains why we have to work out so much!

Tyler Turns 6

2008-05-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

Tyler turned 6 on the 29th of April. Tyler was so excited he couldn't wait and decided to have his friends party the weekend before. Many of Tyler's friends were able to make it and they had a blast. As friends arrived -- Ryan gave them a demonstration with his "speedstacks" and then let all of the boys try them.

After the cups -- the guys were off for a GPS scavenger hunt. Although the GPS proved tricky to use, the boys had no problems finding all of the hidden balls.

Then is was time for presents and ice cream! Tyler's friends were very generous and Tyler wants to say thanks again for all the great gifts!

And finally -- what party would be complete without some silly games! The boys headed for the basement where they raced to use an entire roll of toilet paper to wrap Ryan and Tyler as mummies. Unfortunately - the mummies escaped and finished off the party with some Nintendo!

Thanks again to everyone who came and for the good fun!

Oh -- Tyler had a family party too but we made him wait until his real birthday for that one! Even though Kate had a hard time not "helping" with all the presents, once again Tyler made out like a bandit!

Rowell's Break Taboo

2008-04-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well, as you all know the Hunter's have always been real party animals and this weekend was no different. After a wild Friday night at Outback with Corey (to celebrate his straight A's with a steak) we needed to step it up another notch on Saturday. Thanks to our neighbors the Rowells, that was not a problem. We had a great time at their house. While the women folk sat upstairs chatting about everything (and I mean everything including Kara's need for two a day) the men engaged in the ritualistic battle for supremacy in the basement. Matt Barnett (AKA Neil) showed us that he is really not a paint guy -- he just travels all the time looking for pick-up pool games. Also, Shaun Sorensen proved that Forest Gump has nothing on his ping pong game. Thank goodness the men stopped before the Dance Dance Revolution got broken out or I am sure John could have won at something. Well, more food and then the men once again set the world right with a dominating effort over the women in Taboo (even though the women cheated on tie scoring at least twice - Cheaters never prosper!). Hey not a bad night when you can make out with your wife on the neighbors living room floor and no one even yelled at us -- just like in college.

Hunter's minimize their ECO-Footprint

2008-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we can't all be eco-warriors but don't say the Hunter's aren't trying to minimize their eco-footprint. Corey's new "natural gas" engine and Ryan's "booger burning" power plant's aren't quite up and running yet and we haven't figured out how to "capture and route" the energy in Kate and Tyler but Dad did try something new this week to help minimize the impact of his gas-guzzling truck. The picture here shows Dad leaving the house at 4:45 for work on his bike. As you can see (or maybe not), it was a tad dark and the temperature tower read 28 but off he went. With his former therapist (physical therapist that is) they rode to work and back. The ride was actually very fun and the whole "exercise" considered a success. Dad was a little tired though Friday night. The only downside -- Dad was a little shaggy at work as he forgot his razor! Oh well -- it was Friday!

Hunter Boy's Score Big

2008-04-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Well -- who wants to do anything else on Saturday anyway right? So -- the first week of Spring soccer has hit and what better way to start than with three games and pictures! Tyler joined his two older brothers this year in the soccer world.

He kind of like the uniform (he's worn it every day since he got it) and he has been very excited. Unfortunately, he was sick this week and missed his practices so going in to his first game -- he was very nervous. The whole family made his first game (Well - Corey did a run-by on the way to his game) and it was a great match. Tyler jumped on the Hunter scoring bandwagon with a goal in the first half caught on pixels!

Tyler said "it was good" and Kate was happy to help him with his treats.

Ryan's first game was a defensive battle in the first half. Ryan played both offense and defense and had opportunities but couldn't capitalize. The second half saw the other team get some lucky bounces and run away with the win but Ryan smiled the whole time and seemed to be somewhat consoled by the entire bottle of Tiger Gatorade he got!

Between the games, the two boys and Dad ran some errands and got lucky enough to find three geocaches and had fun looking for others!

Corey started the season as if he never stopped as did his whole team. Corey had 5 goals and an assist in the opening game, including a spectacular header from the side of the goal. If not for some rotation to the defensive end - Corey would have been impossible to live with.

The only downside to the day -- no one thought about the sunscreen on day 1 of Spring and we all have some pink cheeks! I'm sure it will rain next week!

Kate BLOWS CHUNKS!

2008-04-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we have had several requests for some content on the female gender in the house of horror so Kate did her best this week to find some content worthy of our site. Thursday night Kate "Blew Chunks" in the middle of the night -- continuing our family streak of someone being sick since Spring break. Tyler has finally recovered (from his physical illness anyway) but Kate has taken the mantle. Thank goodness Kate handles sickness better than the rest of us. Kate love the camera so where most people avoid the camera when sick -- Kate wanted us to include the picture! Hope she is the last one!

House of POOP?

2008-04-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Leave it to the Hunter boys to find a use for some extra PVC and the mud bog in the backyard. Dad was lucky enough to come home on Tuesday and find the porch covered in "POOP."

The boys also involved much of the neighborhood in their fun -- now several of our neighbors have also found this joyous present on their porch when they got home. As seen below -- the boys have mas"turd" the art of creating and distributing their fun.

As an added note -- breakfast today consisted of arguing whose fake poop looked more like their actual poop! GREAT!

SPRING BREAK = Screen Time

2008-04-06T12:19:00.001-07:00

The boys found Spring Break really fun. As the week wore on - Mom wore out and the screen time increased. They had so much time -- Tyler found himself trying out some new games.

I am "Chicken"

2008-04-06T11:59:00.001-07:00

During the first of our two weeks of spring break -- Corey had the opportunity to see "I AM LEGEND" with a friend in Boise. Although he seemed to enjoy the movie, let's just say he hasn't quite been the same since. Corey has been sleeping with anyone and anything he can find. This picture shows Corey trying to go to bed last night. Corey has gained a new affection for sleeping with his brothers and on floors of whoever will allow him. Friday night we had Corey in Ryan's room, Tyler in Corey's room and Ryan in ours. Oh well -- next Friday we are watching Sixth Sense!