Ready for Spring?

Pictures courtesy of Amanda Rand.

Tulips from Atkinson's grocery store, if you can believe that!

Anna at 8 1/2 months old

That Fish Farted

Ice Fishing

It was such a beautiful day yesterday, we couldn't let it go to waste...so Daddy came up with idea of trying some ice fishing.

Turned out to be a great idea (almost...but I'll get to that in a minute)

The minute the first hook went down, Colton had one

and another

and another

It was the same for Bryce, too.

One after another

and another...

Poor dad couldn't get a break.

This was taken near the end of our little adventure

and surprisingly Colton still has a smile on his face

despite the fact that he stepped through one of our fishing

holes accidentally 5 minutes into it and suffered through

with a soaked foot and leg.

He did so great.

We snowmobiled out onto the Little Wood Reservoir

north of Carey, Idaho

to catch our fish

We caught so many we just started putting them back.

Great way to start the boys fishing, huh?

Or maybe not. They may think its always like that.

And I know it isn't

(which is why I really never liked fishing--but

fishing like this I could definitly do)

Bryce was a born fisherman

Behold our dinner for the night

(and another night down the road)

We reluctantly spared you the pictures of the bones of our eaten fish

with bulging white eyeballs. :) Mmmm....Yummy.

All I can say is thank goodness for a husband

ready, willing, and able to clean these things...

and cook them...

or these boys wouldn't be tasting their catch.

Grandma & Grandpa

Ben's mom and her husband Joe, spent Sunday with us after their trip to Hawaii.

Mom, Joe, the boys sporting their new "Hawaiian" T-shirts, and Anna showing off her new hat that I couldn't pass up.
Grandma and Granddaughter

The Big City

I headed to the big Salt Lake City last weekend. Just cuz. On Friday I got my oil changed, shopped at Ikea, TJ Maxx, and Old Navy all by 2 pm. Amazing. Then I took the boys (and Anna) to Jungle Jim's as a reward for being so good while being drug all over town. I decided to take Anna on a few little rides, too.

She's riding these little planes that go around and up and down.

Despite this face, I think she really liked it.

Too much AROUND AND AROUND for me.

Once was enough for my stomach.

Bryson intensly steering his unmovable plane.


For $8 for unlimited rides...totally worth it.
They can do EVERYTHING there by themselves.

Anna's FAVORITE was the carousel. She kicked her feet

clapped her hands

and laughed the entire time.

All these pics are from my phone

while holding onto Anna.

Not bad, considering I'm not a photographer even with a good camera.

Ok...a little blurry.

Then Saturday, I went with my parents & two brothers to the Boat Show

Where we can COVET all the nice boats

we could never spend that much money on.

Colt is sitting on a cool 3-wheeled scooter

Curt, Shae and Bryson...who will not leave Shae's side.

Secret crush?

Already lovin' the waverunners

Klondike Adventure

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the coldest night of my adult life. Regardless of the excess in blubber I have strategically amassed over the years - it was no match for the freezer box we had to sleep in.

Eric's portable generator and subsequent electric heater went out 15 minutes after we turned in for the night to sleep in his cargo trailer. The boy scouts were comfortable in the tent with wood stove. It was at least -20F that night and my teeth rattled soo much I had to replace a few fillings.

Very few realize my motivation in helping with the incredibly successful scout pancake dinner and silent auction fund raiser we held later that Spring - but this pitiful Klondike experience was my main reason. With the proceeds from this fundraiser last May - we were able to afford a Scout Leader tent and stove. I'll be much more comfortable this year.

Below are some photos from last year......

One of many trout to end up in the frying pan later that night.

Catch of the day. All the boys caught their limit. From L to R: Ryan Breene, Colton Seely, Tanner Nelson, Karl Sluder and Me. This is a good group of Scouters!

This is my favorite pic. It doesn't matter how you hook 'em - just be sure to cook 'em! Doesn't that make your eyes water just a bit......

Make fun of my hat all you want. Us folically challenged folk need to cover up! This was at Little Wood Reservoir north of Carey, ID at the base of the Pio's. ("Pioneer Range" for you low - landers!) Back in those hills, there was a wolf scouting us out all day. He'd howl up a storm at us just so we knew he was watching. For those thinking this lent a more natural and authentic aire to the experience of ice fishing in Idaho's back country - you are wrong! It was an annoying reminder of our Federal Government's mistake to reintroduce this vermin to Idaho Public Lands. But I digress........ he was only checking out my hat as it turned out, and when I did not responde - he left. Wolves are soo intelligent and majestic. I'd wear one on my bald head for their intellect and majesty just like this Russian Red Fox.

Idaho mountain camping and cooking on a griddle in a canvas tent heated by a wood stove with a 6" spackle blade and leatherman to substitute for the spatula and knife. The drywall mud residue was chalky, but had a nice texture on the pallet with bacon and sausage.

Be Prepared!

Future Gretzkys?

Highly doubtful, but its fun anyway. Hailey has a great ice rink that is absolutely free...including free skates and everything.


We got started on this skating thing because our neighbors, the Millers, put in an ice rink in their yard this winter.
Colton saw his buddy Owen skating around the rink and had to learn. He has been doing great. I took him again yesterday and he can now do it completely on his own...pushing off both feet.

It sure would be easier if I didn't have this one, too, but luckily she loves the backpack.

I'll post a skating update and maybe video clip at the end of the season.

I'm so impressed with how hard he tries to do it on his own.

He is a determined kid.