Idaho/Utah Trip

Labor Day weekend we took a trip to Idaho.  My Dad's family reunion was that weekend and we have not been to it in over 5 years.  The kids always have such fun with cousins, they are entertained all day.  On our way there we stopped in Jackson at the aquatic center, we met family there.  That was a nice break from a long day of traveling.  The kids had a blast and Alyssa was her usual fish, jumping in the water and going under.  My cousins little boy was there too and he is about Alyssa's age.  He was a little fish as well, it was fun to watch them enjoy themselves so much in the water.

 We were able to stay, after the reunion, at my parents house for a few days.  That was a treat, because we are usually the first ones to rush off.  On the way home from the reunion we decided to do a little hike before going home.  All of us that is except Dallin.  He did NOT want to do a hike.  We thought we could encourage him along, but he ended up heading back with Dad and playing on the rocks at the river by the parking lot.  I really should have taken more pictures of the trip, but I didn't.  We had a great time at my parents and the kids loved being able to play with Hannah every day.

 Corey had a school project to make an edible car (or something like that).  Of coarse, all my kids wanted to help.  The whole table was spread with yummy stuff and the kids got to make their own creations.

All good things must come to an end, and eventually we had to leave.  We were heading to another fun activity, which made it a little easier to leave.  We had the Cramer Reunion in Bear Lake.  My Mom gave me a yummy recipe for  orea truffles that I made that morning for the reunion.  My Mom played with Alyssa while I loaded the car (Jeff had left the day before to buy some machines in Utah, he was meeting us at the reunion).  Alyssa was happy to have someone to play catch with.

 I sadly do not have many pictures of the Cramer Reunion.  The first day we went to the cave and  I was taking pictures of the kids and accidentally dropped the camera in some water at the bottom....so disappointing.  Luckily the camera survived, but I was not able to get any other pictures of the reunion.

This was actually the 2nd time we had done this cave, but it was still fun.  The kids were excited because this time we had a flashlight.  The cave went back about five feet - just perfect for little kids.

The reunion was at a beautiful cabin.  We all plenty of room to sleep, play, eat, visit, and for the kids explore outside.  We were able to play at the Lake, the weather was great.  We actually rented a boat and went water skiing and tubing behind the boat.  The beach was perfect because it was shallow for quite a while.  The kids could play all around and it didn't get deep.  We also enjoyed a pool that was part of the community center.  The kids had fun playing with cousins.  Our kids had just come from playing with cousins on my side and it took some adjustment to remember these cousins names.  Dallin kept calling Christian "Evan".  Finally Christian told him, "that's not my name".  Dallins reply was, "I know, but I can't remember your name, so is it ok if I just call you Evan?"  I don't think it was ok with Christian, and soon Dallin was able to remember his cousins name.  The girls played a fun game of pictionary Grandma and found out that Grandma is a good artist.  I am glad we were able to get together with family.

Dallin turns 7

 My little boy is SEVEN!  He had a fun birthday party with great friends.  He invited two of his good friends over for a swimming party at the local pool.  They started the party at home with some action figure toys for each of them (better than goody bags).

 They could of played with those for hours.  We had to end their fun and make them get their suits on.

 The three swimmers are all ready and set with goggles and all.  Love It!  It was a super day for swimming, very hot!  Jeff took them and Dallin told me after that his friends loved going with Dad because he was so much fun.  He would throw them up and into the water.  Dallin loves swimming and just recently was able to jump off the diving board because he proved he could swim well enough (that is no easy task, especially for a 7 year old).  He would be a happy kid if we went swimming every day.

 The pinata.  Dallin really wanted a pinata for his birthday.  He isn't really a fan of candy, but he is a fan of hitting things really hard.

 Waiting for Dad to hang it up.  I think I caught them at a unique time because they were never just "standing" around, they were running and play fighting and being 7 year old boys.

 Dallin takes a whack at it.  We started with a blind fold, but them we just let them whack it - they enjoyed having their eyesight.

 I think Jeff took a whack and the boys were all dodging the pinata as it swung back at them.  I didn't get a good picture of them scrambling for the candy.  They were really mature about it and it was not as crazy as I thought it would be.  I think they all enjoyed hitting more than getting candy.

Dallin got day blades for his birthday, they spent the rest of the party having day blade competitions.  We couldn't even get them to eat cake and ice cream, they really just wanted to play.  Next time, not so much organization - just let them PLAY!
Dallin keeps our life and our family very exciting.  He is a deep thinker and asks detailed questions.  I am excited to see what he is able to do with his life.  He his very compassionate and is almost daily giving away his favorite toys and money to his sisters, especially after he has done something that hurt them.  He likes to draw and can spend a lot of time on one picture, he is neat and careful.  His handwriting is good as well, he takes his time and makes the letters perfect.
He is adventurous.  He says his dream is to live out in nature with wild animals.  He climbs trees, really high (and our roof), he jumps and swings and flips and cartwheels.  He has good balance and likes to walk across small boards or logs. He is a great bike rider and likes to race his sister (which he can sometimes win).  He just learned how to start on his own (his bike is bigger and he always needed help to get started).  He is a great swimmer and had strong determination to accomplish his goals (if it is something he wants to do).
 He likes animals and is not afraid of them.  He would like to train an animal and tried to train a stray cat that came into our yard.  He is a fun kid and full of life.  He brings so much joy into my life.

First Day of School 2012

 My big 3rd Grader.  She said she needed a backpack with wheels and this year, because she would have A LOT of books.  She was right.  I am glad she isn't carrying all that on her back.  Smart Girl

My 2nd Grader, where does the time go!  He was not quite as excited for school to start.  He told me after his first day, "Guess what Mom, 2nd Grade is easier than 1st".  Yea, I hope that attitude stays to the end.

 The two full day kiddos.  I missed those guys.  The school day is long.  They had a great first day.

My half day Kindergartner.  She was super excited for school.  She has watched her older siblings the last couple of years and was ready to go.  I tried to explain to her that school wasn't like the parties she had gone to, but I am not sure she understood.  She had a wonderful first day, and even got treasure chest.  I am glad that they do half day kindergarten because I enjoy having her home in the morning.