Saying Goodbye

Yesterday we all said goodbye to one of the most honorable and courageous people I will ever know. Uncle Jason lost his battle with one of the most horrible diseases I will ever know, Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS).

Jason was the Chief of Police for 27 years in the small town that I spent every summer growing up. It was always comforting to know he was around in his blue patrol car if we ever needed him. He always had a great story to tell when he stopped by Grandmas for a cup of coffee.

I found out yesterday just how many other people loved Jason and how many lives he touched. His service included over 100 law enforcement officers and a motorcade of at least that many police cars from 3 states. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen.
This was a man that was a friend to everyone and who loved his job and family. I know my dad will miss him dearly and treasured the last days he had with him. My sister says that "The Good Die Young". Jason was beyond good.
Jason, I know you are finally at peace and although you are not physically here with us on earth you are in our hearts and our memories forever. You fought this battle with courage and faith and you will never be forgotten. We know you are in a better place now, free of pain and finding answers to all of your questions. We love and miss you.
Your niece Kristi

The Great Ride

We have had it planned for weeks. Bikes, check. Helmets, check. Snacks and water, check. Alright hold on for an amazing ride!!!!

We hopped in the car and in less than one hour we were two states over and riding a 15 mile bike trail through the old mining railroad tracks. The ride included 9 tunnels and 5 train trestle bridges. It was amazing scenery, great weather and a ton of fun.



This was coming to the end of the first tunnel which was 1.7 miles long. It was VERY cold and VERY dark. The kids were a little scared but we conquered and we succeeded.
At the end of the first tunnel we were greeted by this amazing waterfall. It was better than some of the Hawaiian waterfalls we have seen and it is in our own back door.
This was our first train trestle.
Haydee just along for the ride. I think he did eat an entire bag of licorice during the ride.

It was a great ride!!! Blaine and I would love to go back and ride UP the trail next time.

The Summer Fights

After having daddy home for a week the kids are bouncing off of the walls!!!! Most of all the ongoing sibling rivalry and fighting has escalated. If I hear one more "He did this" or "She started it" I think that I will start to bounce my head off of the wall. I do have to snicker a little at the fact the Hayden is now almost as big as his "big" brother. If Bryden gets Hayden mad enough Bryden actually runs from him in fear. Here is a picture of the fight that is still going on as I have locked my self in the office to hide.
They are fighting over the whisk from the kitchen drawer. I have no idea why but it must be a pretty important whisk. The funniest part of this whole thing, Hayden just starts repeating what ever he hears when he is mad. He is chasing Bryden through the kitchen yelling
"Stop Poo Poo dot com" Poo Poo.com. Maybe that will be the new name for my blog site!!

Vacation

Daddy was on vacation last week so we tried to fit as much as we possibly could into 7 days. With the awesome weather and fun things we have around here we stayed close to home and had a blast!!!!



Sissy loves tubing!! We are still working on getting the boys back there.
Playing on the beach out at the lake is more the boys cup of tea. The investment in sand toys has been well worth it.
Uncle Chaddy has set up movies on the back of his boat a few times this summer. Those "Three Amigos" are so silly.
Mom and Dad have gotten new bikes so Hayden is bound and determined he is going to be a part of the biking club.
A trip out to our local amusement park was great. We spent the first half of the day at the water park and the second half at Roller Coaster Alley. We had to tear Sissy off of the roller coasters at closing that night. She defiantly does not get this from me.

Daddy is back to work today! Wouldn't it be great if he was home everyday!!! I better go try and find something for the kids to do today. Its back to the grind with mommy and she has A LOT of laundry to do today.

My New Ride

Every once in a while I think maybe it is time for a new ride. I have several friends that have gotten new rides lately and summer seems a good time to buy. Since my Birthday was coming I decided to go ahead and make it known that I was in the market.

So what am I looking for in my new ride. First and for most NO ROOM FOR KIDS! This is going to be a turn the music up ride away from the kids and contemplate the world ride. Next, it has to be the perfect fit. Four dealers and several fittings later and I think I found a contender. Lastly, I would like to use it for long country rides so it needs to be light and fully equipped.

Last week I finally got my new ride and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!




My Specialized Dolce Elite and I have been out a few times and it is amazing. I love it. However, you know the saying "Its like riding a bike." It has been years since I have been on a bike.

Makena Is It!!!

It is Makena's turn.
1. Makena Leigh Sweeter Pea is what my parents called me as a baby but I am not much of a baby any more. Makena is after Makena Beach on the island of Maui. My parents picked that name when they were there in high school and again on their honeymoon. However, it too just happens to be the name of a golf course. Leigh is my Grammy Monica's middle name but the spelling comes from my great Gma and Gpa Leigh. Right now everyone in my house just calls me Sissy!!

2. I love playing all kinds of sports and activities. I play soccer, basketball and I just finished my third triathlon this last weekend. My favorite part of soccer playing goalie. In basketball my parents say I have never met a shoot that I didn't like. I am working on that.

3. I have never really been into Barbies or baby dolls. I rather be riding my bike or my four wheeler than playing in the house. My mom says I have always preferred to be out and about.

4. I LOVE tether ball!!! It is all of the rave at school and my friends and I have given each other nick names like pea pod and celery stick.(Based on our heights)

5. I will never turn down a good bowl of Macaroni and Cheese!! I love it any way and at any time.

6. I love going to school. Mostly, to see all of my friends and fit in a mean game of tether ball or two. However, when I am in class I do prefer math and science over reading and english any day. Just like mom and dad who consider reading for the day looking at a magazine or a newspaper.

7. I do have a dirty little secret! I SNORE!! Continually on family trips I go to sleep with someone in bed next to me and often wake up alone. My brother Bryden won't sleep anywhere with me. Mom says good luck to my future husband.

8. I love my baby brother. I love to mother and take care of him. Plus I find when I help him get dressed this party moves a lot faster.

9. I have been to Disneyland 5 or 6 times and Disney World once. People seem surprised when they hear this but hasn't everyone been there that many times. You can never grow out of Disneyland!

10. Overall, I am not ready to head back to school. I have been having too much fun having sleepovers, play dates and fun in the sun. I am enjoying summer while I can.

Ok, a few computer problems and a lost camera but have managed to shed a little light on my three darlings. Now Sara, looking back through your blogs, I am not sure I have seen one on Ella. So correct me if I am wrong, but we are going to TAG our sweet friend Miss Ella Kate.

TAG! Bryden Is It

Now it is Bryden's turn. Here is a little bit on what life is like with this guy in the house.
1. My name is Bryden Derek. Bryden is the name of a Canyon my parents have visited. (It also may be the name of a golf course as well.) Derek is after my uncle Derek, my mommies brother.

2. Of all the kids in the house, mom says I am definitely her left brained child. I was left handed until about halfway through Kindergarten and I still bat, golf and throw left handed. I am creative and VERY imaginative. I can turn the shopping cart at the store into any type of spaceship or speed pod.

3. This year I played soccer, basketball and baseball. Baseball is definitely my favorite. However, at this point it is all about the snack we get after our games! My mom and dad say they used to get orange slices after games. How rude!

4. I can melt almost anyone with my baby blue eyes.

5. I tend to be the cautious one of the family. I still have decided not to ride on the tube behind the boat and I analyze everything. I think this has a little bit to do with my absolute fear of the site of blood. I tend to panic if I see it on me or anyone else. 6. I LOVE cereal. I can eat a couple bowls for breakfast and then it is all I want for lunch. I am not picky and will eat almost any kind. Right now I am on a Kix kick. If my mom would let me, I would eat it for dinner too. I don't know why she cares. She ate cereal three meals a day in college.

7. On any given day you can find me building with Legos. (Sometimes I build with them under my bed sheet with a flashlight when I am supposed to be sleeping.) I also like to play my Nintendo DS. My favorite game is LEGO Star Wars. 8. I also love stuffed animals. Especially my Webkins. I choose their names very carefully. My rabbit is named Rabbi, my tiger is named Tigi, my fish are named Fishy and Fisher, and my raindeer Webkin is named Rainey. I did go way out on a limb and named my dog Spot. (At least all their names don't coincide with golf courses Dad!)

9. I am six and I do still suck my thumb and sleep with my ni ni rabbit. I am not sure why but I just can't give it up. Maybe when dad gives up golf and mom gives up shopping!

10. All in all, I am all about having a good time. I love play dates and sleepovers. I love riding my four wheeler and going out on the boat. I am eager to fit it ALL in this summer!!!!