Living the Ol' High School Days All Over Again

So, Saturday was my 28th Birthday. Todd decided to relive our ol high school days and send me on a hunt for my birthday gift. I was sure he was going to ask me to Prom at the end of the scavenger hunt:). First, he handed me a bday card that said "This card may surprise you....especially if you were expecting a gift! Happy Birthday" He then wrote inside "yep, not gonna be quite as easy this year! Follow these clues to get to your present. If we were pilgrims we would gladly set sail on the May_______ to celebrate your birthday with you." So, I set off the flour canister.

Inside was another clue " Today of all days, I hope you will fill "SAFE" in my arms." So, I went to the gun safe. Next clue " Let's yell and cheer....make a big "racquet". It's your birthday!" That one took me a few minutes to locate his raquetball stuff in the garage. There I found another clue "HAY - I could do this ALL day". I quickly went outside to the horse's hay pile.

The next clue stated "If you want to get your present you might have to me a little sugar (witha little cinnamon in it). So, I went back inside to the bowl of cinnamon and sugar. The next card said "Some people refer to diamonds as ICE (which I can guarantee you have nothing to do with your birthday)" Hmmm. Why not? No diamond stud earrings? I went to check the ice bucket in the freezer and found the next clue. I read, " If you were a dirty guest at our home, there is a very good chance you would run into your present very soon!" hmmmm. All the while Todd was teasing me about finding a Toyota Sequioa cause he really wants me to get a new car, but I say that I'm waiting.

So, out in the guest house's shower, I find a brand new Mac computer...perfect for editing photographs on. WooHoo. He spoils me. Thanks Todd. I love you. Thanks for reminding me how fun those high school days were too. Although, I still think he should take me out dancing, don't you?! Now, I just gotta figure out how to work on a Mac again. It's been 10 years since I was a teacher!

Happy Birthday to me! I have a great life....a man that loves me....four children that bring me great happiness....most of the time:)....and many family and friends that give me love and support. (Don't ya like our sunburned faces....snow skiing with the youth in our ward. And, I still love to ski with him...just as much as I did twenty years ago!)

Our Favorite Bird

Remember many posts back, I mentioned our favorite little bird that loves to come run in our irrigation? ....the killdeer. It's got a bad name, but it's a cute bird....kind of a mini crane with those long legs. And, they really have this cute little birdcall. Well, we had a whole family running out back today. Dad. Mom. and THREE little ones. Absolutely Adorable!

The babies are like three little puffballs running around the lot. The kids had to catch them and hold them for a brief few seconds. Then, they returned the babies to their Dad and Mom.

Cycle Riding In Utah

Todd, for the second time, headed north to Utah for a wild and crazy motorcycle trip with a bunch of men. There were 22 guys that came. All for the love of motorcycling. Todd is in the left bottom corner.

Todd says that they ate in some "hole in the wall" places that were all VERY good!

Todd is in the red gear in the photo above.

The terrain is tough and technical up there. Within the first 15 minutes, a flat tire had to be repaired. Most men ride KTM cycles because they have electric starts and rekluse clutches (I guess that makes it easier for shifting in the rough terrain and restarting when your cycle dies.) The days are long and hard..... 9am - 4pm ish. But, yet, they get up and do it all over again the next day. First they rode in Hanksville, UT, then Green River, UT, and lastly in Moab, UT.

Here's the group taking a lunch break.

Todd and his friend, Sam.

There are some beautiful views up there.

See the small trail running along side the side of the mountain. Scary. One ride started out with 18 riders and ended up with only six!!! The others turned around because it got too difficult. Todd was one of the six that made it!!! That's MY man:). I'm so proud.

KTM central. I can't figure out how they know whose bike is whose.

The guys were all impressed with a huge scorpian that they came across out riding.

One trail dead ended here....right where Todd is standing. Hopefully, no one rides at night and comes upon this cliff too quickly. That would be bad.

The men had fun watching 4X4ers out there also.

Here's a clip of Todd riding up a steep hill. I guess it's at the end of a trail called "Five Miles of He$$" Although Todd said it was actually NINE miles.

Overall, Todd had a great four days. The guys act just like boys when they are together....constantly playing pranks on each other. They never grow up:). I am sure he can't wait till the fall when they do it all over again in Colorado.

Happy Easter!

Sunday was our traditional Egg Hunt at Sterling and Debbie's. They have the coolest, most fun backyard ever! The kids love to go over to their house. They are nice enough to host us every Easter. Here's Grandma Beanie giving the kids directions.

Happy Hunting Wes. "Look what I found, Mom."

And, there's more.....lots more.....Eggs all over that lot. It was fun!

Oh, and we can't forget the Chocolate Bunny that Grandma and Grandpa give the grandchildren every year. Wes devoured his!

Yummy!

All that candy was eaten in a quick two days!

Zane on the hunt!

Sierra's loot.

Lance tricked Sierra into climbing a tree to find her chocolate bunny (the bunnies have names on them). But, of course, it wasn't hers up there. Sneaky Lance (he was the one that hid them so he knew what he was doing).

Not looking very innocent, is he?!

That's okay cause Uncle Sean got him back. Remember the Uncle that got Zane to lick the freezing cold stair railing in Williams? Well, he pointed out a huge egg for Lance up in the tree. So, Lance went climbing. Imagine Lance's surprise when he got the egg and opened it up to find DOG POO inside!!! I guess Sean is Lance's version of a big brother. I think Lance needs a little of that:).

Our four little boy cousins enjoying their treasure.

The four big girls celebrating together. Happy Easter!

Concert Pianist in the Making

Yes, it takes true talent to play the piano with one's toes.
too funny. too cute.

Oreo Madness

So, Oreos were on sale and I caved. Of course, I had to buy a variety of kinds too. Mint Oreos. Fudge Oreos, Chocolate Oreos, and the good ol' regular Oreos. Love 'em. And, the kids inherited my love for them. YummY! (Zane took the picture...hence the fuzziness....but I am thinking it does a great job softening up the wrinkles. OH, who am I kidding?! I look old, but I can live with that:). I couldn't have four "older" wonderful children if I wasn't "older" myself!

Nothing like Oreos dipped in cold milk.

Just Rubs Him The Wrong Way.....Literally!

I remember Lance and Zane going through this stage. I am not sure what sets it off, but one day, they decide that the tags have got to go! So, now, Weston can't stand the feel of a tag on him lately. He has to come and get scissors and cut off his tags. Rather funny, I think.

All better:)