Pumpkin Patch 2008

The sun peeked out long enough for us to go to Spooner Farms in Puyallup, WA

The kids, of course, wanted the biggest (and most expensive) pumpkins!
Daniel told them if they can carry it, they can get it. Which one to choose...

While Daniel, Sam and Carly went through the corn maze, Gabe, Dolores and I found the goodies--
caramel popcorn and apples, roasted corn on the cob, hot chocolate.

Soccer Season!

Carly is on the "Blue Lightening" team, and Gabe is on the "Arsenal".

Carly and Sam love to support Gabe by watching his games...

if there are snacks and entertainment! GO TEAM!

Mother/Daughter Weekend

Our Mother/Daughter weekend this year was in Boise. We attended the Deseret Book's Time Out For Women (Mom's treat)...

Rafted the Payette River (another treat from Mom!)... Met Micah & Jenny for lunch...

and played games 'till all hours of the night.

As usual, we all talked and laughed, stayed up late, ate wonderful food (thanks for all the goodies, Carrie!), soaked in the hot tub, and enjoyed each other's company. It was a wonderful weekend!

Ward Campout

Last weekend was spent at our annual Ward Campout at Zion's Camp.

The kids loved playing in the lake and eating S'mores.

It was great to have some time with our friends in the ward. Daniel loves to get out the camping supplies, and cooked a great dutch oven dinner!

Disney Vacation 2008

Day one of our drive to Southern California. We're energetic and excited for our Disney vacation!

When we arrived in Southern California, we went to Medieval Times. Sam got knighted, and we ate everything our serving wench brought us with our fingers while we cheered on the Green Knight!

Here we are boarding The Disney Magic on our cruise to the Mexican Riviera.

Carly loved being in the Oceaneer's Club, and also got her hair braided. She had a great time, and made a lot of new friends.


Sam had his 11th birthday while on board. He loved the pool and the ocean at the resort in Puerto Vallarta.


Gabe spent a lot of time in Disney Quest -- hanging out with the teenagers!

Dolores treated us to the cruise, and it was great to have the time with her and Aunt Ophie!
With the kids so busy with their club activities, Daniel and I had some time alone, too.


Our 4th Disney Cruise - AWESOME! I can't believe they made us get off the ship after only 7 days! Who's going to lay chocolate on my pillow at night? Who's going to prepare gourmet food for us? How can we survive without our nightly entertainment?

After the cruise, it was time to spend some time in Southern California - Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland!

Carly and Daniel loved all the roller coasters. The rest of us enjoyed the more traditional rides. Too bad "It's a Small World" was closed for renovations...

Here we are on Splash Mountain. I'm in my "happy place", Sam is crying, Gabe is hiding, and Daniel and Carly are loving it!

Daniel and Carly driving in Autopia... Carly thought the cars weren't fast enough.

I remember going to Knott's when I was little and panning for gold. I had my little vile full of gold flakes for years... these days they just get 5-6 tiny "nuggets".

It was a very welcome vacation: The cruise was relaxing and luxurious, and the parks were exciting and tiring... Can we do it again next year?