First Day of School

or maybe it's the third day of school. I thought I would do a posting of Clark, Ryan and Emma on their first day of school, but I was out of town with my husband, so the third day is what we have. The kids were so excited to go back to school, even though it seems like it just ended. It is nice getting back into some what of a routine. Clark is in the sixth grade, Ryan is in the fourth grade and Emma is in the first grade. Both Clark and Ryan get to stay in the same school as last year, but Emma gets to go to a new school, talk about being excited. The boys are getting to meet new faces and friends, Emma is just excited that three of her best friends are in her class this year (I hope the teacher has been warned). I hope they learn a lot and have a great year.

Vacation!

This last week I was able to go on a business trip with my husband. We went to Napa, Ca. It was fun. A friend of ours came down to watch Clark, Ryan and Emma while we went. I think the kids looked forward to playing with their friends than to miss us.

Napa Valley, CA
There were grapes everywhere. If you didn't know Napa Valley is known for it's Winery's. It was so beautiful. I don't even know how to explain how beautiful it was. One night we had dinner at one if the Wineries (V. Satui's it is well known in the wine industry). While we were there they took us on a tour and showed us the Winery. I thought it was really interesting even though I don't drink. The last picture is of the barrels that the juice sits till it has fermented & softened (that's not even all of the barrels, we ate in one of the wine cellars that had probably double what is in the picture.

San Francisco - Muir Woods, CA

On Thursday we were able to have a free day. So we (Clark, myself and the plant manager of the Logan Plant and his wife) headed towards the San Francisco area. We decided since I had never been across the Golden Gate Bridge we would do that and while we were there we went to Fisherman's Wharf for some shrimp cocktail and clam chowder and Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate. We also decided to go to the section of Redwoods (Muir Woods National Monument) that was near there. I had a great time. To see trees that have been there as long as these have it just blows me away. Some have been there since 900 AD and they are still standing. This year the Muir Woods is celebrating its Centennial Birthday. I didn't realize it was that old. It is a beautiful place to visit, there is such a peaceful feeling there. I'm glad we were able to visit San Francisco.

Our Friend

Ryan walked outside yesterday, and all we heard was a blood curtling scream, so I went to the door to see what his problem was. He said something moved over there, come to find out it was a little frog. I think we will call it Fred. It is only about an inch and a half, and it tries to hide as you walk up to it. I though it was funny. I went outside this morning to see if it was still there and it was, so I thought I'd take a picture and post it.

Home Again

We are back home and trying to get settled back into a routine. It won't take long because the kids start school on Thursday (Aug 7th). So I am looking forward to that. We left Utah Friday July 25th headed for Alabama. It was sad to say by, but we had to leave. Clark was due back at work on Monday. We ended up going through Denver on the way home. I had never been to Denver and and Clark J. wanted to see what it was like. We arrived there at about 2:30 am, and with my husband being an avid Bronco fan he took us by the stadium. I thought it was huge. I don't think I have ever seen a footbal stadium as big. It was cool now I can finally say that I have been to Denver and it's actually closer than going to Las Vegas (where I have been lots.)

Since I haven't updated for a while I am going to try to get caught up.

Lagoon
We were able to go to Lagoon one day while we were there. The kids had a blast, we were able to go with two of Clark's sisters and their families.


Pool
It was hot and dry, so one day we went to the pool with the kids cousins. Us as mom's kept asking is it time to go and after being there for 6 1/2 hours we finally left. It was fun, if their cousins hadn't of been there Clark wouldn't have tried the speed slide, he liked it, I think he said he went on it fifty or so times.

Hill Aerospace Museum

On one of the Saturday's we went over to Hill Air Force Bace to their museum. We decided to take the kids to see the museum of all the cool planes, jets and helecopters. Clark had been wanting to go anyway so he was excited.

4 Wheeling to Paris Ice Caves and Bloomington Lake

We couldn't leave Cedar Ridge without taking a 4 wheel ride over to the Ice Caves and Bloomington Lake. So we all piled on the ATV's and took off. We went with Clark's Dad, and two of his sister's families, Little Clark didn't want to go he wanted to stay with another family of cousins. It was a blast, it took us about 7 hours from beginning to end. I was amazed at how much snow there was still in ice cave. Of course we couldn't leave without having a snowball fight. We even had "Spiderman" with us. My nephew was scaling the rocks, see if you can find him in the third picture.

Ice Caves (Paris, Idaho)

Bloomington Lake (Bloomington, Idaho)

Bloomington Lake is set back Bloomington Canyon in the Bear Lake area. It is so pretty to walk and see. To get there you do have to hive about a mile both ways (or so), but as you can tell it is wonderful. There is a glacier in the water most of the year. People come here to slide down the glacier or to swing of the rope into the water. Only a couple in our group did the swing, My husband said once is enough for him. He actually did it nine years ago when he was on a fifty miler with the scouts in our ward. The other kids like to play in the ice cold water, especially after the ride there. Clark sure misse out on a lot of fun. He did go on a ride with the family he stayed with, but of course I don't have any pictures.

This is the Place Heritage Park

Because it was the Pioneer Days Holiday (Utah Hoilday) we decided to go into Salt Lake to see the way Pioneers lived. July 24th celebrates the pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. It was fun to see how simple the pioneers lived. We went with My Mom and Sister (Grandma Weir, Aunt Wendi) and Peyton. I think the kids enjoyed themselves, I know I did. While we were there we saw my Aunt Kathi, my cousin Megan and her kids. I'm glad we were able to say Hi one more time before we left.

While we were there Clark, Ryan and Emma got the pull a handcart. We also got to ride on the trolly. Clark and Ryan were able to get a shave by the town barber, they also got to ride a pony, do a leather punch, and make pioneer crafts. The kids though it was funny we went into a petting zoo area, and there was a pigmy goat named Emma, and a donkey named Jack (they have a cousin named Jack).

Pioneer Day Celebration

For Pioneer Day we have gone to the parade for as long as I can remember. This year my brother went early to make sure we had our spot. A friend of the family went the day before and roped off a section, but we still have to be there early to make sure we get it. So these are just pictures of the group at the parade and fireworks in celebration. Notice the cowboy hats. Grandpa bought the boys their's so they had something to work in and Emma felt left out so dad bought her one.

Well I hope that you have enjoyed the blog. That is all that I have so I will talk to you later.