More crafting girl club projects

Ashlynn is still busy with her crafting girl club projects that Grandma Bobbi sends our way. She always looks forward to them in the mail.

24th of July Celebration!!

This was the year that we planned to attend the "Days of 47" in Salt Lake.  It was one of my things to do on my bucket list since living in Utah. So, we stayed in the Little America Hotel just a block away from the parade street (so we wouldn't have to worry about parking and get up too early to get a good spot).  

The day before the parade was Matt and I's 15th year Anniversary.  We have started a tradition that we catch a baseball game and there is usually fireworks after being the day before a holiday in Utah. So, that is just what we did, but this time we brought the kids since we were going to parade in the morning. We caught a Bee's baseball game with a great firework show then it was off to the hotel. We then walked to our spot for the parade and got a front row spot and waited for the famous parade to start.  We brought along hand held fans, misters and lots of water and treats while we watched the 2 hour long parade. We were impressed by all the fun floats and got into the pioneer spirit. We then headed back to the hotel to swim then headed home. We had a great time downtown and we are really considering starting a new tradition for pioneer day. It was a highlight to see President Monson in person. The kids were super excited that he was on our side of the road and waved to us as he went by. 

Radkids

The kids attended a week long course that taught them all about being safe. The radkids program supplies kids with such good information that I highly recommend it to every kid to attend. The information they teach the kids can be a little scary that is why you have to be 8 years or older to take the class but it keeps kids aware of things that could happen.  They were taught several self defense moves to get them out of situations where people have grabbed them.  The man in the BIG red suit was there for them to practice on and boy did those kids hit hard. They were also taught to be loud and make lots of noise and use every move they had to get away from the bad people. Studies have shown that kids that use these guidelines get away and avoid bad situations.

Ashlynn with certificate of completion.

 Carter with his Certificate of completion.

 Ashlynn suited up to defend herself.  She was too scared to fight the guy in the red suit because she is not a fan of anyone dressed in a costume, but she did practice her "stay back" stance and asked the man what the password was to see if he was safe to go with. Then she ran fast to get away.

 Then it was Carter's turn. He kneed the guy right in the tenders and caused lots of groans. Carter was loud and hit hard.

This was time spent well this summer! The kids are definitely doing this again next summer for a refresher course.

Another water fall adventure

We spent a afternoon in the hills to hike this beautiful mountain and to see the water falls. The hike would of been an easy one but we ended up on the wrong trail thinking it was a short cut. We had to cut down a very grassy area with lots of sage brush. Fortunately, nothing happened and we finally ended back on the right trail.

 Ta da!

 Use can see the small amount of water behind Carter.

 Checkered board tree trunk.

A mini waterfall that made a very cool landscaped place. This canyon was so relaxing while it was over 100 degrees in the valley it was so nice to get out of the heat and enjoy a cool breeze. Will diffidently do this one again!

Shoshone Water Falls

 On our way back from Idaho we took a small detour and ventured to the Shoshone Water Falls.  I can't believe after so many road trips to and from Idaho we have never stopped to see this beautiful place. It is the biggest water fall I have ever seen.

The water was so loud as it crashed down to the bottom, but it was soothing as the same time. We could of stood there for long time just listening to it.

 So beautiful and amazing!  Just like my little family.

 Carter is looking over the edge at all the coins that people have tossed on the rocks.

We were there just a the right time..sundown.  This is a great shot!

 I highly recommend to see this for yourself!

Elsberry Reunion 2014

The Elsberry Family Reunion(my mom's side of the family)finally happened! My Uncle Ric had been planning this event for about a year to make sure that people could plan for it since most of us live out side of Idaho now. It was a two day event with a welcome BBQ at my Uncle Tim's in his fun BBQ area in his backyard in Caldwell, ID.  Then, we had a farewell Brunch at my Mom's in Middleton, ID. I was in charge of the games and Matt took family photos and some fun candid shots too.  It has been long time since all of us had seen each other, so it was fun to visit and see all the new additions to the family.

My Mom and Fred cooked up a yummy brunch with all the fixings and Matt cooked his famous dutch oven french toast. SO YUMMY!! Grandma Elsberry thought it was so yummy too, she wanted seconds.

The cousins reunite again.

 There a few missing that couldn't make it.

The cousin's kids..aka..Great Grand-kids for Grandma Elsberry with a few missing as well. It was hard to believe that Carter is the oldest out of the group of the great grand kids.

Grand-kids of Grandma Elsberry

Here is most of the group with Matt missing because he took the picture.

A few slipped away before the picture and only 5 of 7 Grandma Elsberry's children could make it.

We still had a good sized group! 

Our family picture with Grandma Elsberry and the kids Great Grandma. We always love to visit her and see her smile. I am a grateful for her great example of perseverance and knowledge.

Then, lastly I couldn't end the post of the reunion with out mentioning that Matt's Parents were so kind to let us crash at their place while we attended the reunion. It was a quick and fun time catching up with both sides of the family.  We especially enjoyed staying up until 12:30 in the morning reminiscing about all the crazy things Matt did as a kid.  Carter and Ashlynn wanted to hear more funny stories and the morning pancakes cooked by Tom are always a added bonus.  It was a fun and exciting weekend!  

And once again Carter has his cup stacking gear close by. The kid is dedicated and always practicing for his big Junior Olympics tournament in August. If he can find a table then he is using any spare time of his stacking those cups.  More to come later...

Proud to be an American!

4th of July 2014

Here we are celebrating a true American Holiday and started it off with a Great BASEBALL game..and we came up with another WIN...EVEN BETTER!

We also had another treat that Tracy came to the game. 

We are going to miss her when she moves away. (Sniff.. Sniff)

Carter's All-Star team won the game 8-4. It was such a great way to end the season. All the boys did really well staying on top the entire game.  Carter had a HUGE victory when he beat his fear of getting hit by a pitched ball.  And to make it even more sweeter is that his fear came true when his friend on the other team that pitches the fastest and hardest in the league.  Carter has been dreading this moment for the whole season.  So, there he was at bat against his friend and Carter held in there a few pitches until...yes...You guessed it...Carter was hit by his friend in the arm. (he was only player that was hit the entire game and it had to be Carter)  Carter of course was advanced to First base after the hit in the arm.  We all gasped but Carter brushed it off.  He said it stung for a minute but that didn't hold him back from stealing 2nd & 3rd bases and then he stole home and SCORED!  We all are proud of him and his accomplishments this season! What a Great Season!

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After the Baseball game we played yard games, BBQ-ed and of course played with fire.. Ha Ha.Ha..Fireworks.  We had a Great Holiday!