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!

Annual June Boys Cabin Trip

The boys went on their annual cabin trip with Grandpa Tom.  There was a small group this time with lots of rainy days but they said they still enjoyed their time at the cabin.  What a fun tradition for all of them to get away and enjoy the great outdoors!

Girls Weekend in Idaho

Boys Away and Girls at Play... And that is just what we did!  

Ashlynn and I took a road trip to Idaho while the boys were at the cabin.  We first stopped to have dinner with Grandpa Rod and then spent the night with Grandma Frankie and Tracy in Boise.  

Then, the next day we spent with day with Ashlynn's cousins and my SIL Laura.  We played most of the day.  I have to say the arcade was a huge highlight of our adventure along with the movie.

Then, we spent the night with Grandma Bobbi, met up with my friend since high school to shop and have lunch.  As the weekend was winding down we went to a birthday party at my friend's Valerie house.  Her daughter and Ashlynn were born within in a month of each other and then we moved to Utah when the girls were 2 years old.  They have seen each other a couple of times since we moved and still have fun together when they meet up.  It was so fun to visit with all of them again!  It was slightly difficult to break up the girls fun time together. 

The girls being there crazy self's!

We enjoyed our time away and all our visits we squeezed in.