Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope that many of you did not have to stay up too late wrapping presents. Our kids are so excited to unwrap presents, we will have to post their fav's later.

Our kids have now watched "Curious George, A very monkey Christmas" about 15 times. I guess this is now their favorite Christmas movie is.

Jeffrey took his tae kwon do test on Monday. He now has his red belt. Hopefully with a lot of hard work, he can be a black belt in the next year or so. It still boggles my mind that he is almost 12 years old now and will be passing the sacrament in just 3 short months.

Hailey is super excited for Christmas. She has sung the song she learned at school, Christmas is a time to..., to just about everyone she has seen, whether they were willing to listen to her or not. She has also told everyone that Santa will be bringing her a butterfly sled. Hopefully the Big Guy doesn't let her down.

You'll have to ask the kids what they all got for Christmas. They are very excited about everything.

Also, you'll have to see the mothers ring Tammy got from Santa Claus. I have it on good authority that Santa uses a little elf named LaMont to do all his jewelry work. The ring has a stone for each of the kids in their birthmonth; Jeffrey (March) Aquamarine, Hailey (June) Alexandrite, Caleb (August) Peridot, and a 4th stone, hopefully Emerald, should be placed in the ring around the month of May. You'll have to call for the details and ask the kids if they are getting a brother or sister.

Well, we hope everyone is having a good Christmas - now its time for me to go to bed before the Big Guy catches me still awake.

What have we been up to lately?

So before all this snow came down, there were actually some nice days to be had in the last few weeks. I thought I might share what we have been up to during that time. We spent the Thanksgiving holiday with several of Tammy's siblings out in the Uintah Basin. This picture was taken at Sherry and Dex's house just after Thanksgiving dinner. The kids loved to run around outside and it was very difficult to get them all together for this picture. It was obviously very bright and sunny outside. What I wouldn't give for another one of those days!

Jeffrey has gotten to be a real photography enthusiast. He went up exploring in the hills behind Sherry and Dex's house on Thanksgiving and took some pictures. There were really some pretty good pictures and scenery to be seen. This is a reservior and hill near Altamont where they live. Dex takes care of the reservior and surrounding area there.

After Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity to go on a Christmas tree hunt excursion up Nine-mile canyon. And in case you are ever in the area and want to explore Nine mile, don't be fooled by the name --- its actually more like 60 miles and on a dirt road. But great scenery to see when you have a day to waste.

We only went up about 5 miles into the canyon to search for our tree. Then we probably hiked another 5 miles or so (maybe I'm exaggerating a little) thru the hills and around the brush to find the perfect tree. The perfect tree was right by the road, and we could have been in and out in probably 5 minutes, but you can't do a tree hunt unless you actually hunt, Can you?
Jeffrey had to find (his) tree. I got to carry a sleeping Caleb up and down the hills, trying to keep up with Jeffrey. Once he found the tree he wanted, we had to get back to the group and back to the truck to get the chainsaw. And since he wanted to get the far away tree, I had him carry the chainsaw most of the way back to the spot. Would have been nice to have my GPS and marked the spot so we could have found it again easier. But it was an experience.

Back to the truck with the tree. Everyone still happy and awake! Dex cut down a couple more for himself, and a small one for grandmas house. Not bad all in all for $10/tree permit!
Good thing we have a fake tree we use most years, because cutting down and setting up a real tree is a lot of work! But I guess everyone has got to do the real tree the right way (cutting it down yourself) some time in their life!

Back to work, additional Christmas preparations continue. Santa Claus makes it a point to stop by my work each year, and the kids get to take advantage of seeing him every year and getting some good pictures! And no lines! As you can see, Caleb still isn't to happy to see him yet.

Hailey on the other hand just loves Santa! Not sure what all she asked for .... something about a butterfly sled or something. I think by next year she'll be asking for her 2 front teeth. As you can see, she lost her first tooth recently.

She was really excited to loose her first tooth. Happened just after Thanksgiving while we were still out visiting family in Myton. I had forgotten how small those teeth can be. The tooth fairy came and left her $1.00! Seems the tough economy doesn't affect the tooth fairy at all!

Caleb had a ball at grandmas. I think all the kids spent the entire weekend watching and rewatching Up! Caleb also loved to play with cousins and be just generally happy! A good age (sometimes)

Except at night lately. Jeffrey has been the good older brother and try to deal with Caleb when he doesn't want to go to bed yet. This is a scene that has been a little more common in our house at night. Jeffrey reading a book to Caleb in his crib before bedtime. He even lays down with him sometimes in the crib to get him to go to sleep. Some things only big brothers can do!

Do I have a big butt?

So Scott had a service project on Saturday morning. His scout's were to meet at a park and clean it. He decided to buy donuts since it was cold and early in the morning. Unfortunately, only Jeffrey and one other boy showed up. He ended up bringing about 8 donuts home. I haven't had a donut in about 2 years, and it started calling to me. So I had one when Hailey and Caleb had one. Now Hailey is worried that she is going to be FAT from eating one donut. She also told me that I was going to be fat from eating one donut. I tried to explain that eating one every once in a while wouldn't hurt, but she is still concerned.

She has told both Scott and I that we have big buts. Where is my 5 year old getting this obsession about being skinny. Maybe I need to stop watching Biggest Loser. Who knows what goes on in a 5 year old's mind.

Its The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

Ouch! My back is still in pain! At least when Charlie Brown and Linus went out to the pumpkin patch they didn't have to haul the thing around! Sometimes sitting around and waiting but never actually getting what you wish for has its benefits. Be grateful Linus!
I'll have to admit it was quite an eye opening (and back breaking) experience being exposed to the world of giant pumpkins and giant pumpkin growers. I'll have to remember to keep a pallet around and make friends with someone with a forklift if I attempt this again. But we still have kids stopping by our house asking if the pumpkin is real and where we got it. As you can see from the pictures, the largest one weighed in officially at 392.5 lbs. The one Jason adopted was also quite large and unique in shape and weighed 257.5 lbs.


The kids have really taken to the pumpkin as if it were another sibling. Its certainly a bit quieter than the other 3 kids. Just not quite as cute or as active. But quite a bit heavier! I think it might weigh more than the whole family combined!

Do you think we ought to use this as our family Christmas card this year? Maybe we should have made a giant santa hat for the pumpkin. If only I would have thought about it sooner. I guess its not too late.

One of the many times we had to transport the pumpkin. We were grateful to have helpful strong neighbors and several brothers on hand to help. This contraption was put together by my dad to get the pumpkin to the Thanksgiving Point weighoff. It consisted of 2 long poles with some netting and a blanket on top of it to make a stretcher of sorts to load it onto the truck. We all felt like we were pallbearers at some large persons funeral!

After we finally got it to Thanksgiving Point, there was plenty of time for pictures with the family and checking out all the other pumpkins that were there. Apparently, we Wardles aren't the only weird, redneck-like family around. There were plenty others there that helped us fit in. It was quite fun and exciting for the kids.

So part of the excitement comes when the officials come around to each pumpkin and take measurements to estimate the weight based on the formula that they came up with. Apparently, if you add the circumference, the over the top (in the center) length from ground to ground, and the over the top (end to end) length added together, it can help estimate the weight. Our largest was estimated at about 325 pounds based on those measurements. The final circumference was about 113 inches.

Ahh, the 2 siblings with the 2 siblings. Its hard to believe these 2 pumpkins came from the same seed. Jason's pumpkin ended up being 257 pounds. Much more than we had estimated. These two must be extra thick inside (no jokes needed). There were probably about 40 or so pumpkins there at the weighoff, and our largest came in 20th place overall. The largest this year was only 919 pounds. They said it was a down year because of the wet June we had and several growers lost their plants to disease. We couldn't tell. Looked like a pretty good year to us!
The next week after the Thanksgiving point weighoff, we got to move the pumpkin to the Herriman pumpkin festival! We have been going to this festival for several years. This year our two pumpkins got to be displayed on either corner of the stage. They were the focal points of the pumpkin festival for sure! They even arranged to have a "guess the weight" competition with the winner getting a toy tractor. We all wanted to guess just to get the great prize! Several of our friends and neighbors were disqualified because of insider info. The 2 people that were closest each guessed 387 pounds, so we had a guess-off to determine the winner. They had to guess the weight of Jasons pumpkin. The guy that guessed closest was only 1 pound off on that one, guessing 256 pounds.

There were lots of things for the kids to play on while we were there. Caleb loved jumping around in this thing. I'm surprised he let us keep his hood on, he usually hats to have anything on his head. What a cute little Pooh bear!

Jeffrey was so busy playing on all the stuff they had that he was rarely seen, except by his cousin Jesse that followed him around everywhere.

Hailey was our little butterfly. I guess its appropriate that she choose to be a butterfly this year, because she is such the social butterfly. She loved bouncing around playing everywhere.

So now we have to ask the question about next year. Will there be another great pumpkin? Will we have the patience, real estate, desire to try to grow another one? I'm sure Jason will talk us into doing it again. I heard the lady that grew the 1725 pound pumpkin this year is giving away seeds. Have to check into that one.

Our California Vacation

So we decided to take our little family on a vacation to Southern California this year while there were out of school. It actually worked out pretty nice since we switched to the charter school - they were off all that week anyway. We were planning on driving out on that Friday afternoon but Jeffrey decided to get sick again, so we waited until he was starting to feel better and his numbers were coming down and his food was staying down also.
The drive was definitely the most relaxing part of the vacation. Seriously, why would you ever want to fly to Southern California when you can drive there and see things like aliens along the way? Apart from our little 3 aliens, we met this fine family of them in Death Valley. Hailey and Jeffrey thought there were cool, but Caleb was very afraid. This picture with Hailey is at that surprisingly big Alien Jerky store in Baker. Fortunately, I think its really beef jerky not alien jerky, and it was very tasty! It was 103 degrees while we were there. What I wouldn't give for a few moments at 103 degrees now!
The ride was long but interesting, and took about 11-12 hours altogether. When we got there late Saturday night in San Diego, they didn't have our reservation at the hotel. Thanks a lot Getawaytoday! Fortunately the hotel was able to find us a room that night (not as nice) and get us into the Kids Suite room we requested the next night.


We have never been to Seaworld before, so this was a fun experience for us. The lines weren't that bad on Sunday and Monday especially, and they had more fun rides and things to see than we had anticipated. This "Journey to Atlantis" ride had to be the highlight as far as rides were concerned for Jeffrey and I (Scott). This picture was the one time I actually got Tammy to ride. Hailey had her height measured more this week than I think she ever has had her entire life. And in case you were wondering, she is exactly 42 inches! The staff at SeaWorld (and Disneyland) are sticklers when it comes to making sure your kids are tall enough for the rides. The 2nd time Hailey rode this, the ride operator measured her, wasn't too sure of himself, called over another guy to check; still wasn't quite sure; then called over the supervisor lady. She checked and double checked for a few minutes (after we had been waiting in line for a while) until they finally decided she was o.k. to go. Gotta make sure she is safe, right? Its all about the insurance liability, I know.


So why is it that getting wet from a ride is all fun and good, but having a huge killer whale get you wet is not fun? Jeffrey had to get far up in the stands to avoid the water. I don't know, something about it being salty? We got some good pictures and were amazed at the things "Shamu" had been trained to do. We all had fun, and Caleb didn't complain about being drenched at the show, even though he had been sleeping when he first got drenched. Amazing things to see.

This was just a great picture in front of one of the many aquariums they have at SeaWorld. Love the reflection in the glass.

Look how wet we were! If you stand here for more than a minute, you get drenched by the people coming down the ride into the pool of water below. Don't we look cold?

Ahh Tinkerbell! After we left San Diego on Tuesday, we headed over to Disneyland and Hailey had to see all the princesses and especially Tinkerbell. Standing in line to get pictures with and autographs from the princesses was by far the longest lines we had to wait in while we were there. They need fast passes for the princesses.

At California Adventures, we got to see all the cousins and (well at least Kristins family, Randys family and Jasons family) - and we also got to see all the characters from Disney's Pixar movies - including To-Mater!

Thursday was our beach day with everyone. The sand seemed to go on forever, and Caleb loved playing in it every minute. Good thing we bought some sand toys, or else it would have been all over everywhere.

Jeffrey loved being out in the water most of the time conquering the waves. Made me a little nervous when he would get out too far, but from this distance to shore was fine with me. There were some good surfers and some good surf there at the time, as evidence by the guy off in the distance catching a good wave.

Randy and Jason were able to get Kristin out on the body board for a while. I kept closer to shore making sure the kids didn't run off too far or out too deep in the water. I think I've become too much of a worry-wort like dad in my old age.

Hailey is always up for a good time in her swimsuit. She loved the sand like Caleb and loved the water also. They spent a lot of time playing and making things in the sand.

Hailey's little mouse ears princess hat was a favorite for more than just Hailey. Caleb just had to get his picture taken with her hat. Cheese!

Good thing he is only 2 or I would have some concerns.

We were all worn out after all the hours of fun every day at Disneyland. Too bad we didn't all have a stroller to cruise around in like Caleb had. Someone needs to push me around in one. Fun vacation all in all, but once we got home it was nice to be home. I need a vacation from the vacation!

Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Husband!!!

Today is Scott's birthday. For the next few days, he and his brother, Ryan, are the same age. I don't know how Darla did it all with two babies under the age of 2. He is the most wonderful husband and father. So since today is his birthday, I thought I would write about him. He still loves statistics. If you want to be in on the football guessing, give him a call. I don't really know many people who know what they want to get their degree in as a teenager. He also loves sports, to play or watch. He tries to ride his bike into work at least once a week and this has allowed him to keep his lifetime weight at weight watchers for almost 3 years!

He is also dang cute and I find him very sexy! He is a wonderful provider for us and is willing to help out around the house. If you try a new dish at our house, it was more than likely made by Scott. I will gladly admit that he is a way better cook than me. Fortunately, he will never complain even if he didn't like what was made. He will just eat it any way.

I love him more and more every day and just want him to know that he is a fantastic person. So happy birthday Scott!

Jeffrey - Foothills Elementary School Mascot?

What a week it has been! The latest series of events that have changed life as we know it in our little family started on Thursday, August 21st. Jeffrey was out sick that day. Again. And in case you are wondering, no, he doesn't fake illnesses to get out of school. When he's really sick, it is fairly obvious. He hates to miss school.
Jeffrey and Hailey had already been back to school for a few weeks and getting comfortable with their new teachers and friends. Hailey just started Kindergarten, and just loves her teacher, Mrs. Tipton. Jeffrey was getting comfortable inside his portable classroom with Ms. Klinger (aka Ms."H")
We got an email from Providence Hall. A spot had just opened up in the 6th grade for Jeffrey. We had 24 hours to decide whether we wanted the spot. School would start up on Monday.
Providence Hall is a local charter school that opened up last year within walking distance in our neighborhood. We had already done our research on the school and its teaching ideas and had decided months ago that it would be in ours (and our kids') best interests to throw their names in the hat for their enrollment 'lottery' they had back around February. Alas, they were not chosen. Oh well, Foothills is still a great local public school that has served Jeffrey well for the most part in the 6 years he had been going there. Some great teachers, a couple of so-so ones, but all and all, we weren't disappointed at no being chosen, and knew there were a lot of families that signed their kids up and didn't get picked at Providence Hall. The only real concerns we have at Foothills has much more to do with the number of kids attending there, the unknowns with the school district budget crisis, and the fact that when Jeffrey moves on to middle school, that Hailey would still be on a year round schedule while Jeffrey would (likely) be on a traditional schedule. Not something we really wanted for our family, but we could deal with it.
So back to the email. What would we do with Jeffrey. Do we pull him out and try out something so alien to all of us? Would he fit in? Would he like it there? Would he get the same great support that we have really enjoyed for him at Foothills? All things to consider. We had to weigh our options. Fast.
As expected, Jeffrey wasn't too happy about the whole idea of changing schools. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I would be concerned if he were eager to jump ship so quickly. I'm happy that he likes where he is at. I've known too many that are never happy with where they are, and they are just never happy.
As Jeffrey was still sick and adamantly opposed about going to a new school, we called his uncle Jason over for a blessing. I think after Jason came over and helped with the blessing and we talked a little about the school decision we had to make, it set Jeffrey's mind at ease about whatever decision we would ultimately make about the school.
The next morning I took him up for a 'drive' and went up the new school for a tour. After the tour, he was excited about the opportunity to attend a new school. Even though he would really miss Foothills, as would we, he was willing to make that change and try something new.
We decided to go ahead and enroll him at Providence Hall.
It was time for some paperwork and finding some school uniform clothes for him to wear. White, red, light blue or navy blue, button collared shirts are required. Slacks in tan, blue or black colors are also required. Not always the easiest to find after everyone else got to those things long before we had a chance. But we managed.
By Monday morning Jeffrey was feeling fine and excited to go to school. We had met the teacher, Ms. Schnell on Friday afternoon. Tried to explain all his diabetes care needs to her and her in-classroom aide. I know she was a little fuzzy and unsure about it, but would be able to manage.
On Monday morning we left early for Foothills to turn in his books and get everything squared away with his withdrawal from the school. We ran into Ms. H in the hallway after dropping off a book to the library. She was a little saddened by his leaving, but understood the situation we were in. We got all his stuff from the classroom and went to the office.
We also had to inform the lunchroom and get his extra lunch money situation worked out, and Jeffrey just had to try to say good-bye to the head lunch-lady, who apparently knows him very well and checks in on him frequently. She wasn't there yet, but the other lunch-ladies would be sure to let her know that Jeffrey wanted to wish her goodbye. Very touching.
He also just had to let the Kindergarten teacher know he was leaving because he is assigned to a kindergarten kid in her class as a mentor. "Tell Caleb good-bye for me, would you?" "I hope he can get someone else to teach him his letters and stuff!" Again, a very touching moment.
The principal was also sad to see him leave also. A very nice lady that also knows him well. There were others in the hallway he had to give a shout out to also. But the biggest deal that he (and we) were really going to miss are his aides, Janet and Heather. We had worked hard, petitioning the schoolboard to let Foothills have an aide to help all the diabetics at the school. And now to be leaving, some sadness, uneasiness and guilt have set in.
His aides have been terrific. Heather, I had learned that morning, had given Jeffrey a really nice sweatshirt with hoodie to wear in his classroom because he mentioned he was cold sitting by the air conditioning vent. She had also given him for his birthday last year an Atlanta Falcons jersey and another shirt. Those aides have been so helpful with Jeffrey, making sure the last several years that he checks and records his bloodsugars, boluses the correct amounts for lunch and eats what he is has bolused for, and have just been there for him. Thats the hardest thing about leaving Foothills.
We also learned later that Heather took the job because of Jeffrey. She was comfortable with where she was at before taking the job, but after shadowing the other lady before her, and spending some time with Jeffrey, she said she just fell in love with him. She was afraid that we'd think she was stalking him or something, but she was sad to see him go. Another touching moment showing just how special our little Jeffrey is to so many people. Of course we already know just how special he is, but its just nice to see that others are really touched by his personality as well.
It seems everyone knows Jeffrey. I don't know how many times I've gone to the store or something and someone says "Hi, Jeffrey!" I ask him who that was, and he doesn't know, but thinks he goes to his school. I swear Jeffrey must be the Foothills School Mascot. Everyone knows him. What have we done?
The first few days of school have went on without much fanfare. He seems to like it there and knows several people at the school. Probably half of our neighborhood goes up there to school. Or so it seems.
We got the email from the school about a spot in Kindergarten opening up for Hailey on Wednesday.
Here we go again. The decision was not as easy as it might seem. Her Foothills teacher, Mrs. Tipton, is just great. Very organized and friendly. The new teacher at Providence Hall has recently rejoined the teaching ranks after several years off raising kids. A little unknown. School would start for her on Friday (yes, Friday). We had to scramble to get her a few outfits that would work on Thursday night.
I guess we will see how it all works out. I know its a long-term decision, and is only a 1-year proposition for Jeffrey as Providence Hall is an elementary school. He will be going to middle school next year. Unless we decide to enroll him in a different charter school next year.
Now, I'm just exhausted! Especially after coming back from a quickly thrown together scout camp on Saturday. But thats a different story for a different day.

Happy Birthday Caleb!!

Caleb, I can't believe how fast you are growing up!
The homemade ice cream was sure tasty at your birthday party, wasn't it?
We are so proud to be your parents. You have a big smile and a great laugh. You have brought a lot of joy to our lives in the 2 years that you have been with our family.
But being 2 years old carries a lot of new responsibilities. You have learned quite a bit in the first couple of years of your life. No longer are you depending on mom and dad to do everything for you, like we did when you were a baby. You have learned how to use a spoon when eating your ice cream and cold cereal at breakfast. Not that cold cereal is your favorite breakfast food, is it? Nope, you seem to really like cold pizza for breakfast. You are very independent and playful and know to get your way while you get your brother and sister in trouble. You have been very attentive watching Jeffrey do his Tae kwon do, so you know how to punch and kick. We have all been on the receiving end of some of those blows. The hulk boxing gloves that your Aunt Kristin gave you for your birthday will be used quite a bit I'm sure. You are learning how to communicate your needs and wants; usually by going to the fridge or freezer to get a popsicle or some milk. You are learning to follow instructions - throwing away a dirty diaper or a wrapper from something that you have been eating. You look so big when you are sitting down with your big brother and sister.



You love to play outside. The trampoline gets used all the time by you and your siblings. It doesn't matter that you haven't learned to jump high yet, you just like to roll around, tackle and be tackled. And throwing balls around are some of your favorite activities.
Unfortunately, sacrament meeting is not one of your favorite activities. But I can't blame you, if it were socially acceptable, I would probably scream at the top of my lungs like you do and get out of sitting there for that long. Its tough!

We went to the doctor today and you now weigh 23.9 lbs. Wow! You actually are on the chart at the fifth percential! You also are about 33.3 inches long. You somehow have remained in the 25th percential, a personal best for our family.

You love going for rides or anywhere outside for that matter. The park is like a magnet for you. You also enjoy looking at books. Pointing at the different pictures and having us tell you what they are. I'm glad that you are gaining your independence, but at the same time, it makes me sad that our baby is growing up.

You are also very curious about everything. You try and figure out how everything works. This often can frustrate your parents, as they have to fish things out of places.

Thank you for joining our family and making it full of adventure! We love you!

Cache County Fair

Well, we are back from that Cache County Fair! What an experience! Jeffrey really did a great job with that lamb considering the lack of time he got to spend training with the animal. I believe he called this one "brown ears", only I don't see the resemblance. Oh well, at least he didn't name a pet rabbit "Flowerknot" when he was 2 or 3.
Every day at the fair he would have to walk the lamb over to the washing area and give the thing a good cleaning. He did a pretty good job, I must say, a few errant sprays with the hose, and a little leftover soap residue, but not bad. Now if we can just convince him that he also needs to shower every day also. Them's the battles though with a 6th grader, right?


The proud owner. He really loves this lamb. What a great arrangement we have going with this whole extravaganza. Get a lamb for free from Grandpa Richens. He has more than enough to give one to grandkids that want to take care of them, show them and sell them at the fair. Can't complain ... well except for the poop cleaning up part, the tears after the lamb is sold and won't be seen again, and the catching up with missed homework from missing school and work. But you're not supposed to be in school anyway in early August are you?

Hailey and Caleb also thought the lamb should belong to them also. They got pretty attached to it and wanted to walk it around everywhere. It's sometimes just like that toy in nursery that all the kids want to play with. The lamb also seeemed to stay much cleaner than the kids did. Especially on Saturday when there was plenty of rain in the morning and plenty of muddy puddles in the afternoon. But then it wasn't extremely hot during the fair, so that part was nice. Hot and smelly isn't really enjoyable.
Its a good thing Tammy's sister, Pauline still lives close by to the fairgrounds (at least for the next few days) . Stopping there for some much needed rest was sure nice.

There was also enough time away from the lambs to see and do a few other things while we were there. Hailey got around and saw plenty. This guy had a couple of litters of these really cute looking chocolate labrador puppies. He only had 4 left, and since he was selling them for $500 a piece, there was no real discussion about getting one. Sometimes a hefty price is a good thing.


On Saturday, the auction was held. It was always a challenge to keep Caleb occupied and out of trouble. Here he is scoping out the cows during the auction. This big cow got a little friendly with him and scared us both a little. Did you realize that a cows tongue can stick out and lick your face from like a foot away? I didn't.



Hailey just had to ride on this little pony while we were there. For only 3 bucks, I couldn't tell her no. She just looks so natural and comfortable on the thing. She looks the part. If only she had some little cowboy boots to go with it. She had a lot of fun, I'm sure telling the girl that was walking her around on the pony about her and Jeffrey's lamb named "brown ears". And I'm sure she must have mentioned her new Kindergarten Teacher, Ms. Tipton.





There was also a climbing wall. Jeffrey just had to try it out every day we were there. The first side of the wall was a little difficult for him, but once he got onto the other side with more things to grab onto, he was much more comfortable and able to get to the top with relative ease. Way to go Jeffrey, didn't even seem very nervous. He made good friends with the gals running the climbing wall after being there each day.


I had to get in on the action too. He wouldn't let me just sit there and watch him unfortunately. I'll have to admit, I was probably a little more afraid than he was. "Would this belay rope spring thingy really hold me from quickly falling?" "How is it calibrated to account for the differing weights of the people climbing the wall?" "If I were 300 pounds would I come crashing down?" "If I were 300 pounds, would I even be able to take the first step up this wall?" Good thing I didn't have to find out about those last 2 questions.


Hailey also got into the action on the climbing wall. She wasn't going to just sit back and let Jeffrey have all the fun! I didn't think she would even want to try, but she did. You can see she made it up a little ways before she started trembling and wanted down. But each time she got down, she wanted another shot at it. Good thing the lines weren't very long and the girls running the wall weren't stingy about letting people have multiple chances for their $3 a climb admission.



We didn't even attempt to go on any carnival rides, the kids just wanted to do the climbing wall. All in all, it was a good weekend, and Jeffrey was able to get $225 dollars for his lamb when all was said and done. Not too bad for all the work he didn't have to put into it.

Grandparents are the best!

I think it is very important to have the younger generation (our kids) to get to know the older generation (our parents and grandparents). The stories we all heard as kids seem to be new again and very interesting, especially to our kids. Sometimes, the stories they tell have gotten a little fuzzy over the years --and there have sometimes been funny twists on events that did (or didn't) happen many years ago.
I know it can be a little sad to see their memories go, but sometimes it can be a blessing.
My Grandpa Wardle (Harold) is pictured above with the kids. His wife of 60 years or so passed away a few months ago. It was sad for him -- he always asks about where his wife, Louise, is and has to be reminded every 5 minutes or so that "Louise now lives with her parents again -- she passed away a couple months ago". Sometimes he thinks she is just in the other room, or back at home. He keeps wanting to go home but can't live by himself anymore. He has lived a happy, if not somewhat confused life lately, with his wife, in a little mother-in-law style apartment in Bluffdale for the last 15-20 years. But since her death, it just hasn't been possible to continue living there. It's been nice -- I'm sure for the whole extended family to enjoy the pleasure of his company. He has been playing musical chairs, going from family to family, every couple of days. Our kids have gotten to know him better than they have in the past, as we see him now almost every Sunday when we go to visit my parents at their house. The kids love to see him, and he still loves to tease, as he always used to tease us. Sometimes we are not sure if he is teasing or just not hearing well or has a memory lapse. We repeat the names of the kids over and over and he still doesn't get it right. But he loves to watch them play.
Caleb always comes up to him and give him love 'taps' (or punches), just as he does for everyone he knows. Hailey gets frustrated sometimes when she keeps having to repeat her name, but she always gives him big hugs. Jeffrey is always trying to help him out, helping him walk around, helping him out of the car, and just talking to him. He is so patient and loving towards him. My mom, for better or worse is now being confused for his wife, Louise, and I don't think she finds it particularly humorous when he wants kisses from her. Funny, but a little sad - if he is not just teasing her also (probably not).



This is a picture of our family with Tammy's grandma Richens. Her name is Celia. She was born in Beaver Utah and moved to the Uintah Basin after a few years when her dad got a job working as a teacher in Altamont. She married Aften Richens and they raised their 5 children outside of Myton Utah on a farm. Living through the Great Depression, even as a kid, taught them both to be very thrifty, grandma has a hard time spending money on things even if she needs to replace them. Aften died about 5 years ago and until a couple of month's ago, she has continued to live on her own in her house. She just celebrated her 93rd birthday. As you can see in the picture, she has been sick lately and I wonder if she even weighs 85 lbs now. It has been very hard on her to not be in her house and also not attend church every Sunday. The things that I remember most about my grandma, are that she had the best flower gardens. She loved to be out tooling in the dirt all day with them. I also remember that she would go sleigh riding down her hill with us. It was always a lot of fun!



My Grandpa Darwin Olson is also widowed. He has always been inspirational to me. Always a story and and anecdote to share with the grandkids. A war story was common, and in later years there were plenty of stories from his mission to South Africa with his late wife, Margie. I always found those stories fascinating, and his views on life, and how to lead it very sound.
He decided it was finally time to move out of his home where he had lived with his wife and kids for many, many years. Its really kinda sad to see that place go. He had been living on his own there for the last few years since her death.
A lot of memories were had there when we went up to Roy to visit them on a frequent basis. The place he is living in now though, near the Davis County Hospital is very nice. He just seems to fit in very well and brighten the place up. He took us on a tour of the place, and a 'tour' of his little apartment there. It was decorated very well by his sons and daughters to make it feel really like home. Jeffrey was fascinated by all the decorations he had in his display cabinet and all the stuff hanging on the wall. He even gave Jeffrey and Hailey a shiney green volcano rock to take home. They both love the rocks, and I'm sure they will remember him by those rocks.
My Grandpa still has the old cookie jar there on the counter in the apartment with the seemingly endless supply of those yellow creme sandwich cookies for all visitors to enjoy. I never recall a time when I've been at their house and there wasn't a cookie always there for the taking. Gotta love those cookies. The only thing that would make those treats any better is the homemade ice cream that he would always make for us when we came over. I think he must have coined the phrase "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM." He really new how to make memories vivid for his grandkids and I am very grateful that he recorded so many memories with film and written histories. It's a great example for me as live just seems to fly by much too fast!

Grandparents are always the best!

How does your garden grow?

Updates
Time for a new update. As fall begins to roll in, I wonder how I am going to roll this thing out. Here are the latest pics from 9/20. We figure this big thing is approaching 300 pounds at this point.

Dang this is getting big! Yes, this is a regular size basketball in case you were wondering.
Can someone help me lift this thing out when its time? It's probably about 76 inches around and probably weighs about 125 pounds or so right now. But look out, its brother is catching up quick!

This is the 'little' brother. It is only a few inches smaller in circumference, and probably weighs about 15 pounds or so less (my guess).

And the smallest one of the family that I haven't aborted. Its about basketball size.




Alright, you asked for it here it is from August 13th!
It is now about 58 inches around. I wonder what it weighs about now.
It's the great pumpkin Charlie Brown!


And here is the next largest one on the same day




On August 2nd, it definitely surpassed the size of the basketball. This thing is growing pretty quickly, I'd better get something underneath this thing and figure out moving the cinderblock before it hits into it.


This is what it looked
like on July 31. It was
fast approaching the
size of the basketball
On July 25th, this is what it looked like. To give perspective, it was just larger than a softball.





















I love this picture, taken at ground level right into the main vine of the plant. Unfortunately, since the wind has blown off the gate on the fence on the south side of the yard, the leaves and vines on the plant have taken a bit of a hit. They are mangled a bit and are not as healthy as they were on this date.

Original Post
Real estate might not be the hot
commodity right now as it was a few years ago, but when it comes to gardening space, it hasn't been any hotter. If you've been approached by Jason with a pumpkin seed in the last couple of years, you'll know what I'm talking about.
It ceases to amaze me at how big a small seed can become. I figured this one plant has been growing anywhere between 3-6 inches a day in each direction and is currently about 24 feet long
and about 18 feet wide.

We'll see just how big those pumpkins become. Right now the biggest is just over softball size. The seed came from a pumpkin that weighed in at about 1,000 pounds.
I feel just awful about what happened to the sunflower (Jeffrey's sunflower). We planted it from last years plant we grew. This plant was in a race with the corn on how high it could grow. It was


just shorter than the tallest corn until it reached about 5 feet tall. Then it took off. Fast. It was growing about 3 inches a day until it reached about 9 feet tall. Sorry no pictures of that. It was starting to lean as the flower started to form and weigh it down. So I lightly tied it back the other direction a bit, and that night a big storm came and blew it over in that direction. Dang it! Snapped it off near the bottom of the stalk.
The broccoli has been delicious and the corn should be ready soon. The tomatoes look like they've turned the corner after a bad June and they might actually form and ripen before the cold sets in.
In other news, Jeffrey's diabetes camp was a success. I guess. He didn't want to come home. Too bad. But I guess if he finds its too sad to come home, we just told him we can't send him next time.
School is back in session and Jeffrey is in 6th grade now. Wow! Hailey will be going to "Jeffreys School" She is excited to be walking home with Jeffrey when she starts afternoon kindergarten next week.
Next up, the Cache County Fair. Jeffrey is showing another lamb this year. Lets see if he can control it a little better this year. Don't ask him if he likes lamb chops.