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Hole-in-the-Rock girls adventure!

2011-06-05T17:06:00.001-07:00

After our book club finished reading the book "The Undaunted" by Gerald Lund, I told the group that if anyone wanted to make a trip to Utah to see it I would be happy to take them! Well when spring break approached I threw it out there and had some takers! So we began planning our adventure! Me, Gaea Vaughan, Judi Poll, Debra Harris and Cindy Griffiths were game and set to go! Stacy also met us there in Escalante and I was just so super glad she came! We left on a Wednesday about 2 on the afternoon and stayed in St. George at Judi's World Mark Condo--really nice!

Got up early the next morning to head over to Escalante!

We made a quick stop at Mossy Cave and it was so beautiful, the red rocks were shining in the sun and there was still snow in the cave! It was a gorgeous morning and it was a great little hike.

We got into town about noon, and were ready and raring to go for more adventures! We first went over to the Heritage Center where Dad gave us a great tour and everyone just loved seeing how wonderful the center had turned out. So much information and everyone soaked it up.

We drove around to some local sites, Calf Creek, Boulder, Hogsback, and the Pertrified forest, where if we had only hiked a teeny bit more we would have actually seen some things!! It was still beautiful! We also stopped at Slot Canyon Inn and she took us on a little tour of her bed and breakfast and we also got to see the Indian Petroglyphs on the rocks there. We finished the day at Cowboy Blues for a great dinner! We spent the evening relaxing and enjoying having such a nice "resort" to stay in!

The next morning was our big trek to the Hole and we left about 8 in the morning, with sandwiches packed and cameras charged! The drive was about 2 hours on a pretty bumpy and precarious road but good old Dad got us there lickety split and my car actually survived the road! Although we were doubtful at times!! Dad is quite a driver! We enjoyed visiting the whole way out and having such a great tour guide was an added bonus! We stopped at Devils Garden first and had a little time to hike around at enjoy the intersting formations, and also use the last bathroom for several hours!

Next stop was Dance Hall Rock....really amazing place! Its where the pioneers gathered to dance and sing and enjoy one another's company, a fun happy place for all. The rock was massive! It was here that we met up with several county commissioners who were also making the trek that day and Judi Poll overheard one of them saying--"You should really talk to Jerry Roundy, he is the true expert on this whole area" She couldn't help but speak up and say "Excuse me, but he is right over there...!" That was so fun, and Dad was sooo glad to be able to talk to them and explain how important it was to have the road graded and kept open and driveable for people to go visit the Hole, and it was really meant to be for us to be on the trail that particular day and to meet up with all of them.

Now off to the Hole, we kept driving and driving thinking we may never make it but sure enough off in the distance, I said--"is that is??" And sure enough we had made it and to top it all off we had the Mormon Tab playing in the car and the song happened to be Faith in Every Footstep! It ended just as our car pulled up to the rock! It was breathtaking to see the blue waters of Lake Powell against the deep red rocks and the sun was shining and the day was perfect in every way. I can't post all the pics that I would like but these few will have to do.
You can see the crevice to the right of the trail marker as we approach.

While we were there Dad told us the story of the last wagon down the hole, and it was actually pretty emotional, a very cool story and great way to end the experience.

We all came back in awe of what was accomplished on this trek and had so much fun being together and enjoying the experience with each other. We spent the evening relaxing at the campfire and rode around the property on the four wheelers, where I was so glad that Stacy was around to do the driving! There were a bunch of deer on the property, that made Gaea excited! In fact, everything made Gaea excited! It was just so great on every level, everyone had a spectacular time and we all want to do it again!! SOON!

Sledding on Christmas Eve 2010

2011-01-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

Don't have to drive far in Ephraim to find a nice hill to slide down! We had a great time going down backwards, sideways, upsidedown, pyramid style, chained together...you name it!

Christmas 2010-worl'ds longest post.....

2011-01-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

This year Stacy really wanted us to come and spend Christmas at her new house, so how can you turn down an invitation like that? We had such a great time and are so glad we did. We left California at about 5:00 on Thursday after Gordon got home and we were going to stop halfway but decided to just keep on going, we got to Stacy's at about 4:30 in the morning, sneaked in the house and slept for a while. The next morning once we got going we made preparations for a big Christmas Eve dinner with the Casperson family. The guys did some snowmobiling during the afternoon, and Stacy and I ran to Wal-Mart one last time...........Then dinner! Delicious! Prime Rib, Turkey, stuffing, the works! They had it over at the church so that there was plenty of room for all the grandkids. They had a pinata for the kids and even Santa came to give everyone new PJ's--even Kyle got some! He was thrilled! haha

Later that evening, Blake, Melissa, and Dallin made it down and it was so nice to have everyone together. We were missing Bryce, as he had to unfortunately stay home and work and house sit for his boss. We missed him terribly, he spent Christmas day riding out in the desert with some friends. He opened his gifts before we left but saved his stocking for Chrismas morning.
Christmas morning was just great! All there together, that was the best present of all! We took turns opening gifts and watching everyone's excitment. We sent each other on treasure hunts too! And this year the kids sent Gordon and I on one!! It was awesome! In the end they gave us a most thoughtful gift and we were just both crying and couldnt even read the card that they made for us! They saved up their money and pooled it together to send us on a VACATION!! Something we have really never done! I dont even know how to process it! We have been on tour with Dad, and we went to Korea to get Blake, but never on a real vacay! How will we act? Where will we go? What will we do when we get there? Those are all questions that will be answered when we actually go..........! Still can't process it.....but are waaay excited for the adventure!

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Christmas morning there was a beautiful snowfall and Babe and I went for a little walk and took some awesome pictures! Babe actually really liked going out in the snow! She did NOT like when we left her at Stacy's for a few days while we went up north, I guess she was howling everytime Stacy left her in the house alone! It got to where she couldn't even leave her!

Grand Prize winning photo!!

What can I say...it was a "picture perfect" Christmas morning!

And.... Stacy's tree was so beautiful!!!
We then went up north to see Blake and Melisss's apt. They called the day after Christmas to give us the bad news that they had been robbed while they were asleep inside their apt. It was very upsetting to everyone, they took their TV, xbox, games, wallet, car keys, and.....car. Merry Christmas......To make a long story short, their car was recoverd about 10 days later and they got ins money for the stolen items, so all is ok in the end but very upsetting and frustrating.
We spent the night with them and Melissa made us this awesome breakfast!! My goodness! Fritatta's and blueberry something rather delight, yum yum! We got so visit Blake in his new place of work! You are the MAN Blake! sweet office!

We then went up to Melanie's to visit and we had planned on going on up to Logan, but a snowstorm kept us from doing that so we held up and had a couple of relaxing days at Melanies. Seth brought Dallin and Kyle back from Logan then next day as he was up there and that worked out well. Then our trip was about over, so we headed back to Stacy's to save her from Babe, and back on to sunny Cali, with an extra passanger, Dallin who came home for a short visit!
Other highlights: Snow! Lights at Temple Square! sleeping on Stacy's couch....!
Losing at Wii bowling! Winger's! Snowmobiling! Shopping with Stacy! Cafe Rio! Seeing Morgan's kids at Burger King! Fabric store with Melanie! Wood store! Seeing Erica!
A big highlight for me was seeing the lights at Temple Square. The Salt Lake Temple is really my favorite temple, even over my own here in SD! So much was sacrificed to build the Salt Lake Temple, it is just so inspiring to see it! Ok I LOVE the Nauvoo Temple to--so really its a toss up, but at Christmastime...SL wins...

New Job

2011-01-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

I guess I should have posted this before Thanksgiving since it happened before then but oh well....I started a new job this fall when school began as the breakfast manager at Carrillo Elementary School in Carlsbad. My day starts super early, I leave the house at 6:30 and start work a little before 7. I serve about 120 kids each morning and then I begin lunch preparation for about 400. Its a great job in that it goes by super fast and my work day is done at 11am unless I work a double shift. Its great having the school holidays off and also summer. Its a really busy and fast paced job, you are always racing the clock and trying to stay one step ahead. One mistake and the day could end up a little disasterous but so far so good, I think!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-01-16T15:33:00.000-08:00

Its been forever since I made a post so today is the day to catch up a little bit. We had a great Thanksgiving break! Sharon and Scott got a week in their timeshare in Carlsbad, so we spent the week back and forth between the two places. I picked up Alyssa from the airport and she spent the night until her family arrived the next day. We had a great time catching up and watching chick flicks! The week was spent doing crafts--a lot of boards with stickers, chilling on the beach, shopping at the outlet mall, Canterbury Gardens, and BLACK FRIDAY shopping! We managed to score some great items and had a good time doing it too! We have gone for a couple years now, seems like its a tradition now! Their kids are sure growing up and we had a good time together. Here's a couple pics from dinner. We were missing Kyle though, he went on a little road trip up to San Fransisco with James, Brian, and Grant, they had a great time on their adventure and he got pizza for thanksgiving in San Fransisco!

Utah 1

2010-08-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

This trip up to Utah was really a quick one! My Dad bought Gordon and I tickets to fly up because he wanted all of his kids to be there as he was awarded the Alumni in Excellence Award from BYU-I. It was a great event and so glad we were able to attend. They had a wonderful breakfast and ceremony. They did a video presentation on his life and it was just a great day. He was able to see many former colleagues and friends and we kids also enjoyed seeing familier faces that I really had forgotten all about! Many names I had forgotten bit I did recognize many and with the help of my siblings, figured out who they all were! We then went over to the new temple and all did a session together. That was the real highlite for Dad, having all his kids and their spouses in the temple together, it really was great. We got a little tour around the new temple to from and old neighbor who now works there, Steve Meyers. Dad still had people stopping him in the temple saying hello, he just can't go anywhere without being recognized. Rexburg has sure changed and its growing into a really beautiful city with fun memories--well the few that I do remember are good ones.....

AND if just happened to be Jake's wedding the day before the award ceremony! That made the weekend even better, being able to go to the wedding and enjoy that special occasion. It was a fun day, they had a great sealing and beautiful reception that evening.

Utah 2

2010-08-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

My friend Julie, called to tell me she was going up through Manti and asked if I wanted to tag along. Of course I started packing before we even hung up the phone! It was a great trip, relaxing and it was the same week Kyle has scout camp so it worked out perfectly. Spent most of the time in Manti but we did take a little road trip for a couple days up to see Dallin and the rest of the fam.

We had a great time, really doing just a bunch of nothing but it was good nothing. We pulled weeds, so that Stacy could sleep at night, and then I started having nightmares about the weeds too! At least we know we can call on Morgan if we need her to come help with any "weed wacking"! We also made pepper jelly--YUM!! I LOVE PEPPER JELLY!
Not sure if anyone loves pepper jelly like I do, but oh well, I learned how to make it and can make it all I want--forever! I guess the main thing we did though was help Erica plan her wedding! We literally sat at Stacy's kitchen table one entire day, planning, calling Sue, making decision, etc. but we got everything planned out and now only the exucution needed to take place!

A storm blew in one night so we went up to the temple to take pictures and Stacy got some great ones! It was beautiful with the clouds rolling over, thunder crashing and the rain wasn't too bad so it was fun walking around the grounds.

Cool pictures, she did a great job, love the clouds

Had a really great trip, sure love going up there...maybe someday I will move....not too likely though!

Utah 3!

2010-08-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

For the third time, this summer I was lucky enough to go up to Utah --AGAIN!! Erica got married and I wouldnt have missed it for anything! I spent many hours babysitting for Kat to earn gas money to go! It was worth it! I enjoyed the kids and it paid my way up there! It was quick but so much fun. Kyle and his friend James came with me and we stopped in Manti the first night, the boys were glad to get out of the car and walked over to the temple grounds to check it out....boy did they have a fun adventure there....! When they went it was after house and dark, so we thought it would be funny to scare them on their walk back....Brett got out his shotgun and he jumped out at them from the bushes asking them what they were doing--well they were a little scared but realized to quickly that it was Brett, then the walked back again and got chased off the grounds by security...how did I know they were going to go all the way up to the temple...I thought they were just going to walk on the grass!!
The next day they got to ride Stacy's horse, it was James' first time on a horse so that was fun for them!

That afternoon we headed up to Provo and went to see Blake and Melissa, they took the boys over to Seven Peaks to swim and I picked up a couple things for the wedding at the mall, then we went to the ever so fun and cool trampoline place where they had a blast in the foam pit! We then headed up to Melanie's to stay for the night, the next morning we went up to Logan to see Dallin, and the boys hung out with Aaron at the Logan pool, where the high school cheerleaders noticed them "tricking" and begged them to move to Logan...yes they enjoyed that afternoon! I got to visit with Dallin that afternoon, we went out for ice cream and had a great time! Then back to Mels' that night to get ready for the wedding in the morning--put the finishing touches on all the centerpieces for the next day and fell into bed.

Off to the temple the next morning, luckily the boys went to Lagoon with
Aaron, so they had a great day too. The wedding was wonderful, the sealing perfect, the weather...well...not so perfect, it was seriously pouring when she came out of the temple--wind howling, I think it even hailed for a short time! That made picture taking a bit of a challenge but Erica was a great sport and Brett and I did out best to keep Stacy and her camera out of the rain...Stacy's dress was soaked and it kept blowing up, our hair was drenched, and Brett suit was soaked! It made for many laughs and fun memories for sure! The reception was wonderful, thanks to Blake, Melissa and Brett for helping decorate! They are hired! Stacy did a fabulous job being the photographer and the Maid of Honor! A great program, meal and fun dancing at the reception to make it a wonderful day with great memories! I will pop some pics in when I get some from Stacy!

Then we were off again and early start to head down to Escalante to see Dad for a couple days. Its always fun to go there, and I love the drive its so beautiful. Blake and Melissa drove down as well and spent some time there and was so glad they did. The boys were lucky cause they got the four wheelers all to themselves and were enjoying having so much freedom to explore and just be FREE! It was especially green and pretty there this year due to all the rain they got. It was nice to be there alone as I got lots of attention and just enjoyed some down time. We had a really great visit and I am glad I made the effort to go, was well worth it.

The boys way up on top!

World's largest ant hill, is on top of Grandpa's mountain!! We saw it!!

Mormon Batallion Museum

2010-05-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

After we went to the Midway, we went over to the newly remodeled Mormon Batallion Visitors Center. We were so pleasantly surprised and the fantastic job they have done with the renovation. It was really amazing at how much better this museum is now, we really enjoyed our visit there.

Klay and Gordon, hoping to get RICH!

Grandpa's visit!

2010-05-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Scott, Klay and Dad, came down for a visit last week, we had a great time! Scott came down to go to the motorcycle aution, Klay came down to buy a motorcyle and Dad came along for the adventure! They had a great time at the auction, Gordon, Klay, Dad and Scott all set out on Thursday morning for the big preview day, and you would think they were going to an after Christmas sale or something!! Some pretty excited guys..... All came home happy, especially Klay who found his mistress at the auction! She is a beauty and Scott found a couple of bikes to buy as well, so it was a successful day all around. They spent the rest of the day polishing and admiring their posessions! On Satureday we took Dad down to tour the Midway aircraft carrier so that he could relive his old Navy days, and it was a really wonderful day. The weather was picture perfect and the walk down memory lane was especially enjoyable.

Dad was explaining how he was on the "bomb squad". He was an "ordy", sounds like a slightly intimidating job, if you ask me. He served in the Korean War and was on the Valley Forge and the Essex.

Mom's Day Card!!

2010-05-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

This free digital scrapbook made with Smilebox

I love this!!

Stacy's baby.....

2010-05-14T17:33:00.001-07:00

While we were in Utah for the graduation we were also anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby! A horse! When we got to Manti we went to visit the Mom to be, gave her a little pep talk about having the horse while we were in Utah so that we could see our "grandchild". This is mommy looking quite depressed and miserable, all she would do was stand in the stall and stare ahead like, "please let this end!!"

Well nothing happened and nothing happened and we were losing hope that we would be in town for the delivery.........We left Kaysville, early in the morning for our long journey home, I quickly fell asleep in the car and missed a phonecall and a text telling us to hurry up...the baby had come! We were on our way to Manti anyway to pick up Stacy to bring her back to California with us, so the timing could not have been any better! I would have felt horrible to take her back with us and have missed the birth, so I guess that little pep talk I had with the mother worked! When we got there the colt was only a few hours old and soooo very cute! Mom was pretty protective but Stacy managed to at least touch the baby and get to spend some time, taking pictures and just watching the most exciting thing nature has to offer. The horse is a Dun which is a rare coloring and it also has a white 7 on his forehead, she has named him Ace!

Blake's graduation!

2010-05-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

This is certainly worth blogging! We are so proud of Blake and his recent graduation from BYU!! Way to go Blake you are such a hard worker and we are all so proud of you and your accomplishments!! We had a quick road trip up to the graduation and had such a wonderful time! We first stopped at Stacy's in Manti where we were treated to a little snowstorm in April! We got to visit her house and spend the night with her, Blake and Melissa even came down and we had a wonderful evening.

This is the view out of Stacy's kitchen window....wow.....

We then went up to Provo and spent the day with Blake and Melissa! Melissa's parents were also nice enough to come to town for the graduation, it was so nice of them and great to see them again. Here are some pictures of the proud day

It was sure a proud parent day, and we know that this is only the begninning of many very successful days ahead for Blake and his family!

This is just funny!

2010-03-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Stacy and Brett came to California for a visit just before Halloween and Brett's mom made these awesome peanut butter eyeballs! There were so cute and we got a little carried away with them--

Bryce again....

2010-03-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

Well this happened on Dec 6, 2009, Byrce went riding and he promised me he would come to the church and take some really great photos of our bit Enrichment Christmas party. We decorated till we wanted to die- it was worth it, but by about 5:30 I had not heard from Bryce but knew he would be there, as he is a pretty dependable guy...well my cell phone rings and its Bryce..he says "Mom, I can't come take pictures, I am sorry..........I am on my way to the ER I broke something, it really hurts, can't talk gotta go......Gordon was my technical helper at this event but he rushed off to meet him at the hospital...as you can see he came out with a broken scapula...not much they can do about it, its a very rare break so he just had to brace his arm and be really careful--it was a very long 8 week healing process, but he was good to let it heal well before he went riding again. The broken one is the one on the left. Here is another "thankful it wasn't worse" post.....

Christmas 2009

2010-03-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

Ya, I know its March and Christmas was three months ago....But here are some pics of the fun time we had, we missed Dallin this year, he didnt have enough time off work to spend Christmas with us, be we thought of him and wished he were here. He was in great hands at my sister's where he was well fed and entertained! This year Blake and Melissa won the bid on the money jar tradition! Yea for them! Who will win next year........

Kyle......are you awake yet????

Reading the clues for the treasure hunt....xbox 360......

Hopefully he will have enough pairs so he wont lose them!

Orange rolls!!

AFMXA Competition

2009-11-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

Bryce was in his first freestyle motocross competition! He had to submit a video and get accepted, so he did and he was! He has been really excited about it and practiced a lot while he was preparing. We all went out and watched the competition and it was really fun. Many of his friends came to watch and even Todd, Grant and Sawyer, drove out so that was nice. It was super nervewracking to sit in the stands and wonder what I was about to see, I still get nervous thinking about it. He decided he would volunteer to go first and get it over with I guess, so when he came over that first jump, my heart jumped to my throat and the competition began!

He did some great tricks and certainly impressed the crowd. There were 18 riders in his division and most did a really good job. I thought he certainly had some competition but the judges comented on how smooth he rode and his landings were solid. After the 18 had two runs each they narrowed it down to half and Bryce made the finals! They had another run after that and then they annouced there was a tie for first and second. It wasn't Bryce so we then figured the very best he could get would be third. The first and second place had a run off they their fate was determined and then they annouced that BRYCE HUDSON had taken third place!!!
That was so exciting! Wow, we were so happy for him and he was just so pleased as well. It was nice to just see something go your way for once! His little posse of followers cheered him on and it was a great victory!

They then took five and had them do them "biggest tail whip" competition--it was narrowed down to the top two and the judges couldnt decide...it was between Bryce and another rider!!! They had a jump off and Bryce went and did awesome, then the other rider had something wrong with his wheel so they gave it to Bryce! woohoo! Bryce's was better anyway, but the other guy had to feel bad....he did a really good job as well.

It was a really fun and exciting day for him and then that night they had a big award ceremony at Pala Casino. He got to go up on stage and get his award and shake hands with the "big" guys in motocross. Fun day......

Bryce!

2009-09-22T12:47:00.001-07:00

Bryce went riding in the middle of the week last week, on a Tuesday, when he normally has to work. Which meant he had to get up at 5 am to go in to work to load and make deliveries before he could leave to go riding. Well, his alarm didn't go off so he was pretty upset, so when I woke him up it was 6--he leaped out of bed ran out the door...raced to get his work done and was on the road at 9 am to make it to this ride day. They were filming his friend for some Tilly's promotion and he was hoping to get some exposure. Anyhoo, he made it and it ended up not being too big of a deal but there was a guy there taking photos and he got a really great one of Bryce! Bryce doesn't get too many great shots of himself since he is the one that knows how to run the camera! Anyway, he is getting some pretty good skills, I think its a good thing I haven't seen him ride in a while I think I would be watching though my fingers....while holding my breath and hyperventilating at the same time...

Notice the sign that says "RAMP CLOSED" - I guess they just didnt see it!

Kyle!

2009-09-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

So since Kyle has given up on his career to play in the NFL and win the superbowl, he has discovered a new sport, that I can agree with wholeheartedly! Its not really called gymnastics, or flipping, or breaking, its called "tricking" and its his thing!! I'd say he has found his niche!

Old dresser

2009-09-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

We found this old dresser and it needed some TLC! the top was peeling off, really scratched up but it was a nice looking dresser and had great potential! So Gordon and I stipped it, and sanded it and fixed it all up! Well, Gordon did 75%....I can only take credit for about 25%....but I think it turned out really nice, now we just need to find the right handles and it makes a beautiful piece of funiture!

Stacy's old room......

2009-09-16T11:01:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to fix up Stacy's old room for several months now and finally finished it! I think it turned out great! Now we have a nice guest room for people to stay and enjoy their visit! Stacy's room was so cute when her funiture was in it and all decorated up, but when she and the furniture left, it was just empy and boring.....Melissa painting this fabulous tree on the wall, she did an awesome job and is so talented! She did this tree in no time flat!

Bryce's new truck!

2009-09-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

Bryce has been wanting a new truck since the day he was born....he has been driving Dad's old nissan and loading up his motorcycle in the back for a few years now and each time he comes back grumbling about how frustrating that truck is....so he finally was able to buy his own new truck and he is pretty happy about his choice. I'd say its a pretty nice choice as well--now just be careful Bryce....!

Bryce's 19th Birthday!

2009-09-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bryce! Bryce was a good sport this year as his birthday fell on a weekend where our house was full of fun company and maybe he didn't get the attention that he deserved on his special day, but Stacy decorated the most awesome cake for him, complete with blood!! The Lange boys thought that was awesome! I made his favorite food...pasta, and garlic bread and he opened a couple of presents. We love you Bryce and think you are the greatest ever! You are such a hard worker and so industrious and such a genius! You are so independant and know what you want out of life and are determined to get it. We are so glad you are in our family to keep us on our toes and let your presence rub off on us a little!

BEFORE......

2009-09-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Our poor little house was in need of some attention so when Blake and Melissa called to offer their painting services to us while they were on their vacation...we couldn't pass up the offer! They worked sooo hard and we will be forever grateful for their hard work and helping us accomplish this giant task! You guys are awesome!

AFTER!!!

2009-09-12T20:28:00.001-07:00

We are so happy with the final results!! Extreme Home Makeover--eat this!!

DURING....

2009-09-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

It was sooo hot, we really couldnt paint in the afternoon, we had to dip in the pool and hit the beach to cool off then started painting again in the evening, we even painted after dark!

We are up here super high taping! Melissa was so brave, I chickened out once but she kept on going!! Even after her little "mishap"!

The LAST piece of WHITE paint!!!! Woohoo!!!

My fab painters enjoying lunch break and our super yummy Tecano's lime drinks!! Look for the recipe on the recipe blog!!

Fishing Trip!

2009-09-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Gordon was sooo excited to hear that Brett really wanted to try to go tuna fishing! The first time Gordon took Brett fishing, was down to Mexico on a little boat and he was soooo sea sick, he was extremely miserable then whole time and couldnt fish at all. So this time they went out on a larger tuna boat and Brett started taking dramamine three days before they set out. So its a good news, bad news situation...Brett got sick and Gordon caught fish.....! Well, Brett didn't get quite as sick as last time and he was able to reel in a couple of tuna so it wasnt a total bust, but Gordon managed to have a good day anyway, and this is their catch! Some Yellow tail, Blue Fin Tuna, Yellow fin tuna and even some Dorado (mahi mahi)So they came back pretty happy--one happy to see land and one happy to show his catch!

30 Years....

2009-07-03T03:43:00.001-07:00

Has it really been 30 years since I graduated from High School?? From the carefree days of football games and friday nights, to careers, children and responsibility...
My High School days have been completely different for my children for many reasons--We had 600 students, they have 4000. My friends were all members of the church, they have a handful that share that bond. Now they have AP, IB, Honors, we just went to school and had fun! Everyone knew each other, there were no plain clothes police officers "mixing" with the students and it was very possible one of your teachers was in your ward. We had a long enough summer that we were actually excited to go back to school, not just a few weeks where its hard to believe its time to go back already. Its definitely more challenging that it was 30 years ago! The most valuable class I took in High School that has been a benefit to me is Typing! They didn't even call it keyboarding because we actually used typewriters! Had to go back and erase our mistakes, manually fix the margins, and start the whole thing over if you messed up! Anyway--here is my list of 30 things for 30 years that my kids enjoyed through their High School years that we would have never even dreamed of......
1. Digital Camera
2. Cordless phone
3. Cell phone
4. IPOD
5. Texting
6. Email
7. Debit Cards
8. Laptop
9. Snow Board
10. Instant Messaging
11. CD’s
12. DVD’s
13. Water Bottles
14. Airbags
15. School Shootings
16. Mapquest
17. The word “online”
18. Xgames
19. Photoshop
20. Skate Parks
21. My Space/Facebook
22. Xbox/Wii/Playstation
23. Itunes
24. You Tube
25. GPS
26. TV Remote
27. Flat Iron
28. Twitter
29. Hybrid
30. PC/Mac

gross....

2009-06-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Ok so I debated if I should post this or not but its just too funny not to so....
Last Sunday, Kyle was passing the Sacrament and he handed the bread tray to the first row that he went to....Well, the man took a piece of bread and ate it and out crawled a COCKROACH from under the bread!!!!! So Kyle didn't know what to do and he quickly grabbed the cockroach and threw it down--but didn't really know what to do after that so he kinda just passed it on.........ewwwwww

ESCALANTE 2009

2009-06-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Another fun Memorial Day weekend was spent in the big city of Escalante! Everyone was able to attend this year except for Alana's family, but we managed to fill the house right up! Last year when we all met, there were three grandchildren unmarried and this year we had three weddings so three new people to add to the clan! We had a great time being together, eating and eating some more. Everyone arrived at various times on Friday night and managed to find places to sleep all over the house. Saturday morning we went to the flag ceremony and the Veteran's Memorial then over to the pancake breakfast. It rained on us but we didn't care, we managed to stay pretty dry and the hot chocolate tasted that much better.

The rest of the day the kids rode four wheelers and played in the "bottom land" while others stayed out of the rain and had a serious game of RISK and pool!

Others enjoyed hiking, riding dirt bikes, and four wheelers....We took a drive up to Posey lake and although the sun was shining at Grandpa's we had a bit of a problem when the roads turned to dirt....then it started to rain! We really wanted to make it up the hill and it took us a few trys, but with a little help,we made it over the top and as soon as we got to the lake it started pouring...Stacy and Melissa ran out on the dock and I sent the camera and stayed in the car and proceeded to watch the rain turn to SNOW!! We knew Melanie and Klay were hiking with Davis and Kyron so we felt a little sorry for them...but we jumped in the car and left...! There wasn't anything we could do for them anyway, we didn't really even know where they were but we're sure they weren't having too much fun!

We had Costa Vida Salads for dinner-yum! Then it was off to see the play! Grandpa does a great job writing the script every year and the town people sure get a kick out of seeing their friends on the stage hamming it up.

The great thing about Escalante is that its a town where time really stands still. There is still only one grocery store and its the only place I know where kids without a drivers license can drive you home from church! Good job Kyle! By the time we got home I had actually forgot he was driving!

Sunday night we always have a big dinner down by the campfire and about 40 or so people are there. Scott make dutch oven potatoes and this year pulled pork sandwiches! Soooo good and so much to eat!

Scott brings his potato launcher and we put candy in for the kids and as you can see you don't really have to be a kid to participate! Marshmallows are also loaded in and Bryce caught one in his mouth last year!

Gordon and Kyle and Blake went fishing at the reservoir and actually caught two fish! Kyle was grossing out at cleaning it...so Brett the expert had to show him how "men" clean fish! Good job Brett!

On Monday morning we took a fun excrusion to everyone's favorite spot--the cow cemetary! It's a favorite spot to ride the fourwheelers and see what new "cow's" might be there...

Stacy and Brett wanted to show us a great spot they found to push rocks off cliffs...(you have to make your own fun in Escalante...)so off we went. We would have to shuttle people back and forth as our car wouldn't make it-so while we waited in the car it started pouring again and they took a LONG time to come back...when they did well...they were soaked and totally muddy! So we decided to skip that and head over to the pond.
We got there and crossed the creek to the bigger pond area and were enjoying hiking around. Blake and Melissa went right up the mountain and the rest slowly followed...Stacy and I pulling up the rear...good thing because they started yelling to get out of the way they could hear it coming.....water roaring down the mountain--flash flood is on its way! So we got out of the way and luckily we weren't in any serious danger but would have certainly gotten wet. It made for some excitement and something that was fun to watch!

And Bryce found a snake..

Then while we were walking back to the car...ewwww a dead sheep....

More fun pictures...

And we even managed to get a family picture...Thanks Morgan!

Blake managed to make another Shasta Phillingibbons movie! I don't know how they pull it off each year but its such a great tradition and so much fun to watch the final movie...So Blake get it edited so I can post it!! Along with all the others...

Utah fun May 2009

2009-05-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

I had a fun trip up to Utah this May. Blake and Melissa picked my up from the airport and took me down to their new apartment and I got to spend the night with them. They have a cute little and I do mean little apartment and I had so much fun with them! We got Pizza, and played Rummicube, and watched a movie and just had a fun time being together! Morgan my neice picked me up from Provo on her way up to Kaysville and the next day we all met at the Salt Lake Temple for Kayla's wedding. After that, I headed up to Logan to spend some time with Stacy and Dallin. Stacy and Brett have the cutest place with a nice backyard and they are growing a garden! Blake and Melissa also came up for the weekend so we had a big slumber party at her house! It was really fun...but we didn't get much sleep!
Here is Dallin on his new motorcycle! Or as Grandma Marrott would call it...murdercycle....He loves his bike! I wouldn't have thought Dallin to enjoy something so much, but he really does! (Stacy's house in background)

Dallin got a new apartment recently and he needed a "woman's touch" you could say, so Stacy, Melissa, and we MADE Blake come.....went over and did some fixing up! It was fun and we would have liked to do more, but he was so anxious we only got a couple hours to work! We just hung some pics and made these things with cardboard and fabric to take up space in his living room...it was fun!
BEFORE...

AFTER...

Stacy spotted this crazy medieval looking thing at the D.I. --it was only three bucks so we decided...why not...well, it turned out to be his favorite thing! We hung it above his bed...King Dallin....
BEFORE...

AFTER...

We got old records from the DI and hung them on the walls....

Breakfast at Stacy's!

I bought Brett an electric snow shaver so we had fun making slushies and snow cones...works pretty good!

But when we got to lazy....well, we ran out of ice...
we just went to the SnoShack!

Stacy and I also made some frozen strawberry jam...

Went out to visit Cole the famous racehorse, and his best friend...

And there are baby goats out there as well! I never thought I would have a daughter that so loves the country/farm life! Seems the baby ducks she had out there kinda swam upstream with the other ducks, hopefully they will come back sometime!

And yes...I got to have fun with my sisters too...

Fun times! When can I go again...???

Kayla's Wedding-May 2009

2009-05-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

My niece, Kayla was married on May 16th and I was so excited to have a really good excuse to make a trip to Utah! The wedding was great and I had a great time visiting my kids!

Kayla, and her Dad, Scott, my only brother-my FAVORITE brother!

When Stacy, Alana, and I got there early to take her pictures, we were dying because it was the weekend that they were replanting all of the flower beds! A photographer's nighmare! There were workers ALL over the grounds and many beds were torn up with no flowers at all....It was hard to take pictures around everyone working but being the amazing photographer she is--she managed! We did find a few beds left planted and wow were they beautiful, I dont think I could dig them up!

Fun reception that evening in Midway at a beautiful resort--yummy cheesecake and great company!

My kids visit to California!

2009-05-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to have Dallin, Blake and Melissa come for a visit on Mother's Day weekend! Blake and Melissa brought their good friends Joe and Jessica and we had a great time being together! They went to Six Flags and took Kyle and his friend, then just had fun going to the beach and just hanging out! Its so fun when the kids come home!

Blake, Melissa, Joe, Jessica, CJ, and Kate!

Blake and Melissa brought their bunny home for a visit! She is so cute! Babe even had fun playing with her!

I was "bunnysitting" while they all went out to the beach one afternoon, so I let the bunny out of her cage for a little while and I went to put her back in and was hunting for her....well it took me a little bit of hunting but found her just basking on the fireplace mantel! I think she enjoyed the cool rock under her--she was just chillin-having a great time!

Dallin and Kyle seem to have a good system going! Kyle massages Dallins neck and Dallin gives Kyle a foot rub!

Annika's cat had kitties!

2009-05-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

My neighbor, Ann called to tell me to have Grant a Sawyer come home as their cat was having kittens! I have never seen that happen so the boys didn't really care they all kept jumping on the trampoline...but I got my camera and ran down!

The boys did come down and kept peeking their heads in but were thouroughly grossed out and promptly left--but they did keep checking in. Six Kitties later....

Bryce...Bryce...Bryce....

2009-05-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday like clockwork...Bryce loads up his dirtbike and is off to the track! He is good to let me know when he is done riding and that he is safe and sound...so when I get a call from his cell phone at 11 am...it can't be good, especially when I hear the words "Is this Bryce's mom?" "Bryce had an accident and the paramedics have just taken him to Riverside Regional Hospital". He was going over some "whoops" and his back wheel slid out and he went flying into a telephone pole. He was unconsious for 2 minutes! They said that we was awake and moving when they put him in the ambulance but was having bad back pain. So Gordon was not home, but I tracked him down and he came home right away and off we went with my mind racing to places that I didn't want it to go! The car just couldnt drive fast enough and everyone we got behind seemed to be going so slow! Finally my phone rang and it was Bryce! "When are you guys going to get here--I want to get out of here!" I felt much better after hearing his voice and he said everything was fine, his back was just banged up and sore but nothing broken. He got a pretty good bang on the head but I am just so grateful that he is ok. It could have turned out so much worse. Unfortunately they had to cut off all of the expensive gear that he was wearing but I guess its a small price to pay in the big picture. Luckily his buddies gathered up his things and his bike and rode his truck to town where we picked it up on Sunday. When he walked out of the hospital though he had nothing to wear! No one knew where his shoes or "cut off" gear even was! They gave him some paper scrubs and we left feeling very grateful. What a day.....

Kyle's New Tricks!

2009-04-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

EASTER FUN!

2009-04-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

Easter is such a fun holiday, colored eggs, baskets, egg hunts and yummy candy! With only two teenage boys left...well, who wants to color eggs?? Let alone hunt for them....I did get some candy though and was just going to put it out on the table or something but....Kyle was kinda wanting a basket! We alway hid them for the kids to find...and wow he really wanted to find a basket! So I quickly fixed on up and had Bryce hide it as I knew he would make it challenging!

After much searching...he did find it! Getting it down was the hard part, but he figured it out...I put both of their candy in one basket and Bryce pulled out his bunny.....

His face is gone! Guess he was on the roof a little too long....poor bunny!

SPRING BREAK!!

2009-04-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

So Kyle and I have been counting the days down to spring break this year and really wanted to get away to ANYWHERE! Of course I said "How about Utah" and he rolled his eyes and said that's where we always go....well, its true, we started thinking about where we could go around here....the closer it got--it seemed no one really cared about going much of anywhere but ME----
My friend Terri mentioned that they were going to Lake Havasu and that we should come out and meet them! Kyle was game for that so he invited Johnny and Eli to come along and we were set to go! The Howells have a boat and also the Cranney's were going out and they have a couple of Jet Ski's so the boys were surely excited to go! Plus we were going to stay in a Condo for a couple days--pool, Jacuzzi....fun times...! We packed up and off we set, leaving Gordon and Bryce home to work. Everyone is chillin in the car with their IPODS and all of a sudden......the car is acting funny....oh no please....well, sure enough I was losing power fast and the RPM's were racing...I made it to the next exit and by the time we were off and into the gas station, smoke was pouring out of my engine....I wanted to scream and the boys were just glad there was a Wendy's across the street! Well, trying to make a long story short...I called Gordon, he left work and came up to rescue us. He was sure it was the transmission (we just bought this Honda a year ago so that we wouldn't have transmission problems...) So we packed up what we could and piled in his little car, left ours there for our good friend/mechanic Nick to come and tow home....
Needless to say the drive back home was like going home from a funeral...talk about frustration and sadness!! Our big adventure--foiled....We got back to town and I was determined we were getting out of here so I called another great friend who owns a car lot and he had a car he would let us rent for a couple days!! And after a call to the ins company making sure we were covered... Our life was saved...
In a couple of hours we were off again...much later than we had anticipated but we were leaving town!! Happy boys once again! We finally made it in to town about 10 at night and while driving through miles and miles of NOTHING I was certainly grateful we broke down where we did--it could have been way worse...We checked in to our room and the boys immedietly hit the pool and jacuzzi and I reveled in the fact that I indeed was somewhere else!! The next morning we were off on the boat for fun adventures of tubing, jumping off cliffs and jet skiing. The boys had a blast and yes, I even drove a jet ski for the fist time! It was really fun--thanks Sarah, for coaxing me to do it! Unfortunately....the camera got left under the seat of Gordon's car so we have nothing to even show of our adventure! Despite the rough start we had a great spring break getaway! Thanks Howells, Nick Snodgrass, Jeff Cranney, Mark Friebe and Gordon.....

Kyle having fun!!

2009-03-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

2009-03-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

PRICE is RIGHT!!

2009-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

Well, here are the brave, the crazy, the dedicated--who were willing to get up at 5 am to drive 2 1/2 hours, watch the sun rise while we drove and navigate in downtown LA to go see the PRICE IS RIGHT! We had a really great time! We made some stickers to put on our shirts--but Suzie's shirt was the best! We got there just in time and luckily Claudia had a handicap plaque so we got prime parking! We then got in line and waited and waited and waited.....we could move about though so that was good. We had a great time visiting with each other and getting to know each other better. That was the best part about the day! After a couple hours they started moving the line around and then we moved closer and closer to the "group" interview where they asked us our name, where we were from and what we did. We tried to act all excited and bubbly but that's not so easy.....There were many "interesting" people in line with us so it was fun to people watch and talk to those around us. Everyone was nice and friendly and really "excited" to be there! We just weren't too sure about the group of 30 guys......where did you come from??
Finally after about 4 hours of waiting we were able to be seated and boy was that crowd a wild one! Screaming and yelling like I haven't heard since cheering at a high school basketball game! The set is much smaller in person than it looks on tv and Drew Carey looked pretty great! he was super nice during commercials and talked to the audience and that made it fun. Unfortunately no one in our group passed the test apparently, as none of us were called down.....And both contestant overbid on their showcase...and no one won a car that day....darn....oh well, it was still a super fun adventure and sure glad I got up to go! We left LA at about 3:00 just in time for rush hour so we stopped at In-n-Out for a break and made it home to our families at aroudn 6pm. Fun Day!

HAIR! Long Beautiful HAIR!!

2009-03-21T22:04:00.001-07:00

I have been bugging Kyle to get a haircut....well, we go to the dentist this week to get a cleaning and what's the first thing Dr Chalk says?? Well, I should preface this by saying our dentist is follically challenged.... He says--"Kyle I LOVE your hair!" I love the curls and its so thick and looks sooo cool...well, obviously we didn't get a haircut this week....maybe next week!

2009-03-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Bryce texted me to tell me he had a surprise for Kyle--I said--cool his birthday is in a couple days, save it...he said oh too late I am almost home and then he backs down the driveway and says--Kyle Happy Birthday...I got you another trampoline!! He helped a friend move and he didn't want it anymore so Bryce knew someone that would...so now the crazy tricks are going to get crazier! This is only the beginning.....

Birthday Beach fun

2009-03-21T21:38:00.001-07:00

We had a fun bonfire at the beach with his friends; Ronnie, Sawyer, Jenny, Kelsey, Kory, Courney, and Joyce

Birthday Fun!

2009-03-21T21:35:00.001-07:00

Having fun the backyard with his buddies, Sawyer, Ronnie, CJ, and Grant

2009-03-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Wow can my youngest child really be 15?? How does that happen, we think it never will then one day--its just here. I remember the day you were born....

Kyle Jerry Hudson was born on March 4, 1994 in Oceanside, California. You were several days overdue and finally came on the one day that everyone hoped you wouldn’t. Dad was the Cubmaster at the time and the Blue and Gold dinner was scheduled for the 4th of March. I started feeling funny early in the day and decided I better stay in bed and rest and try not go into labor. The dinner was at 6:00 p.m. so Dad got ready and went. Grandma Hudson and your Uncle Dwight were in town to help with the baby, and so Grandma went to the dinner to help in my place. Dad was all dressed up in a full leather Indian outfit complete with fringe, to go along with the theme, and he looked great. Soon after they all left, my water broke and I knew Dwight had better take me to the church and get him because it was time. We got to the church and Dad came out and we left for the hospital. There was no time for Gordon to change so we walked into the Emergency Room in full costume and certainly got a few looks! We checked in around 7:00 p.m. and Kyle was born by 9:00—the exact time that they were hoping he wouldn’t come! Everything worked out great, it was a smooth delivery and Kyle was here! Happy 15th Birthday Kyle!

My Olympian Son!

2009-03-05T09:53:00.001-08:00

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my ballerina daughter

2009-03-05T09:26:00.001-08:00

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Crazy Grant....

2009-02-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

More fun.....

2009-02-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

Trampoline fun!

2009-02-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

Here is Kyle and his homies Grant and Sawyer messing around on the trampoline!
Its their favorite pastime when they are not playing football of course!

Bryce's crazy tricks

2009-02-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Here is my amazing son Bryce doing what he does best! This is at
Mike Metzger's property riding on his track. Feb 2009

SUPERMAN!!!!

Tail Whip.............

He is getting pretty good I would say.......

Bryce is a pretty amazing guy in that he has more drive, determination, and

guts than anyone I know. He sees what he wants and makes a straight

line towards it.

Blake and Melissa's Wedding!

2009-01-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

Blake and Melissa became husband and wife on December 23, 2008 in the Manti Temple. It was a gorgeous day--a little cold for my liking, but the sun was out and the snow sparkling. What a great day for a wonderful celebration. After the wedding we had lunch at the Manti House Inn just across from the temple. It was really fun and the room was full of family and friends that traveled a long way on very snowy roads to be there. We then traveled up to Midway, where they had a small reception in a beautiful reception center. It was such a fun night of celebration and joy. Food was great and so was the company! Many friends and family made the snowy drive up Provo Canyon for the event. Too bad we took a wrong turn and got there just as the event was starting...oh well....fun times and just thankful everyone was safe on the roads as there was soooo much snow! So glad to have Melissa in our family--they make a great couple and are soooo incredibly in love!!

Christmas in Utah 2008

2009-01-08T19:16:00.001-08:00

This Christmas was spent in Utah because of Blake's wedding on the 23rd of December in Manit, Utah. Our first stop was Enterprise for a night at Morgan's house. Kirby made a great host but the house was sure quiet! Bryce and Kyle were excited to see all the snow and boy did we see snow this year! We then traveled up to Ephraim to stay with our new in-law's the Casperson's who graciously invited us to stay for a couple of days while we prepared for the wedding. The best part was the snow!

The boys were quick to don the snow gear and luckily the Casperson's had snow pants, boots, and gloves galore! Snowmen were built, snowball fights to be had, and even sledding behind the car with a rope tied to the bumper.

They couldn't believe how big the icicles were! We had a great time with the Casperson's and really enjoyed our visit before the wedding.

Bryce, you are enjoying this way

too much

2009-01-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Family Pictures Christmas 2007

2009-01-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

This is our happy family the winter of 2007 on the brink of a new year. Bryce took these pictures on the beach and we had a great sunset that day. Little did we know how much our family would change the following year......

Men are funny creatures...

2008-12-02T21:28:00.000-08:00

Set up was a long process but after a few hours......we watched War of the Worlds-

surround sound and all! Its just so giant--even Bryce said "Do you think its to big??"

Early Christmas....

2008-12-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

Well, my husband just couldn't wait any longer....! He has been researching the many different options when buying a new TV and BAM one day he said...today is the day...I'm going for a drive......to Fry's......This is my super model son showing off his moves.....oh and the TV...

My Family

2008-11-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

My husband and I have 5 great kids!

Dallin is 25 and lives in Logan, Utah. He works full-time for Quest in tech support. He is hoping to get back to school soon and finish his studies in Information Systems. He served a mission in the Indianapolis, Indiana Mission spanish speaking in 2003-2005. Dallin has a great sense of humor and can make everyone laugh. He likes to camp and is really easy to please. He LOVES his xbox and just got a nice new TV !

Blake is 24 and is a student at BYU studying Psychology. He served his mission in the Daejon Korea mission from 2004-2006. Blake loves sports and has a dynamic personality and has done a few stand up comedy shows! He is a fun person to be around. He is getting married to a great talented girl named Melissa Jo Manwaring. Melissa is a art major from Ohio! They will be married December 23, 2008 in the Manti Temple and we can't wait!

Stacy is 21 and is our only daughter. She was just married on August, 15, 2008 to a great guy named Brett Casperson. He is from Ephriam, Utah. He loves fly fishing and is an accounting student working towards a Masters. They make a perfect couple and are soooo happy together. Stacy LOVES horses --always has, always will. She worked her tail off and bought her very own horse named Cole. She adores Cole and takes great care of him. Brett and Stacy live in Logan, Utah where they are both working and finishing up school.

Bryce is 18 and just graduated from Vista High School. Bryce is an avid dirtbiker and when he is not riding he is photographing those who are riding. He has great passion and talent in both feilds and has a great drive for being able to succeed at anything he tries. He is a very determined person and knows how to "get the job done"

Kyle is 14 and just started high school. He is extremely social and has many friends. He loves football!! He loves to play it with all of the neighborhood kids everyday in the backyard. He has helped to coach a flag football team this year and had a blast doing so. He also loves the trampoline and is really good at flipping every which way. He is taking gymnastics right now and is really the best one in the class and landing everything the teacher throws his way. He is a lot of fun!

Gordon loves to deep sea fish, the only problem is that he can't go often enough. He is a mechanical engineer and works for McCain industries which manufacture stop lights! Check out his fishing weights at http://www.chapter-48.com/ We are waiting for a patent that is not coming fast enough.

Maria--well, mostly I take care of the house and family and I am not working right now which I totally love. I am pretty spoiled I guess.....I do vinyl lettering, and work hard at my church calling.

November 2008`

2008-11-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Hudson Family Blog! I thought since everyone was doing it, I should too!