The only word I can think of is "reassuring" but I am sure there is a better one

Lyssa had referenced this picture awhile ago so I set out on a mission to find it, and viola! (Thanks again C, look at the great scan...)
We had been driving back home to UT from CA when we were delayed because the freeway had closed on one side because the wildfires had gotten too close to the road. Of course we had to stop and take some pictures (how dumb are we in college?). As I look at this picture, all I can think is how reassuring (?) it is that even THEN, in my shall we call them "smaller days", I still had backfat.

I laugh EVERY single time I watch

Ok, there is a weird middle section where they talk, but hold strong, you will be rewarded for your patience.
And for Lyssa and Beth--as an added bonus this song always makes us laugh....remember the interpretive dance.

"Who stakes down a tent?"

Campers, that's who. Not Jack--he says it is unnecessary. But alas, as the tent almost blew away this year, F said "Dad agreed and we staked down the tent."

I am so grateful that every year, come hell or high water, Jack makes arrangements to take the boys to the Fathers and Sons campout. Each of them has been attending since they were 1 year old and talk about it all year long. Maybe this will be the year we actually go camping other than the one weekend. (Hopefully not.)

While the boys are away...

this is where the ladies are going to go play. Whoo-hooo!

It's the weekend of the Fathers and Sons campout, which for the boys means tents and hotdogs. For me it means good music, hippie shops, and virgin margaritas with the ladies!

Last minute crafting-must be teacher appreciation week

Let the gift basket (bag) assembly begin! Here's my favorite item for this years swag bag...

After glowing with excitement because these soap bottles turned out so well, Jack's remark was (after his obligatory "they look great"), "You remember this wasn't your idea, right?" Apparently my crafting-to-completion glow was a little over the top.

And to boot, check out the bags I found to hold the swag...


Job, schmob. Next year, with S in preschool 5 days, I am going to craft full-time.

But there WAS joy in Mudville-Sat. night anyway.

While we are not "sports people" per se, we do enjoy a live basketball or baseball game now and again. Saturday night we took our 3 boys and 2 of their friends to Salem to watch the Red Sox play. And while yes, the car stunk both ways, and yes, they were interested in the "teleporting" mascot slightly more than the game, and yes, dinner for 5 boys was pricey, we still had such a great time!


No bickering, a lot of potty talk, and Jack and I actually sat next to each other, talked, and even watched part of the game. I caught a glimpse into the future and it actually looks fun (a little motley, but fun)!!