A morning with the tanks

Early this morning, the kids and I rode a bus out to an artillery field to watch a live fire demonstration. We started out by putting earplugs in our ears:


Then we saw all sorts of tanks, strikers, Humvees, etc. They were really close to us. TJ loved it!

The girls thought is was pretty great until they started firing. In this video, the tanks are firing away from us. Then it was "too loud" and "scary." TJ still loved it. Take a look:

I tried to upload a second video of the tanks driving past us, but it took too long to upload. I was surprised by the speed of the vehicles and the fact that they can turn on a dime.

At the end of the demonstration, they had all of the different vehicles line up and fire at the same time. It was super loud and super cool:

TJ posing with some "big Army guys." I can't get over the guy on the left. He had a whole mouthful of gold teeth. Funny:

Before we left on the buses, the kids got to climb into this cool tank. I think they are sitting in the driver's seat, but don't quote me on that:

Military dog demonstration

Today we joined some friends at an Army dog demonstration. Below is our fun group: Iris, TJ, Sean, Joey, Bobbi, Jill, Me, Bailey, and Caroline:

Army dogs are trained to identify narcotics and explosives. They are also trained to attack bad guys. They can also guard bad guys. They can sit or walk with a prisoner, then attack if the prisoner decides to run or hurt someone.

The dogs were super gentle. They even allowed all the kids at the demonstration to pet them. Take a look at these cool dogs:

This dog identified the box with explosives:

This dog is demonstrating aggression:

Here is a video of one of the dogs doing a quick obstacle course:

After the demonstration, the kids got free lunch. Fun! It was a good day.

Father's Day weekend

This weekend we discovered a nearby nature preserve with fun and beautiful hiking trails. It seemed like a perfect place to spend an afternoon with a wonderful husband and father. I love you Erick!

Geocaching at the Patton Museum

Thanks to dear friends and family (namely, Trevor and Bump), we have entered the wild world of geocaching.

Geocaching is a form of treasure hunting. People all over the world hide little boxes or items for others to find. Those searching for the "treasures" must have a GPS unit. They punch in the latitude and longitude and go hunting.

Once we find a "treasure" we take an item from the box and replace it with something else. That way there is still something there when the next person comes along. We also sign a tiny sheet of paper stating who we are and when we found the treasure. It is so much fun for both adults and kids.

Here is our first family geocaching experience. TJ is pointing to the "treasure" box:

Erick is opening the box for excited kids:

After the treasure hunt was over, we decided to take a closer look at some of the tanks and other outdoor displays at the museum:

We finally joined Erick

After driving for three days with three young children, we finally arrived at our destination. It was around midnight, and I was exhausted.

At the gate of the Army base, the security guard asked for my driver's license, car registration, and insurance card. I handed him the registration and license, but I could not find my insurance card. After digging for twenty minutes, I conceded that I had lost it. Too bad. The security guard would not let me enter without it.

I asked him if I could just give him my policy number and the phone number of my insurance company. He said no.

I asked him if I could have access to a computer to print out my insurance card. He said no.

I nearly broke down at that point. I told him that I had driven alone with three young children from Utah. I had been driving for three days. I told him that I have insurance, but that I cannot find my card. Could he please help me out?

He softened a bit and agreed to allow me to call my insurance company. He spoke to a rep. over the phone and verified my car insurance.

Finally, the guard let us through the gate. I drove to Erick's apartment. As soon as I saw Erick standing out in the parking lot, I broke down crying. I needed sleep, and I needed it badly.

By the next morning, (Saturday) all was well. Erick drove us around the base. We saw several tanks which excited TJ more than anything.

We went to the PX (Post Exchange) to do some shopping. Then we went to the park. There are a lot of really nice parks on base. The kids love being able to pick which park we will visit each day:

Bailey is learning to cross the monkey bars:

Saturday evening we had a barbeque with some friends, Bobbi, Eric, Jill, and Ryan. Eric and Ryan are in training with Erick. They had this barbeque to celebrate one year in the Army. Exactly one year ago all three reported to Basic Training.

**Bobbi (above, on the left) has been a lifesaver. She has shown me all over the base. She has played, shopped, and picnicked with us. She's great with the kids. She and her husband, Eric, have even had us over to their house to play the Wii. The kids loved it!

At the barbeque, my Erick decided to do some tree climbing:

 

Then, he and the other Eric (notice it is not spelled the same) helped the girls swing on tree branches. They had a blast!

TJ found a cone lying in the grass. He played with it almost the entire time we were there. Pure entertainment.

Moving, Driving, and Thanks!

After my ride, I went back to packing up the rest of my apartment. By 10:00 Monday morning, I was ready. Several men from church (and a few of their wives) came to help me pack up the moving truck. Thanks Brother Hansen, Brother Moore, Brother and Sister Ivie, Brother Lee, Brother Nance, Brother Larsen, and Brother and Sister Kjar! (I hope I didn't leave anyone out). All of you were awesome! I couldn't have done it without you.

I am so grateful for my fabulous ward. Thanks everyone for all of your help!

After the truck was packed, two of my neighbors and my home teacher stayed to help me clean the empty apartment. It took a lot longer than I expected to run down the "to do" list for checking out. I would have been cleaning for days without your help. Thanks Damaris, Bridget, and Brother Nance!

With the help of my family, Lee, Dallin, Bump, Matt, Erin, and  Grandma and Grandpa B, I loaded all of my stuff into a storage unit. Thanks family!

Two days later, I packed up the kids and headed for Kentucky to play with Erick for the summer.

The kids traveled remarkably well. They watched movies and played with the Leapsters they got last Christmas:

The first day was a little rough for me because of severe rain storms in my path. But when the kids got to see an amazing rainbow, suddenly the storms didn't seem so scary:

The kids' favorite part of the drive, though, was when we stopped at a rest stop that doubled as a home for prairie dogs. We saw at least 20 or 30 of them. Here is just one:

It took us three days to get to Erick. We were so lucky to be able to stop at my sister's house in Nauvoo for the second night. Thanks Jamie!

When we arrived in Nauvoo, we went to visit my niece Lacey at Angie's Custard Shop. She spoiled us by giving all of us some delicious custard. Thanks Lacey!

We also ran into a group of young performing missionaries in full pioneer costume. A group of them were from Utah State University and were excited to see my USU t-shirt. They posed for a picture with my kids. Go Aggies!

We also went for an evening walk to see the Temple. My camera doesn't do it justice at night. It was breathtaking:

The next morning I talked and relaxed with Jamie. I also got to spend some time with good friends Melissa and Tom.

I had such a good time catching up with my sister and allowing the kids to play OUTSIDE of the car. Thanks again Jamie!

The big race

Wow! I have had the busiest few weeks of my life. Somehow, I have lived to tell about it.

Before I visited my parents and grandparents in Washington state, I had packed up most of my apartment to move.

The day after I returned from Washington, I participated in the Little Red Riding Hood (LRRH) women's bicycling event with my sister-in-law Annie.

The night before the ride, they had a luau with good food and entertainment. Annie and Grandma B came too and spent the night at our house.

When I registered for the LRRH, I signed up for a 68-mile ride. When we arrived, they gave us a map that said the ride was 64 miles. In the end, according to Annie's speedometer, we rode 62.3 miles.

We braved some strong, cold winds and looming dark clouds, but the views were spectacular! Cache Valley was a beautiful ride.

Annie saved my life. She was so patient with me. She gave great advice and encouragement. I don't think I could have done it without her. Thanks Annie!

Grandma B was also amazing. She watched and entertained my kids for the whole day. Thanks Grandma!

At the finish line, they gave us leis. Fun!

Janice and Joey's day of fun! (a.k.a. Washington trip take three)

A few weeks ago, Joey told me that she wanted to be a diving girl who swims underwater and looks at fish and animals under the water. I told her that my cousin, Janice, does that. She is a scuba diver.

I told Janice about Joey's wish, and Janice planned an amazing day. She started off the day by giving Joey a book and a dvd about underwater animals. Along with the book came a certificate that is good for scuba diving lessons and certification. She explained to Joey that as soon as she's sixteen Janice will teach her and get her certified to swim in open water.

Joey is so excited. She has a friend for life.

For the first part of our day of fun, we drove to a beautiful overlook in Mt. Vernon. Look at that view:

Here are Mom, Dad, Erin, Gabby, Corban, Janice, Matt, Bailey, and Joey:

Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Leo were also there, but not in the picture.

We took a little hike to another overlook:

On the way back to the car, Joey and Bailey walked with their new friend Janice:

Next, we stopped in Washington Park. There was a great view of Puget Sound. There was also a great twisted tree that the kids climbed for pictures. Here are Joel, Seth, Joey, Gabby, Bailey, TJ, and Corban:

Here is Bailey showing off a great view:

We drove over Deception Pass, but opted not to stop because of the small kids and Erin's fear of heights. Her hands got sweaty every time we talked about stopping. I have to laugh.

Our final stop was near Fort Casey. We ate some KFC and pulled out our lawn chairs. Here is the older generation up on the ridge. Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Leo:

The younger generation went down to the water to search for "well-placed" sea shells. Yes, I definitely include Mom with the younger generation. Mom gave each of the kids a bucket and shovel. The kids were in heaven. As you can see, the boys were more concerned about dirt and rocks. Here are TJ, Corban, Mom, and Bailey by the water:

This is where Joey's dream starts to become a reality. She got to help Janice get into her diving gear:

Here is a picture of Joey with Janice, who is dressed in full scuba gear:

Our three scuba diving heroes: Joel, Matt, and Janice:

Joey waving goodbye as the divers began going under water. (Please notice that TJ is dressed in this picture, so don't think that I'm a horrible mother when you see him later):

Janice told Joey and the other kids that she was going to find some sea creatures and bring them back to the shore for them to see. She and Matt set up a kiddy pool and some large tubs to view the sea creatures that they found.

As Janice surfaced, she yelled to the kids that she was sorry, but she was unable to find any starfish for the kids to see. Then she stood up out of the water with the largest starfish I have ever seen attached to her side. The kids squealed in delight and terror simultaneously:

We had no idea that Janice and Matt and Joel would be able to bring so much!

Here are Gabby, Joey, and Bailey looking into the kiddy pool of creatures:

How many creatures can you identify? This is just one of the three tubs:

Here is my naked boy. He fell into the freezing cold water before the divers returned. His cold, wet clothes were drying in the wind. He and Corban were amazed at all the different creatures:

After the kids (and adults) had ample time to observe and enjoy the sea creatures, it was time to send them all back into the sea. Joey had no fear. She picked up several starfish, an anemone, and even a crab and sent them all back to their home:


Joey and Janice returning the giant starfish to the water:

We rode the ferry home. The kids were thrilled. Here we are standing at the front of the ferry:

Janice, the entire day was awesome! Joey told her dad that today was more fun than Disneyland. Obviously, we had such a great time. Thank you so much for everything. It's a day we won't forget. Take a bow. You are amazing!