Category: Stephen and Jodi

We had a quick getaway to Rigby Lake Saturday evening with our friends, the Puzeys. It was a great incentive as we were trying to get everyone to rally as we deep cleaned the garage that morning and afternoon…this was a monumentous task! We were successful though and now things in the garage have a place – we hope it lasts a couple of weeks :).

On to the Lake…a quick FYI – Rigby Lake now charges and entry fee of $5 to enter. I will admitt that things are looking better around there – they’ve cleared out some trees and primed up the camping spots too. BUT -as we pulled up to park we could see dogs running in the water, swimming along their companions (ok there may have only been one, but one dog was bad enough).  Not the best entry scene for Stephen and I, not big fans of sharing our water with a dog. To the right we saw a man who could have used a "bro" – rememer that Seinfield episode? Also saw some other interesting things that shall remain nameless, but let’s just say it produced a dry heave in my throat. I also saved the day when I pryed the piece of broken beer bottle out of JT ‘s mouth, along with the cigarette butt he was eyeing up!  CRAZY things happening there in Rigby, Idaho.

Despite the scenery we were able to go on a leisure canoe ride and see some fun puffy clouds, the temperature was perfect, we listened to our children laugh with their friends, smell some meat and veggies on the grill, and have good conversations with great friends.

		JT also had more than a few grains of sand injested into his system.
Oh the still waters of Rigby	This looks more impressive than it really was…couldn’t get too much speed.
Happy little girls!	Stephen took us to Artic Circle for ice cream – more than half ended up on JT’s seat! (but he was happy)

Comments:

michelle said…

That looks like a fun time! You have such a cute family. the jump looks impressive to me!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 12:58:22 PM

Anne said…

Sounds like a great adventure! Glad you enjoyed some summer fun!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 6:39:33 PM

We had our own flag ceremony led by our webelo scout, Mason (we were in too big of a hurry for him to get his uniform out)

Life has been very busy moving from one event to the next and then remembering to do things like planning sharing time just in the nick of time. My friend informed me that this is our new normal. I am scared to admit that I think she is right because I’ve been making excuses for 1 1/2 years now – I guess it’s time to throw in the towel with the old and welcome this new business rather than resisting it.

Here is another fun week/weekends worth of pictures to add to all of the rest this summer. We had many happy and fun memories celebrating our countries birthday. This time you can figure out the story through the pics because I’m just too tired to tell it this week! Here are a few highlight moments to keep you guessing: Island Park, Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin + Eric, Grant, Magan, and Grace visit, parade, water slide, fireworks and BBQ at the Millers, Baby blessing for Simon Brewer, and visit to BYUI gardens with friends.

 

friends with missing toenails	the faces behind the feet
		notice olivia’s roasting stick – a weed
	Grandpa P is seriously amazing!	That’s my man – tough as ever, look at the biceps!
wow	these 4 road their bikes from the big cabin to the little cabin	look at the cute litlle Wrangler bumb
Checking out the fish at big springs
Olivia loved playing Barbies with Grandma P	Lily and Mason rode on the float from our Stake … they really wanted to load up on candy instead, but their mean mom made them ride on the float. Mason especially felt like it was a sacrifice.	We could not find Lexi’s SSJH cheer group – it took up 30 minutes and a lot of walking to find out they were going to be 4th from the end of the parade.
why stephen goes to the parade	why JT goes to the parade	cutest thing ever – this couple was bragging about being married 60 years! Now I am bragging for them – love it
Lex was a little bummed she didn’t get to be a flyer in the parade, but seniority wins out and the 8th grade cheerleaders got to do it this time!
		these two were a little too excited to get their hands on some matches

Comments:

John said…

Great Report. I wish we could have been there.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009 7:20:38 AM

michelle said…

Looks like some great times. Thanks for sharing the fun pictures.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 9:33:51 AM

Magan said…

We need to plan another get together I had one sad little boy because he didn’t get to spend enough time with you guys. So keep you busy schedule open for a get together sometime soon
Thursday, July 09, 2009 5:26:19 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

We got to be part of some of these great times. Whenever you have family fun, it’s the best. We love being part of all this craziness.
Sunday, July 12, 2009 7:26:55 AM

when Grandpa and Grandma come. Whether your last name is Baldwin or Parker, if you have Grandpa or Grandma attached at the beginning you have status around here! Last week our family basked in the realms of "Hollywood" for a little star studded weekly activity.

First up, we welcomed the Baldwin Grandparents for a few days while Grandpa was here for eye surgery. Olivia and JT were a little concerned when they saw "pampa" with an eye patch looking like a pirate. We were glad that everything went smoothly with that and before we knew it, the patch was off and Grandpa was sporting some cool shades. The time went quickly and we bid farewell while we licked our spoonfulls of ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.

Next, we anticipated the return of the famous Portugal couple missionaries – Elder and Irma Parker. They arrived in Idaho Falls Saturday morning after a night delay in SLC. All kids (and their parents) were as giddy as you can imagine as they were spotted coming down the escalator. After the luggage wasn’t retreived we drove home and welcomed them back to America with a famous Parker Hot Dog roast. It was fun to watch the introductions of the new babies that have been born the last 18 months: JT, Cooper, and Simon. We hear that little Josie was in on the introductions in SLC before they flew into Idaho Falls. It was also fun to hear more about the friends we met on our visit to Portugal last fall as they reported their mission in church Sunday. More fun times are sure to come, I’m sure. There is always a party going on when you are a Parker.

You can’t put a price tag on a Grandparent’s love and devotion. It is joyful to be the parent and watch my kids idolize Grandpa and Grandma, as Grandpa and Grandma dote right back. The exchange between them all is a pleasure to behold. There is a special bond that comes with the title and every kid deserves Grandparents as amazing as both of ours!!!

Comments:

Anne said…

Yeah! So fun to see your pics at the airport! Thx for sharing! Hope you are all enjoying each other and can’t wait to see you all soon!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 10:04:09 PM

michelle said…

Thanks for sharing the fun pictures. Grandparents are pretty special people. I love the kids in their Portugal shirts. Zach tries to wear his every day-every once in a while I have to wash it.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 10:14:11 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

It was really fun for us. We are so blessed with a wonderful family. Thanks for all you are doing with your family and for us too.
Saturday, July 04, 2009 6:09:55 AM

Our summer is rolling by with a full calendar and fun visits from aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. This past weekend we were delighted to have the Baldwins (Amy, Bridget, and Abby) up for a visit. They don’t come very often so it was extra special for all of the girls. Stephen decided to take Mason on a Father and Son weekend since they missed the one with the ward. This freed us girls up to have a lot of girl bonding. We made aprons, went to Hannah Montanna, and then went and did a photo shoot at the temple and BYUI gardens. The gardens are sooo beautiful – I could stay there for a very long time if I were there a lone with a book.

The Baldwin’s are night owls and we had some extra late night excitement which resulted in some girl drama on the following days by the Parker girls. It was all worth it to spend those extra hours with cousins.

Thanks for the visit girls and we look forward to more memories down the road. Here are some of our fun pictures…

This week we are anticipating a visit from Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin and then welcoming the Parker Grandparents home from their mission after 18 monts (JT is going to meet them for the first time)! Another exciting week to add to the rest!

these girls weren’t cooperating
couldn’t keep this fella from the fun	Ah, the lazy days of summer	The clan at our photo shoot – I personally LOVE the colors in the back drop…green field, blue sky, & white clouds.
		Olivia was excited to see her other cousin, Brookey, at the splash park.

Comments:

Anne said…

Summer is so fun! The pictures of the gardens make me excited to go to Angelica’s reception up there. The aprons are darling…love them. Keep the good times rollin…as long as you get to sleep in to catch up on those late nights!
Sunday, June 21, 2009 10:28:44 PM

Grandpa & Grandma Parker said…

You girls know how to have fun. The pic are great. Can’t wait to see you.
Sunday, June 21, 2009 11:37:11 PM

Magan said…

Fun times, we must be on the wrong side of the state, we haven’t had any Baldwin family visitors in over 3 years
Monday, June 22, 2009 9:40:04 PM

Grandpa Baldwin said…

I just read Magan’s comment. I feel guilty. We plan to visit Boise in September to be part of Grant’s ordination. Anyway, it has been too long since we’ve been there.

We enjoy returning to Rexburg. The more often we return and the long we stay there the harder it is to return to Orem. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission and to serve in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. We know our mission activities are important and that people can be helped in the difficult times we find ourselves in.

We really appreciate the good things our family are doing and love to hear about all the fun things you all do. We look forward to visiting the family whenever we can arrange the time. Who knows, maybe next summer will
be quite different and we will be pushing the window of over-staying!

Monday, June 29, 2009 1:12:13 PM

Mountain Biking at Hawly Gulch

We have had a full weekend! We were most excited to have company. John and Michelle’s family came up. Friday morning John, Stephen, and Trevin took a bunch of cool kids mountain biking. They had a lot of fun with many crazy stories to tell. The rest of us went to the Spray Park and braved the cool weather. JT and Olivia loved riding the carousal. We topped the day off going out on a 5 couple date to Craigo’s Pizza to do our carboload. I know I felt like a giant ball of dough rolling out of the restaurant – we ate well. John told us some funny stories, our personal favorite about a girl in the back of his friend’s pick up truck. You’ll have to have him tell it to you. While we were out Haley, Lex, Kenzie, and Mason made a great movie entitled, "The Parker Bunch". It was a day in the life of a mom. We’ll have to show it to you some time.

John and Michelle were so awesome to help us out with our children while we ran! We owe them major big time and appreciate them so much. JT loved his Uncle John – John put a wagon together for him and took him to see the tractors. After the marathon we came home and relaxed for a quick minute before going to Aunt Dot and Uncle Everett’s 70th anniversary reception. Isn’t that just amazing! Seventy years – they look great and were so happy.

Now we are very tired and hope to sleep a lot tonight and then take a long nap tomorrow!

	Love the bike transportation
	The Happy Married Couple of 70 Years	Stephanie ran the 5K – way to go!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

What a wonderful and meaningful week-end. We were sure glad you shared them on the site. All this and the Gospel too!
Saturday, June 13, 2009 11:51:45 PM

michelle said…

Way to go guys! You are very inspiring. Thanks for letting us stay at your house. The kids had a blast. So did the parents.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 3:27:54 PM

Jana said…

Very proud of you both and Stephanie, We had a fun weekend too. It’s fun to be a part of something so great.
Monday, June 15, 2009 1:05:39 PM

Magan said…

Very inspiring events accomplishing a marathon and celebrating a marriage of 70 years. “Life is Good”

Monday, June 15, 2009 4:09:26 PM

The day finally came and we are officially OUT of school for the summer! The kids road their bikes to school and by the time Alexis came home had thrown together a water party for all her friends. She is getting this party thing down a little too well, but we were happy to be the hosts. They had fun playing with water balloons and buckets and most of all having a mud fight in the pond Stephen quickly made with his tractor. Olivia hung out on the porch with her friend in the safety zone, but had fun being the water balloon guard. We missed Lily (she was at her friend’s house) – luckily JT decided to take a long nap. Alexis’s friend brought a game called, "sling shot", that looks totally fun. We decided we have to make it for all of our reunions this summer.

Here’s to many more happy and warm summer days!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Looks like some good country fun. We enjoyed lots of parties with our kids friends over the years. The fun is just there waiting to be unfolded. Work hard, play hard!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 12:48:33 AM

michelle said…

You guys can really throw a party! Looks like a blast-Zach is very jealous. Happy Summer to you! We still have a month to go.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 8:39:48 AM

John said…

Who needs Green Canyon. You just need to put up a little swing and you will be in business. Looks like a great time.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 5:21:56 PM

Anne said…

Looks like a great time! Happy summer!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 5:36:42 PM

Steph said…

How did Stephen stay dry and clean? That looks like a ton of fun. There is nothing better than a good mud fight.
Thursday, June 11, 2009 12:52:38 PM

Jana said…

you gotta love a good mud fight…you guys are fun parents.
Thursday, June 11, 2009 4:37:49 PM

Magan said…

What a party!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 6:08:20 PM

It was a busy and fun weekend. We worked hard before Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin arrived on Thursday evening so that we could relax and just play. It was so great to have a visit and share time with my parents. Friday night we watched: Paul Blart, The Mall Cop. We had a good laugh.

Lex spent Saturday morning helping Grandma Baldwin make flower arrangements at Uncle Morgans house. Going to String Lake in Grand Teton National Park on Saturday afternoon with Grandpa was a special treat. I couldn’t believe that the girls were in swimming suits and in the water as I looked around and saw frequent patches of snow! JT couldn’t be stopped and he wouldn’t stay out of the water either…his poor little legs were turning purple by the time we pried him out. That little dude LOVES to be outside. All of us loved taking a stroll in the canoe. Grandma stayed up late playing games with us and entertaining. The kids loved having a sleep over with Grandma! Sunday she even slept out on the couch with all of them (minus JT) – that is true love.

We were able to go visit the graves on Sunday. Mason made some origami lilies for Michele’s grave and Lex made a fancy bow to go on them. Lily made a paper flower that said "Families are Forever". Not to be left out, Olivia cut a flower out of paper too. We also went to Great grandpa and grandma Parker’s graves and also Great grandpa and grandma Beattie’s graves and as well as other relative’s.

Monday Stephen, Lex, and Mason went mountain biking while the rest of us stayed home to plant flowers. We are excited that the weather is permitting us to eat out on our deck as often as we want to. It is fun to hear the birds chirp,see the green fields, and watch the blue sky. It is a peaceful place to live – away from all of the other "stuff".

	Flower arranging at Uncle Morgans. Olivia didn’t want to leave until Morgan gave out his “fishies”. Morgan has trained her to expect candy whenever she sees him.
Grandpa Baldwin made this walking stick for Lily – it has piano keys on it! Very cool.
Stephen made lipstick out of his snap candy.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Never a dull moment. You guys definitely will be able to say you really lived and took full advantage in this life experience. We felt a little homesick to see the graves and the fun outdoor shots.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:08:47 PM

Anne said…

Sounds like lots of fun! Wow, looked like cold swimming. Lexy and Mason loved the mountain bike clips. You guys have a cool dad!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:14:30 PM

michelle said…

Fun weekend! What a beautiful lake. Thanks for sharing. You guys have such a great family.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 5:
01:15 PM

Scott said…

Your family is so awesome. I love the pictures of JT sitting in the canoe, and the one of your whole family on the water in the canoe.

Sure miss you guys!
Saturday, May 30, 2009 8:48:56 PM

Tonight was the last night of Club Spring Soccer for Coach Parker and Alexis. The "Bobcabulldiggers" ended strong in a tie game against the Bonneville Bonecrushers. It was fun to watch and take notice of how much improvement has been going on. The wind was also there once again to remind us that most things in life don’t always happen the way you want -you have to work hard, sometimes you win but most times you don’t, and keep moving forward! Lots of good life lessons. It is nice to know that our Tuesday and Wednesday nights on the calendar can make room for different activities.

Speaking of wrappin’ it up…today was Olivia’s last day of playgroup. She and her friends have had many fun times learning the letters of the alphabet, numbers, and shapes. Our field trip was suppose to be to the Nature Park for picnic and play but the wind made us take a detour to Arctic Circle. There were NO disappointed girls. We are afraid for next Wednesday when Olivia realizes that playgroup is really over – guess we can make room on the calendar for Wednesday morning too.

It’s all up to the memory now!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Just to be on a team like that was winning, but having such a great coach and cheering section puts the icing on the cake. Great season Alexis and great job Stephen!
Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:30:57 AM

Anne said…

Sounds like a fun season! My team growing up had lots of victories and lots of losses, it just makes the victories even better. Olivia looks so grown up and happy in her play group. Good thing her siblings will be around to help keep her busy soon!
Thursday, May 21, 2009 7:49:50 AM

Magan said…

Such a sweet picture of Lex and her dad. Dads are very special.
Friday, May 22, 2009 8:46:14 AM

Michelle said…

Love the soccer pictures. . . reminds me of my fam. How fun to have Stephen be Lex’s soccer coach. Seriously Stephen. . . you are a great person – being a competition soccer coach is a lot of hard work. I’m sure you and Lex will have lots of great memories!
Monday, May 25, 2009 9:18:13 PM

My work is having a little campain to help us get more active, and since spouses are invited to participate Jodi is in it too.  With us training for the Dam Marathon in June it really makes it the perfect timing for us.  I don’t want to have this come across as bragging, I just want her to know I am impressed with her. I am just so proud of little Jo and her hard work.  She is a real trooper!  Makes me proud to be her running partner.

Comments:

michelle said…

Go Jodi! I am impressed too-I am hoping you will pass some of your motivation my way-I am really needing it!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 8:46:57 AM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

You two are getting plenty active. You will live forever at that rate. You might as well live intense. That will prepare you to be better missionaries when you retire.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:55:43 PM

Jodi said…

Let us not forget who reminds me to add my “time”- Mr. Competitive and #1 spot holder. Definitely not what a “normal” exercise schedule would be, but convenient timing to get a better rate on insurance :). I’m sure I couldn’t keep up with the couple missionaries in Portugal.
Thursday, May 21, 2009 9:00:05 AM

Saturday came and brought something new: A Duathlon.  Something none of us have ever done. The course was a 5 K run and a fifteen mile bike ride. Stephen, Jodi, Alexis, and Mason took their bikes to the Madison High School to the starting line. Lily was there as moral support and cheerleader. Olivia and JT got to stay home this time. The goal was to finish – which all accomplished and loved receiving a medal to prove it. The weather was perfect.  It was fun to share the day with family and friends both. We saw Stephanie and Paul, Ryon (the event planner), Jana and families. Stephen also talked our friends Dave, Ryan, Casey, Tanner and Ashlyn into participating as well.

Alexis was so excited to ride Great Grandpa Parker’s bike – too bad looks aren’t the same as functionality! It was a work out for her – Mason was awesome to come back with Stephen to check on her 2 or 3 times sacrificing his personal best time. It meant a lot to Lex when mentally she knew we would be the last ones crossing the finish line. There weren’t many kids (4 counting them to be exact) out willing to take this on.  They are awesome to try, do, and then finish! Both Lex and Mason proudly wore their shirts to school today.

By the way, doesn’t that finish line look fabulous? It was hand welded by Stephen as well as the racks for the bikes! Pretty talented fella.

	The end – literally!
Mason ended up going even further than 15 miles when it was all said and done!		Lily’s reward was finding $5!
Stephen just took down a whole banana so he has chipmunk cheeks

Comments:

michelle said…

Good job guys-I could not ride 15 miles! I am so impressed with your family. You guys prove that hard things can be done!
Monday, May 11, 2009 9:51:21 AM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Good deal!! You leave the swimming out and we might even try it.
Monday, May 11, 2009 1:56:07 PM

John said…

That looks like a great race. We all should do it next year. Great work little Parker’s.
Monday, May 11, 2009 9:30:47 PM

Patricia said…

I am so pleased with all of you runners and bikers!!! Way to go. I don’t know how you did it Alexis and Mason!!! Wow! You guys are all so tough and buff. Did you get stiff and sore? I sure would have. Good job. Keep it up.
Love you all! Grandma B., Pat and Mom
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:07:20 AM

Magan said…

Good job guys
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:02:08 PM

Anne said…

Very cool! Way to go guys! You are so tough!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:35:06 PM