And we’re out!

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

We met the Big Bad Wolf

This past weekend the family drove to Logan, Utah to support me on my Little Red Riding Hood Ride. It was an adventure – like always!

We ended up having to drive through Alta, WY so that Stephen could help a co-worker with his laptop. It was a beautiful drive, but had lots of winding roads. By the time we got to Alpine,  JTdecided to loose his lunch! We had some serious pukage happening – luckily that little town had a car wash with a carpet shampoo. We were diligent to clean well so we wouldn’t have to be stuck in the car with that smell all weekend. Got back in the car drove some more winding roads and bam – he let her blow again! This time it wasn’t so bad and Stephen was determined to get to Logan before we all went stir crazy from the long drive. We cleaned up as well as possible. I have to say, I LOVE anti-bacerial hand sanitizer more and more everyday. I guess we have a little boy that might get car sick, because he was fine the rest of the night.

Friday night we picked up our packets and Olivia got to see the big bad wolf. She was disturbed and very afraid of him despite my reassurace that it was a man dressed in a costume. I took her closer to check it out for herself, but she was convinced the plastic gloves had real claws. Lily posed in the picture as Olivia shuddered. Later that night as I was laying in bed and the lights were out she crept up to me and asked if I showed Mason and Alexis the picture of the wolf. I said "no" do you want to get the camera and show them? She ran back to her bed and said "NO". Funny little girl.The Little Red Riding Hood people really know how to throw a great event. There were plenty of aide stations stocked to the hilt of anything you need. They even make p.b sandwiches for ya. At the finish line we received a lai and a beverage with an umbrella and fancy straw. There was also a chocolate fountain and huge spread of delicious food. I hope I have convinced a few of you ladies to join us next year.

Logan has some beautfiful scenery. I love visiting there and it was a pleasure to bask in its beauty on a long Saturday bike ride.   I think if you have to ride 46 miles you should do it in good company. I was more than happy to get to chat with my sister/friend Anne. She is one of the greatest people I know and I really admire her. I have learned a lot from her, especially the way she embraces a challenge with her positive attitude/talk. How many ladies attempt to go on a 46 miles bike ride when they have a 5 month old baby and haven’t had the time to do any riding? Plus, she is getting ready to do the Ragnar Relay in 2 weeks and run the St.George Marathon this fall! Simply amazing and truly inspiring! I hope to have many more runs and rides with Anne.

Of course a trip to Logan isn’t complete without a visit to Gossner’s cheese factory for cheese curds and swiss cheese. That seems like a good place to end.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Good job on the bike ride. It’s a good thing Olivia can see the wolf in people. There are a few of them out there, even some in sheep’s clothes. You and Anne are go getters with lots of courage.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 12:53:35 AM

michelle said…

What a fun weekend. You have to love winding roads and kids. That is the worst! Good job on the race and good luck this weekend. It will be fun to watch you run your marathon!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 8:44:22 AM

Anne said…

Jodi, it was so fun! I will look forward to next year, thanks for a fun day!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:56:55 AM

Bye Bye Birdie


What in the …!

Isn’t it ironic that last week I was so happy about my peaceful, serene world out here away from "the stuff"? The tables have turned and we have been over taken by the BIRDS! They are becoming a big fat nuisance. Not only is my front walk way and porch covered in bird "you know what’s" they are flying in our garage as soon as the door pops open and hovering. This is not good for a person whose heart skips a beat when a creature is near.

The real clincher was on Friday morning! I stopped in to talk to Stephen in his office for a question when he said, "Are their birds in here?" Of course I wouldn’t have dreamed that is was possible if I hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes! Two swallows circling my chandelier! Stephen stopped to take these pictures while I was hiding out in his office. Apparently Olivia and her friend left the front door open for a few minutes (seriously probably 2) and these crazy attack birds (slight exaggeration) decide to move on in!

I am glad that Stephen fought his inner protective of creature nature and went out to fight yesterday. He covered the shingles where the little fellas lived and sprayed things down. I know it was hard for him because he feels bad to make a creature suffer, but it was either them or ME!

Thanks honey…and bye bye birdies!


C YA my fine feathered “ex” friend!
this is not your home…it’s MINE and I’m territorial!

Comments:

Mom and dad Parker said…

It’s not just everyone who has real live decorations in their house. You might start a real fad. They really are pretty, but Stephen will have to figure a way to keep the mess down. Are they from Capistrano?
Monday, June 01, 2009 12:15:10 AM

Steph said…

That’s hilarious! Great pictures.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009 9:27:45 PM

michelle said…

That’s great! I can’t believe they came on in. I can only imagine how fun it would have been to see you guys trying to get them out! Thanks for sharing.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009 7:17:52 AM

Birthday


Parker Cousins

I had a birthday party last night with my friends. We played lots of games, like: volleyball, spin the nailpolish bottle (thank you Kassie), grunt piggy grunt, and then we had an ugly shorts contest. Guess who the judges were????? Tanner and Tyson, two of my guy friends from school. My mom surprised us all and we were soooo embarrassed, but it was fun! We also got to watch Paul Blart: The Mall Cop. These are my favorite lines: "Oh, you blinked!", "shhhhh, Twist it, Twist it", "Oh Snap goes the weasal", "Do not lie to me Paul Blart", "Peanut Blart and Jelly," "Whassup man, so good to hear your voice", "Call me back , call me back!"  I love that show.

Tonight we had a party with my cousins. We had a hula hoop contest and Paige won. We had a reverse limbo contest and Mason and I tied. I was soo excited to go to Young Womens. My leaders came to visit me and brought me my personal progress boook and a beehive made out of cookies and popcorn.

Today I got lots of candies (my favorite BOB mints). My parents gave me some quilting fabrics for a project for Young Womens. I am going to make a quilt with all of the colors of the YW values. 

I wish I would have felt better. I hate allergies!

Thanks for the Birthday wishes y’all.


Dad is not looking good there
loved having Riley come
Loved having Paige come too

love these mints

fabric for my YW value quilt

Paige the winner

catchin’ some air!

These are my “diaper” shorts that say “SIZZLE” on the front

The judging begins… we couldn’t see the judges until after they had made their decision

Winner of the “Ugly Shorts” contest…shorts had animals all over them
here we all are in our ugly shorts

Finally 12
this is an “edward” doll (twilight) my mom’s friend Diana made it – loved it and the the Jacob doll with fur too!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

What happy pictures of happy people. We can almost start getting homesick now. We really are excited to spend some precious time with all ya’ll. Alexis, you are a great person. Keep it up.
Monday, June 01, 2009 12:07:10 AM

Magan said…

Happy b-day Looks like you brought it in with Style!
Monday, June 01, 2009 9:27:59 PM

Steph said…

What a pretty girl you are. I love those parachute shorts/pants. You will love YW it is so fun, esp. camp. Keep making your family proud.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009 9:36:43 PM

michelle said…

Happy Birthday Lex! Looks like some great parties. I loved the shorts-the sad thing is that I remember wearing some shorts that looked like a few of those! You will be such a joy to have in Young Womens-you have some lucky leaders.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009 7:23:58 AM

7th Grade Vice President over Activities

I decided to run for Vice President over Activities for the 7th grade last week. And guess what? I won!!! Friday I had to give a speech in front of the whole 6th grade.  There were 8 other people running against me and one of them was my friend, Shay. I wish we could have tied. She gave me some of her ideas so we are both kind of on it. My one minute speech was: 

"Hello…

I would like to make school fun for everyone by using my 1, 2, 3 plan for Fun!

#1 – MORE after school clubs offered! I have some ideas, and I’d like to hear yours – come and talk to me.

#2 – Spring Lip Sync with students AND TEACHERS. How many of you would like to see Tanner sing, “I like ‘em Big, I like ‘em Chunky?” Or even better, Principal Shultz sing, “Who let the dogs out?”

#3 – FUN Fridays – My idea is to try and have free popcorn (and maybe even hot chocolate during the winter) on one Friday every month.

I really would like the opportunity to make school a fun place for everyone! Your vote for me as VP over Activities is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

VOTE FOR Alexis for VICE PRESIDENT over Activities!"

Memorial Weekend Highlights

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

Mountain Biking makes the world go round


Coming out of Holley Gulch

Today Mason, Alexis, and some of our friends headed up to Kelly Canyon for some sweet mountain bike action.  We drove quite a way up the canyon then headed down the Holly Gulch loop, from there we shot over to table rock campground and began the ascent back up the the main road.  From there we headed up the east side of the ski resort and then shot down the face.  That was a blast.  There were quite a few good sized rocks so you had to be careful not to get bucked off.  We parked the 4-wheeler at the lodge and Lex and I zoomed back up to get the car.  Here is a virtual tour of the ride. It was I think the funnest thing I have done for months. I can’t wait to do it again, have to get the boys to do that for our retreat this year.

Comments:

michelle said…

Sweet riding guys! You guys have no fear like your dad. Mountain biking is so much fun, I am glad you guys are starting out early! You will have to teach my kids.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 8:27:44 AM

Anne said…

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:16:45 PM

Dad said…

Nice videos. Keep up the hard play.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:32:34 PM

Let’s do that again.

We went on a pretty intense mountain bike ride today, and Mason for the rest of the day has been asking me, "when can we do that again, Dad?"  We had a great time, I was a little conecerned about the steepness of the hill but Mason sure enjoyed the rush of flying down the hill and through the puddles.  He came home and has been practicing his brake turns to skid the rear tire around the hair pin corners.  Good times were had today.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

You get guy like Mason to the mountains, and he will always have a good time. He sure is looking like a well-rounded fine young man more all the time.
Monday, May 25, 2009 11:55:21 PM

Anne said…

Pretty cool stuff you will have to take Lance some time!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:18:50 PM

You are a lot tougher than you think

Today Alexis proved to me and all around her that she is a lot tougher than she thinks…We went for a pretty intense mountain bike ride we rode over 8 miles went several thousands of feet up hill and back down and she just kept going.  She got a little down when she couldn’t breathe because of all the hill climbing but pulled right out of it.  I was impressed  with her as we took a shortcut straight up the mountain,  I helped her by pushing her bike up the very steep face. As we approached the top offered to push her bike the rest of the way if she would just push it to the next big tree.  She replied, "why don’t I just do it myself" as if to say, "I can do it".  Tough little girl.


Almost there…

Comments:

Grandma and grandpa Parker said…

Looked like a fun ride. She is really a tough young lady, and so cheerful that she is always fun to be around.
Monday, May 25, 2009 11:52:32 PM

Anne said…

Way to go Lexi! Your are tough!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:17:56 PM

Tradition


Burrr

This morning Mason, Grandpa Baldwin and I set out for the annual fisherman’s breakfast in St. Anthony.  We left here around 6:00 and then stood in line for about 2 hours in the chilly 38 degree morning.  It took us about 5 minutes to eat our food and then we were headed home again.  Makes me wonder if it is really worth the wait.  It was great food but boy that was a long cold wait.


That is one big batter mixer
Victory

Comments:

John said…

Looks like a great time. The only thing missing is the fishing pole. Add that and I may be sitting next to you guys next year.

Friday, May 22, 2009 10:41:24 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Maybe next year we will modify the tradition and have breakfast on our patio behind the house and talk about fishing and summer fun.
Friday, May 22, 2009 11:09:38 PM