Cabin 2008

We just returned from a wonderful family vacation last night. We finally all made it up to the cabin and it was absolutely wonderful. As we were driving up there I was filled with fond memories of my childhood. The countless horse back rides with grandpa and my cousins, fishing with my dad, and just hanging out around the campfire at night. Of course I also remember the outhouse and I am truly grateful for the beautiful transformation the cabin has undergone. However, it hasn't lost it's charm and coziness. It's so wonderful to create new memories with my own children now. It isn't the easiest task to get all 12 of us together for a weekend but it was well worth the planning and preparation.

This picture was taken when we first arrived and Max was in great spirits. Unfortunately soon after he got feverish and really fussy. Poor little guy slept about 2 hours the first night. That seemed to be the average amount of sleep for the rest of us except for Sarah who can sleep through anything. Everyone really helped me with the little guy. Camping with a 10 month old baby isn't the easiest task. Here are some pictures of everyone consoling little Mino. He loved sitting on Dan's lap, preferably in the car listening to some tunes.

Sarah had the genius idea of a treasure hunt for the kids. Of course she went all out. Here we are decorating the kids bags before the hunt.

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One of their clues led them to the lake and the final clue ended up near the generator. Hank loved his spider man watch, and Isabel got princess stamps, while Lucy provided hours of entertainment with her whoopee cushion.

This is all of us on our ATV of choice!! Lucy learned how to ride the 4-wheeler and the 50 by herself. Speaking of the 50, I too had my first experience ever riding a motorcycle. It's really quite funny how scared I was at first. Don't worry, I got the hang of it pretty fast.

Lucy caught the first fish of the day and everyone else caught one soon after.

Hank was too busy riding the four wheeler and too impatient to sit around and wait for the fish to bite. As soon as he left, someone would catch a fish. We finally timed it right and he caught the "biggest" fish of the day!!

He is totally pumped about his fish...although not happy that we are eating his fish for dinner. It was really good by the way!

What was Max doing this entire time you ask? Oh he was enjoying a tune from his sweet mom. I think I was singing "Can We Chill" by Neyo...I'm not sure though.

One of the treasures Hank got from the treasure hunt was a bug collecting kit, equipped with tweezers a net and a jar to keep them in. Brett and I really worked hard to get Hank a beautiful blue dragon fly. My little tree hugger, Uncle Rusty would be so proud.

We all loaded up on the Ranger and the 4 wheelers and found a beautiful little meadow with this little stream that was very refreshing.

After we ate lunch we attempted a baseball game. It was as organized as a game can be when you are playing with 2 small children and a baby. Hank was beyond exhausted at this point. He was really distraught when Grandma Jackie told him their team was losing. Poor little chap can't handle life without a nap.

Grandpa Curt was exhausted from the game. I think he fell asleep the second he sat down. Now I know where Sarah gets her narcolepsy.
If I didn't know better I would think these two were twins. So precious!!

Isabel collected these beautiful flowers to brighten up the cabin.

My sweet little parents! (aka Nama Jackie and Grandpa Curt)

The Ross Clan

Sarah and Brett


The Griffin's


Sarah and I being way too hyper on the 50


Not 5 seconds after the previous picture was taken, Randy came back from a 4 wheeler ride with Isabel, Lucy and Hank. They had stopped to go to the bathroom and failed to buckle up afterwards. Randy, luckily was going slow, and turned a corner not knowing Lucy was reaching for her sweatshirt. Lucy and Isabel both fell out of the Ranger. Lucy only had minor injuries but poor Isabel sliced her forehead open. Kate, Dan Isabel and Dad, made a late night emergency room trip to Price. Isabel was such a little trooper. She hardly cried but you could tell she was scared. Luckily they could glue it together and no stitches were needed. They didn't get back to the cabin until 4 o'clock in the morning. Almost as heartbreaking as it was to see Isabel hurt was to see how horrible Randy felt. We were all reminded of the importance of helmets to say the least.

Hank was constantly falling and injuring himself as well, nothing major, just 3 year old scrapes and bruises. I don't think my dad could take anymore. Every time one of the grandkids would trip and fall (which was often) he would say "Oh, that was bad".

Thankfully children are so resiliant. They absolutely loved Madison's Clubhouse. I love Hank's Dorito filled mouth. I'm pretty sure that's the only thing he ate the entire weekend.

We are putting Kelly Ripa's tips for a good photo to work here. The first picture is how we normally smile and the second picture is more cheesed. Kelly says to exaggerate your smile for a more flattering photo. You be the judge.

Lucy and Isabel with Grandpa


Max and Isabel (Max is shocked about something)


My two little angels!!

This trip was a much needed change of pace for me and my family. We had a great time and look forward to making this an annual trip. Max is so happy to be home in his own bed. Hank on the other hand could live up their as long as their was someone to take him on the 4 wheeler.

Hank's First Buzz

This may not seem like that big of a deal to some but if you know Hank and his love for hair it is quite momentous. Ever since Randy and Max got their hair buzzed I've been trying to convince Hank to part with is beloved hair. He needed a haircut today and he said he was ready for a buzz so here it is...I think the completely full of it attitude must come with the haircut.



Oh, and the "stylist" that did it totally cut his neck with her clippers. He was such a stud though-didn't cry or anything.

Fourth of July Festivities

We had quite a relaxing 4th of July day. Our first attempt at swimming was halted by an issue with "fecal matter" in the Riverside pool the night before. We headed to the Scera Pool which was probably better for the kids anyway. I didn't get any great pictures of Hank because he was too busy playing with Randy and Brett. He was in heaven having their undivided attention. Max on the other hand isn't too fond of the pool. He would much rather sit on Grandpa Curt's lap and eat his snow cone. Poor little guy has a nasty cold. I thought kids weren't suppose to get sick in the summer. After much needed naps, Sarah and Brett came over and I made some tasty chicken burritos. After our banana cream pie we enjoyed a serious display of fireworks from Randy and Brett. Hank was so excited but a little nervous of the loudness of it all, as you can see by his hands covering his ears.

It didn't take him long before he was turning into a little pyro thanks to Uncle Brett.


Stadium of Fire had nothing on us this year. The only thing missing from this picture is our sweet little Max who went to sleep 3 hours before we took this! Maybe next 4th of July will be more fun for the little Mino-man.

The Ultimate Concert

Anyone who knows me at all could answer the following question...What would be Annie's ideal concert experience? If you guessed 311 and Snoop Dogg you would be correct. If you guessed Eryka Badu you would also be correct. All my dreams came true this past month (as far as concerts go). First Eryka Badu, my absolute favorite artist, not only put on a show of a life time but just happened to walk into the crowd as she sang "Bag Lady" right next to me!! I'm pretty sure we would be best friends if we knew each other in a different life. Then, I get the word that Snoop is coming in concert with my favorite band of all time. How could it be? We sat next to a couple from Orem and I realized that I've cleaned this girl's teeth before. Hygienist by day, rock star by night. I like the sound of that! She probably never would have guessed that her sweet little hygienist knew every word to Lodi Dodi! Snoop didn't disappoint. He performed every song both old and new that I wanted to hear. I was kind of hoping he would be sporting his curled under bob or his little pig tails. His blue bandana print coveralls made up for it though.
This is the ninth time I've seen 311 and they never let me down. Always a wonderful, high energy show. It's always fun to go to a concert when you know every single song the artist sings. I need to be careful jumping around too much. The old bladder isn't what it used to be (thanks children). Speaking of children, I wonder how embarrassed my kids will be of me when the get older. Hopefully they will think I'm cool but they'll probably rebel and listen to Clay Aiken or Celine Dion. Now I can only hope for a Jay Z/Rage Against the Machine concert. Then my concert list will be complete! Oh yeah and Anthony Hamilton of course, if Randy will let me...