Sophie and Daddy's Backpacking Trip to the Uintas 8/2/08

This is Wayne the pseudo blogger describing Sophie's first backing trip to the picturesque Uinta Mountains. We hiked the rocky Island Lake Trail to Long Pond. On this hike, we learned how to negotiate large rocks, steep switchbacks and stream crossings! (not to mention going potty with OUT the potty!) We hiked in 3 1/2 miles up the contoured mountain until we reached the most perfect beautiful camp spot near the pond/river. Sophie was such a great hiker, we had a riot. It was especially enjoyable for me to engage upon a downright deep conversation as Sophie taught me the "way to happiness" while eating granola bars and playing with her stuffed animal dangling from her pack. Can we do this again soon???

Here we sit at the trailhead deciding whether or not to hike or wait for the storm to pass. The storm never came, so off we went! You can see the antipcation on Sophie's face as we put on our hiking boots and hoist our packs on our backs. I have never seen my Vortex Pack loaded to it's gizzard like it was on this trip. HEAVY!!!

Here Sophie the Master Hiker stands proudly after conquering her first stream crossing! I was a bit worried she wouldn't be able to get across without taking a dip, and I would have to unhitch my pack to carry her across. She made it across without skipping a beat! It was a wet year so the water was still very present in the meadows and streams. We filtered water a couple times on the way in since we would rather drink fresh cold water from snow melt than hot water that had been on a long car ride!




Here Sophie is strutting her stuff, (stuffed animal and all) as we approach an ascent half way into the journey. The trail was in bedded with roots and rocks as these pics don't quite do the scenery or trail justice. Sophie will attest that it was indeed a rock garden for the majority of the trek!

In this picture Sophie is 1/4 mile from our campsite with Mt. Watson (11,522 ft) keeping watch over Long Lake. It was very quiet here with exception of trout attacking a bug on the surface of the water. I wanted to try my luck with a #20 Adams and see what kind of trout this lake housed. There is a well constructed footbridge spanning the outlet from Long Lake so we didn't need to change footwear at this crossing. As you can see, this is a vast barren land with no indication of human presence other than the footbridge. Sophie was a trooper wearing a permi-grin the entire excursion!

While I was trying to shoehorn all the gear in my backpack, Sophie took the liberty of snapping pictures around our campsite capturing this awesome pic. This is 50 feet or so from where our tent was pitched in an amazing setting! Can you tell what is a reflection and what is real? That girl has some talent in more ways than one!

Kookie

Conrad has an imaginary friend, named Kookie. He has been with us for over a year. He gets blamed for many things that Conrad doesn't want to take ownership of, like messing up his room, or doing things he is not supposed to do.

So, Conrad had the runs today. We had to change h is pants a few times. The first time he had an accident, he was standing in the room with me, and I saw it happen. I think it surprised him, and he said, "mom, I have poop in my pants, and Kookie did it." Then, the next time he had an accident, he told me a spider crawled up his leg, into his pants, and pooped in his underwear. He told me this a few times today. I really don't know how to react to him all the time. I wonder if he thinks I really believe him, and sometimes, I think he really believes himself. I have some good blackmail for the future, if nothing else. :)

This is one of my favorite photos of him, in his goggle phase, eating his cereal with a fork, by his choosing, of course...

This was his favorite outfit for a long time... rain or shine. His "monkey backpack," which was actually a leash, "cool boots," and gloves. We finally had to hide the boots, as they started to stink so bad. He was really not happy about it at first.

He is just such a funny child. I had to include some photos from my pre-blogging days.

Congratulations!!!

This has been a long time coming, but I wanted to congratulate Mace and Jo on their upcoming marriage. I am so happy for Mace, as is my mom (obvious in the photo). After the family camp out a few weeks ago, Sophie came home and said... "I see why Mace likes Jo so much. She is so nice. I see why he likes her and he loves her." I couldn't agree more. I am looking forward to getting to know you better Jo, and looking forward to making many memories in the future. Again, congratulations! I can't wait!

FAREWELL

So... Holty got accepted to Law School in Oklahoma. We had a farewell party for him at my house on Thursday night. I love Holt and Lindy, and am really going to miss them so much. I guess it's only three years - right?

Look at my HANDSOME brothers! This is the last photo of them together, before Mace is no longer a single guy, and Holt leaves. Do you believe they used to torture me when I babysat? Well, I tortured them too from what they tell me :)

Holt, Lindy, and my mama. We are going to miss you!!! I feel like I have gotten to know Lindy better over the past little while. I have a great appreciation for her, and am glad Holt close her to be his wife. She is a super addition to the family, and a great friend. I am totally going to miss her too. Love you Lindy!

Sophie and one of her idols... Aunt Angie! Whenever we have a family get-together, Sophie asks if the Aunts are coming. Angie was the first one on the Terburg side, and Sophie sticks to her like glue! If I had the time I probably would too. Love you Angie.

In the pterodactyl costume yet again. Conrad loves this costume. He had to put it on for the farewell party! He wore it to his friend's b-day party. Even though his little face was beet red, and he was so hot, he kept it on, because it was a dinosaur party, and of course it was the perfect time to wear it. He also likes to wear it to the grocery store, among other places, and I let him. I think it is cute, and kinda funny. We get many smiles when we are out in it.

My mama and her parents. It is always fun when grandma and grandpa come to the party!

My Sweet Father-in-law

I really think I have the sweetest, loving and kind Father-in-law I could ever ask for. I am truly thankful for him. We had him over on Sunday for his birthday dinner. It was fun, and we had great food! This is a photo of Margaret, Allen, and all their grandkids gathered around. We love you all!

4th of July

So... my camera has been lost for nearly a month, and Sophie found it under her bed the other day, so I can finally update my blog!


Some neighbors and I organized a little parade, BBQ, and fireworks for the neighborhood on the 4th of July. It was very much fun. The kids got to decorate their bikes and scooters, and ride around. I hope it will become a tradition, and grow each year in the future. Thanks to all for your help.

I think many of us moms shop at Wal-mart. It was like the kids were in uniform.

Conrad, my Dad, and I hanging out on the steps, watching the fireworks.

Another parade shot. It was a great night, with great food! By the way... I have many more photos of the night, if any of you neighbors would like copies, I can upload them to Costco, or wherever, and send you the link. Just let me know.

Latest project

Again... the photos don't do it justice, but this is the latest room I have been working on. I still want to do a window treatment, and possibly some thick crown molding. But, for now I am very happy with it.

The thing I am the most happy about is taking out the old ugly silver dangling light fixture. Wayne let me get the one I wanted, instead of settling for one that was just alright - thank you Wayne!

I don't really know why I am putting this on my blog, other than I am so excited about it, and am having a hard time not looking at it. Especially the light. It is so fun to decorate! Yes... I know formal dining rooms are kind of a waste, but they sure are pretty! We do have game night in there occasionally, and special dinners. I need to figure out other excuses to use it. Any suggestions?

Stuffed Animal Birthday Party

So... the kids were going from house to house this morning, and decided they wanted to have a birthday party for their animals after swimming at Butcher's house.

Izzy, Sophie, Kyra, Mia, Addy

With their favorite pets.

I baked a cake, and let the girls frost and put sprinkles on a piece for their very own stuffed animal. They even got to blow out candles and sing.

Conrad and Will joined in also, even though they didn't bring a pet. Their favorite thing about it was eating the frosting. It was a loud, but fun day.

My three favorite men in the whole world!

My cute dad stopped in last night, while Conrad and Wayne were playing trains. When I went in the room, it was such a happy site. I just had to take a picture. It made my heart happy!

Conrad has a whole slue of train hats and bandannas. Wayne said Conrad was the only one in control of the controller. Wayne never even touched it. Conrad knew just what to do to couple the trains.

Look mommy, a tundle!

When my dad was leaving, I said, "Conrad it so cute. " My dad agreed, and added, "Conrad has a good dad." I couldn't agree more. I feel so blessed with the men in my life. Thank you!

Girls tRips aRe the beSt!

I LOVE my new neighborhood, and I LOVE my new girlfriends!
A few of us went to St George for the weekend. It was so much fun.

Wherever there are girls, there will be pink! We went to Wal-mart, and bought pink floats. It was like a mist of pink in the pool. It was so nice to relax... after we got them blown up and we weren't lightheaded any more!

We went to Tuacan, and saw Sound Of Music. It was great fun. They always put on a great show!

Yes, we saw a real storm trooper in Target. We stopped him... well, I did, and asked for a photo with him. He said yes, as long as we didn't tell his wife! hehe. It was a fun night!

Recital Season

Sophie's recital is tonight. This is her 3rd year in dance. I have to admit that every time I attend a recital, or dress rehearsal, I get a bit teary. There is just something about seeing your sweet innocent daughter up on stage with other sweet innocent girls, feeling the music, and dancing their little hearts out in a tutu bum. Maybe it is the fluff, maybe it is the music, maybe it is so much youth and innocence all in one room. I just love it, and am looking forward to attending the full recital tonight. Doesn't she look so pretty???

Conrad sat through the rehearsal, bless his heart. He was a bit bored, but happy to see his sis after it was all over.

I took some of the cute neighbor girls to the rehearsal, and thought I would take a few shots of them and their best poses, afterwards. Sophie, MaKenna, and Izzy. Aren't they cute?

There really is something about a tutu bum. I just love it!

More B-day fun...

So... I kept putting this off, thinking that I was going to include more photos of Conrad's b-day along with his friend's party. But, alas, I have not given it yet. We are still waiting for a good time. So, I thought I would throw in a few photos from his actual birth day.

Yes, I always have to include pictures of the cake. I have never done this technique before, but it wasn't too hard. I had fun doing it.

Conrad LOVED the cake!

We had nice friends and family come over. It was a great day. We love you Conrad!

King for a day!

For Father's day this year, we decided to make Wayne, King for a day!

The kids and I had much fun planning what to do for him.

We made him a throne, and crown.

We left him books, magazines, and his lap top, along with a bell to ring any time he wanted anything. The kids had a great time rubbing his feet, and bringing him things. He also requested live performances from them. They each took turns singing him songs. They he wanted them to watch a movie with him, so they did. It was a great day. You are a great Father, Wayne! We love you!

School's out for summer!

Sophie's last day of school. She was so excited, but I have to admit I was a little bit sad to see her get off the Kindergarten bus for the last time. She is growing so fast.
We are going to have a great summer.

Beloved Jan and Renee

We love Jan and Renee! They surprised us the other day, and came to visit. They brought gifts for the kids. They came in their cool car, and even gave the kids a spin. We had a nice chat on the patio. We were sad when they left, and wished they could build a house right across the street. We have a lot picked out for them. We think of them, and miss them every day. We were so lucky to get to live next door from them for 6 years, and are better people because we know them. We love you Jan and Renee!

Walk... Ride down memory lane...

Over the river and through the woods, the Grandmother's house we go... Well, not exactly, but it did feel that way at times. We went to visit my Grandparents on Sunday for Conrad's birthday, and because we missed them while they were in Arizona.

My cute grandma organized for a carriage to pick us up, and drive us around Garland. It was SO fun to sit with them, and see the city. The carriage was cool, white, with blue velvet seats. The kids loved it. We had such a fun day.

Grandpa told us he remembers as a boy, they wouldn't plow the streets, and when it would snow, they would hook the horses up to a sleigh, and do, "donuts," on the streets! I have never done a donut like that before. What a different time it was!


Sophie got to sit by Grandma. What fun!

After the carriage, we visited the graves. Starting with Uncle Dustin's grave. Grandma was a bit teary. Grandpa brought water for the many flowers. I still miss Uncle Dustin. I am a year older than he was when he died. It was a life cut short.

In front of Dustin's grave.

Above is a photo of Conrad sitting on the tomb stone of his name sake, Alfred Conrad Toland. My Great Grandfather. He went by Conard, from what I understand.

This tomb stone shot is the names of the 16 children my Great Grandma Christina Hill had. Wow... I think 2 kids are a handful. My grandpa used to tell me that they used to take turns sleeping in the bed. 6 kids would sleep from 6pm to midnight, and then 6 others would sleep from midnight to 6 am. I used to believe him!

We visited the war memorial in the center of town, and
Grandpa pointed out his name on the WWII plaque.

He stood with Sophie and Conrad in front of the Korean was soldier statue. His name is not listed on the Korean war plaque, even though he served. I hope they will list it soon.

After all the site seeing, we went back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for my grandma's home cooked roast beef meal. Now I know where my mom learned to cook! It was great. After dinner, Sophie and I looked at her jewelry and beads, while the boys hung out. Before we left, Grandma and Grandma showered the kids with presents. They were entertained the whole ride home. All week the kids have been saying how nice Grandma Pam, and Grandpa Don are. I agree. It was such a fun day. We are so thankful for Grandparents. I see why people call them Grandparents.
They truly are GRAND!