The Grange Fam

On Call

2010-05-23T23:18:00.003-05:00

I know this will actually shock some of you that I have actually added some posts. I think I have finally figured out why I don't blog as often. Danny is home. I love it. I love spending time with him. Love the job he took so that he can be home more often. Every once in awhile he has bad weekend call and this one wasn't too bad but I just didn't want to work on the talk I am supposed to give next Sunday. Here are a few pics of the new house.

Sophie's Baptism March 2010

2010-05-23T23:09:00.005-05:00

Sophie was baptized in March. Still can't believe how fast they grow up. Most of Danny's family were able to come and it was a really special day for Sophie. She most definitely felt loved!

Bear Lake--Thanksgiving 2009

2010-05-23T22:54:00.002-05:00

I love this picture of these insane children who just could not pass up the chance to dip their toes into icy bear lake. P.S. Sophie cried the whole way back to the house. Good Times!

Have you ever wondered what I would like with a helmet on? Well folks, wait no more. I have officially been the driver of a snowmobile. And guess What? I loved it, the kids loved, even Big D had a great time. (February 2010)

What's UP?

2010-01-15T23:08:00.004-06:00

Well, I have been stalking cooking blogs lately and have just added some great links to my blog. Check them out if you have time. I will try to post some of our favoites. Danny is loving taking pictures of our latest creations. He loves trying new recipes just about as much as I do.

Photos at "The Farm" Fall 2009

2009-10-05T22:12:00.004-05:00

I know you thought I fell off the planet, but I didn't. We had a great busy summer and now that the kids are back in school I may get a few things posted once in awhile. We just had some family photos taken at Danny's Grandpa's farm. They turned out great and the kids had a blast getting dirty. Enjoy!

Can you believe my baby is almost one?

Spence. Need I say more.

He's becoming quite the lady killer.

Me and Soph.

Entropy Wins

2009-06-01T23:16:00.002-05:00

Well dear friends, I am afraid entropy wins at our house. Just when I think I am on top of things everything seems to crumbles and fall apart again. I often wonder what my life would look like from the heavens. One woman just moving a lot of stuff (laundry, toys, dishes . . . ) around day after day. I wonder if anyone is laughing. I might be if I were watching. Ah the joy of learning patience and persistence!

School Lunch--March 2009

2009-04-14T23:34:00.001-05:00

Sophie has been begging for me to have lunch with her at school. Danny was post call so I took advantage of the free babysitter and joined Sophie for a delicious nutritious meal. The thing is I remembered it being a little bit tastier when I was in school, and since when do you put ketchup on fried chicken. Yummy!

Sophie Turns 7!

2009-04-14T23:21:00.001-05:00

I can't believe Sophie is already 7! She had a family party this year, which she was not too thrilled about. We just aren't as cool as we used to be. She still had a great time at Wahooz playing video games, lazer tag and driving the go carts. When I asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday she gave me a very detailed list of expectations for her big day. It stared off with breakfast at Denny's, lunch at McDonalds, Fun play time at Wahooz, Dinner at Sizzler, and Dessert at Krispy Kreme. I couldn't help but start laughing. Well, we ended up at Sizzler for dinner had donuts (Krispy Kreme of course) instead of cake.

Thumb Sucker

2009-04-14T23:00:00.005-05:00

I went to check on Joshua while he was sleeping and found him with thumb in mouth. This may be a pain to deal with later, but it is totally cute now. I'm just grateful he has found a way to comfort himself, since the binky doesn't work.

A Special Talent--February 2009

2009-03-11T16:12:00.001-05:00

Spencer has a "special talent" of hurting himself. The new rental house has a lot of slippery wood floors that I wish I could blame for most of his injuries, but most of these bumps and cuts didn't happen because of the floor. In about 2 weeks time we have glued his forehead twice. He also has a large bump on the left side of his forehead that is slowly healing because he has now hit it a couple of times in the same place. The first thing he says now when he falls and hits his head is "it's okay, it's not bleeding". Poor child! We are hoping his coordination improves soon!

Wouldn't It Be Loverly! --January 24, 2009

2009-03-11T15:54:00.001-05:00

Sophie's first Ballet Recital.

Her class danced to Wouldn't It Be Loverly from My Fair Lady. She did a great job remembering the dance and had such a fun time dressing up in her costume and wearing makeup!

Sophie and her teacher Mrs. Cynthia.

More Photos of Joshua

2009-03-11T15:42:00.002-05:00

Joshua's Blessing Day

2009-03-11T15:21:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics from Joshua's Blessing Day. We were able to travel to Utah to bless him. It was nice to have a lot of our family there. I love this photo of Spence. (a picture says a thousand words!)

Joshua is here and Finally So Is A Picture

2009-02-07T23:29:00.013-06:00

Joshua Daniel arrived to us at a whopping 9 pounds 4 ounces and 22 inches long on the 24th of November. Biggest one yet! He is a chunk and was born with reddish brown hair. Most of which has fallen out now and is growing in blond. He is a good baby for the most part but definitely has his moments. He has little patience for anyone under the age of 12 to hold him and will now immediately start crying anytime one of his siblings gets a hold of him--survival tactics. It is amazing how fast they grow. I can't believe is already 2 1/2 months old. I will try and get some more recent photos posted tomorrow after I download the camera.

Who says Black is Slimming?

2008-11-12T22:28:00.003-06:00

Okay, I have been promising to post some pictures of the pregnant belly-so here goes. I don't know why, but I have gotten a lot of bizarre comments from complete strangers this pregnancy. Maybe I look a little bit more freaky or maybe it's just these Idahoans. On my way into the doctors office yesterday I was standing waiting for the elevator and the lady next to me asked me if my belly was real? Is that a question you would ask a complete stranger--especially after Halloween. I proceed to tell her yes, it is real and she responds with wow you have got to take a lot of pictures. And I am wondering--Does this lady have a filter? So enjoy the photos and have a good laugh or gasp at my expense.

Not too bad from the back.

Okay so it's getting kinda big.

Happy Haloween 2008

2008-11-12T22:26:00.001-06:00

We had a great Halloween this year. The kids were out of school all day and had fun playing with friends. We had the traditional Cheese Soup dinner and Danny headed off with the troops to gather the candy. The weather was so great that I was able to sit outside and pass out the candy. Spence made it about an hour and then came back to help me pass out candy. I think he had more fun passing out candy than collecting it.

Danny and the kids all dressed up. I just want to thank Doug for the great costume idea. Danny had a great time and got lots of laughs.

Spence as Piderman--Sophie as a Witch--Mackay as a Cyborg Alien

The pumpkin on the right is Sophie's winning pumpkin. It actually has 3 faces carved all around the pumpkin. Again, thanks to Danny for being patient enough with her to go through with her wishes.

2008-11-12T22:25:00.000-06:00

Mackay with his scary mask on.

Mackay's Climbing Class--October 2008

2008-11-12T22:24:00.001-06:00

This month Mackay started a climbing class at the Y. He has had a great time and improved a lot. Here are some photos of him on the wall.

Ward Halloween Party--October 24, 2008

2008-11-12T22:21:00.001-06:00

Our ward put on the funnest Halloween Carnival. Sophie has been especially excited for this event because she just knew she was going to win the pumpkin carving contest. So we go through this big long talk with her about how it's more important to just have fun instead of always wanting to win. So of course she wins a second place medal. She was so excited. Danny was too since he did all the carving for her. I do have to give her credit though because she wrote the design out on paper for him to copy. Go Sophie!!

Doesn't he look just a little bit evil?

FHE--October 20, 2008

2008-11-12T22:19:00.001-06:00

Tonight we decorated sugar cookies for FHE. They were all so proud of their creations we thought we would share.

Discovery Museum--October 4, 2008

2008-11-12T22:12:00.001-06:00

While Kevin and Chelsea were in town we were able to visit the Children's Museum. The kids had a great time playing and running off some energy on this rainy day. Mackay and Sophie were able to help with the liquid nitrogen experiment and had a great time.

Spencer's 3rd Birthday Party--October 3, 2008

2008-10-12T15:45:00.002-05:00

Spencer turns 3! Can you believe it! We had a fun afternoon at Boondocks Fun Center for Spencer's B-day. We played mini golf, rode on bumper boats and go carts, and played video games and lazer tag. Danny's brother, Kevin, and his family were able to come up for the weekend and we all had such a great time together.

Spence taking a swing at Mini golf.

Taking a ride with his favorite Superhero. He is so excited to be Piderman for Halloween.

Everyone having a good time on the bumper boats--especially Danny and Kevin.

The best part of course--opening presents.

2008-10-12T15:30:00.000-05:00

Weekend trip to Utah--September 2008

2008-10-12T15:15:00.000-05:00

Danny had some time off of work so we decided to make a quick trip to Utah to see family. While there we were able to visit Danny's Grandma Patterson. The kids always have a great time there--wheeling chairs around, messing with the sound system and tourturing the fish in the tank by pounding on the glass. Ah, the memories!

Grandma and Grandpa Waite--September 2008

2008-10-12T15:14:00.000-05:00

On Friday morning we were able to stop in and see Grandma and Grandpa Waite. The kids had a great time playing on the tire swings, ringing the bell and playing with all of Grandma's toys. Spencer was especially fascinated with Grandpa, forcing him to play frisbee and catch and then flooding him with a ton of three year old questions. I'm sure Grandpa had to have a nap after we left.

Zoo and Julia Davis Park--Memorial Day 2008

2008-10-12T15:13:00.001-05:00

Today we ventured out to the Zoo. It is a pretty small zoo thankfully because we didn't arrive until 4 and it closed at 5. We ended up getting a year membership so we could come back at often as we want. After checking out the animals we headed over to the park and rode with the kids on the paddle boats. The kids had been dying to do this. This park sits right next to the children's museum. Every time we go to the children's museum they sit and drool over the people in the paddle boats--Lucky! I kept telling them maybe when Dad is with us we will go. Danny was with us so there were no more excuses. We had a great time and I only ended up having 4-5 contractions in that 1/2 hour we were on the paddle boats! (Who pairs the pregnant lady up with the kid who can barely reach the peddles anyway!!)

2008-10-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

Idaho City--August 30, 2008

2008-10-12T15:09:00.000-05:00

Labor Day weekend Danny was on call Friday and Sunday so we decided to check out some of the local attractions. We took the kids up to Idaho City and had a great time having ice cream and dipping homemade candles. On the way down the canyon we pulled off the road and let the kids play in the Payette River. It was great weather and the kids loved getting wet and trying to catch fish. The Salmon were migrating so there were tons of them in the river. Danny became the coolest dad ever when he caught one with his hands and let the kids touch it.

2008-10-12T15:08:00.000-05:00

Mackay's 9th Birthday--August 16, 2008

2008-10-12T15:02:00.001-05:00

I think Mackay's favorite present this year was being able to spend a week at his cousins' house playing and partying. He was also excited to get the Rouge Shadow Lego set. He had been researching online and made sure we knew just exactly what he wanted this year. No surprises but it sure made it easy on me. We had a great time hanging out with Scott and Janan's family at the Bean Museum in Provo and then pigging out with the whole family at Chuck-a-Rama. Grandpa Jensen took the kids and I out to Chuck-a-Rama in June. Ever since Mackay has been in love. He just loves the fact that they have slushie machines. Amazing! Sorry, no pictures from Chuck-a-Rama we were too busy stuffing our faces.

Mackay opening presents and Sophie looking fabulous after her makeover.

The kids petting a boa constrictor at the Bean Museum.

Everyone ganging up on a turtle.

Bubble Blowing Contest--August 11, 2008

2008-10-12T15:02:00.000-05:00

Tonight we were at a loss for what to do for FHE. Sophie suggested be have a bubble blowing contest. We all had a great time blowing bubbles and popping them. I'm not sure but I think Danny won.

Twin Falls Temple--August 10, 2008

2008-10-12T15:01:00.000-05:00

Mackay had the chance of a lifetime to go and stay with his cousin Britton for a week, so we drove down to Twin Falls to meet up with Scott and Janan to drop him off. While there we were able to visit the Twin Falls temple and take some photos.

Grandma and Grandpa Grange's Visit--July 2008

2008-10-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Danny's parents were able to come and visit for the weekend. We made a trip out to the farm and stopped by Grandpa Patterson's grave to put some flowers on it. Sophie just loves going to the farm and Mackay's nose can hardly stand it. We just laugh. He tries to come pet the horses and cows until he can't stand it anymore and then he tells us he'll be waiting by the car until we are ready to go.

The farm.

Grandpa swinging Sophie on the tire swing.

The Farm House.

Mackay Earns his Wolf Badge--July 2008

2008-10-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

Mackay was able to earn his Wolf Badge. He is feeling really grown up and is loving being a Bear Scout now. Way to go Mackay. He even did a great job putting the pin on me--no blood whatsoever.

Staged VS Candid--June 2008

2008-09-05T16:26:00.001-05:00

Downtown SF--May 5, 2008

2008-09-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

China Town--May 4, 2008

2008-09-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

Soccer Season Begins again--May 3, 2008

2008-09-05T16:07:00.001-05:00

Kg Mexican Fiesta--A Verdad!

2008-09-05T16:04:00.000-05:00

Boise--April 26, 2008

2008-09-05T16:02:00.001-05:00

While Danny and I were interviewing in Boise we were able to run into Krisin and Cody for a morning. It was fun to see Eli and how much he had changed since Christmas.

Chubbuck as of April 19, 2008

2008-09-05T16:01:00.001-05:00

This post is mostly for my parents and brothers. While Danny and I interviewed in Pocatello we were able to go and find the house we lived in in Chubbuck, Idaho. Not too shabby 22 years later. We also drove past our old Elementary School and snapped some photos. Enjoy!

Waite Cousins in Colorado--April 5, 2008

2008-09-05T15:49:00.001-05:00

Thanks goes to Cliff for letting us crash at his house. Our kids had a blast playing with cousins while Danny and I house hunted.

Mr. Biggs--April 4, 2008

2008-09-05T15:46:00.001-05:00

We went out house hunting in Colorado Springs and had some fun with our cousins while there. Mr. Biggs is one of the kids' favorite places to visit in Colorado Springs.

Sophie dressed to the 9's.

Danny and Kaden in the race cars. (And yes he is picking his nose, Sorry Melissa)

Aaron and Spencer enjoying their ring pops with Aunt Melissa on the Carousel.

Easter Sunday--March 23, 2008

2008-09-05T15:42:00.001-05:00

We had a great Easter Sunday. The kids left their baskets by the door for the Easter Bunny to fill and he sure delivered. We had a fun group of friends over for dinner. Everyone brought something delicious and I made my decadant Carrot Cake for dessert. What more could you ask for--good friends and good food.

Church Easter Egg Hunt--March 22, 2008

2008-09-05T15:38:00.001-05:00

Only in Minnesota will you find the kids wearing their snow boots to the Easter Egg Hunts. This year our hunt was indoors because of the snow. The kids still had a great time and walked away with tons of candy.

Sophie, Mackay and their friend Jordan getting ready for the hunt.

Spence and his spoils.

Sophie bursting with excitement over her loaded basket.

Y Basket Ball 2008

2008-08-28T15:33:00.005-05:00

Danny was able to help coach Mackay's basketball team this year. Spencer loved going to the games and was pretty good to sit and watch. Sophie, on the other hand, could hardly wait for the games to be over so she could get her own ball and go and shoot hoops.

Yes, I do still Blog!

2008-08-28T15:26:00.002-05:00

Sorry it has been almost 6 months since I have posted anything. We have been busy with our move to Boise and with me being pregnant with #4. The old grey mare just ain't what she used to be. We have been in survival mode lately. With the kids back in school I will hopefully be able to catch you up on our lives. Don't expect too much though--I would hate for you to be disappointed.

Ice Skating March 1, 2007

2008-03-01T21:29:00.005-06:00

I took the kids ice skating today for the first time. The mayo families organization sponsored it so alot of thier friends from church were there. Mackay made friends with this little boy that was there and had a good time with him. I love that he makes friends so easliy. Sophie did the best ice skating by far, but Mackay was very persistent even though it was a little tougher for him. Spencer went around twice with me and said he was ready to sit down. The highlight of the night for him was running around the bleachers and having cookies and hot cocoa.

Mackay and his new friend Connor.

Spencer--Just Chillin'.

Sophie with her little walker. She only used this a couple times around and then just took off. She is so fearless. Scary!!

Great News

2008-03-01T15:30:00.004-06:00

For those of you who don't know already, Danny has finally secured a real job in Anethesia. We will be moving to Colorado Springs in June and we are really excited to be done at last. Despite all of the excitement with moving on, we are really going to miss all of the great friends we have made during residency. By some miraculous blessing we were able to sell our home before even listing it. We had a friend who knew someone moving here for residency and needed to look at houses early. So we were able to sell the house to them a week before we were planning on listing. We are still a little stunned but feeling so relieved. Here are some pics of our cute little residency home.

Blue and Gold Banquet

2008-03-01T15:10:00.004-06:00

This year for the Blue and Gold Banquet the scouts were assigned to bring a cake that their Dad helped them make. This is what they came up with. They did a great job and had a fun time making it. Mackay was so excited to show it to all his friends that I thought he might drop it on the way into the church.

Sophie's 6th Birthday--February 21, 2008

2008-02-22T21:47:00.007-06:00

This year Sophie's birthday fell the day before we had to show our house so things were a little stessful. It is difficult to party while cleaning up. I hadn't made her a cake so she found this one at Target and against my better judgement I told her to throw it in the cart. Did you know they could charge $17.99 for 1/4 of a sheet cake. I am feeling really ripped off but that is what happens to slacker mom's who don't plan. I also didn't have time to go to the balloon store so I told Sophie she could pick out some flowers instead. She thought this was a wonderful idea and picked out her favorite--red roses. She loved all of her gifts and was so cute in her new robe and slippers. She is wearing them every chance she gets. She loved the barbie Granny gave her and commented that she couldn't believe Granny would give her an immodest barbie. Which is one of the many reasons I won't let her own a Bratz doll. She was in pig heaven.

Sub-Zero Minnesota Winter--February 7, 2008

2008-02-22T21:38:00.004-06:00

This winter has been one of ice, snow, wind and lots of sub-zero temps. One of the kids favorite past times is to sit in the front window and pick the thick ice off of the windows. Even Spencer has joined in the fun. I found him hiding under the shade picking the windows. The kids and I loved the frost covered trees this morning and wanted to share.

Snowman--February 4, 2008

2008-02-22T21:35:00.002-06:00

Some great snow falled today. The kids were able to build a little snowman with their friends Anysia and Robert.

Funny Video of Spencer--March 20,2007

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How can you not love him!

Christmas Eve Program 2007

2008-02-10T21:09:00.000-06:00

Danny's family has some great traditions. Every Christmas Eve they have a talent show and read the nativity. (This year the kids acted out the nativity--Oh sweet chaos, but they loved it.) It is the one time each year Grandpa Bob pulls out his accordian and plays while the kids dance a jig. The kids loved it and had a blast with all of their cousins.

All 15 grandkids in their new pj's.

Mackay dressed up as Joseph.

Sophie dressed up as an angel.

Spencer's Talent December 24, 2007

2008-02-10T20:50:00.000-06:00

Some may say Spence has a singing talent but his brother and sister would probably say his talent is being annoying.

Mackay's Talent Christmas 2007

2008-02-10T20:49:00.000-06:00

Mackay has been hard at work practicing for his big moment.

Snow Day--December 22, 2007

2008-02-10T20:48:00.000-06:00

While in Utah for Christmas we got some fabulous packing snow. The kids played outside with Uncle Cody and loved every minute. He built Sophie this princess chair and a coulpe days later built the kids and igloo and an aztec temple. The kids have had such a great time with Cody!

Princess Sophie on her throne.

Mackay just kickn' back.

Elf Video

2007-12-04T21:00:00.000-06:00

Check out our little elves!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1156270991

Sophie Finally Looses her 1st Tooth--December 2, 2007

2007-12-04T20:47:00.000-06:00

Sophie successfully ripped out her first tooth with a little prodding from her Dad. Here she is holding the specimen. I'm sure none of you can see it because it is so small. So small in fact that she only lost it 3 times before bed time. Lets just say there was a lot of drama that night and we were all glad when the tooth fairy finally came. Sophie told me she saw the tooth fairy's red bag that she puts all the teeth in and that the tooth fairy got tired and laid down next to her for a little while.

Winter Carnival--December 1, 2007

2007-12-04T20:45:00.000-06:00

Every year the Mayo Families Association hold this great Carnival with games, food and Santa. The kids had a great time playing all the games. Mackay was a lucky boy. He correctly guessed how many tootsie rolls were in the jar and won a $15 Toys R US gift certificate and the jar of tootsie rolls. Lets just say he was feelin' lucky. I also won a $10 gift certificate. All in all it was a pretty great morning.

Mackay doing some bowling.

Spencer had a great time bowling and was amazed when they gave him candy afterward.

1st Pinewood Derby--November 28, 2007

2007-12-04T20:44:00.000-06:00

Mackay had a great first Pinewood Derby. Mackay and Danny worked really hard on his car and he won 1st place. He was so amazed. On the car ride home he looked at me and said "I still can't believe I won.".

Danny's-Oh I mean Mackay's Pinewood Derby Car

2007-12-04T20:42:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving--November 22, 2007

2007-12-04T20:39:00.000-06:00

The kids just love opening their gifts from Granny and Grandpa on Thanksgiving. We loved the Santa Ornaments and the kids had a great time writing letters to Santa. Thanks Mom and Dad. It was some great entertainment for them while I cooked. When Spence sees the Santa ornaments he says "HO HO HO". It's hilarious because it sounds like he has an Asian accent.

Science Museum

2007-12-04T20:34:00.000-06:00

The kids had a day off of school so we ventured up to the Cities to go to the Science Museum. We went to the Pompeii exhibit, which was really cool. It is amazing what volcanic ash can preserve. Mackay and Sophie did a little DNA experiment with this guy that was a retired doc. They thought it was pretty cool stuff--and they got to dress up.

Ballet and Jazz Class

2007-12-04T20:27:00.000-06:00

Sophie and a couple of her friends from the ward are all in the same dance class. Here are some pictures from their performance.

Las Vegas Airport--November 4, 2007

2007-11-10T22:07:00.000-06:00

On our way out of Vegas we ran into these cool scupltures at the airport. Danny is standing by a rattler and I am standing by a scorpion.

The Bellagio--Las Vegas November 3, 2007

2007-11-10T22:00:00.000-06:00

Our last day in Las Vegas we decided to do some shopping on the strip before going to Phantom of the Opera. We had a great time checking out some of the cool casinos. The Bellagio was one of my favorites.

Yes ladies, this is a chocolate fountain. It had white, dark, and milk chocolate circulating. It was encased in glass so that it would maintain a specific temperature. It smelled divine. Right next to the fountain was a lady making these big beautiful crepes. Danny and I had to stop and watch for awhile. It was pretty amazing.

Me standing in front of the Belligio. They have this great water show they do to music every half hour. It was fun to watch everyone's bath water being shot up into the air.

The gardens inside the Bellagio. All the flowers are real and were just beautiful. They also had water fountains that shot up over the bridge.

Danny standing by a water fountain shaped like a tree.

Paris Casino--Las Vegas November 3, 2007

2007-11-10T21:58:00.000-06:00

Danny standing in front of a fountain at the Pairs Casino.

We hardly took any pictures of us both together, but a couple stoped and asked to swap taking pictures. This picture was taken at the Bellagio across the street from the Pairs casino.

The Venitian--Las Vegas November 1, 2007

2007-11-10T21:56:00.000-06:00

We spent a big chunk of our time at the Ventian. This is where we saw Phantom and ate at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. There was a very Posh mall in this casino and you could also take a gondala ride through the water canals.

Danny standing in the entry way of the Venitian. Cool ceiling.

This is not a statue. This guy was moving so slowly the first time we passed him we thought he was an automated statue. Talk about a crappy job. His muscles have got to be so sore.

Me standing on the veranda at the Venitian. Notice all the people down below. It is amazing how crowded it was.

The Gondala boats.

Halloween 2007

2007-10-31T23:10:00.000-05:00

We had such a great Halloween this year. We got together with three other families and had pizza and went trick or treating together. What a blessing good friends are! Several people had their garages decorated really spooky and the kids just thought it was great. Spencer loved Halloween. He literally ran from house to house while we were trick or treating. Mackay had a great time with all his buds from church. Unfortunately, Sophie was the only "big" girl in our group but she had a great time with the boys anyway.

The kids all eating pizza before trick or treating.

I bet you are thinking to your self why is Mackay's hair so crazy? Well it was wacky hair day at school that day so Mackay was Obe wan Kenobi with wacky hair.

The whole crew! Don't they look Grand!!

Kindergarten Costume Parade--October 31, 2007

2007-10-31T23:08:00.000-05:00

Every year at Sunset Terrace the Kindergarten classes get to dress up like their favorite story book character and they have a character parade. It just so happens that it falls on Halloween--imagine that. Too bad for all the other grades that don't get to dress up at school. Talk about taking all the fun out of school.

Danny and Spencer in front of the school. Arrrrg!!

Sophie is a fairy princess. I don't know if there are any storybook fairy princesses, maybe I will have to write a children's book.

Sophie and her teacher Mrs. Julie.

Trunk or Treat--October 26, 2007

2007-10-31T23:05:00.000-05:00

We love our ward trunk or treating activity. This year we had a great pot luck, had tons of fun games (ran by the YW), and a spook alley ran by the scouts(why haven't we assigned this to the scouts every year--the halls were alot calmer this year.) Mackay went as Obe wan Kenobi, Sophie was a fairy princess and Spencer was a Pirate.

All the kids on the front porch before we left.

Danny wondering, "Are having fun yet?"

Spencer the Terrible. Arrrrrgg!!

Pumpkin Carving--October 22,2007

2007-10-31T23:03:00.000-05:00

We had a great family night carving pumpkins. Mackay carved almost all of his pumpkin by himself this year and did a great job. Sophie helped scoop out the guts and helped in the design process and Danny did all the manual labor. I helped Spence with his pumpkin. I tried to get him to help me scoop out the guts, but he wanted nothing to do with it. So he sat and ate a cupcake while I got down to the dirty work.

Sophie, Mackay, Danny, and Spencer before.

Who doesn't love a brownie cupcake?

The pumpkins after.

Say Cheese!!

Oxbow Zoo--October 13, 2007

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We had such a great time having Jared and Kirsten come and stay. My kids just love getting together with their cousins. We were able to go and visit Oxbow Zoo on Saturday before they had to leave. They all had a really fun time checking out all of the animals.

Jared, Mackay, Spencer and Emma.

Not the greatest picture, but hey almost everyone was in it.

Whitney, Mackay and Sophia petting the baby cows. We were there just before feeding and the cows were going crazy. They were mooing so loud and licking their empty trough. Danny was standing close to the fence and they kept licking his shirt. What fun!!!

The wild turkeys checking out the wild turkeys. I kept asking them to turn around for a picture but the turkeys were too interesting.

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Norhtwoods Orchard--October 12, 2007

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Northwoods Orchard--October 12, 2007

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We had a great time today at the apple orchard. The kids were able to run in the corn maze, check out some animals, pick out some pumpkins and buy apples. We had a great time. Kirsten made us a great apple crisp from the apples we got. Delish Kirs!!

Whitney, Sophie, Mackay, Spencer and Emma in the corn maze.

Our best attempt at a picture with all the kids.

Spencer's 2nd Birthday--October 4, 2007

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Okay, So I was a slacker this year for Spencer's b-day. I had YW the day before Spencer's birthday and I hadn't gotten him any presents yet. So Danny volenteered to do the shopping and he did a great job. Kudos to you, honey!! I made a train cake and we took him out to dinner. Which he didn't care about but hey it was and excuse to go out to eat. His favorite thing was opening presents. He was so excited they were all for him.

Danny opening Spencer's new mit and ball. Spence loves balls and was so excited.

Spencer and Danny at Dos Amigos.

Spencer sporting his new jacket.

Spence and his cake.

First Soccer Game--September 8, 2007

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Mackay just started another season of Soccer. Thankfully the weather cooperated this year and we didn't have any games with snow.

Mackay and some of his buddies before the game.

Mackay practicing his dribbling.

Spence enjoying the game.

First Day of School--September 4, 2007

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I can't believe another year of school is starting. My kids are making me feel old. Mackay started 3rd grade, and Sophia started kindergarten. What will Spencer do all afternoon. Well, hopefully nap! Sophia's teacher is Mrs. Julie and she is just the nicest teacher. Mackay has team teachers this year, Mrs. Van Nurden and Mrs. Stenhaug. They seem to be a good pair. So off we go!

THe real 1st Day of Kindergarten--September 6, 2007

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Today was Sophia's real first day of Kindergarten. The first day of school she only had a mini session and I had to take her and pick her up. Today she was able to ride the bus and she was so excited.

Spencer, Justyn, Alonzo, Robert and Sophie at the bus stop.

Lark Toys and Nelson Cheese--September 3, 2007

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Bob and Neola ended up staying a day longer that everyone else so we were able to take them out to Lark Toys and over to Nelson, Wisconsin for a delicious meal. The kids had a great time checking out all the toys and riding the carosel.

Mackay's Baptism Day

2007-10-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

After Mackay's baptism we came home and he opened some gifts. Danny and I gave him his first set of nice scriptures. Grandma and Grandpa Grange gave him a cool pillowcase and a children's songbook. Granny and Grandpa Waite gave him a cool baptism box and a new blanket with his name and baptism date on it. He also got some cash from Justin and Cynthia and was in pig heaven.

Skylar, Sophie and Mackay just hang'n out.

Sophie helping Mackay open his present.

Mackay and his pillowcase.

Grandpa Bob all tuckered out.

Mackay's Baptism--September 1, 2007

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Mackay's 1st Pack Meeting

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Mackay was able to get his Bobcat at his first Pack Meeting. Go Mackay!!!

Danny's Birthday Celebration--August 21, 2007

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Mackay's Bowling Party-August 16, 2007

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Honkers Game

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Dress Up

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Our Last Trip to Sea World--Snif, Snif

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Sea World

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Picnic with Mike

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Mosh Museum and Downtown Jacksonville

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Rita's

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Sleepy Baby

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Jamie's Visit

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July 4th at the Beach

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Kite Flying at Hanna Park

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Hanna Park

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