"If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly." - Pres. Thomas Monson

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

July 25, 2009...

The anticipation...55 minutes of it! We sat staring and waiting. Staring at what you ask?...


This opening in the woods... For who you ask?...
...For this studly man!! And why did the kids go running to that studly man that came running out of the woods?
To congratulate the studly man on completing his first triathlon!!!!
Here is the said studly man.

Dave only trained one month for this race and got a flat tire during the biking. So all of that set him back, but I am so proud that he finished!! I wanted to hug the life out of him when I saw him, but let's just say that he was wet...and not from the swimming portion either.

Here's the group from work (and their families) that also swam a mile, biked 25 miles, and ran 6 miles. Way to go!!

The race was in Burley, Idaho. Dave and the group stayed over the night before in the basement of a very nice house. The kids and I drove up the morning of the race to cheer him on. I am so glad that we did. It was worth the driving, waiting, and the heat!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SPUDMAN!!!
Dave's brother also ran in the same race. He finished before we arrived, otherwise I would have pictures of him as well. We saw his time on the list. He did amazingly well! Congratulations, Jason!!!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Annual Eddington Reunion

Another reunion...this time for my side of the family (extended). July 7-9th we met in Preston, ID for a great reunion. We started with dinner and then an Eddington style "Spoons" tournament. This is serious business in our family. The winner of each table moved on to the final game. I made it to the final table and then it got down to my cousin, Michelle and I. She's fast and I lost. Next year!! I'll practice up.

The first night we camped out...the kids and I trumped Dave. He was trying to sleep in the cabin. :) As tradition for every reunion, the morning starts off with an amazing breakfast and each meal after is just as yummy.


After breakfast my Grandma planned a fun competition. We divided into groups and competed at different challenges (i.e. frisbee toss, football toss, croquet shoot, basketball shot). Our team lost. :(



My dad (aka Grandpa)


Derek made that shot!


Grandma gave each of the kids a medal at the end of the game. It made their day!

After the games we hit the pool. It's fed by a natural spring, so it's pretty cold. The kids didn't seem to mind. And Dave spent hours in there, so I guess it wasn't that bad.

After swimming and lunch, Grandma held her annual scavenger hunt for the great-grandkids. Each child is given a bag with their name and a list of items to find. The kids then run to find the labeled bucket containing an item on their list. It's definitely a highlight for them.
No reunion would be complete without Smarties.
Cute little Maddie (Laurel's daughter) after the hunt.

Laurel and her son, Ethan.

Taylor thanking Great-Grandma for a fun activity.
Later that evening Dave and I planned a Jeopardy game using family trivia. It was fun to make and I'm pretty sure people enjoyed playing it.
It was a fun reunion! We missed those that couldn't make it...we'd love to see you next year. Can't wait to see everyone again! Next year it's my dad's turn!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Fourth of July (Part 2)

After the parade we drove up to my parents' house and met up with more family! My sister, Laurel and her family were in town from Colorado, my brother Jeff, and sister, Camille and her family came over as well. The kids (and Dave) swam in the little pool, we had a yummy BBQ, and then went to the Davis High fireworks. I really don't have pictures of these activities. I'm hoping to get some from my brother, but here's the best of what I took.


McKenna playing with uncle Jeff.
I loved little McKenna's outfit. I'm still having fun playing dress up with her. :)
(Don't worry Mom. She doesn't pick flowers...she just pokes them.)
Aunt Traci and Joel at the fireworks.
I've decided that glowsticks are the greatest things to buy for fireworks. Not only do the kids LOVE them, but their glow also helps in keeping track of the kids.
Another great traditional 4th of July! Now what? :(

Monday, July 20, 2009

Fourth of July (Part 1)

I love the 4th of July! It is my second favorite holiday (Christmas being the first, of course.) It's one of the few holidays that is full of fun from morning to night. It requires very little preparation (minus grocery shopping) and it's full of family. My brother (Scott) and his family were in town from Oregon. They stayed with us the night before and the kids had fun playing and getting reacquainted. We lit sparklers and ate ice cream cones for a treat. We woke up the next morning and attended the Provo Freedom Festival Parade. It's a long parade and there are larger crowds, but it was worth it all.





Kurt, Kari, Scott (Brother), Traci (SIL), and baby Joel.
All the kiddos. What a hot...and fun parade!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Where the Water is Cold...

(These pictures are weeks old, but I'm trying to stay chronological.) A few ladies met at the local reservoir for a little play date and invited us to come along. I thought it was in a very unlikely location. It's up on the top of a hill overlooking the valley. A beautiful view, but just seemed random for a reservoir. It's not very big which was actually nice for swimming, and it was free! Most water in Utah is cold and this was no exception. The kids didn't seem to mind the temperature not even McKenna. I found one major drawback to the place...fish. I don't like swimming in the same water as fish...never have! In fact, a little group of kids were out trying to catch a fish with a net. They came back with a dead one. I thought it was funny that the mom still took their picture with it. I laughed. Here are some pics:




McKenna sat here the whole time and literally didn't even move her legs....probably because they were frozen!