Castle Dale Swimming

My siblings and I spent many an afternoon at the Castle Dale swimming pool. However, that lovely pool has been condemned and the children of Emery County have a highly upgraded swimming hole. Everyone for miles around loves this pool, we are no exception! We had a great afternoon swimming and playing in the hot sun.

Cali was her usual daring self and went down the huge slide {not this one pictured here} over and over again. She even offered to help Caleb take his first slide. They both loved it...and Grandma Gwennie made sure that no one's lungs filled with water in the process.

This kid loves the water. He tried to scoot away into deeper water numerous times. He also probably drank his weight in chlorinated water as well.

Carter made some new friends... Both girls, both older than him, both wearing bikinis. This kid gets after it at the pool!

Almost There

When I saw this sign, I realized that I still had Indian Canyon and the dreaded stretch between Price and Castle Dale to drive before we reached our destination. We watched The Princess and the Frog several times, and I sang out just like Tiana on the "Almost There" song.

By this time the kids were getting a little squirrelly too. Treats and movies only last for so long. Caleb was also getting antsy to stretch his wild legs. It was somewhere between Helper and Castle Dale that Caleb pooped up his back and into his hair. We pushed on!

Flaming Gorge {One of Many Stops}

On Saturday June 26 around 1:30pm we headed to Castle Dale. On Saturday June 26 around 7:30pm...we finally arrived. A drive that takes 3.5 hours with Christian driving and me tending to the kids, apparently takes me and three kids 6 hours. We stopped before we even got to Flaming Gorge, Carter was just dying to pee on the side of the road.

However, we officially stopped at the Gorge to check out the dam {from a distance, I could faint just thinking about looking over that thing} and chuck a few rocks in the water {the fisherman were thrilled}. It was a really beautiful day, and we didn't want to waste all of it in the car.

After our stop we made our way down 10 switchbacks to Vernal. There we made another stop at the Vernal Walmart {rivaled only by the Rock Springs Walmart} to stock up on treats, go the bathroom {yet again}, and to nurse a starving baby.

O-R-E-O

Cali and Carter showed Caleb the joy that is Oreos and milk...Well, minus the milk for Caleb. I had never met a person that could eat Oreos for breakfast, and then again at 10pm until I met Christian. Come to find out, it's a skill that all of his brothers have perfected. I like a good Oreo now and again, but not daily. My kids, on the other hand, have inherited their father's Oreo eating abilities.

Caleb's first Oreo 6/23/10

C Dale

Cali, Carter, Caleb, and I set off on a wonderful adventure on Saturday afternoon. We will be in beautiful Castle Dale, Utah until Thursday. At which time I plan to update the blog with many pictures, and a pretty awesome explanation about why it took us 6.75 hours to drive 250 miles. Anyway, our week will be full of golfing, swimming, hiking, eating, and just plain doing nothing. Which comes as a pretty awesome relief!

Lagoon Quiz

On Saturday we spent the day at Lagoon. Cali's girl scout troop earned the trip as part of their cookie selling extravaganza earlier this year. Christian couldn't come with us because he was in Price helping his family clean out his grandparent's house. So, we picked up the next best thing...Bethany! Based on the photographic evidences of the day...

Who do you think was having more fun?

(a) Carter riding the Carousel for the 25th time

(b) Bethany hearing the words, "you are TOO TALL to ride this ride" {spoken by a 15 year old boy when she attempted to board one of the boats in Kiddie Land}.

(a) Cali when she was told that she COULD NOT ride the Samurai again {seriously, my brain fell into my sinus cavity and I could not do it again}.

(b) Cali after riding the Colases.

(b) Caleb being endlessly strolled around the park.

(a) Carter riding every ride in Kiddie Land 400 times especially the "shooting airplanes".

(b) My hair...after several "water" rides {honestly I saw people getting off the rides with barely a splash...me, soaked both times!}

(d) All of the above!

We had a great time and hope to make another trip this fall, with Christian this time. However, I will not ride the Samurai ever again!

The Snaggle Tooth

Caleb's two bottom teeth popped up on March 7, 2010 when he was a whopping 4 months and 3 days old. On or about the end of May, 2010 he started showing signs of getting his two front teeth. For weeks his gums were swollen, there was crying, biting, screaming...You know, all the good teething symptoms. Then, without warning, only one of the two teeth emerged. Leaving us with this crazy snaggle tooth smile. To make things even more snaggley, less symmetrical, and to complicate the whole nursing thing...he also has the tooth next to his front one on the left.

Floral Design Camp

Yes, another summer day camp. Cali has been creating some very beautiful arrangements at floral design camp this week. She is learning about different kinds of plants, how to use floral tape, and how to make the best combinations of flowers. She still as her final project on Friday, but here are her arrangements thus far. Too bad the famous Heart to Heart Floral is no longer in business in Castle Dale, otherwise I'd send her down to Margaret Keller to apply for a summer job.

Monday: Gerber Daisies in a glass vase. Cali informed me that this vase is recyclable, because it can be used again.

Tuesday: A birthday flower basket. There are some tiny African violets in the middle of the arrangement. Cali told Christian that they were African-Americans.

Wednesday: Lucky bamboo. Apparently it takes at least one year for bamboo to make one turn. She informed us that three stalks of bamboo is good luck, but five stalks bring wealth. She chose to make the five stalk arrangement...Let's hope it works!

Thursday: A fourth of July arrangement incorporating all of the flowers that they've learned about this week. The small purple/blue flowers should open up in a day or two.

We can't wait to see what she brings home tomorrow!

Two Birds With One Stone

Last summer, in an attempt to make money without working a 9-5, my brother Brandt Peacock and his friend Kendall Bird{aka Candle, or Kindle...according to Carter} started a window washing business called Two Birds with One Stone {get it...they both have bird names!} They had great success in saving tuition and living money for college, that neither of them had to work at all during the school year. That's a lot of windows.

Last week they decided to seek their fame and fortune in Rock Springs. Semi-constant wind+dirt=a lot of dirty windows. Even though it rained for two of the scheduled washing days, they were able to clean Rock Springs. We had a fun time with them while they were here. If you know Brandt, you know that he does not disappoint in the entertainment department. Pure hilarity for days at a time. We also had fun getting to know his quiet side kick, Kendall.

They are making another trip to the Rock in August, so if you want your windows washed again...or for the first time, let me know!

Did I mention that he did my windows too? Well, he did! And they looked great...for about a day...until the dirt wind started blowing again. No worries, they still look better than they did. This picture above is when Brandt declared that my entry way window was, "hands down THE dirtiest window in Rock Springs".

I'm not going to lie, they had a few scares on the ladder. In fact two near death experiences trying to reach the third story of a very large house. Which, they found absolutely hilarious...Leave it Brandt to laugh death in the face.

After they were finished I told Kendall that he missed a spot...He pointed out the dirt I was speaking of was on the INSIDE!

Princess Camp 2010

As if this girl needs any help or encouragement to dress up like a princess. Regardless, Cali had a great time at Princess Camp this year. Dressing up and sparkly-ness is right up her ally. On the final day of the camp the parents were invited to come and see the crafts the girls made this year. It was fun to see all girls dressed up and the cookies weren't bad either!

Just ask Caleb, he scarfed a few Lorna Doones down while chilling in his carrier. Carter joined the princess action by borrowing Cali's hat for the rest of the afternoon. If Carter could have he would have gone to Princess Camp. Each day when I dropped Cali off he begged to stay.

The teachers/fairy God Mothers were so kind and caring to the girls...Let's not forget patient. These women contained and entertained 12 prissy girls twice a day for 5 days.

Carter HAD to have his picture taken with his favorite princess...Ariel. Wonder why she's the favorite? Hmmm, could it be the C sized sea shells?

The Great Wall Of...

We are nearly done with our great wall yard project. And by "we" I mean Christian. Who am I kidding, I haven't lifted a finger. I mainly stand out in the road and examine the workmanship, take a few pictures, and make sure the kids stay out of the way.

Hoodies in June

According to Rock Springs locals, it can {and possibly will} snow in every month of the year. Although we didn't get snow this past weekend, we got plenty of rain and some crazy hail/sleet combo that fell from the sky. We thought it was so funny that we were wearing hoodies in June while working in our yard. Well, mother nature got the last laugh when Christian ended up in full winter gear, we were wishing it was warm enough for hoodies!

When the sky looks this ferocious you know it's going to be bad!

p.s. check out this post circa 2008. It happens in Utah too!

Boring Everyday Ordinary Stuff

June 8, 2010: Tending some friend's kids at the rec center. Playing with toys. Picture by Carter

For the most part we don't forget the exciting moments in our life. I'll never forget my wedding day, graduation from college, or the birth of my children...you know, the big stuff. However, it's very easy to forget the boring everyday ordinary stuff.

I remember holding Cali as a little girl thinking-- I'll never forget what her voice sounds like, after all I hear it every day. Sadly enough, her voice changed over the years and I can't hear that tiny little voice anymore.

A few weeks ago we pulled out some old home movies and watched a few. I totally forgot that Carter used to be obsessed with baby chickies and that for most of his life he referred to Cali as "sissy", which he doesn't do anymore. The most mundane things are the most precious little flashes of who we were and who we are.

So in an attempt to document the boring, I plan on posting one picture a day for the next couple weeks. Nothing special, just something ordinary that I can remember for a long time.

We've Got Real Problems

It all started last Saturday when we were working in the yard. Carter and Cali found two empty beer bottles in our back yard. At first they were horrified, then curious, and then obsessed. Every morning they checked out the window to make sure their, "beer was still there".

On Thursday afternoon Jill {the best babysitter} took Carter on a little adventure outside while I was working on writing a paper. I heard Carter say, "hey, Jill do you want to see our beer?" The next thing I know she and Carter are walking to the garbage to throw the bottles away. But not before Carter got to carry one all by himself...

I think that's when the smoking and drinking started, or at least Carter's obsession with it. He tells us that he smokes lots a cigarettes a day and that he likes to drink beer with Jill. We've got real problems here...

So, what do I do? I take a picture of him "smoking". Hopefully it's a phase and it passes, if not this kid could have black lung and a bummed liver in his future.

Boy on the Move: Seven Months Old

Sweet and Sour Son

Carter's last soccer game 5/2010

Carter is the sweetest and the meanest. I think that boys with a tender heart have to put on a mean front...you know, so they can be "tough". I think this accurately describes Carter. So sweet singing primary songs at the top of lungs, and mean enough to punch you in the gut. It's a delicate balance that I am learning how to strike each day. Today for example:

Sweet:
Carter: Mom, did you know that Jesus helps the bishop.
Me: Well who helps the mothers? {mind you I had two bags, a baby carrier, and was trying to lift Carter out of his car seat}
Carter: {Stops, throws his arms around my neck, looks at me with shiny teared up eyes} The sons.

Several Hours later....

Sour:
Me: It's time for Jill {our babysitter} to go now.
Carter: NOOOOOOOOOO You go!
Me: Jill has to get on to her next adventure today. {bend down and pick Carter up trying to give him some loves and tickles}
Carter: {scratches up my neck} NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

There you have it. The sweetest mean kid on the block!

This is Pretty Amazing

Today is Cali's last day of first grade. She's had a great year with a great teacher, Mrs. Garcia. She has made great strides in her academic progress and is described by her teacher as, "a friend to everyone". She's also grown up quite a bit this year, as you can see from the pictures. Her teeth are coming in nicely, she much taller, and she's losing that round baby face. It's a little overwhelming to be the mother of such a grown up girl!

Wild Horses

We've lived in Sweetwater County now for 18 months. However, we haven't really spent much time exploring our surroundings. In fact, It was just last month that I went to Laramie for the first time. For Memorial Day we decided to take a trip to the top of White Mountain {literally in our back yard} to see the wild horses. Apparently there are 6,000 wild horses in South Western Wyoming, 2500 of them live in the Rock Springs BLM district. There is a 2.5 hour wild horse driving loop, on which you are guarnteed to see wild horses frolicing through the sage.

We made it a few miles North of Rock Springs, and even turned onto the dirt road leading to our journey. We saw something running through the sage brush, and determined that it was a coyote. It was about this time that our tire sensor light flashed on. Christian stopped to check our tire, and sure enough, it was flat.

So, instead of seeing wild horses we sat in the car while Christian changed the flat tire. We wanted to continue our journey, but the spare tire was not much bigger than a bike tire, so we turned around and headed back to town. Very very very slowly so as not to pop the donut tire.

We were all pretty disappointed, but grateful that we didn't get to far out of town before it happened. Otherwise, we might still be up there, and I'm sure wild horses aren't that majestic when you are stranded.

Moose Feet

Mornings require a lot of patience {and a little yelling} around here. We usually have one of two things happen. Option one: Cali sleeps in until the last possible second and then I run around crazy trying to get her to the bus on time...while she takes her own sweet time. Option two: Cali wakes up before 6am, gets ready, makes her bed, loads up her book bag....and then tries to entertain herself for the next two hours...and still barely makes it to the bus.

We've yet to strike the perfect balance, and there is only one week of school left. Well, maybe next year?

This morning was an option two morning. While I was trying to get Caleb fed and cleaned up, I told Cali to get her shoes on and get ready to go to the bus stop. Cali slipped on her flip flops {which are not allowed at her school} and tromped around the house. Just when I felt myself going into a gigantic lecture about obeying and missing the bus she said....

"Look mom, moose feet!" I burst out laughing. To which she replied, "Pheww....I thought you were going to be mad that I didn't get my shoes on, but you thought I was funny!" I took this picture of her moose feet, she finally put her real shoes on and barely made the bus.

Thanks Miss Emily

Carter had the best preschool teacher this year. He calls her Miss Emily, but I like to call her Emily...mainly because she's not only his teacher, but also a good friend of mine. She put countless hours of love and preparation into teaching this very squirrelly boy. He loves her so much! Today we had a fun end-of-the-year picnic at the park to finish off the school year right!

Carter helped me make this apron as a thank you gift to Emily. She spends a lot of her time painting, gluing, doing bubbles, and many other projects. So, we thought that an apron would be very fitting!

This is my random attempt at showing what it looks like on. Not my best photograph ever, but it was a very fun project and Carter and I were so excited to give it to her!