A Charles Dickens Christmas

 My best friend from college, Alex, came out to see us while we were in town. She is amazing.

One mention of the word 'party" and Debbie and I jumped into our car and drove to California with my five kids to surprise Polly. It was the most fun! The Hartvigsons put on a Charles Dickens Christmas Party at their farm and it was out of this world. They transformed their whole yard into a miniature London with Candle stores, a wool shop , post office, toy shop, Candy shop, play house and a puppet show. Everyone dressed up in period clothing. They had delicious old english food for dinner only after we got to tour the town and make our own candles and pull wool. Hunter carved knives and swords which he sold to earn money for his mission. They put on a Punch and Judy puppet show with homemade puppets. Brian Read the story of Scrooge while all the children acted it out up on the stage. We had the most wonderful dessert bar. Gorgeous scenery all painted by Polly. The whole weekend was amazing. Did I mention that it was 82 degrees ?

Utah trip

There is never a shortage of wonderful friends and family to visit with when we go to Utah. We were treated like queens wherever we went. Thank you to the Smileys, Kelly's and Kendricks for putting us up and being fabulous hosts. We love you!

What did you do on Labor Day?

Labor Day 2012 from orange on Vimeo.

Summer Vacation 2012 !!

 Our new favorite ice cream joint. They have the most delicious homemade ice cream. oh and Cheesecake too. Cheesecake Therapy. We went every Friday after school for waffle cones. The loveliest surroundings to enjoy your morsels!

 Dinner by the pool at Grandma and Grandpa's. 

 Another cool picnic in the mtns on a hot day with our favorite people. 

 This is called "road rash". You get it while riding on your skateboard on your belly and the skate board stops but you keep going. Not recommended.

 Summer was making sure the paramedics were doing their job correctly.

 The day after. 

 Steve and I steeled away to the most gorgeous wedding reception of our dear friends Emily Wood, Heritage Square. As always, the most beautiful decor. 

 Summer's most favorite position, just out of the pool with enough chips to for dinner.

 Hiking with the cousin at Red Rocks.

 The view from my side of our new tent. We can fit two queen mattresses on either ends and all of our children in between us. It's awesome! The kids love to wrestle instead of sleep.

 Copper

 The boys took the diggers down Vail pass. It was touch and go there for a second. We didn't know if Cooper could fit his little hands around the breaks. Very important when you're going down a mountain. He did great and they rode down in twenty minutes. 

 Cooper is a mean squirttin' machine. He has no mercy!

 Mom took us up to see our friends who are serving a mission at Martin's Cove. They took us on a tour of the trek sight and we heard the most wonderful stories and saw the most beautiful countryside. 

 The kids got to drive the handcart around the parking lot.It was empty. Amazing that this was such a lifeline to the pioneers back then and now we are just doing it for fun? We are very grateful for their sacrifice. 

 Summer tried her hand at the mini one. She is very strong!

 This is the Sweetwater river where the pioneers crossed, it was six feet deep then. Now its not even one foot deep. This spot is where they do some baptism now.

 More Copper. This is at the top of the Mtn. where we stopped for picnic. It was 54 degrees. In denver at this very same moment it was 94 degrees.

 Fox in his favorite postion, upside down fifty feet in the sky.

We couldn't let our cousins go without one more stop at our most delicious New Saigon for LS1 and an avocado Boba. Heavon!!!!

What a great Summertime so far and we are only half over!

I've been on hubski for over a year and I love it. Great articles, news, art, music, film. It's got it all. Check it out for yourself

Steve's friend Jeff

I need a favor.

If you're reading this (you know - all nine of you) please take a second and pray for my friend Jeff. God will sort out which Jeff I'm talking about. he's that guy... you know, the intelligent, handsome, athletic guy who is always kind to everyone? He's that dad who is an amazing husband. He's that guy who just got a serious cancer diagnosis. so do me a solid, kneel down and dial up your heavenly father on Jeff's behalf.

thanks.

My Dad

Click here to read an article about my dad as he gets ready to retire.

http://oaklandpostonline.com/2012/04/03/life/stamps-leaves-his-mark/

Piano Competition

This is Fox warming up for his big competition today.

Breckinridge Snow Sculptures

It's pretty fantastic that my sister is so adventurous. On Saturday we drove all the big kids up to Breckinridge to see the Snow sculpture competition. With a little pit stop for lunch. 

 And a long bus ride from our parking spot. There were loads of people there.

This is what the snow looks like before they start. Teams come from all over the world to compete. They work from 7am until 11pm for 4 days carving and shaping. they were all amazing!

 This one was called "Revenge of the Calamari" . It was one of my favorites.

 Across the yard was a big field of snow caves and slides and castles the kids could play on. It was 20 degrees with a little wind. The kids were happy the whole time. They had a ton of fun!

 There was an ice sculpture for every company advertising there. The ice was so clear!

Couldn't resist stopping to see the buffalo on the side of the road on the way home. Cooper was especially excited since he had been studying them in school.