Monday, September 24, 2007

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Katie has a birthday on September 25th! One of the things I have always loved about Katie is that she has wanted and loved her sisters so much! She was so excited when Julie was born. She was never jealous of the attention and gifts received by her baby sister. She would just stand there by the cradle and smile. She could not wait until her sister was big enough to sleep with her! She was 17 when Becca was born, and was even more excited to have another sister! Between Katie and Julie, I hardly ever got to hold my new baby. Katie didn't want to go away to college because she was afraid Becca wouldn't know her. And even when she and Julie had their own rooms, the usually ended up sleeping in the same room (and bed) anyway. There is something special about that eldest child, and Katie is no exception to that! She is self-motivated in everything she does, and has natural leadership abilities. She has high expectations (sometimes too high!) and strives for excellence. She is responsible, intelligent, spiritual, talented, kind, charitable, lovable, fun (no one can make me laugh like Katie - except maybe Julie and Becca!) and she is a wonderful hostess. Katie is a devoted friend, wife and mother. All who know her are greatly blessed by her valiant spirit and her kindness to all she meets. Katie has always had such a beautiful smile, and is so photogenic. I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished in her life. She is a marvelous example to her younger sisters, and takes great pains to make sure their lives are happy and comfortable. I could never ask for a more wonderful daughter, EVER! I love reading her blog and keeping up with the happenings of my grand kids. I am so thankful that she takes the time to do this. It is a great record of her life. And best of all, she is my dearest friend! Truly my cup runneth over!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Labor Day Hike

Getting ready for the trail with lots of sunscreen.

He looks like a happy camper. (hiker)
As promised, here is a report on our Labor Day Hike. The kids were sooooooo good on this outing. They did not murmur or complain the whole day. It was really fun! I think they actually ENJOYED the whole outing. Rebecca even said the ruins were "cool." Becca took along her friend, Mckaela. They had lots of fun goofing around.

The indian ruins were, once again, very interesting and inspiring. We all commented on how they could still be there and be so perfect. We wonder what the people ate, and how they raised their children up in the cliffs (and how they went to the bathroom at night without falling off the cliff!)

I like this silhouette of Nick as he is looking out from under the ledge.

Becca and Kaela found a stray hiker and he actually let them kiss his cheeks as they shared his rock seat!

These two were quite the ladies in the cliffs. Just look at that pose and the serious and thoughtful faces.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

This Little Piggy Went Wii, Wii, Wii...

Do these two look excited or what!?

Nick has been saving his money for a specific goal. He asked everyone to give him money for his birthday. He has been saving allowances too, and he got Becca to go in with him to buy a Nintendo Wii. (I keep a special savings account for her money just for things like this.) When we were at WalMart yesterday, the kids went to the electronics department. They reported there was one Wii left. They convinced me they just had to have it. Actually I have been wanting them to have one, too. It is really an amazing and fun game system. So we went home, got Nick's money, transferred Becca's money to the debit account and went back to make the big purchase. They also got another set of controls so they could play the games together. They literally danced back to the car and when we got home, they got it unpackaged. I don't think it has been off since (except for a brief rest during sleep time and church today). I think this has been as exciting as Christmas!

Nick is bowling. He actually is the best at the Baseball and Tennis.

Now Becca is bowling. She owns the bowling game.

They are boxing here. Becca is pretty darned good at throwing those punches. It is so much fun to watch these two play. They actually got me to do the bowling and tennis with them. It is really a fun activity, and I am so glad we are able to enjoy things like this together.

I truly could not ask for two better teenagers. They are so much fun. There was just one catch to the whole Wii thing, though. If I took them back to the store and helped them get the Wii, I made them promise to go on a hike tomorrow for a family activity with no complaining. They both agreed instantly. I will report back on how this goes. Becca wants me to include that they are now saving their money to get Metroid Prime III Corruption, whatever that is! (It sounds questionable to me!)