Leaving One Phase Behind

 

Last Baby Tooth

19 years, 3 kids, 60 baby teeth, and 96 permanent teeth.  We are finally saying good by to the tooth fairy, fevers, runny noses, and bloody toilet paper.  This phase in our lives started out early approximately July 2002 and ending late August 2021.

We survived bottles, potty training, and training wheels in such a short time.  Who knew that the whole teeth process would last this long.  

Ryder still has his wisdom teeth so there is still a possibility that we will add 4 more to the count in another couple of years.

Thank goodness potty training doesn't take this long.  I would have not survived if it did.

Lake Trip...

Too Quail with the boys.  We decided to let Ryder bring some friends along for a new adventure.  One problem was most of the boys had other commitments.  It was going to be Ryder & Jorgan this trip.

Waiting for Dad

Let's get this party started.

First dip

How long can they stay on?

2nd ride

Dave keeps bouncing them off.

Getting crazy

Still crazy but staying on longer.

2 1/2 hours later they are still going strong.  We are all starving and want lunch.  They want to keep tubing and trying to bounce each other off.  

We called it a day about 1:00 and headed to Wendy's for lunch.  I was exhausted and I didn't even get a turn.  Maybe next time.

A Week in Review

Another busy weeks draws to a close.  A few more crazy pictures that pretty much sum it up.  

Shoe at the top of the stairs.

In hopes that the owner will take them and put them away.

This sparked a memory growing up if Dad found your shoes laying around however, neatly you placed them. They quickly found a new home at the bottom of the stairs.  No matter how hard you tried to stay ahead of him.  1, 2, or 3 pairs found their way to the bottom every day.

Frustrating then and funny now.

More rides and smiles.

Maybe I am only reading that by the eyes.

Sunday baking.

The Monster Cookie Balls were a little dry.

Either more honey or peanut butter.

Rylee reaching new heights.

Help Ruston with some rehab.

I love the random pictures she sends me.

I am amazed at the new things we are all learning.

Let's hope the heat soon releases us from it evil grip on us soon.  Let's all hope the wonderful fall weather replaces it.  Cool in the morning, warm during the day, and cool again at night.  It is definitely my favorite time of year.

New School Year 2021-2022

I am definitely ready for school to start.  I may be the only one that will say that aloud at our house.  Yet Ryder will secretly admit it if you ask him when he is alone.

August 12th is the first day for everyone except Kindergarten and Junior & Seniors.  Ryder didn't fit into either category so he had to set his alarm.  Middle school has a later start time than last year.  He was excited to sleep a little extra.

Ryder, Age 13

Eighth Grade

Desert Hills Middle School

Start time 8:25

Second Day first day... I couldn't get her to send me a picture or get up earlier enough for me to take one.  I had to beg, plead, and maybe even a few threats to get this one.

Reganne, Age 16

Junior

Desert Hills High School

Both days were good however, the weekend was even better.  It's going to be another busy school year that we are hoping to survive.  First break is Labor Day.  Let's all hope we survive until then.

Lake Saturday

Everyone finally has a weekend off and what better way to start a Saturday morning than at the lake.  This week is Quail that we head towards.  Not many boaters out yet and the water was perfect.

Ryder

Getting way too confident and want to try doing tricks now.

Reganne & Rylee

Trying to decide if they really want to get wet.

Rylee

It all came back to her.  She popped right up on the 

kneeboard and proceeded to show everyone up.

Dave & Ryder

Let's try tubing!!!

Dave trying to get on without falling into the water.

They made it!!

Time for a ride with Ruston driving.

Ryder & Ruston

More tubing fun.

This time Ruston having fun with Ryder hanging on.

Up and Over?

Not this round.

Rylee & Ruston

Holding on for with a death grip.

Would Dave try and kill them both?

We all survived the morning.  No broken bones either.  It was fun being outside playing together.  I'm trying to decide if I'm tired or hungry.  The hunger won out with lunch and a quick pick up of the house.  I believe everyone fell into bed early.  Ryder did complain that his hands & arms were really sore.

Crazy Busy July Wrap Up

The apartment is starting to shape up.

It's almost livable.

Piper isn't sure what to do with

water falling from the sky.

Isn't is supposed to be on me feet?

Flip turns

Amazing to see how fast the swimmers 

do these.  They make it look easy.

They also love to create the splash to soak the officials.

Love this one!!

It also counts for officials.

What official would dare to DQ an Olympian?

I am definitely not signing up for that job.

Ruston & Ryder

Enjoying an evening ride.

Thank goodness for the helmets when I heard them take off.

Ryder is begging for one when he turns 16.

That request was promptly denied!!!

2 years of work!!

60 external batteries in each box.

38 boxes on the pallet.

1 year to test each battery.  9 months to find a recycler that would take them.

2 months to schedule the pickup.

1 month for them to show up, load them, and drive away.

It's been a crazy summer and now it's ending with school starting in a couple of weeks.  We are all ready for a schedule and a dull routine.  Bring it on August. 

The Story Behind the Post...What is this Called?

Name??

Many, many years of going to the lake I have struggled with how bad I always look.  Hairstyles, different types of hats, and even no hats.  I always look the same like a drowned little rat.  People I know have walked by me and have no idea who I am.  

It's now time to embrace the look and enjoy the lake.  I asked Dave where his bucket hat was?  My what?  You'r fisherman's hat.  My what?  Your Gilligan Hat!!  Oh, my Australian Bushman's Hat.  Ryder brought out this hat for me to try.  Perfect it shades my eyes, and protects my face from the sun.  The strings will keep it from sailing into the lake.  I'm ready to go.

When asking friends from Facebook they all said this is a Bucket Hat.  Dave produced the Amazon listing to support his title.  I laughed at all of them my name is the best and truly shows my age.  The funniest thing is when I called it a Gilligan Hat they found it for me.  I didn't even have to explain it to the kids.

It definitely didn't improve my lake look but I didn't get sunburned.  I also didn't lose it.

Kayaking Together

Saturday late morning we are all waiting not so patiently for another lake adventure.  We pushed through and made it too Quail with everyone all in one piece.  We even convinced Dave to let us bring Piper with us.  

We arrived along with way too many others and were convinced that this was going to be a wasted trip.

Surprise!!!

We found the perfect spot near the dock.

There was even shade, tables, and no people.

Piper even stopped to enjoy

the view.

Reganne taking a spin.

Ryder & Piper

Enjoying the water.

Thank goodness we have Dave.

He helped everyone in and out.

Reganne decided Piper needed to get in.

One wrong move and they both went down

into the water.

Piper quickly paddled to shore.

Reganne loving the water.

Time to head home!!

Nope, no more water for Piper.

Let's go for another ride.

Ryder took Piper for another ride and we finally loaded up.  Stinky dog in the truck wasn't pleasant but I believe everyone had a good time.  

Being close to the dock Dave was able to help a few families with problems as they got close to the dock.  One had an upside down submersed jet ski.  Another family was paddling towards the dock.  They had wrapped a rope around their prop.  They needed assistance loading it onto their trailer so they could untangle the rope without more damage.

It is now time for a shower, lunch, and a nap.  The first 2 happened but the 3rd was just a dream.

High Adventure Camp

He survived Montana by himself.  He is headed to the High Adventure Camp with the young men in our ward.  It's been a while since they have gone camping together.  This was definitely going to be an adventure heading up Beaver Mountain.  The instructions to the boys was to pack warm clothes and rain ponchos.  Ryder doesn't like to pack but what he loves to do is go shopping for all new stuff.  After much discussion  he only needed a few new things.  He was packed and ready to go until we reviewed the list together.  It was now time to repack and reorganize his stuff.

Loading up

All smiles and ready to go.

They were all anxious to hit the road.

Leave Mom!!!

You are embarrassing me.

Rock Climbing

New adventure for many.

There was cell phone silence until Friday afternoon.  Then the text came through can I come home tonight?  My reply Why? How?  His reply "It's wet & cold" and "There are a couple of leaders headed home."  "I can get a ride if you say it's ok."  My next replay "It is up to you".

He arrived home tired, dirty, and wet.  Everything he brought home was soaked.  He was ready for a warm shower and sleep.  He had a great time and didn't mind the cold or wet weather until it dragged on and on.  

It has been fun listening to his stories and adventures that shares at odd times.  We are really glad that he is adventurous and is up for the challenges that come his way.