Family Reunion Update

A highlight in July was going to Utah for a Rowen family reunion. It had been way too long since we had seen some of our family--and there was some family we hadn't even met yet. We had one week to jam pack with as much fun as possible and I think we suceeded. We can't wait for next time. Hopefully sooner rather than later!

Hilary with hubby Lewis. Are they cute or what?

Emma got this hat for her birthday a few weeks ago and thought that a hike up Rock Canyon would be the perfect place to try it out.

Mark and I with the kids and cousin Austin

On the way down the canyon, the boys were learning how to whistle.

Matthew loved Austin

Grand daddy of us all.

Abbie's birthday fell during our trip. We all had a great time celebrating with her.

As you see, Matthew got in on the action. Baby Grace with mommy Deana!

Matthew loves Eric.

Here's the Birthday girl!!

A little bit too much noise at Abbie's birthday party.

We love having lunch at the Garden restaurant at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Cute Emma in front of the SL Temple

Secret fishing spot of Grandpa's. The family was up at the crack of dawn to go fishing with Grandpa Rowen. The excitement got them out of bed...the donuts kept them going.

Abbie's first fish, what a beauty! Cousin Maddy was next with her fish.

Way to go Emma!

Here's Collin's with his catch of the day. The kids kept uncle Eric busy baiting all morning.

Unfortunately, you just can't force an almost two year old to sit for a picture when he has other things on his mind. The rest of the kids and grandparents had a great time though!

Getting there is half the fun!

If you prefer to read about events as they happen chronologically (as I admit, I do) , scroll down, read about Cedar Breaks and then scroll back up (Unfortunately, this posting is turning into an IQ test. I really need to read Blogging for Dummies because I have spent too much time trying to move these photos of Cove Fort below the pictures of Cedar Breaks).

A stop at Cove Fort was next on our agenda, preceded by a quick picnic on the grass outside. Cove Fort was great. We loved learning about life for the Hinckley family during their days here. Ira Hinckley (President Hinckley's grandfather) was asked to build this fort as a way station for early travelers. After the fort was built, it became a center for activity--complete with a telgraph station, post office, dinner and beds for travelers, a blacksmith shop, huge barn etc. Our kids were facinated by all of the artifacts from the time period. They just loved it.This summer we took our first road trip as a family from So.Cal to Utah. It can be quite a daunting drive with three children, as many know. WELL, WELL, WELL, we made the most of our drive to Grandma's this summer and definitely went over the mountains and throught the woods.

We left our home on Friday at noon and drove through the Mojave desert to Las Vegas, arriving around 5PM. First of all, I had forgotten how much I disliked Vegas. To be fair, I should actually say that what I really hate is the strip. It's such a filthy, keep your eyes low, kind of a place. But, on the positive side, staying in Vegas did give us the opportunity to enjoy a few stops on Saturday morning... Abbie loved all of the wild flowers at Cedar Breaks. We ALL loved the cool, crisp air. Seriously, the freshnes of the air, after driving through the hot desert was dreamy! Matthew, in particular, was totally excited by the views. "Abba, Ewww", "momma, momma!" translation..."Abbie, look, isn't that neat?", "Mom, you've gotta see this!"

Here's the whole gang at one of the beautiful look out spots. We all loved Cedar Breaks. It was a short distance out of our way, but the views and fresh air (minus a few cracks of thunder that terrified Emma) made the side trip 100% worth it.

Emma Turns SIX

Today we celebrated our Sweet Emma's birthday. What a gal! Emma had been planning every detail of this day for weeks, so thank goodness it was a success! Every other year we do a party with friends-this was Emma's year. We had a Hawaiian Luau for Emma and her friends. They ate lunch, made cute hair clips, learned a hula dance, played octopus tag, ate cake an, of course, ice cream.Emma had a great time.

Forth of July

Here's the thing. I am having a hard time putting two sentences together tonight, but I want to get some of these pictures posted. I shouldn't work on this type of thing when all I really want to do is go to bed. We enjoyed a really fun night with friends at the Lone Tree park in Rocklin. Abbie with her BFF Emma!It was a HOT day and Kristin and I were kicking ourselves that we didn't wear our swimsuits. Instead we just sat in the shade as much as possible.

China Bar off of the America River (I think). We spent the Forth of July weekend back in Rocklin. We had a wonderful time visiting with some of our dearest friends in the world and enjoying family time at Grandma Funk's 80th birthday celebration. We fell right back into old friendships. I love how that happens!!

Oh oh!

This afternoon, after a very productive morning, we decided to go to Del Mar to enjoy the rest of our day. Right before we left Mark was working on the sprinklers and accidentally broke the sprinkler valve (while the sprinklers were in the ON position). He fiddled around with the valves and tried to turn the main water off but nothing he tried work. I called the water district to see if they could help ( I'm thinking $$$ fines and huge bill if the water stays on forever). They of course weren't working today, so they connected us to their emergency dispatcher.

This is what showed up at our house 10 minutes later.

It caused quite a stir around here. I thought it was hilarious, Abbie was MORTIFIED, Emma was the only one who would pose for a photo, Mark felt just a little sheepish (but he can't help that he is so big and strong that he breaks water valves), the neighbors were curious and some were probably thinking, "Oh shoot, I haven't met the new neighbors yet, I can't just go over there NOW and find out what's happening!" (so they sent their kids instead), and one friend came racing up our driveway to offer to take our kids for a while so we could deal with whatever drama caused the fire truck to be parked outside our house.

SO FUNNY!

And in case you are wondering, the outside water was turned off, the truck left, we went to the beach after all, and best of all, we finally got to see some of our tax dollars working in our favor. What a day!

Not My BEST Idea

A couple of days ago I had the bright idea to put Matthew in his seat with a little snack so I could get a some things done. So I set my 20 month old baby up with apple slices and a mound of peanut butter to dip them in. This is what I came back to. Why didn't I see this one coming?

Look at these berries!! If there has been one theme around our house during the past couple of weeks, it has been strawberries. Last week I hosted an Enrichment Activity over here where I did a demonstration of making freezer jam. Ahead of time I made several batches of jam using four different types of pectin--I have probably made 9 batches of jam so far (I can't commit to being done yet). At the activity the gals and I tested the four jams and discussed what we liked most about each recipe. It was fun to be able to compare the different flavors and textures. And, in case you are wondering, I think I am going to go for the reduced sugar recipe from now on--it's almost as tasty as the others AND so much better for you.
Also berry related, is my fantastic find of the century. There is a cute little strawberry stand that I go to (where to kids picked their own berries) which sells beautiful, plump berries for $30 a flat. THAT'S EXPENSIVE! The lady who runs the stand told me that they also have a packing facility that they send their berries to to be packaged for grocery stores, etc. She told me where it was hidden and said that I could buy their berries there for a little less money. I thought it was worth a try, and drove to a big white warehouse with no store front. I found an office and asked if I could buy strawberries. The man working in the office said, "yep, that will be $11" and brought out a flat of the same big, bright, beautiful berries. I couldn't believe my luck and had to resist running to my car to get out of there before he changed his mind.
The last berrilicious item--Strawberry picking. So simple, and so fun. My kids still talk about it as the best thing we did over Spring Break. For $6 each, they were given a bucket to fill with as many berries as they could pick. They had a blast. Though I'm not sure whether they ended up putting more berries in their mouths or in their buckets .

Easter Festivities

Easter is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the mild weather, the beautiful spring colors, and the Cadbury chocolate eggs (not this year). But especially, I love the opportunity it gives us to think of Jesus' life and ultimate gift to all of us. In honor of Him, this week our family spent time every day learning about his ministry, singing songs, and giving compliments and service to each other. I didn't take pictures of much of that part though. So instead, here are some pictures of the beautiful mild weather and spring colors part.

An Easter feast at Cathy and Allen's house, Pictures in our back yard, and our traditional Old Jerusalem feast at home. Grandma Bird, Mary Markoff, Allen, Monica and Greg doing what we do best at any get together--sitting around and talking.

Our Matriarch. Grandma will be 96 years old in June.

No eggs in there, Abbie! Emma, taking a moment to smile for the camera.

Matthew was a serious little egg hunter. He liked the colorful eggs just as much as the candy.

Abbie-dabby-do and me. What a gal!

OOOH, I love these guys!!!

Sorry gals, these two are MINE!!

Easter on the "candy deal." You won't find any candy in this basket this year. Emma, along with Abbie and me- aren't eating candy for a year. This year, the Easter Bunny had to get more creative, filling baskets with powdered donuts, fruit by the foot and black olives--yes, black olives.

Matthew is attempting the impossible. He loves cucumbers.

During the week leading up to Easter we try to do a few activities and lessons that teach about Christ's life, time, and teachings. One of our favorite activities is an Old Jerusalem style feast (usually eaten in recline style) but for obvious reasons--he's 18 months, we ate at the table. This year our feast included grilled (broiled) fish, nuts, fruits, cucumbers, and grape juice (our version of wine).

Happy Birthday

I just wanted to take a second for a quick tribute to my mom. Today is her birthday. She will be spending it at the temple--the same way she has spent almost every Friday for the past decade. Mom is the most compassionate, understanding and generous person I know. She loves her family and always tells us how proud she is us of, and of each other.
I am grateful for how much she loves my kids and husband. She truly does love them, and shows it in many ways.

Happy Birthday Mom! The world was made better the day you were born!!

Carlsbad Flower Fields

First day of Spring Break!! Yay!! Yesterday was a cousin filled day at the Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Such vivid colors!

Abbie with her cousins Madison and Ruth. Yes, that is the ocean in the background.

Matthew was my buddy today. He had a great time NOT being in a stroller--free to roam.