Grand grand canyon

Gina and I:

My siblings had their annual family camping trip over spring break, and for once I was able to go! It was the best trip ever to the grand canyon. Okay, it's the only time I've ever been to the grand canyon. And my first time ever backpacking. But it was truly fun, and kidless. (Much much thanks to my friend Kim and Gina's neice Chantel who filled in for my ill parents!!!) Not only was it fun, beautiful, and challenging, but I actually got to spend some time with my brothers and sil without a gaggle of children underfoot. I am not posting all of the pics here, as I already did that on FB. Here are some highlights though. Brodie Kelley, my nephew:

The cacti were in bloom. Beautiful!

The first day we hiked the Lava Falls trail. Actually it isn't really a trail, and even the sign says "route." It also says, "hazardous, unmaintained, and no water." You got that right!

Gina, Carol, and I didn't make it all the way down. Well, we could have made it all the way down, we just may have never made it back up. The boys did go all the way, and were seriously hurting when they got back. Oh, did I mention that it was 2500 feet in elevation in 1.5 miles?This is what the "route" looks like:

John and Brodie. Brodie was in charge of holding the stuff down while we drove to the backpacking trailhead. He didn't do a very good job, as we lost the purple bedroll you see in the picture.

Here is a picture as I'm leaning over the edge. It certainly looks further in real life than in the picture!

John and his girlfriend Carol:

Bill and the mountain goat skull we found:

Our backpacking campsite. The ledge is about 20 feet to my left out of the picture.

The group, Bill, Carol, John, Me, Gina, Steve. Brodie is taking the picture.

One of the most fun parts were our side-hikes down some canyon juts. Following Bill was quite a trip. I see the nickname "crazy Uncle Bill" in his future.

More catching up

One of our Spring activities is always to attend the Earth Day festivities at the Expo center. Unfortunately Russ had to work that day, but the kids and I had a lot of fun. Here are the kids at the petting zoo:

And Ammon dancing away by the band:

BJ loved the pinewood derby racetrack they had set up. They had a selection of cars the kids could race.

Here is BJ just being goofy in our backyard:

We have chickens! While I was off in Utah with the kids, Russ built a little coop, and when we got back we went and let the kids pick out some chicks.

We certainly had fun with them while they were inside. Thank goodness they are now big enough to be out, though! In a couple of months we should start getting some eggs. We went for a visit to the Hulda Klager lilac gardens in Woodland. Also to the tulip festival.

Not sure why Ammon loves this pose for pictures!

Ammon loves the bike park! This time when we went it was really muddy. That didn't stop him. The picture doesn't do justice to the amount of mud on him!

More fun in February

February weather was really great! We had an early Spring around here after a very mild winter. We stopped at the park after a cubscout service project so the kids could play. There were the most beautiful camelia trees in full bloom! I was so happy that I had accidentally left my camera in the car.

My monkey man:

BJ could stay in the swing for hours if we let him.

One day I couldn't find Sissy, and this is where I finally found her, in her closet:

Ammon started cub scouts this year (and I only got to be his leader for a month before they released me and called me to RS.) He earned his Bobcat badge, and here he is putting on the mother's pin at the blue and gold banquet:

He is so excited to finally be an official part of cub scouts!

Ammon's baptism

Well, it's March, so I'm now getting to February! The most exciting and special event of the month was Ammon's baptism on Feb. 6th. His daddy was able to baptize him. I am so proud of my Ammon and his decision to be baptized. He was really excited, and he's growing up so much and setting such a good example for his little brother and sister. The Spirit was really strong there, and it was a great experience. Talks were given by Grandpa Moore and Nanna.

I wish I'd gotten a better angle for this picture.

We had a very small crowd of mostly family, but we were so happy that the grandparents could all make it that it really didn't matter. Here's Grandma and Grandpa Barfuss:
And Nanna:

And Grandma and Grandpa Moore:

The boys on the next day:

And the girls (I always thought I looked more like my dad, but not so sure when I look at this pic):

As a side note, it was the same day as the baptism that I got a new calling as the RS 2nd counselor. Oh my! Thank goodness for the Lord's help or I just couldn't do it. I am looking forward to getting to serve the sister's in my ward, and serving with Debbie Brock, the new RS president.

January 2010 pics

Potty training time at our house, sort of. Basically right now he just goes when he feels like it, but most of the time still wears a diaper. Ammon and Talia's castle in the living room.

Don't know why blogger turned this picture sideways. But anyway I thought they were pretty funny.

The new cabinets that Russ built have more than one purpose:

My gangsta baby:

And my pretty boy: