Pioneer Day

We had a very busy Pioneer Day. I wanted to take full advantage of having the day off work, so we hit the golf course with Grandma Jessie in the morning - nothing like a 2 1/2 hour round of 9 holes of golf. It was still fun and Caitlin got to put her golf lessons to use. Next we hit the pool for the afternoon. Austin and Caitlin (after the 5 foot restraining order was lifted - they were bickering too much) worked on their synchronized "diving."

Next up on the docket was a barbecue at Mom's house with Brian, Jessie, Rod & Vickie and the diving kids. Fresh beans from the garden - need I say more? I guess I could mention the delicious cedar plank salmon and all the other fresh fruit and veggies.

After a road trip in Donnie's motor home (around the block), we were on our way home. Somehow we made it past all those fireworks stands without a single inquiry from the back seat. That was truly a Pioneer Day miracle!

Gone Fishin'

Papa and Austin went out fishing this week. Other than going 45 whole minutes without catching a fish, I hear they had a great time and brought back a few Rainbow Trouts. This can't be my son - I don't know if I could hold the fish.

Fun & Games

We went to Park City Friday night for Brian's company dinner - the kids soooo look forward to the banquet because they get to have the "party room" with the other Sysco kids (room service, X-Box, movies, and all the sugar they can eat/drink). They didn't trash the rooms like a rock band - but it was close! Who knew they could make such a mess with a couple of six packs of mini Dr. Pepper's and a baggie of fun size candy bars! Their patience during the dinner was rewarded with a late night swim - a VERY late night swim (at least by my standards - I was TIRED).Caitlin and Paige - now these are two wild and crazy girls - I think they may have been separated at birth.I did my best to get the boys (Austin, Chase & Nick) in the picture - the pool was pitch dark. No lights in or around the pool. It was very disconcerting! There was a major girl's softball tournament in town and the boys definitely were happy with the number of teams enjoying the pool that night (all in bikinis I noted ... and they did as well).The party continued the next day. It is tradition that the company picnic is ALWAYS on the hottest day of the year. When I got in my car to leave, the temperature thingy said 113 degrees. Of course it cooled down to 104 when I started moving. The snow cone maker was way busy - and that was just with Austin and Caitlin.This is one way to cool off - the fire department emptied their tanks on anyone willing to stand there and take it. Of course Caitlin was front and center - Austin opted not to.Caitlin and Paige again. These two chicks are a hoot when they get together!This was one way the kids kept cool. The line was longer to get dunked than it was to throw the balls! Caitlin got dunked 4 times!So, I've been going to these company parties for the last 19 years and NEVER has our name been called during the raffle. It's been very demoralizing! As we came in this year, I had renewed hope (it was probably just sunstroke) that our name would be called. We needed some new can coolers or an umbrella. Imagine my suprise when Brian's name was called for this little 5 burner BBQ! Yeah baby!

The day finally came...

Every year, I dread the day that baseball is over (sometimes I look forward to it, but mostly, I dread it). All Stars is over with one last tough loss. Austin (#1 in more ways than his jersey number) had a busy post-season: he was the lead-off hitter, played every inning at a variety of positions, and earned high praise from his coach and opposing coaches alike. Brian helped coach this year and I definitely won't miss him asking me how his butt looks in the pinstripe pants (just kidding - we'll see if Brian reads this). Here's Brian & Austin in a pre-game strategy session. It went something like this... "you see the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball. Some days you win, some days you lose and some days it rains." Deep stuff for pre-game.

We had a post-baseball feast at Five Guys (Austin has the last of his burger in those chipmunk cheeks) and we'll wash the uniform one last time. At least there's no hurry now.

Thank you Mr. Mailman

So the mailman finally brought me something I actually wanted (i.e. NOT bills) - he brought me more Wicked tickets today!!! Me and Caitlin (and Hilary and Mia)... Denver Center for the Performing Arts ... November ... we'll be there! Caitlin has all the songs memorized (Austin does too, but he didn't want to go with us). Now I just need to finagle extra tickets for the Bronco's vs. Steelers game (which is where all the boys will be the next night).

Pyromaniacs

It was time for the annual "light your parent's money on fire" - otherwise known as fireworks.

This picture really says it all. Caitlin has just lit the fuse and has absolutely NO INTEREST in watching the fruits of her labor. Perhaps I should just invest in fuses next year. Through the sulfur haze...
Next door neighbor Riley had to be content with building small campfires on the driveway due to the broken leg.

The aftermath... next door neighbor Levi (center) was driving his remote control car through the carnage knocking over the spent cartridges. He was quite skilled.

I guess it is time to go see what we missed with the broom in the haze last night. Wait... that's what the kids are for!

The Rodeo

So, we decided to have a change of pace and not do anything golf related last night. We went to the Western Stampede Rodeo. I can't remember the last time I went to a rodeo (that's not saying much because I can't remember where I went yesterday either). Needless to say, it's been a long time and a first time for the kiddies. Notice Austin straddling the horse doo-doo (PS - don't wear flip-flops to the rodeo...Brian).

Does Caitlin look happy or what? This is Austin, the first young man to ask Caitlin to dance (from the wedding last week).

Before the rodeo started, they have the pre-rodeo entertainment. The kids were lucky enough to participate. The kids are psyching themselves up for what is about to come... the "Hide Pull." By the way, that's not Brian going all "cowboy" on us (he was somewhere else lamenting that he wore flip-flops).

Here's how the fun played out. Austin got to go first with Courtney (the newlywed) pulling him. For those of you planning to do this in the future - try to get both legs ON the carpet so that you aren't (a) straddling the front of the carpet therefore being pulled by your crotch and (b) bruising your already baseball-bruised leg that didn't make it on the carpet.

Then it was Caitlin's turn with her dance partner Austin pulling her. She probably learned a bit from watching her brother - she managed to get all the way on the carpet... and quite deliberately I might add. I must say, she had quite good form.

The rest of the rodeo was pretty darn fun. Muttin bustin' was our favorite! We were pretty grateful to my boss Lorrie and her family (Drew, Austin, Courtney and Aaron) for getting the kids involved. They had an absolute blast!