Swimming with Monty

We went to visit My friend Leah today. The kids LOVED her pool and they had a great time jumping in with Monty the dog. Monty would wait by the side of the pool so he could jump in with Patrick. I think Monty had just as much fun as the kids. Thanks Leah and Monty!!!

Family Gift Exchange

O.K. all, Samantha helped me draw names for Christmas.

Heather B. buys for Heather L.
Jason buys for Angie

Becky buys for Alan
Mike buys for Glen

Alan buys for Jason
Jen buys for Dale

Dale buys for Mike
Heather L. buys for Jen

Glen buys for Becky
Angie buys for Heather B.

Our Redneck 4th of July

What says 4th of July more that a picnic and guns!?!

Even Grandma was shooting.

Colin found a stick gun and he even let Samantha shoot it.

Daddy and Grandpa help Samantha shoot the real gun.

Samantha's Post Suggestion

Samantha is always suggesting that we post the craziest stuff. I keep telling her that when she can type by herself she can have her own blog. I know I'm so mean. Well, she finally gave me a suggestion that was some thing you don't have to be 6 to understand.

For the last couple of years I've made thing flag treat for the 4th of July. I look forward to it all year. It's so easy and so yummy. Samantha said I needed to put it on our blog with the recipe.

The crust is a big sugar cookie baked in a jelly roll pan. You can use what you like but this is my favorite recipe:

Mix:

4c. flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Beat:

1c. butter

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1/2 c. sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla

Add to flour mix. Refrigerate overnight.

Spray jelly roll pan with cooking spray. Spread dough into pan and bake at 375 for about 15-20 minutes.

While the cookie crust is cooling make some vanilla pudding. Spread on cooled crust. Then add blueberries and sliced strawberries (or raspberries). Enjoy.

Lake Powell

We had a great time at Lake Powell but we're glad to be home. It's so hard to keep an eye on the kids every second (at least they were good about wearing their life jackets). I hope I wasn't too cranky.Here are some highlights......

Samantha, Colin, & Patrick

Colin an Patrick both got to drive the house boat.

Legs in the boat Colin!!!!

Samantha, Colin, & Patrick enjoy boat rides!!

They like jet ski rides too!!

I like Patrick's jet ski hair.

The boys (& Samantha) spent hours playing in the sand (& water of course)!!

the house boat

4 Corners

On our way to Lake Powell we stopped at four corners. Every time we go to Utah I tell Dale we should stop and check it out. He finally listened! I wasn't expecting much and it delivered. Pretty much all that's there is this big cement slab that shows the 4 states and a whole lot of Indians selling jewelry. I think we stayed for 5 or 10 minutes (just long enough to take a few pictures and take Patrick to the port-a-potty). I'm glad we finally stopped and I'm sure Dale's glad he won't have to hear about it any more.