Fishing Derby

We took the kids to a fishing derby yesterday morning. It was so fun. They have a little area called fishing school where they teach the kids to fish and guarantee that they will catch one. You might wonder how this is accomplished. Well, they dump 500 trout into a 10 x 10 netted area and that is where the kids fish from. If you ask me, it doesn't really teach the kids much about fishing because in my experience, patience is the most important skill in fishing, but that is beside the point. The kids absolutely loved this. In about 10 minutes all of our kids had reeled in a great catch. Unfortunately, I left my camera in the van in our rush to get in line. That really was too bad because we missed some priceless moments. Chance of course loves fishing. He is always asking to go fishing. You can tell from the picture he was in heaven. Cait reeled a 12 inch trout in immediately and was all smiles. Cody was a doll in her pink and camo bass pro shops hat. She really didn't want to have them gut her fishing for eating. She wanted to take it home for a pet. She is starting to lean toward vegetarian these days. I am pretty sure that has something to do with living in Washington. Anna thought fishing was fun until they put her fish in a bag and wanted her to hold it. She wanted nothing to do with that wiggly fish. Colten drooled in anticipation of catching a fish. When he landed his fish it was love at first sight. He wouldn't let go of that fish. When we handed the fish to the cleaning station, he cried as they cut his fish open. In the picture you can see him starring at his fish in amazement. He was one proud fisherman. All day long we had to keep telling him to go put the fish back in the fridge. He wanted his fish to go everywhere with him. After dinner he went to the fridge looking for his fish, but they were no where to be found. It was a mighty tasty dinner.

Two

Once again, I wrote first and then added pictures, so the story is below.


Let's finish that french toast and cupcake off with a candy necklace and balloon, more of Colten's favorites.


Look at the the fish!


Up and over!




Cute little toes!


Nothing like a mountain of sand to play on.




When it snowed a couple weeks ago Colten ran to the closet and put on his own hat and mitten and headed out for some fun.

My baby turned 2 yesterday... I love him so much.

He is so sweet and ornery, independent and dependent, a laugher and a crier, a mama's boy and daddy's little man, a lover and a fighter, oh so guilty and yet so innocent, my perfect baby boy.

We were blessed with gorgeous weather yesterday and I couldn't think of anything else that Colten loves more than sand and water, so we headed down to the river. We enjoyed a very relaxing time playing in the sand and the icy river water. When we got home, the neighbor had given him (and the rest of the kids) a "slip 'n slide." His style was more of a run and slip. That was worth a good 30 minutes of laughter. For dinner we had his favorite - french toast. After 2 1/2 pieces he fell asleep. We let him sleep for a little while and then had to wake him up because we were all anxious to share his cupcakes with him. Despite being half asleep, he was a good sport while we sang happy birthday and urged him to blow out his candles. I had to run off to a meeting and as usual, when I got home, he was still awake. He came running up with a "mama!" and a extraordinarily big bear hug. I could tell he knew it was a special day for him. I asked him if he had a happy birthday and he earnestly nodded yes! It was a good day!

Grandpa's Party

Grandpa turned 90 this year and had a big celebration. We were able to drive down for the party and had a great time. Grandma threw a great party, there was a jumper for the kids, good food, Aunt Kym gave all the kids horse rides, and it was a beautiful sunny day. Grandpa is so much fun to be around. He tells great stories, gives great hugs, cracks funny jokes, and in general just makes you feel plain old good. I selfishly hope he lives for another 10 years.

Anna had just kissed grandpa and got a little embarressed afterwards.


It took quite a while to pull out those ninety candles and even longer to light them.


The morning after the party, we took some pictures, I like how relaxed everyone was in this one.





Grandpa getting ready to blow out the candles. Good thing he had a bunch of great -grandkids standing around to help. (No way I was having a piece of that cake.)

Cody getting some Grandpa lovin'.

Chance thoroughly enjoying his ride.

Colten had no fear, he was quite happy to get up in that saddle....That's my boy! Kym must have walked in circles for at least two hours giving the kids rides. Thanks Kym!

I love these two guys.

Cait doing her best to follow Kym's instructions.

An airplane flew by while Colten was visiting with Summer. I can't believe that horse is almost 30 years old. I suppose that is the beauty of Arabians.