Fishing

I always seem to miss the experience of fishing with the kids. Mike is great at taking Madi and Gabe fishing, hiking, to the zoo, museum, or to the movies when he has a day off from work. Mike's out of school for the next few weeks because of Spud Harvest, so between homework and football practice he spends all of his time doing activities with the kids. It has worked out great this week since his brother is here from Arkansas.

I love that one pant leg is tucked into Gabe's boot.

Family Fun

Mike's brother and his family are here from Arkansas. We have a week full of fun activities planned. We don't get to see them often, so when we get the opportunity, we live it up and PARTY.

Spud Day

Madi carefully sorted the candy on the street and only would pick up the candy she liked to put in her treat bag. Too funny. Gabe however picked up everything.

Small town celebrations feel so American. Another Shelley Spud Day has come and gone, and the kids are already looking forward to next year. The kids retrieved more candy than they can consume from the parade, played a few games and each purchased their own special treat.

I have to say, I certainly did not earn mother of the year award that day. I left Madi's goodie bag at Spud Day. The bag contained all of her treats from the parade and those special prizes she won. Needless to say, she was heartbroken. I slightly mended her heart by going back to the super crowded Spud Day and purchasing her a couple of hair accessories.

Tator Tot Trot

This was Madi's first time running in an organized race. She was excited and nervous. I was impressed at the great job she did. She was so excited to see so many other kids that she knew from church, school and others she plays with.

Madi spent most of the race watching other people. She thought it was cool that someone was riding piggy back.

She wondered why runner 74 was crying (she cried the entire race).

She was excited to see her mom.

And now she's taking to her cousin.

But she did it and had a great time.

Dawn was at the finish and Madi couldn't have been more delighted to see her.

Chadwick Family Reunion

A few weeks ago was the Chadwick Family Reunion. I met a lot of relatives I never knew existed. I think the last Chadwick Reunion was somewhere between 15 and 20 YEARS ago in Star Valley. This years (or should I say decades) reunion was in Island Park on my parents property, part of which used to be my grandpas.

This is Jack and Jill (they live on a hill.... in California).

Jack replied to my mother's first e-mail (during the planning stage) "Who the hell are you"

These guys came from New Jersey and Texas.

Great MEMORIES!