A Few Pics of Nick and Connies New House

At a deli in Newport while waiting 1 1/2 hours for our food. Long story, but we were starved without a vehicle and no choice but to sit and wait The manager was an idiot and I had to calm Nick down to avoid yet another coastal altercation.

Slave labor! Wow I love summers. Who says little boys can't run power tools

Stake Youth Handcard Trek

Nick and I just got back from our pioneer trek where we were called to be the ma and pa of 9 youth. I must have a fair amount of confidence or humility to download the group shot...not a good look for me. If you could imagine 200 and some odd people (mostly teenagers) exiting a greyhound bus at one of portland local food and gas marts dressed in the above attire, you would feel the complete humiliation I felt that day. It actually through me into hysterics. We started announcing that we didn't all have the same last name and no we didn't just leave WACO, TEXAS! The drive was roughly 8 hours. It was hilarious to see the look on faces as we got out each time. It was great fun!! The experience was difficult, hot, dusty, dirty, and extremely stinky, yet one of the most memorable events I've ever been a part of. We'd do it again in a heart beat.

Me-Likes

expensive things I'd like to copy

Wreath making

So I'm trying to find a new place for wreaths year round in my home. I'm a little obsessed with Christmas ones, but I like the way that "some" wreaths look on a wall or door or window. It's like art to me when I see the right one, it also adds a very "home- like" feeling to a room. Does anyone have any cool ideas for different shapes or textures or objects??? I'm thinking of posting some other project ideas that I have (or hear from others ) and would like some feedback on whether or not the ideas stink.

OOPS

Apparently I took a bunch of pictures of someone else's kid at baseball thinking it was Calvin, so Calvin asked why" cole baisden" was on the digital camera...............................NO COMMENT

p.s. Max's picture has nothing to do with that comment, other than the word oops

Sand Volleyball

We had another volleyball party last night and besides being a little dusty, it has been a good idea. Mike and Kim went to the palmyra pageant ( alone) and I will be interested in hearing how it was being so late at night with the little kids. I heard about Nick and Connies pioneer trek and it sounded like a very "trying" but good experience. Summer is finally turning out to be pretty fun for the kids, they accepted that we were not leaving town and got over their initial boredom. We had a cubby scout activity here and fished and swam and canoed. Its nice to have such fun so close by the house.

EDIBLE

The Longest Season EVER!!!

Yep, we're still doing baseball, it is apparantly mandatory to hike your pants up real hard, as seen here in the second photo. Calvin and Carter are in the top 2 or 3 teams in the tournament, and Calvin is playing for the allstars, (Carter did'nt get the memo)

Fourth of July in Ohio

We had fun this weekend, Mike, Kim Logan, Kyler and Gavin( along with Andys sister and family) came to our house and we had a firework show, lake canoeing and four wheel riding. The tanning bed was a big hit because of the cloudy days, and the mom's even got to go shopping, TWICE. Aunt Holly got to extend her birthday party for a week, and it looks like uncle Danny (from his blog) got a few parties of his own.

Ma-Ma and Ga-Ga

Max and Gavin feeding each other their toys

There is hope!!!!

All Nevilles need to read this article!! I'm not getting my hopes completely up but I may start saving money to pay for the cure. This is awesome!!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25511729

Copy and paste the link into your web browser.

Big Boyz Marbles Trip

Alright, it sounds like there has been an official weekend designated for a big boys backpacking trip to the Marbles this summer (Lyle also suggested we consider some lakes in NE Oregon as a possible alternative). Regardless of location, my vote is for Blue Lake by the way, it looks like it'll happen the first weekend of September, and maybe the couple days leading up to the weekend. So let's call it Sept. 3-7. The rules are pretty simple.......big boys only, in-laws are welcome (so Alan and Andy are welcome to come), and Shane is not allowed to bring the inflatable, double-thick air mattress, even if he thinks he can carry it on his back. Todd will also not be allowed to freestyle down the snow glacier due to past behavior and control issues. Todd, Mike, Lyle.....actually everyone....check your calendars and confirm via a comment that you are in.

Also, there is a 7-man tent and inflatable kayak that have been purchased and generously donated to the Shelly Lake camping gear storage project by Nick and Danny. Basically, the idea is that we get a waterproof container and keep a large tent, kayak, big pots and stuff that's hard to pack in and out every year. It stays there at Shelly, hidden, and is for all to use whenever we get in there. The plan is that sometime in August there will be a couple weekend trips in to clear the road and hike in materials for long-term storage. All are welcome to donate of their time, resources and excess camping gear (Lyle).