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).

FINALLY

Guess what we did today? Alyssa wanted to post this picture for Tali, Lexi and Grandmar. She is very excited to be pierced. Carter said she looks different and then asked why mom has so many holes in her ears.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY GEORGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FROM

YOUR

"SPECIAL"

DAUGHTER

HOLLY

Happy 30th Dan!

A few highlights from Dan's birthday party at Holmes Park last Saturday.

It's mostly pics of the kids but what do you expect? They're so stinkin' cute.

Joy ride.

Chunk

He thinks he's a big boy.

Twelve more years and we're all in big trouble.

Best Buddies!

A little too close.

Green eggs and Ham

This dumb bird started out with just one egg, then laid another, and another and sat on them until the very end. The kids were checking everyday to see if they had hatched, and you could actually see the babies moving inside, and she split about 2 days before hatching, so we had green eggs and ham.

I could'nt help it!

It's even funnier when you click on them. The itchies and bloodies are in full bloom for the two boys.

Jessica

Jessica, I know you are going through a very hard time right now, but you are so strong and positive that I don't doubt for one minute that you will overcome this. We care about you so much, and I know I speak for all your aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents when I say that you are in our prayers and thoughts. I wish I were physically closer to you , but please don't hesitate to call or ask me for anything, I love you, and you will get through this, love Aunt Holly

MOM, DO I LOOK GOOD?

alyssa begged me to take pictures of her and Max outside yesterday, it was actually a beautiful, breazy, sunny day. There were these blossoms floating around that looked like down feathers and I just couldn't get a good picture, but I tried. I'll soon have some sweet beach volleyball pictures to add to the collection!

Jessica

Has anyone heard how Jessica's doing? From what I remember her surgery was the end of this month and I haven't heard anything.

I AM OFFICIALLY DOWN-GRADING OUR FAMILY REUNION TO AN--- "INVITE FOR ANY ONE TO COME OUT AT ANY TIME THIS YEAR", ---INSTEAD OF A SET DATE. I HOPE THAT IT MAKES IT EASIER TO GET TICKETS THAT WAY. MIKE AND I WILL STILL GET TOGETHER BUT PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COME TO OUR HOUSE WHENEVER YOU CAN. COLUMBUS JUST GOT ANOTHER NEW WATER PARK NEXT TO THE ZOO AND IT LOOKS LIKE A BLAST. OUR SAND VOLLEYBALL COURT IS ALMOST DONE AND THE LAKE IS GETTING WARMER. SO

Bumbles

Aunt Holly- Thanks for the outfits! Love, Nathan and the Little Blue Lobster/Fat Head

putrid

Look how cute this thing is, he is a complete animal. He now barfs in nursery in order to be released. Or if he doesn't particularly like someone, he'll throw up everywhere. The worst part is that he totally gets what he wants when he wants and I am to blame. Any help here?

HA HA Just Kidding

Soooo.... We'll be blessing Nathan on the 4th of May with baby Jaxon.

Carribean Treat

Andy and I are planning our 10th anniversary cruise for December 14th through the 20th. Its an open invite and so far the price is not going up. If anyone wants to get in on it, the boat is called the "Freedom" of Carnival cruise line. The booking number that will pull up all the info is 7X5L92. The total is around $550 per person with tax. This is a W carribean cruise, going to Jamaica and Cayman Islands. I have dibbs on Mom for babysitting, but Mike and Kim owe me for a week of babysitting too, so lets talk.

What the KIDS saw

Dad's birthday

Is it possible for me to ever look non-deformed in a picture? I don't think so. Anyway we went to dinner and sam's club for pop's 72nd

BIG WEEKEND

Carter was baptized, and fogged it all up within about 10 minutes, so here's to repentance! Mom, Dad, Mike, Kim and most of Andy's family along with some friends came, and we also had some fun with Logan and Kyler and Gavin

Nathan's Blessing

We're back on track for Nathan's blessing. It's scheduled for this coming Saturday (April 20th). We'd really love to have anyone that can make it out be a part of Nate's special day. We'd like to keep things pretty personal so we're limiting the circle to family members only. Just in case anyone asks.
Love you all and hope to see you soon!
Shane, Kenz & bebes

Feelin' the Love

Thank you so much to everyone that was able to fast with us yesterday. We definately felt the love you were sending out to us. We'd also like to thank everyone that wasn't able to fast with us because I was so late with the posting. We appreciate your willingness, and prayers so much.

Shane takes the initial written test on May 5th. Only the top 12 candidates move on from there. We're very hopeful and very anxious. One great aspect about this particular hiring exam is that they sent out a study booklet for the test. That's a first. So think good thoughts, cross your fingers, pray like crazy and we'll let you know how it goes. Results will be posted on the 6th of May. Yikes!

Help Please :0)

Hey everyone! I meant to send out this request a few weeks ago. Sorry it's short notice...

I'm sure you all know that Shane's been trying to get into the Fire Service. Not an easy task! He just recently turned in an application for Jackson County District 5 and we're really hoping and praying for the best. This is where you come in... We're hoping you'll join us in a family fast this weekend. We can use all the help and well wishes that we can get and will appreciate every bit of your efforts.

The department begins it's testing process in a week or two (they're going to let us know). This will only be Shane's 3rd attempt at getting on with a station but we'd really like to bypass the usual several years it takes most guys to get hired. We all know how fabulous Shane is we just need that to reflect in his testing. So if you're willing and able please join us in fasting this General Conference Sunday.

Thanks so much!!

Kenz, Shane & Kiddos