Where does the time go?

So I keep thinking that I will update the blog with all the things that have happened in the last few months. The last few months are now going on SIX! So I am going to list all the things I need to report on so you can look forward to someday getting the FULL report on them!

Two SCA events in September, one a big kingdom event held on my birthday and our anniversary. I don't think there are any pictures at all. I was too busy...

Also in September, I found out I had three herniated discs in my neck. I may have already mentioned that. It has really been a pain in the neck!

In October, Alan tested for his black belt in the martial art of Kyuki-do. It was the culmination of 7 years of training. (Way to go kid!)

I can't remember November. We did see our "Turtle" relatives for a secondary Thanksgiving dinner. We actually ate at Golden Corral on Turkey Day! You can get anything you want, not just dry old turkey!

December was the holiday month, I tried not to stress. We got our traditional tree cut from Ephraim Canyon. The boys wanted to name it, it became Claus. We went to an SCA event. We saw some relatives. I became an aunt for the first time from my brother Alan (baby girl Sydney, so cute!).

Benjamin tested for green belt in January. He'll test again this month. I hope he will continue so he can earn a black belt. He is not as motivated as Alan was.

February came and so did spring weather. We didn't have much of a winter this year. March is looking to be just as mild.

We have a lot of activities on the horizon and I'm feeling a bit better. I hope to finally get some photos and details posted for the above highlights but who knows when!

Fall School Pictures

I'm finally getting around to posting the kids' fall school pictures. They're getting the spring pictures taken already! Well, enjoy anyway!

Happy Holidays!

Anyone home?

That's probably what you've been asking when you come to our my blog and find no new posts. Well, things have been hectic and I just haven't forced myself to sit down to post. Lots of happenings, so check back soon for news and photos! Thanks for your patience!

Back to School

Last week, the boys started school. Benjamin is in 3rd grade this year. Alan started Jr. High and is in 7th grade. Wow!

Here's a look at the first day photos:

Back from Camp Roger

I picked up the boys from Camp Roger on Friday. Parents and family were invited to a dog tag ceremony, dinner and skits around the fire. Dog tags are awarded for one of four qualities that the YMCA represents: honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Each camper worked on these all week in hopes of earning one. Alan was awarded responsibility for his behavior during camp and Benjamin was awarded honesty for his willingness to honestly and openly speak his mind. Dinner was interesting. The was a certain routine the camp follows to try to keep order. The staff performed a skit and we ate family style (each table getting plates of food to pass to each other). After dinner, each cabin performed a skit on stage at the fire pit. I was impressed with the staff and the facilities are great. It is quite a beautiful place. Highlights were when the moose in camp cancelled the sleep out and the dance night. I think they had quite a lot of fun and would enjoy going back next year.

I forgot my camera and tried (unsuccessfully) to take pictures with my phone. So all I have to post is the souvenir photos each boy got at the end. Maybe we'll have more when the disposable cameras get developed.

Summer Camp!

We dropped the boys off yesterday at (YMCA) Camp Roger. Alan has been to camp before but this is Benjamin's first time. They were both so excited, Benjamin because it is the first time and Alan because he's going to "extreme" camp. Alan gets to do extra activities like rock climbing, white-water rafting and a ropes course. Benjamin has the tradition camp activities like horse-back riding, archery and crafts. Here is a shot of them in front of their cabins which are next to each other:

I am the typical worrying mom and so far can't keep Benjamin far from my thoughts. But the camp is nice and the staff seems great. I have to let go and give him a chance to be independent. I hope they have a great time! I'll post more when I pick them up, they have some activities on the last day that parents are invited to. We pick them up on Friday.