Perseid Peeks on August 12

Every August, the Perseid Comet passes close enough to earth to give us a star show. For years now, I have been wanting to enjoy the show. We have spent the evening on Bountiful Peak once. But I need less light pollution and more time to enjoy. We have planned a family camping trip to celebrate. Everyone that is my family...or should have been my family is invited to enjoy the week at Whitney Lake in the Uintahs. It is BLM camping....no established campground...no toilets. We have full week planned. We need a head count. The following activities will require advanced preparation: Shirt painting- please bring a gray T- shirt to paint for each family member. Making bracelets- please bring some of your own beads, clasps etc. I will have a limited amount to share. Campfire singing- we are excited to announce a new edition of the Flaming Marshmallow. I need to know you are coming to get that edition in your hands...please be familiar with as many songs as possible. Please contact me to know what we are doing about meals. I will try and upload some of our pictures from star parties in the past. It will be an "Ex-star-avaganza!!


Lacey was ready for the show


Here was what we really got to see!


We ate dinner on the ground...never my favorite!



I have no idea when this was taken. Does it look familiar to anyone!! I know we had no trees for the last star party and no fire either. Who is that in the chair? Could it be a younger Hayden? Correctly identify the occupant first and get a pat on the back.

Meet The Turtle

Carter went for a bike ride on the other day and happened upon a rare surprise. He met this lovely slider turtle. He brought it home and has made a lovely habitat for her. He has been researching all he can and I am thrilled with that. Her name changes daily. Ethan has been enjoying her as a swimming partner....we have to watch him like a hawk!
I'm sure she will only be with us a short time.(She is fast when she gets out of the pen.) BUt we think she is nifty.

Officially a Teenager...Mutant Ninja Turtle to Follow Later

Carter will be thirteen tomorrow! I still remember the night before he was born. I cherished feeling him moving within me and knowing that the next day it would all be over. Steve and Mike gave me a blessing that evening. I remember in the blessing that the baby would be born healthy and then Steve hesitated for at least 60 seconds...a long time when you are wondering if something is going to go wrong. He blessed me that I would be able to recover from the birth.....long story shortened- emergency C-section with lots of fun stories, but I am glad that my bitty boy arrived safely.
He has been a bundle of fun.
Some favorite stories and one liners:
'Way to go Hayden now you can be baaaaaad" (picture a three year old with thumbs up)
"What are you doing?" "Nothing" (It was usually something)
The 4 year old pictorial, including a self reflection...and the neighbor lady's chest.
Stabbing himself in the foot with the ski pole and the infection that followed, porcupiine quills...infecting
He is still the reigning King of West Bountiful.
Please add any more memories in the comments. Enjoy the pictures...they are only as old as our digital camera...someday I'll scan the good ones.
Happy Birthday Carter!