Sunday, August 12, 2012

Yellowstone!

This year the Butler family reunion was in Island Park, Idaho.  Mom and Dad found a great cabin where we could all stay.  It was super fun to spend time with family!  The cousins loved to hang out together.  We enjoyed visiting Yellowstone, watching movies, yummy meals, chatting and of course nap time!  We missed having Laura and Ed, Carol and Troy and Philip there.




Carter had all the cousins climbing the walls much to their parents delight...




Old Faithful






Artist paint pots.  This picture doesn't do it justice.  It's a really pretty spot.  We loved hearing the mud pots bubble, gurgle and pop.


We liked seeing the herd of moose at Mammoth Springs.  They were totally unafraid of people and were napping in the shade and wandering about.  The rangers were babysitting making sure no one got too close.  We ate lunch here, and my kids liked trying to catch  the ground squirrels.  I think they enjoyed sneaking up on the squirrels more than the moose.  Funny what catches their interest...





 Dads make great pillows.


 Wayne and Deena and their cute family


 We did a lot of driving, getting in and out of the car, and exploring all the interesting sights at Yellowstone.  Coordinating a larger group in four vehicles proved challenging.  When we stopped at "Old Faithful" for a picnic lunch my family was getting tired.  Just when I thought the cousins were going to have a group meltdown (or I was...) they rediscovered a time honored pastime - Teeter-Toter!


We just love this boy and his amazing hair!


Rex and Mark at Yellowstone Falls

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Arrow of Light

At July's pack meeting Carter earned his Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouts. Carter has had a wonderful experience in Cub Scouts.  He has had many great leaders, including his mom...  


Carter is so proud of his new uniform!



 Wes Wilson, one of Carter's favorite leaders, authenticates that Carter is a worthy Cub Scout.  


The Bridge ceremony - a transition to Boy Scouts


Proud mom and dad

Monday, July 9, 2012

Happy Independence Day!

We had a small barbecue with the Branhams this year to celebrate the fourth of July. The kiddo's had a great time playing with their cousins, and of course the fireworks were tons of fun... provided you didn't have kids running around with open flames...

Cousins!



Mr. Pyro... we had to keep an eye on this guy. Just take a look at that mischievous expression!


"Snakes" are a favorite because all the kids like to stomp on them when they were done. Little Ian especially enjoyed this part.

So cute!

"Peace"-Ryan's favorite gesture.

Rather than struggle with kids and matches, dad brought out the Blowtorch... much safer... right?

Sisters!


Jedi Training 101

Carter has been a "Star Wars" fanatic of late so for his 11th birthday we celebrated in true Jedi style. There was a "light saber cake" and "yoda soda's" for treats. The kids enjoyed the character bingo as well as a fantastic obstacle course. The overall favorite was the "light saber" (pool noodle) fight. 11 year olds have so much energy! Carter is such a fun, sweet kid. We are very lucky to have him in our family.

Carter decorated his own 'light saber' carrot cake.



 The beautiful "Princess Leia"


"Star Wars" Bingo

 The Jedi Training Course that dad created was a hit.

 Master Carter


 Can you make it over the deadly swamp?




And finally: Can you defend yourself with your light saber?





Mosquitos, anybody?

Our family went camping in the Uintas for a little adventure. We found a beautiful campsite near a river which the kids loved. Only downsides: no clean water in the camp and lots of mosquitos... Despite that, everyone had a good time.

 Carter and Bethany playing in the river...guess where those clothes ended up???
 Minnows, anybody?



 Happy Campers

 S'more's and Watermelon...yum!
 Who needs napkins?

 Um... boys and fires...?
 Our sweet Bethany getting some 'cuddles'

This is the Ward Family after all...


 Excited to be up and alive, every morning without fail!

 The scone dough came alive!

Hey look, Camille was here after all!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Senior Celebrations


Senior Recognition Night


We feel so blessed, Camille has earned several scholarships to help pay for her education.  Her biggest achievement is a half tuition scholarship to Brigham Young University.  All the many hours she studied have paid off!

Camille with friends Robyn and Holly



This is a picture of Camille with her flute teacher, Sally Siggard, at her senior recital.  Her friends Robyn Kirkland and Brittany Rowe also performed. Camille played all her festival pieces from the last four years.  She played beautifully!  We brought the other kids to support Camille but we over estimated their ability to sit quietly through an hour plus of classical music...  I was embarrassed that the kids were such a distraction.  I guess that's our reality!