Ipson Reunion

The Ipson Reunion was another great camping trip. We went up Thursday night and came home Saturday evening. The kids had fun playing in the trees, 4-wheeling and hanging out with cousins. I let the kids loose with the camera so we would have pictures since I keep forgetting to take pictures. Samantha took about 50 silly shots and some nice ones of the spring so that was great. Dirt was a favorite for KayDee and Derrick loved the motorized toys.
Dutch oven cooking by Justin, Kevin's cousin, was fun since he showed us his secrets! We look forward to more next year. We hiked to the caves and retrieved the ice to make ice cream to top off the tradition for the reunion.

Two Front Teeth

Derrick lost his two front teeth in the same week and he loves it. I have enjoyed watching him eat. Sometimes I wonder if he can eat the food or if I need to cut it up but he has been able to bite everything without problem.

Laub Family Reunion

Derrick towing his cousin Shelbi

 These are the only 2 pictures I took. Kevin's family meets together over the 4th of July for their reunion and we have lunch and ride horses and play a game. This year they brought Minute to Win it games. I had no idea I could catch several pencils flipped from the top of my hand. The kids had fun riding horses and 4 wheelers.

Kevin had fun taking his brothers and cousins for a ride on the sand dunes. There were 5 men who were all over 6ft tall in his camo truck. They said the harder they laughed going over all the bumps, the faster Kevin drove, so then they laughed even harder. I stole this picture from my sister-in-law Bree since her husband was one of the ones in the truck too.

Rodeo 2011

New announcer stand

I like this one even though it's blury

This year the kids were invited to go to the rodeo Friday night with their new Aunt Whitney since she wanted to bring some kids while she was with her friends who also had kids. We all went together the next night and Kevin's sister Mandy came too. We had a great time. Samantha ended up with blisters since she didn't wear socks with her boots originally. KayDee played in the dirt pretty much the whole time and Derrick enjoyed the pretty rodeo princesses that pass out pictures. All of them loved the food from the concession stand (nachos, snow cones, cotton candy, etc). Kevin worked the gates as he has done in the past years, except this year he could only do it Saturday since he was finishing crop at the farm.

4th of July Parade 2011

We decorated the kids bikes for the 4th of July parade this year. The kids had fun riding. KayDee rode her bike back and forth, but not really part of the parade. I was very happy since she has lacked the  confidence to ride on the street until now. The kids picked up some pretty good candy. Kevin drove the fire truck and I took pictures and stayed available if the kids had a problem.
I got to run through the end  of the parade chasing the fire truck since our car was parked at the church and I didn't want to walk. Don't worry, I waved as I ran.

Motorcycle Progress: Seat

I sewed the seat. We bought foam (EXPENSIVE!) and the vinyl. The lady at the store gave us a 50% off coupon so that made the foam much better. She made my day! Next we do tires!

Laub Grandkids

Anniversary Campout

 Our annual camp out was done a little different this year. We always camp on Memorial weekend (Friday-Saturday) since this is the weekend Kevin and I met (11 years ago now). Kevin had to work Saturday morning this year so we decided to do a practice backpacking trip. We wore our packs as we walked down the dirt road behind our house and then came back to pitch the tent in the yard.

 Almost a cave.

 The stump that is near our house. It must be more special when you are hiking.

Ice cream because we can! It is celebration food.

We played Uno after everything was set up and I had no idea that the game was so fun. KayDee squealed and squealed and even won! It was delightful! After, we slept like sardines, during which we decided to get a two man tent for Kevin and I so the kids could share this one. 

This trip really celebrates our family and we love having our kids be a part of it!

DJ and Whitney's Wedding

 I think the pictures say it all. I LOVE seeing Kevin dressed up. We had a great time and we are so happy for Kevin's brother DJ and Whitney. Congratulations to them!

1st Crop

Derrick and the lizards

KayDee

Me

Samantha helping her dad

Kevin cleaning the shop

Kevin started working for his family farm this June and these are pictures from first crop. I let the kids loose with the camera and ended up with over 50 pictures and decided to post just one of everyone.
The kids enjoyed spending time in the tractor with their dad. They came back with their very own hay cube. Out of all the kids KayDee seemed to enjoy herself to the fullest, asking if she could drive and keeping track of numbers on the wagons and how many tires. The other two heard about it and had more fun the next rounds. I love that the kids get to spend more time with their dad one on one.

The Dogs: Daisy and Sitka

Doing dishes

Fisher Reunion

Samantha and Derrick jumping off the diving board. It is quite an accomplishment.

We went to the Fisher Reunion, which is my mom's side, and had a great time swimming and eating and visiting. I made Bon Bon's for the auction dessert and they were so WONDERFUL that my Aunt Jean called for the recipe!

KayDee is 5

 KayDee is 5 and she is so excited about it! She has been looking forward to this age since she has wanted to go to school like her older brother and sister. Now she can go to kindergarten!
She has been going to preschool and doing an online preschool called UPSTART which has helped her with the first stages of reading. She knows all her letters and sounds and can sound out words. She has memorized words like: the, and, me, my and several others. She can read the Dick and Jane books by herself!

She loves to color and write notes to family. She loves to draw princesses. KayDee is a lot more brave riding bikes now and has gained confidence with swimming lessons. She loves her dog Daisy and has taken care of a spot in the garden that she planted, which includes zucchini and cucumber. She loves ladybugs and catches toads. She can shower by herself too!
KayDee loves to say prayers and has been very interested in the resurrection. She wants to make sure that it will be okay when we die.

 We invited friends from church, school, and music class to her birthday party. Nearly all showed up and they had a fantastic time in that tiny pool.

We set up the pool and she received pool toys to share while her friends were there. The water twister pad was a hit as well.
Happy Birthday KayDee!

Derrick's 1st Grade Program

 Derrick with the rest of the 1st grade presented Aesop's Fables. They all did a great job with their parts and singing. Derrick memorized and said his part so well.

 They sang and gave speaking parts for several fables. Derrick's part was for the Dog and the Bone.

Petro Glyphs

 We went on another hike to see these petroglyphs.

 There are numerous rocks with random amounts of carvings.

 This ledge is where the petro glyphs are looking over the river.

 I think some of these look like feet or hands. There are quite a few animals too, so they're probably tracks.

 Kevin found this on our way out while he was looking for a water bottle. We signed it and put it back. We still need to go online to report that we found it. It was wedged in some rocks, hidden.

This hike was great since Kevin had the day off and could come with us. The older kids were in school so we took KayDee. Two ladies from the ward went with us too!