5.8

Sorry guys, we didn't feel it! Some people in Vegas did, but we were swimming, and missed it.

Austin's Awesome Movie Review

This Monday my dad and I got free tickets to the X-files. If you are a X-files fan then you will love this movie. It was almost like a 2-hour episode.Though I would be mad if we had to pay for it. I would wait till it comes out on DVD. The movie itself was very disturbing. The antagonist are body harvesters. They fuse other peoples heads with other peoples heads. It's very bloody to there also lots of big needles. But since I am a X-files fan this was a cool movie. It stuck to the usual story line.

Hannah Montana in 3-D

On Saturday, Disney Channel was showing the Hannah Montanna/Miley Cyrus Concert in 3-D. So, Aubrey asked if she could have some friends over to watch the concert. You had to go Wal-Mart to get the glasses. It was one loud night! Lots of screams and dancing. They had treats and just had a blast. O.k but, who do you think the girls screamed the loudest for? It wasn't Miley! Oh no. It was the Jonas Brothers! They sang about 3 songs in the concert. The girls went crazy. Nick is the most popular Jonas Brother of the night! I just had to laugh. I mean, I remember being that age and obsessed with The Osmonds, David Cassidy and Shawn Cassidy! (Now you know I am an old lady!) It was so funny. I love Ian's face in his picture. I think the whole 3-D thing was freaking him out. Austin and his friends played Risk in the front room. Then Zachery and his friends came to hang out. Don and I had a busy night!

Pioneer Day!

This weekend our ward had their Pioneer Day Celebration. It is a day to celebrate the pioneers coming into the Salt Lake Valley. This ward activity was the best one I have ever been to. I can't believe all the work the activity committee did! They are amazing. The kids had a parade, made candles, had handcart races, made butter, and played a ton of pioneer games. Each kids also received a bag for all of their goodies they collected. They also had a Blue Ribbon Fair. The one thing I have taught my kids, is how to cook. So, all the kids made something for the fair. Zachery made his chocolate cheesecake, Austin made an apple pie, and Aubrey helped me make cookies. Well, as you can tell they did great in the fair! When I took the picture of Zach, I asked him if he wanted me to take another. Silly question. He was totally happy with his picture. The activity committee also took family pictures of every family. I took an extra one of the kids! Once again they were in rare form!

The Narrows

At 8:00 a.m. on July 24th, a group of 8 hardy and husky boys and their fathers set out on a 16 mile adventure that would end the next day with a lot of tired shoulders, sore legs, and a sense of accomplishment. By far, this is the best hike in Zion National Park. The hike follows the pathway of two small rivers as they make their way downhill and out of the park. Most of the hike is spent walking in water while enjoying the most breathtaking views of the scenery in Zion's. The hike included an overnight campout in the Narrows and falling asleep to the noise of running water. The boys had airsoft wars with their guns while the fathers lounged around on top of a huge, flat boulder that was in the middle of the river. This is one of those life time experiences that will forever be etched into the memories of all those who went. The best way to understand the nature of this hike is to show you pictures......enjoy, we did.

Camera Death

On July 23rd, Austin and I decided to hike Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. It is one of the most beautiful, demanding, and scary hikes in the park. As you can see from the photo, at the end of the hike you must cross a very narrow strip of rock in order to reach the top of the mountain (Angel's Landing). On both sides of this narrow strip of rock are 1000 ft sheer cliffs (for those of you afraid of heights, this is not for you). Kelley insisted that we bring the new digital camera for better photos , but I decided that I would bring the old 35mm camera that we have had for a number of years. After a very strenuous hike to the top of Angels Landing, Austin and I were sitting on top eating some snacks (if you look at the photo, you will see 3 individual trees at the top left...Austin and I were sitting near the far left tree). All of the sudden a huge bug landed on Austin's leg. Austin immediately "freaked out" and tried to swat the bug off his leg. Along with scaring the bug away, Austin's hand accidentally hit his backpack, knocking it over with quite a bit of force. My 35mm camera was in his backpack and the camera came tumbling out when the backpack fell over. As if in slow motion, Austin tried to grab the camera....it was too late. The camera fell over the edge of the cliff and disappeared (notice the 1000 ft sheer cliff below the tree where we were sitting). Austin and I just stared at each other in shock for about 30 seconds...Austin later admitted that he was trying to figure out a way to run away. After Dad gathered his composure, we gave the camera a standing salute and hummed the tune, "Taps". What a fitting end to a camera that served us so well for many years !!!!

Austin's Awesome Movie Review

This Friday my Dad and I went to go see "Batman the Dark Knight". It was an awesome movie. The action begins in the beginning and doesn't stop. I really liked this movie because it actually had a story to it. Batman fights one of the darkest enemies he is yet to face. While at the same time, fighting an internal struggle within himself. The movie was very dark though. The Joker is a very creepie antagonist. Many people die in this movie, even some of the main characters. There is a lot of death and some very frightening parts. So this movie may not be good for younger kids. Over all this movie was awesome.

*Check out Zach's movie blog to see his point of view.

Aubrey's Movie Review

Kit Kittredge was AWESOME!!! I went with Alli and Rachel. It's about an American girl that's in the Great Depression. Her friend Ruthie and three other kids have a mystery. The mystery is a guy [belived to be a hobo] that keeps stealing from rich. The ending is a shocker. It's slightly sad. I recommend it to any girl who likes mysteries and adventures. It's a little funny. I read the first book and there where two differences from the book in the movie. Without ruining to much of the plot these differences make the movie better in my opinion. I loved it. Ian had to come because the boys went to see Batman 2. I don't know my superheros so I don't know what exactly Batman 2 is. I think my movie was cuter :]

Well goodbye,

Written by: Awesome, Fantastic, Princess Aubrey

Thunder Ridge Scout Camp

During the beginning of July our scout troop went to Thunder Ridge. It was defiantly the best scout camp out of the three I've gone to. We had a lot of fun. Dexter, Dallin, and me went to the rifle range almost every day. Even after we earned the merit badge. Another really popular activity was ultimate Frisbee. We played it every day for an hour. We also played capture the flag with the Cheyenne Ridge Ward. Even when we were not playing with Cheyenne Ridge we still had lots of fun. We collapsed Cheyenne Ridge's tents and stole their broom. A really big highlight of the camp was when my Dad and I hiked up Brian's Head Peak. For another ten mile hike. Once we got to the top it was really cold. There was awesome scenery up on top. This scout camp was A lot of fun. By: Austin!!!

Don's Birthday Celebration

When Don got home from Scout Camp (pictures coming soon) we celebrated his birthday. He wanted a new leaf blower, so that is what we got him. We also made him an ice cream dessert for his birthday cake. He said that while he was at scout camp the whole camp sang to him on his birthday and he got a wonderful gift from the boys: sticks. Later that night we went to the Wynn Buffet with our friends The Albrights. That buffet was wonderful. Very yummy!!! Not that gross buffet food. It was worth it! Don had a good time.

Aubrey's Awesome Creation

IT'S FINALLY DONE!!! Hi this is Aubrey! This is my magnet board. It took me the WHOLE time Austin and Dad were in scout camp. I decoupaged my letters. If you look at the top ribbon it says ''cool''. The flowers on my magnets are a sticker. I know it's hard to see but, my name is in CUTE flower paper. My purple paint took like all the bottle.[Two coats of paint.] You see it looks SOOO nice with my wall. My mom and dad say it looks so professional. Well, if you want to know how to make one ask me![hint hint Sister Albright.]

Typed by: The Amazing Awsome Princess Aubrey Photographer and checker: mom

I Got Tagged! I Love Tag!

I was reading Elaine's blog and I realized that she tagged me. At first I didn't think she did, I was hoping it was another "Kelley". It was me. I am so afraid that I will forget something, so I hope I don't offend anyone! Here it goes:

I love......Jesus Christ.
I love......The Book of Mormon
I love......The Prophet
I love......Everything about the church.
I love......My cute husband!
I love......My cute children.
I love......All of my family! (They have all touched my life in one way or the other.)
I love......To run.
I love......Marathons.
I love......Uconn basketball, boys and girls
I love......To Bake
I love......Connecticut
I love......The Fall. (in Connecticut)
I love......The Beach. (I miss it!)
I love......Food (You can tell!)
I love......Ice cream
I love......Seafood
I love......Movies
I love......To read.
I love......The temple.
I love......U2 and Billy Joel (My heart still races when I hear their songs.)
I love......Snuggling with my children.
I love......Quiet moments with my children.
I love......When my children tell me something funny.
I love......The smell of the desert after it rains.
I love......Yellowstone National Park and Sequoia National Park
I love......All of my wonderful friends. Even you Elaine after you tagged me!!!! What would I do without you!
I know I am leaving stuff out! I am sorry. I am a pretty happy and content girl. What more can I say. I love a ton of things. Now I am not going to tag anyone! If you want to do it, do it!

Happy Birthday Don!

Look who is 43 years old!!!!! Yes, today is Don's birthday! Guess where he is, scout camp! Yes, Don is celebrating his birthday at scout camp. Maybe Austin will remember and wish him a happy birthday. Don't worry, we will be celebrating his birthday when he comes home. I hate buffets here in Vegas. I just freak out with the thought of a ton a people going through a line touching my food before I get to it. Once a year I do go to a buffet, for Don's birthday. He loves them. So on his birthday that is what he always wants to do. I think this year he wants to go to the Wynn. That shouldn't be too bad. It is strange not having him home today, but when he does get home we will be making a big deal about his birthday! We just love him! I love this picture of him. It was taken in Driggs, Idaho on his Grandfather Murdock's ranch. He just looks so cute! Happy Birthday Don.

Zach's (insert adjective here) Movie Reviews

So when our family went to Idaho, we saw the movie Wall-E. This is the newest animated film by Pixar. Just so you know, this is a very odd movie, and is yet another example of Pixar pushing the limits of what you can and can not do in a movie (in a good way). First of all, most of the main characters are robots and don't speak English. The best example I can think of for this is the dialogue of R2-D2 from Star Wars. Although this may create a barrier for some people, I liked this approach because it eliminated the cheesy dialogue that plagued movies like Cars. I actually enjoyed this movie much more than Cars. Also the movie is very science fiction and has an enviromentalist message. In my group it seemed as though the adults disliked the movie the most. However, I enjoyed it (I'm also the guy who would rather listen to British music over American bands). Final verdict, watch Wall-E with a grain of salt. If your going to be bothered because this movie is slightly enviromentalist, don't waste your time. However, if you are willing to be flexible and want to see something that doesn't stick to the formula, see this movie. I would give it a 9.5/10 rating, but you might disagree, its just a different movie.
No pun intended,
Zach

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

While we are in Idaho, we always go to our sister-in-law Sherrie for hair cuts. She has her own salon. So while we were getting our hair done, she talked Don into doing something new.

This is before. Notice the hair. We are leaving Vegas, doesn't Don look like he has had it with us. I think we were driving him crazy before we left.
This is after! He buzzed his hair. He said he was sick of his hair and he is going bald anyway, so what the heck. It certainly will be easier for Scout Camp this week.

4th of July

We love going to Idaho Falls, ID for the 4th of July. The people there are so patriotic and the whole town goes all out for the 4th! There are flags everywhere and people dress up in red, white, and blue. We just love it. When we got up this morning we went over to the annual fire fighter's breakfast in Ucon, Idaho. Every year they do this fundraiser. Then we head off to the Idaho Falls parade.

Everyone is waiting for the parade to begin!
Our nephew, Tyler marching for his high school. He is the tall blond boy playing the drums.

In Idaho Falls, they do this field with flags to pay respect to the troops serving our country. It is really neat. Every year we go and check it out and pay our respect to the troops. Notice the kids dressed in their 4th of July shirts. The boys say that this is the only time they will let me dress them alike. Zach was a good sport.

Then at night we go to the Idaho Falls fireworks. The people in Idaho say it is the biggest firework display west of the Mississippi. Now, I looked it up on the Internet and I read that that isn't true. Hey, does it really matter? It is a great display and so much fun. Don's brother Doug has a broken leg, so we got to park in handicap parking and help him with his wheelchair. Let me tell you we had a great view!!! We were right in front of where they were lighting them off. We were on the other side of the river. It was loud and we got ash all over us, so we know we had great seats!!! Here are the kids waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Rayce is taking a nap before the fireworks begin.

Ari is always on the go.

Ian is playing Frisbee to pass the time. Check out the person behind him. People go down days before the fireworks and mark out their spot along the river. No one touches their ropes and tape. People stake out their spots and no one bothers that spot. That amazes me. Now we just showed up a few hours before the fireworks began and we were fine. I am telling you, people in Idaho love their fireworks and the 4th of July.

O.k., you all know I have a new camera and it has a firework setting. I got a ton of great shots of the fireworks. It was awesome.

Family Firework Display

Every year the family burns this big pile of wood by the shed and roasts hot dogs and make s'mores. It is fun to get together and do this. The kids love it. We usually do it the day before or after the 4th of July. Then when it gets dark we light our fireworks that we purchased! As you can tell I experimented with my new camera. I was getting ready for the big firework display in Idaho Falls.

Road Trip To Get Fireworks

One of the things the kids love to do for the 4th of July is set off their own fireworks. They get fireworks from Aunt Joanne's booth, but they also go to Wyoming to get more fireworks. This is right over the Idaho and Wyoming border. Yah, we won't talk about what kind of fireworks they buy there!! When we pulled up to the store, the owners were out front smoking under a no smoking sign. Classic! On the way back we always have to stop in Swan Valley and get the world famous square ice cream! Funny huh? As you can tell, it is square. After one lick, it is round again! This place is always busy! Everyone loves it!

Rexburg, Idaho

We always go to Rexburg when we are in Idaho. This is were Don and I went to college. We love driving around the town, and the kids get a laugh out of hearing stories when we were dating. Rexburg has sure changed a lot since then. This is the temple. Don and I were able to find some time and make a visit to this temple. Austin wants to go to college here at BYU-Idaho. We think it is a great place for him to go to school.