Geo-caching

We are always trying to find things to do with minimal cost attached. Hiking is always fun but we've all enjoyed geo-caching a couple times this week. It combines hiking and a treasure hunt. It's fun to see what people have left and where. We found several geo-caches in Dayton and a couple we never could find even though the GPS says we were in the right place. People have left things from key chains to toy cars and bouncy balls. We forgot to bring something to leave at our first geo-cache spot so we found hand warmers in the car and left them. They would actually be a great find. T.J.'s Lyon. The stump looks like a lion in Lyon county. We found a geo-cache off of old highway 50 above the old mill in down town Dayton.

Hiking around Carson River

The kids had Friday off of school so we took them to Carson City to hike around part of Carson River. It was a fun and easy walk minus the mud on a certain part of the trail. It was fun to be out of the house getting some exercise before the next snow storm hits. The kids love climbing on the trees and throwing rocks in the river. We were told there are two bald eagle's nests across the river from where we were but we never saw them. The kids enjoyed seeing all the dogs walking with their owners and playing in the water. We walked down to a part of the river where there is a beaver dam across the river where many people come and swim. The kids were hoping they would get to swim and I had to remind them it was winter. This is one of the few park/trails that allows dogs, horses and bikes. We want to bring our bikes next time.

Obstacle Course

We finally had a sunny day last week and the snow finally melted so I sent the kids out to play. Being the creative kids that they are, they made on obstacle course out of various things they found in the yard and house. They were hopping through hoops, balancing on water noodles, kicking balls under upside down chairs, shooting balls in the basketball hoop, and pulling each other in the wagon. They timed each other with the goal being a minute or less. It was fun to see them being creative and having fun.

Hooded towels

For Christmas my girlfriend helped me make the kids each their own hooded bath towel. Okay, my girlfriend did most of the work. I didn't have a sewing machine at the time and I need a lot of practice using it. Turns out I can't even pin the towels together that well and had to continue re- pinning again and again. I couldn't get inside out into my head. I did pick out the towels and cut out their initials and other shapes not shown from fabric and ironed them on. Most of them have come off in the wash and need to be sewn on. That will be the first project for the new sewing machine. Apparently the "Wonder Under" product used to adhere the fabric to the towel wasn't so wonderful.

New Years Eve 2009

The kids were determined to stay up until midnight New Years Eve so they could watch the ball drop and then go out and bang pans to ring in the new year. Colton fell asleep at 11:30 but the other kids stayed awake. I do believe Blake was snoring at 11 but the kids woke him up. We played games watched a movie and wrestled to make the time go by faster. We went to the Page's on New Years Day to have dinner with them and play. Colton using his wrestling secret weapon. P.U.!

Christmas 2009

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Page's. We got to see several of my brothers (Josh, Jared, Jeremy and family) and sister Katy and Joey. Christmas Day, Megan and Jayce woke up about 7 or so and then waited patiently for us to wake Colton and get ready. They were good not to peek in the living room until everyone was ready. I wanted to get first reactions on video of course. We spent a lot less this year and even found great finds at the thrift store. One of Jayce's favorite gifts was a coupon book Megan made for him. He was thrilled with everyone she read to him. The coupons included things like he can pick what side of her bed he wants to sleep on when he sleeps with her, she'll let him sleep with her in sleeping bags on her bedroom floor, she'll let him read to her etc. It was very cute to see his reactions. I'm so happy I got it on video. Games seemed to be the theme this year. We got Sorry!, Dominoes, Uno, Operation, Battle Ship, Ants in the Pants and a Wii from Granny and Grandpa Clark. We have been spending a lot of time playing board games or cards together several times a week since Christmas. If we're not playing as a family, the kids are often playing games together. Those games were a great idea. What a fun Christmas. Grandma and Grandpa Page, and Katy and Josh came and ate Christmas dinner at my house and of course played games with us. We all played Wii sports so much that we were sore the next day. Megan loves to dress up in pretty dresses and had to get a picture of her in the dress Grandma Georgia got her with black boots even! She wears the boots whenever she can.

Megan with Uncle Josh.

Handsome Josh sporting his new bathrobe.

Katy and Joey before the baby is born.

Little Santa getting ready to pass out the presents.

Every year the kids get new books.

I made flowers for Megan's hair.

Colton fell in love with his new horse. It became an instant sleeping buddy.

Grandma and Grandpa Page and Katy.

Steph and Josh

Our poser Megan. She loves to take pictures.

The big 4-0!

This year I turned 40! I can't believe I'm really that old. Sounds worse than it really is.

Mom and Dave, Jeremy and Valerie and kids came over to visit and help me celebrate. Blake and the kids tied me a very warm fleece blanket and Blake made a memory book of memories old friends and family had of me growing up. I got a gift certificate for new glasses and Megan made me coupons of things she will do for me. I started cashing them in that night and was treated to a foot massage and hair brushing. My mom got me a sewing machine so I can learn to sew and I also got good smelling bath gels and lotions.