Seven Days in Ohio

Family Home Evening with Cars

2011-02-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Anna had an assignment at school to make a car. It was to help the 1st graders learn about motion (push, pull, etc.) The car body was to be made out of a toilet paper tube, but the rest was up to us. We opted to purchase wheels and axels at the local hobby store. However, Aletta and Rachel wanted to make cars too. We even tried the cars out on a makeshift ramp.

Sara and Clarinet

2010-11-25T09:49:00.001-08:00

This fall Sara has started to play the clarinet. However, with the move she found herself far behind her new classmates. She began to practice for at least an hour every single day and caught up. Her teacher even remarked that "if everyone practiced as much as Sara then we would be having 'fun friday' every other day!" She has since caught up and is learning to play very well.

Anna's Birthday

2010-11-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

As soon as we returned from our trip to Cincinnati it was Anna's 6th Birthday. We went to chuck e. cheese's to celebrate.

Trip to Cincinnati

2010-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

After we found out we would be moving to Ohio, the whole family took a trip to see the interesting things to do. We went house hunting as well as to the Cincinnati Zoo and King's Island, a theme park not too far from our house.

Leah's Birthday Cake

2010-11-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

For Leah's Birthday Cake she called upon a lady in the ward who used to make cakes professionally. They worked together for an entire afternoon to build a beautiful cake. However when they arrived home, the cake had slid in the trunk and been ruined. She was able to return the next morning (the day of the party) and rebuild it the best she could. It turned out great! The top layer was completely strawberry, the second completely vanilla, and the third completely chocolate.

Leah's Sixteenth Birthday

2010-11-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

On July 3rd, 2010 Leah turned 16. However, she didn't celebrate it until the 16th. She had about 20-30 people at her party.

Her father also attempted to pogo stick in the garage.

Seven Days in Tennessee Moves!!

2010-10-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

After a job transfer with General Mills, the 7 Days in Tennessee became the 7 Days in Ohio.

Hope it doesn't cause any confusion.

Camping in Kentucky

2010-06-29T10:30:00.001-07:00

While Leah and Rachel were attending a Regional Youth Conference at Western Kentucky University, the rest of the family went camping.

Sara's Spring Choir Concert

2010-05-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

This year (Sara's 5th grade year) she was in the elementary school choir called the Brown's Chapel Singers. This was her last concert and we video taped a few of the songs.

Excuse for lateness and few pictures.

2010-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

I had tried to download the pictures a couple of weeks ago, but it wouldn't seem to do it. Then Leah, being more resourceful and after not being able to either, told me check the batteries. The camera batteries were dead, so we charged them. So that's why the update is late.

Changed the tire

2010-04-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Anna was a spectator in the tire changing...I told her to get shoes and she grabbed some size 10 rubber clogs.

One Friday morning, Nathan discovered that his left rear tire was flat. I drove him to work that day and spent time trying to find out the price of tires. The next morning, Nathan gave Leah and Monika a lesson on changing a flat. We had found a place with good prices. Thankfully, we were able to get by with a patch.

Easter

2010-04-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

Aletta and Anna searching for eggs. Notice that we cut Anna's hair again.

Leah didn't want anyone to know that she still enjoys easter egg hunts.

Eggs creations the girls made.

More egg creations by the girls.

Missing tooth

2010-04-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Anna lost her first tooth over Spring Break...last week of March. She worries if she can eat right with out it. Today's dentist appointment revealed she has more on the bottom that are loose.

Anna again, but this time with her tooth in a baggie ready for the Tooth Fairy. Sara lost a molar soon after Anna lost her tooth. Nathan came up with a song to sing just before the girls put their teeth under their pillows. Ask him about it sometime.

Goof balls of the Day family

2010-03-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

We attended a Young Women fundraiser/spaghetti dinner/silent bake auction. They also offered face painting.

Nathan was into it too...with a nicely done octopus.

Rachel decided upon the Harry Potter glasses/scar design.

Anna's playtime

2010-03-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

It was a sunny day and we went to the neighborhood park. Anna loves to swing, but she hasn't figured out how to do it herself.

During Anna's patching time (1 hr a day), we encourage her to do close up work like computers, looking at books, drawing or in this case creating a house for her animals/toys. She recycled a yogurt box and another box to make fences, and furniture inside the house. Anna has become quite good at using scissors.

Leah's newly painted room

2010-03-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

At this angle, the color is tolerable...she wanted to match her bedding. Just need to get around to purchasing her a bed frame and headboard.

Either too bright, too hot (on south side of the house), or "oh no" wrong color.

Nathan was in charge of the top parts of the wall. Leah did the middle and Monika painted the bottom. The trouble we had was making sure we overlapped enough.

Anna's fun kindergarten day

2010-03-09T07:55:00.000-08:00

Anna had a money scramble/ fundraiser at school. Then the money that was collected by the kids was spent at the sweet shop run by the parents. The children had fun buying candy and learning about money at the same time.

On this day, Anna had P.E. She doesn't always like it. They were participating in "Hoops for Hearts". The high school girls' basketball team came and helped out. Anna played at a couple of stations, like hula hoop, over and under relay and dribbling a ball. At home, we couldn't find the basketball, so she practiced with a soccer ball.

Finally, after almost 4 years, the bedrooms are painted!

2010-03-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

We took 2 Saturdays to do the painting. Ours and Leah's were done first, then the other two rooms. They were the messiest to get ready. The girls were usually waiting for Mom and Dad to catch up. We painted the master first and then Leah's room, the one shown above. Leah and Rachel had fun putting everything in the middle of the room and taping. Aletta and Ann just wanted to hang out with their older sisters.

Anna and Aletta did help some, but just by adding their creative touches to the walls. Anna loved to make pictures.

Here is Aletta with her fish creation. They ended up making a whole school of fish on that wall.

More snow fun!

2010-02-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

We scraped off Nathan's car and "came " upon this nice chunk of ice. The night before it alternated between snow and ice. There was about an inch of ice on the car.

Aletta enjoyed the snow, but would get cold quickly and was always the first to ask for hot chocolate.

Nathan had to take of picture of Monika after sliding down the driveway. Rachel followed close behind.

Leah and Anna are ready to take off. We see smiles!

Rachel going down the "slope" again.

Snow Day indoor activities: Facials and nails

2010-02-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

We made homemade facials and even Monika did too. All of the recipes used were found on the internet. They happen to be edible also.

Anna didn't want to put stuff on her face, so she had her nails done by Rachel. She did stir all 3 of the facials together in the end and even wanted to keep it in the fridge. Fyi, there are probably 30 different nail polish colors in the house.

Of course, Leah chose the facial mask that had chocolate in it. Rachel chose the one with oatmeal and honey in it.

Monika helped Aletta spread her banana based facial.

Sara decided on the chocolate facial as well.

Snow in Tn...amazing!

2010-02-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Left to right: Rachel, Aletta, Leah and Sara. The snow was good for packing. It is quite a contrast to the cold powdery stuff in MN. After moving here to TN, we gave away many of our outdoor winter clothes. However, we did hold onto gloves/mittens and hats. We went through quite a bit of hot chocolate and marshmallows too.

Our driveway is on a slope, so the girls had to try snowboarding and sledding down it. Left to right: Anna, Aletta and Rachel.

Another picture. Just a funny snow story to relate. The girls went over to a neighbors to play. Their home happens to have a nice slope behind it. Since they didn't have a sled, they used the next best thing...their canoe. All of the girls went "canoeing". They seemed to like it. Anna went down the hill twice with Rachel.

What the girls do in their free time...

2010-02-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

Leah with that teenage look.

Anna wearing her dad's work hat.

Rachel had to try on the hat too!

Sara is doing her most favorite thing in her favorite location. She gets mad if someone takes her spot.

Aletta and Anna playing house. Notice the walls. They had found these out of the garage and decided that it would be a good thing to have wooden walls.

Rachel's Snowboarding Video

2010-01-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Rachel snowboarding down the driveway after a Tennessee snowstorm.

Don't miss Rachel catching some "air" at the end of the video!

Anna reading books to Nathan

2010-01-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

Anna's teacher sent her home with some books to practice her reading, especially "sight words." Anna is making great progress. Maybe next week we'll post a video of her reading Harry Potter! We'll save "War and Peace" for next month...

And no, Anna is not a pirate...she is just strengthening her left eye.

Game Time!

2010-01-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

We spent a lot of time recently playing games....

Monika doesn't like killing bunnies, so she didn't participate...

Anna, Aletta and Sara in full "Killer Bunnies" action!

Rachel passing time doing train art while playing "Ticket to Ride"

Nathan plotting his next bunny killing move...

Snow Days!!!

2010-01-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

After Christmas, the girls went back to school for 2 days, then were lucky enough to have a snow day. I think we got an inch?

Rachel taking the saucer down the hill in reverse!

Sara demonstrating her "mad snowboarding skills"

Anna and Aletta on the sled

Rachel turned 14!

2010-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Rachel had a slumber party for her 14th birthday. Left to right: Michaela, Chelsea, Rachel, Hailey, Hailey and Tara. Leah was the camera person and of course, Sara, Aletta and Anna couldn't stay away from the fun. In fact, one of the Haileys was nice to Anna and read her a bedtime story.

The two Haileys with Rachel on Sara's bunk. It was a short day at school so the Haileys came over early.

The Haileys and Rachel being goofy on Rachel's bed this time.

Ward Christmas Party Dec.18th

2010-01-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

Nathan is testing out Santa's seat.

Anna was afraid to visit Santa, but we lead her up there and she willing posed for a picture.

Since Rachel went up to visit Santa, Sara decided it was okay to do that too.

Aletta just being silly.

There was a very good turnout for the party. They had to bring out more chairs and tables. Rachel brought her sleepover friends to the party.

Fun after the Christmas Program

2009-12-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

Anna and Rachel "posing".

Sara, Anna and Rachel

Anna really wanted to take a picture in front of the cafeteria snowman.

Christmas program and fun

2009-12-10T20:12:00.001-08:00

Not a great picture of Sara...but it is her. We were too far away sitting in bleachers to get a good one.

The singing group is composed of 4th and 5th graders. They sang Jingle Bell Rock, Joy to the World with sign language, Special Season of the Year. Aletta would like to participate in the choir next year.

Aletta, Leah and Rachel waiting for the program to begin.

Monika and Anna awaiting the event. Anna and Aletta had seen the same program during the day, when it was performed for the whole school. They didn't seem to mind seeing it again. The highlight was seeing the 2nd graders perform "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with a 2nd grade student dressed as Santa. He even tried to walk "old".

We missed Sara...

2009-12-10T20:10:00.001-08:00

Sara is doing her most favorite thing. It's especially good for Sunday mornings.

What we do on Sunday morning...

2009-12-10T20:01:00.001-08:00

Rachel caught "vegging out".

We think that it is church work Nathan is doing. The bishopric uses a lot technology to run the ward.

Monika is trying to study her Valiant 10,11 lesson.

Leah putting together the Christmas Puppy puzzle.

Aletta and Anna decide that making a fort is the best thing to do. It was made out of chairs, a vacuum, and even had a lamp in it.

Klompens!

2009-12-10T06:43:00.001-08:00

Anna thinks klompens look great as ears.

Here are the "klompen ears" sticking out.

Monika holding the wonderful gift that Nathan gave her.

Anna trying them on for size.

Enjoying the Chocolate Letters!

2009-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

Sara just loves the "S".

Look, Papa, no hands!

Rachel just couldn't open her mouth wide enough.

Leah just wanted to lick it. Soon after, she was the first one to eat her whole letter.

The girls like to be goofy, especially when eating chocolate.

St. Nicholas Reader's Theater with Scenery

2009-12-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

Orginal reader's theater written by Leah. We had invited over two other families from church: the Hawks and Isoms.

Monika is playing daughter to Ally Isom, while Anna looks on.

Two of the scenery pieces...a canal and a windmill.
Hawk family and Rachel holding them up.

Anna and Sara helping Zeph Isom with scenery. Anna traced the water lines and she did a goood job.

Rachel intensely coloring in the windmill.

Halloween costumes and birthday cake!!!

2009-11-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

Scary, Nathan turned 38 years old. Monika's attempt at decorating a cake...the frosting was too soft.

Aletta and Anna all tired out from the church party and trick or treating. Anna wears a patch for an hour a day to help with lazy eye, but she didn't get in that time on Halloween.

Rachel's idea of a ballerina. It tooks 10 yards of netting and numerous knots to make the tutu.

Ballerina Rachel plays the piano. Still remembers some of he piano lessons from MN.

Sara's in 50's costume. The skirt was created with help from Nathan, Sara and Monika.

Aletta fixing Anna's costume so it's just right.

Anna's scary princess face.

Popstar Aletta.

Painting the Den 2

2009-10-18T19:28:00.001-07:00

We did finally get down to really painting.

And yes, we finally did cover up the signatures and pictures....though Anna wasn't happy about it!

Painting The Den

2009-10-18T19:22:00.001-07:00

Somewhere Leah and Anna didn't get the idea of what I meant by "helping me paint."

But Anna does a great job writing her name, and painting pictures on the wall!

We had to help her spell her middle name.

Garden the keeps going, and going....

2009-10-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

Our garden has be very productive this year! Watermelons, zucchini, cucumbers, relish. Its October, and we're still getting watermelon, green beans, and green peppers!!

Fall full of first days of school, garden vegetables, birthdays, baptism, soccer and new glasses.

2009-10-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's not in order and I can't seem to find pictures of Leah.

Nathan showing off one of our garden watermelons.

Anna showing off her new glasses, and beautiful dimples!

New paint in our living room. We painted all the bathrooms blue and hope to paint the den/computer room soon.

Rachel in her school soccer uniform. Sadly, the season is over!

Nathan and Aletta just before baptism on her birthday. Aletta was embarrased about having to wear a jumpsuit instead of a dress. She thought people would laugh at her. She was happy afterward.

Anna showing off her picture, the real birthday cake. Notice that it is tiered; someday it may come true.

Rachel being serious, an uncommon event.

Anna is happy about having birthday cake. We had forgotten to buy more candles...3 on it, but she wasn't bothered by it. My baby turned 5.

First day of school as a kindergartener for Anna. She rides the bus with older sisters.

School Clothes Fashion Show Photos

2009-08-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

School clothes fashion show

2009-08-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

The saturday before school started, the girls decided to hold a fashion show. They shooed us away so they could get ready. They each put together 7 outfits...including nice sunday ones. While we sat in chairs, the girls came down the stairs and posed for us. They came down youngest to oldest. We took photos and they had fun, until we had to stop abruptly after 4 outfits for a fashion problem. Rachel had a new top and she discovered that the store had not removed the anti-shop lifting tag from it. And so, Rachel and I drove quickly to the store, making it 15 minutes before the store was to close. The girls never finished their fashion show. There will be another day of fashion in our home.

Summer Time goes quickly

2009-08-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

After our vacation, time went fast.

Leah passed her permit test and went out a few times a week for driving lessons.

Rachel went right back into soccer practices for the middle school team. The practices leading up to the start of school were in the morning, so Monika was the chauffer. Only one practice was cancelled due to high temps and humidity.

Family time was spent at the YMCA. Aletta was so close to swimming across the pool by herself.

The family also ventured out to a U-pick blueberry patch coming home with 6lbs worth. It made many cobblers and pancakes.

Nathan and Monika exercised together during the lunch hour. Nathan has lost about 45 pounds since February. He ate a lot of tomato sandwiches for lunch...so it could be called the tomato sandwich diet.

Sara, Aletta and Anna kept asking how soon they could get school supplies and clothes. Anna wanted to go back to school.

There were also quite a few rainstorms mixed in to add excitement. Anna always said she didn't like the rain and noise. However, TN is officially out of a multi-year drought.

Finally, on August 2nd, the youngest three with Nathan attended the openhouse to their new school. The girls had a 2 hour day on August 10th and then went full time on the 12th.

Activities at parks and at family cabin.

2009-07-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

Travel Fun!

2009-07-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

7 Days on Vacation

2009-07-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

We've had an exciting month.

On Friday, June 19th, we left Tennessee for a 2 1/2 week vacation to Utah. We've never taken a 2 week vacation before, so we knew we were starting out on an adventure. We broke up the 1,600 mile one-way drive into 2 1/2 days. Friday we drove to St. Louis, Saturday we stayed in Laramie, WY, and on Sunday, we attended Church in Laramie, before driving to Karl's home in Utah.

The drive was exciting. One of the highlights was Rachel getting her blanket caught on her braces. We're still a little puzzled by that one. We watched DVDs (well, everyone except the driver) while traveling, which made the time pass quickly. It was surprising just how well the girls cooperated and avoided fighting during the drive, despite packing 7 of us into a minivan, with all the luggage. Every day the kids rotated clockwise to make sure everyone got a chance to sit in the best seats, that plan prevented any fighting over who would sit where. Whoever sat it the middle captain's chairs had the responsibility of making lunch for the family (we didn't stop for lunches). It was usually something simple like PB&J or a meat & cheese sandwich wrap.

Piling kids and luggage out of the van, and into motels during the drive was an adventure. Rachel was a great help every day unloading the luggage with Nathan, and repacking it into the minivan again in the morning. Amazingly we'd get into the motel, into bed by 11pm, wake up at 5:30am to start running people through the shower, and be on the road again by 7am. We were a well oiled machine. Nathan, for some strange reason, would always be the last to shower, sleeping to the last available moment. He changed that habit once we were at the cabin, always being one of the first awake, and the first to shower (the prospect of a warm shower must have been a great motivator for him at the cabin).

Monday, June 22nd, we acquired the keys to the Double G cabin, and stopped by Dale and Evon's for a quick visit with Grandma Gold. Despite not seeing Grandma for the past 3 years, she recognized and knew all 5 girls, and all the key events happening in their lives (Perhaps even more impressive was that Evon knew them all too!). The Gold Nugget is certainly the blessing that makes it all possible!!

Following the visit, we travelled up to the cabin, we'd finally reached our destination!!

We spent the next 2 weeks at the cabin with a couple of trips down to the Salt Lake Valley. On those few trips, we attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House with Wendy and Aunna. What a beautiful temple!! We visited the Church History Musuem, and enjoyed the magificent art exhibit of the Church's International Art Competition at the Conference Center. We were able to vote for our favorite works of art to later receive the "visitor's choice" award. There were some amazing sculptures and paintings! We also visited the "This is the Place" monument and park, enjoying train rides, pony rides, explanations about dyeing wool, and many other enjoyable pioneer activities. All of these activities were spread throughout the 2 weeks we were there, and between two family reunions.

While up at the Double G, we spent the first week with a family reunion with Nathan's family. They travelled from Washington and Idaho to spend time with us. During the reunion, we enjoyed time at the Jordanelle reservoir canoeing, and playing in the water. The night before, we were concerned that worsening weather would ruin our lake plans. At a family scripture reading and fireside, Nathan's brother prayed that the Lord would hold off the weather so it wouldn't conflict with our plans. While the weather wasn't perfect, we were able to enjoy our time at the lake. A highlight was at the end of the day at the lake, just as we were trying to load the trailer with the canoes and picnic supplies we were hit with rain, lightning and hail Nathan had just changed out of his swimsuit, and stood out in the rain tying up the trailer, while using his swimsuit as a hat to keep his hair dry. In the end, he was wetter than he had been in his swimsuit. Yet we were thankful that the Lord answered our prayers, delaying the storm until our time at the lake was over.

Between the two reunions we enjoyed 2 hikes, one with just our family, and the second with Marty's family. Both hikes orginated at trailheads off highway 35 near the Double G. One was a hike along some ATV trails that eventually would have split off along the Pine Valley (with the Provo River). We never made it that far though, due to how hot it was, the lack of shade, and kids complaining about the hike. Surprisingly, it wasn't the 4 year old complaining! It was 14 year old, Leah, complaining about it being boring! The second hike was much better, through a beautiful "Riley's Canyon". While having to carefully watch out for "horse apples" while we walked, Andreas led the group up the canyon. It was very beautiful with meadows and woods, and wildflowers. Nanae stopped to pick a few flowers that ended up being a lovely and fragrant centerpiece on the cabin table throughout the reunion. We didn't make it all the way to the end of the trail. It seem to just keep going up, and up. In the end, Andreas, Elliot, Nathan and Rachel made it the farthest up the trail...okay, it was Andreas that went the furthest.

During the second week at the cabin, Monika's family came from Lehi, Riverton, Provo, California and Oregon to spend time with us at a reunion. It was well planned and organized by Karl and Monika. We enjoyed late nights playing Scrabble, Boggle, Pit, 10 Days Across Oregon, Chess and especially foosball! (Thanks to whoever put the foosball table at the cabin!!). Monika's familiy also enjoyed a day at the Jordanelle reservoir. While the weather was cooler, there was no lightning and hail. Karl brought his sailboat and did a masterful job of running everyone out on the lake for a tour. He even made a few neices and nephews become deckhands to help with the sail and rigging.

We desperately missed Marina and Shaad, and Mom and Dad Wolf, all of which were unable to attend the reunion. While still a wonderful family time, it wasn't the same without them.

We had some great wildlife adventures while in Utah. We loved nudging the cows off the road on many occasions. One such occasion, in which the cows were reluctant to move, we discovered they were simply waiting for a polite request--Karl offered them one, "Move Cows." To which they responded favorably. Karl, having been taught well, also thanked them for their obedience. Deer were plentiful, including a beautiful doe and fawn that we chased out of the cabin driveway one evening while returning to the cabin. We saw buffalo near Evanston, WY on the drive to Utah. And the thrill of the trip was the cattle drive up Highway 35 near Francis that brought us to a stop. Brahma bulls charging your minivan are a sight to see!!

Our family enjoyed attending church twice at the Woodland Ward while at the cabin. Surprisingly there were more visitors that regular members both weeks we were there, the last of which was July 5th. There were so many visitors that the building was packed to capacity. A member of the Quorum of the Seventy was even in attendance.

Our return trip was not as well oiled. We slept in longer, and got out of the motels slower. We stayed in Laramie, WY again, but took a different route, staying in Topeka, KS before returning home. The different route was to meet the family goal of visiting all the states West of the Mississippi within the Continental US. Kansas had been eluding us. It was markedly uneventful, except for some "rumble strip" excitement in Western Kansas that woke Nathan up from his nap. And no, he wasn't driving at the time.

Surprisingly, our home was still there when we got back to Tennessee. Perhaps it was wise to leave it in the care of our Home Teacher and a responsible neighborhood teenager.

One of the great things about the time at the cabin was that there was no TV, no computer, no cell phone reception, no phone of any kind. As a result it presented great opportunities for reading, quiet reflection, and family communication.

In the end, we travelled 4,800 miles. But the trip was well worth it. The cabin was perfect. The views from the deck were spectacular. The spiritual experiences were refreshing. The time with family was precious.

We will post pictures soon.

2009-07-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Good Friday Tornado

2009-04-15T20:43:00.001-07:00

Prior to all the Easter activities, we experienced the "Good Friday Tornado," seen hear after crossing Broad Street in Murfreesboro.

Thankfully no damage to our home, but many in town were not so lucky.

More Egg Hunting

2009-04-15T20:39:00.001-07:00

Everyone got in on the Easter Egg Hunting.

Rachel & Sara had quite a haul.

The Hunt!

2009-04-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

Despite plenty of experience with Easter, Anna was a little timid in her Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday.

Eventually she warmed up to the whole idea, and loaded her "Peep" shaped easter basket.

True to form, there was a "Papa Tax" on all Easter Candy.

Payable only in candy. Preferably non-chocolate.

Easter Eggs!

2009-04-15T20:18:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure what the reference to "Papaya" is on the Easter egg...

...but the girls are a little unusual anyway. The egg in question was Sara's.

The girls had a great time on Saturday coloring Easter eggs.

Anna Gets a Haircut

2009-04-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Anna had hair halfway down her back.

But now she just has cute hair. A bob?

The shirt says it all: "This is what cute looks like."

Reading Together?

2009-03-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

This is probably not exactly what they meant by having Aletta and Nathan read together.

Good luck at guessing what each of us is reading.

Rachel's Bonnet

2009-03-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Its not every day you can get Rachel to dress up in "girl clothes."

But Rachel looks great wearing a flower bouquet on her head.

Anna goes to School

2009-03-05T16:55:00.001-08:00

Anna is enjoying her opportunity to go to pre-school.

She is dressed like one of Dr. Seuss' Things from "The Cat & the Hat Comes Back." She is "Thing 14" to be specific.

Anna loves to get ready for the bus, and Monika does a good job of bundling her up to keep her warm.

Aletta's Piano

2009-01-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

Aletta is really working hard at learning the piano. She spent some of her Christmas break from school practicing. Leah has been teaching Aletta now for several months.

Too bad its back to school today!

A "Day" in the Park

2008-12-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a warm, sunny day over Christmas break! We took time to go to the park as a family.

Anna loves the tire swing.

Monika looks great in her sunglasses!

Leah not only enjoying the park, but her new Sony Walkman cell phone at the same time! Way to multi-task, girl!!

Aletta enjoys communicating at the park the old fashioned way--not by cell phone--but by "park pipe telephone!"

Thanks Granny Day!!!

2008-12-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Granny Day made beautiful aprons for each of the girls for Christmas!

Don't be fooled by Rachel's lack of enthusiam in the picture! She's a bundle of excitement, and a baker at heart!

Anna's showing off not only her apron, but some culinary creation as well!

Okay...its really a maraca, but it sounded good, didn't it?

Aletta's ready to go help make breakfast! Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls!

Would have been home made cinnamon rolls, but we broke the bread machine, and couldn't make the dough.

Christmas Day!!

2008-12-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Santa Finally Came!!!

And it was time to open Presents!!!

Or at least look at them, and smile for the camera!!!

Christmas Eve Tradition

2008-12-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

In keeping with Day tradition, Christmas Eve was filled with Christmas light viewing, a Christmas play (written and directed by Leah, of course!), a few Christmas carols, and the opening of the Christmas Eve Pajama Presents!

Winter Wonderland!

2008-12-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it! We've had some great cold weather in December, and even a good Snow Storm!!

Here's the house, decorated for Christmas, and few snowflakes caught in action.

Monika and I took the chance to build a snowman at 8:30pm. Sara came out just in time to add the nose, and jump into the picture. All glory, no work.

Anna's Thanksgiving Turkey

2008-12-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Anna sure makes a great turkey!

Apple, raisins, cranberries, marshmallows, and toothpicks also come in handy!

General Family News

2008-11-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

Some good and bad news to report...

...soccer is over...

...basketball is starting...

...Leah is trying out for the shool musical..."Chicago"...

And if you recall that Monika announced her pregnancy here on the blog, we are sad to report that she had complications and miscarried at the end of October. Halloween was a horror story for more than one reason!

Halloween!

2008-11-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

Monika did a great job making Halloween costumes for the girls...

A biker fairy

Avast! Its Captain Sara the terror of the high seas!

Could Anna "bee" any more cute?

Nathan & Monika also dressed as bees... Nathan was more "bumble" than "honey." Sorry no pictures of the bigger bees.

Are real bee's stripes made of duct tape?

Aletta is the cat's meow!

Celebration! at CEC!

2008-11-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

True to her word, Monika took the family to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate Anna's potty training!!!!

Way to go Anna!

Everyone else got to enjoy the pizza too.

Not exactly a pizza mustache...but close.

Leah thinks that Pizza is the perfect food. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Does pizza grow on the tree of life?

Walden's Farm

2008-11-11T18:26:00.000-08:00

A few weeks prior to Halloween, the family took a trip to Walden Farms. A u-pick pumpkin patch. Corn mazes. Hay rides. Petting zoo. And countless hours of farm fun.

Oh, and a giant pumpkin for picture taking.

Nathan Turns 37!

2008-11-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

Wow! He's sooooo old!!!

Thankfully he still has enough lung power to blow out all the candles! Rather than risk a house fire, Monika just spelled out "37" rather than putting 37 candles on the cake.

Nathan insisted on the family singing "Happy Birthday" in multiple versions, including "opera style." So there was a little melted wax.

Thank you Betty Crocker!

Aletta's Birthday

2008-09-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

Following Aletta's Saturday soccer game, we held a birthday party at a playground at the soccer park with Aletta's teammates.

Aletta turned 7 on the 27th.

Sisters at Aletta's Birthday Party

2008-09-28T19:04:00.001-07:00

Rachel enjoyed Aletta's birthday party, but was already wearing her Middle School soccer uniform. She was anxiously awaiting her team's first County Tournament game.

Despite her father's repeated teasing that her team is the "Flaming Pumpkins," they are really the just the "Flames." Plenty of extended family are Kennewick High School alumnus, so should appreciate the colors.

Rachel's team went on to lose their game 5-0, despite Rachel's outstanding varsity play (her first start!). She did her best defensively to help her team win, including knocking one CMS player out of the game. Despite her sweet, bubbly exterior, Rachel is really a brute.

Anna spent her sister's birthday party in the playground house at the soccer park. She had a wonderful time.

Sara, also wearing the day's soccer uniform, enjoyed some downtime on the slide at Aletta's party. Sara spent half her morning's game being an all-star goalkeeper. She allowed one goal in her teams' loss, but made many great saves.

Eight Days in Tennessee?

2008-09-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

The "Seven Days In Tennessee" title will no longer be accurate after May of next year. But 7 days +1 or 8 days in Tennessee doesn't sound like as good a title for our blog.

That should be enough of a hint.

Anna's 4th Birthday!!

2008-09-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sweet Little Anna! Turned 4 on Saturday, September 6th!! She had a wonderful birthday with her family. She successfully blew out all 4 candles with one breath!

Anna received a doctor kit for her birthday, complete with blood pressure cuff for checking her parents blood pressure!

Labor Day at Fall Creek Falls

2008-09-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

On Labor Day we took the girls to nearby Fall Creek Falls in Middle Tennessee. It was about a 1 1/2 hour drive to get there. Of course since its September, there wasn't much water going over the falls.

The park is very large, and we enjoyed a picnic lunch and a beautiful setting surrounded by trees for the day.

The younger two, Aletta & Anna, were afraid of the bugs that inhabited the bathrooms.

Beauty at the Falls!

2008-09-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

It was beautiful at the Falls...you can decide for yourselves whether the beauty was the scenery, or the Day girls...

We stopped prior to the descent to snap a few pictures of the girls.

Sisterly love isn't always so apparent between the two. But at the falls....

Leah & Rachel Rock Climbing at Fall Creek Falls

2008-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Leah and Rachel enjoyed a little rock climbing on the way down to the base of the falls.

At one point the trail goes under this rocky overhang. Looking up tends to cause a little disorientation.

Nice to see a little teamwork between the two as they climbed.

Anna Gets a Ride from the Doughboy!

2008-09-08T18:23:00.001-07:00

Everyone had to hike down to the bottom of the falls, except Anna. Who got a ride from the "Doughboy," clearly a reference to the t-shirt, and not the size of her father!

It has only a 1/4 mile hike to the bottom, but a very steep grade that was covered with rocks, despite it being a "trail."

Anna enjoyed the climb. Though Monika made her propel herself up and down the short section that had wood stairs.

Too Cool for Pictures at the Falls

2008-09-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

Somehow Rachel managed to humor her father in taking a few pictures. But she didn't have to like it.

This is the base of the falls. Mostly rock, not much water.

Sara enjoyed herself. And didn't mind being photographed. At least she managed a dimpled grin.

Piano Practice!

2008-09-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

Leah spends some of her free time practicing the piano, and learning the hymns.

Leah has also been teaching Aletta how to play the piano, both as a kind older sister, as well as part of a Young Women's Personal Progress value project. I don't remember which value.

Bugsy with a Boo Boo!

2008-09-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life results in a few bumps & bruises.

Especially with a younger sister.

Nothing a little band-aid can't fix!

Anna's Two Favorite Pasttimes!!

2008-09-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Few of us have two hobbies. But it takes true talent, and perhaps even genius to be able to combine two hobbies into one, enabling an individual to experience true joy.

Anna is such a girl, combining her love of sleeping with a good book.

Leah Turns 14!!!!

2008-07-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Wow! Is she old!!

Today is Leah's 14th Birthday. She is so excited! It means she is old enough to attend Church dances. She starts high school in August.

She received text message birthday wishes from many people throughout the day, and a phone call from her Grandparents in Washington.

For her birthday, we took Leah out to dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse.

Rachel Has a Run-In With Poison Ivy!

2008-07-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Rachel had an unfortunate run in with poison ivy during a recent effort do do some leaf rubbings during a summer art project.

Apparently there is poison ivy among the blackberry bushes in the back yard.

As you can see, the rash on her face is really bad.

Maybe now she can relate to the Phantom of the Opera?

Aletta's Last Day of Soccer

2008-07-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from the beginning of June. It was taken on her last day of soccer. Amazingly, signups for Fall soccer are already open. Aletta will switch from co-ed to girls only. It will be a great time for her to shine!

How short can I sum up June?

2008-07-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Not too fast...our family life is still full even when school's not in.

On the 1st, I celebrated my 35th birthday. A couple things unique about my birthday. I share my b-day with my dad, Ed Wolf. Not hard to remember and we love the phone calls telling each other "Happy Birthday!" The day also landed on a Sunday and the first Sunday (Fast and Testimony Sunday). We also had a family from church come over for dinner and cake. The Dodges are a family we have come pretty close to. Normally, we just have our family for birthdays, but Nathan invited the Dodges over too. We enjoyed the time together.

Two days later, Young Women's Camp. We figured out a way for me to attend again this year. Last year the Dodges had watched the younger girls when Leah and I went. But then, Laura became the Young Women's president, so we had to figure some other child care arrangements out. A neighbor girl, Emily Donaldson, watched the girls. Her mom and I are friends, so I was comfortable leaving them. Plus, Nathan was just a phone call away. Rachel attended camp this year. She had a lot of fun as a 1st year. Leah was given the honor of having me as one of her cabin moms. It was great being a cabin mom to 2nd years...girls were more comfortable and knew what to expect. The highlight for me was the cabin skits. We had a great idea based on Joseph Smith's experience combined with the armor of God and superheroes. Our cabin had only 5 girls and 2 adults, so it was very manageable. Sara, Aletta, Anna and Nathan did well at home with the exception of bathing. It's just not his thing. The last evening Nathan came up to visit camp. He talked with the girls in the branch to see how they were doing, and also gave a message. Nathan also had dinner with our branch girls and stayed for part of testimony meeting.

Rachel has kept Mom running to and fro. Right after camp, she went right back to daily basketball practice and summer league games. Thankfully, she is not part of a travelling team. The 16th and 17th, Rachel tried out for the Blackman Middle School soccer team. She made the team, but was a little worried as they were asked how much experience. Rachel's background is 2 seasons of recreational and 1 season of school. The coach is new and will actually be working at the school as a teacher in the 7th grade. On top of that, Rachel attended soccer camp the 16th-20th, 8:30 am to 2pm. Basically, Rachel is in great shape.

The rest of the girls were hanging out a lot. I drove them to the library once a week and the YMCA for swimming twice a week. Sara was reading a lot. I believe she had read the Harry Potter series about 5 times. Leah has a big "like" for a boy in the branch. She talks with him a lot and e-mails him too. Anna and Aletta have played with it seems like all of the toys in the house. The girls are not fond of the humidity, so we are inside most of the time. Grandpa and Grandma Wolf can attest to how oppressive the humidity is.

Health wise, we have done okay this June. I came home from Camp and discovered that Aletta had head lice. She must have picked it up from neighbor kids...Only since we moved to TN has it afflicted our family. Thankfully, none of the others have it. It's real fun ( please note sarcasm), especially with Aletta's curly hair. I chopped her hair to about chin length from past shoulder length to make it easier.

On the 13th, I took my first trip to the ER. After a bunch of tests, to make sure I didn't have ectopic preg., or digestive problems, I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts. Wow, had a lot of abdominal pain and the morphine didn't do anything but mess up my head and make me throw up. This was on Friday evening, but by my followup visit with my obgyn on Tuesday, I had no pain, just tenderness like I strained something. I have another visit with obgyn following an ultrasound on July 8th. So, a report will follow sometime after that.

Good news, Nathan's elbow brace is off. He had visits twice a week for therapy. He almost has full range of motion. Not sure when he can get back to his favorite sport of swimming though.

And for the final day of June, I took Rachel into the clinic. We suspected poison ivy...right diagnosis. She is taking some steroid pills to heal quicker. It annoys her...brings back memories of her severe case of chicken pox Christmas 1999. Poor girl it is on her face too. She had picked some "leaves" from past the back boundary line of our property. She wanted them for making leaf rubbings. It's sad to see her this way.

Sorry, so many words, next time we will post some pictures.

May...what a month!

2008-06-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's been a long time. I will be filling you in on our family's activities. Cheating though...looking at my calendar. Some days I can't really even read because of all of the writing.

Rachel, Sara and Aletta played soccer through the month. The girls had a lot of fun playing. I am not sure if both of us will coach again in the fall. It was like we lived at the soccer fields at times.

Rachel tried out for the Blackman Middle School basketball team. She made it. Practices started up right away in anticipation of a summer league. The team is smaller this year, so we hope Rachel gets more playing time.

Leah continued to take voice/piano from Jackson studios. The teacher has been her choir teacher at school. Leah had her year end recital on May 18th.

Tuesday evenings were extra busy. It's the evening for youth activities, etc. Leah and Rachel had a few meetings that focused just on Young Women's Girls' Camp preparation. They did activities like dutch oven cooking and first aid. Sara also came along to the activities when Faith in God for girls was meeting. She absolutely loves it...just wishes that it were every week like Young Womens'.

As for me, I was busy with chauffering kids around, etc. I did help out with Aletta's 1st grade Fun Day on May 23rd. The teacher was fine with Anna coming too, so I was able to be a parent helper. May 24th, Nathan, Leah, Rachel and I had fun slopping water on other people's cars. The car wash was the Young Women's fundraiser for camp.

Finally, the last day of school was May 28th. It was a 2 hour day to pick up grades and say good byes to teachers.

Leah & Rachel in a Choir Concert

2008-05-13T18:51:00.001-07:00

Leah and Rachel had a choir concert this evening at the Middle School.

Leah is in the 8th grade choir, Rachel is in the 6th grade choir.

They both sounded beautiful.

Basketball Tryouts

2008-05-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

Rachel had basketball tryouts today. They were to identify who would be returning to the team for next year's basketball team. The group that makes the team will play on a tournament team during the month of June.

She had to do some dribbling drills while wearing special glasses that make it so she can't see the ball while dribbling. Essentially blinders. Helps to improve dribbling with your head up.

Rachel is expected to make the team. She will also be trying out for soccer...likely in mid or late June.

Sara & Aletta win Awards

2008-05-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sara and Aletta received awards today. Like last year, they both received "Outstanding Student" awards for thier elementary school classes. The award is only given to 1 student in each class.

Monika went to the celebration, and took pictures.

And Anna was just looking beautiful as usual.

Soccer Star!

2008-05-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

Aletta played an aggressive and fun game of soccer tonight. She scored 2 goals.

Aletta's U-6 soccer team plays 4 v 4 soccer, and is made up of boys and girls. Surprisingly, Aletta isn't afraid to charge in there, steal the ball away from the boys, and take it down the field. She is very little (about 8 inches shorter than her tallest opponent), but is very fast.

Its the only game I've been able to watch due to conflicts between Rachel's games and Aletta's on Saturday mornings.

Note the toothless grin of the happy girl!

These pictures are of Aletta posing after the game was over.

Leah the Broadway Singer!

2008-05-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Leah had a great opportunity to sing at her Middle School's "Coffee House" event. She had been working with Ms. Jackson, her choir teacher and private voice lesson teacher, on a song from Les Miserables to sing.

Leah did a wonderful job of singing "On My Own" sung by the character Eponine from that musical.

This picture is of her waiting with one of her friends before her opportunity to sing.

Coffee House Hams

2008-05-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

At a recent "Coffee House", a Middle School singing and poetry event, Aletta and Anna took the opportunity to ham it up a little.

Puppies

2008-04-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Rachel's stuffed dog collection came out of hiding. Of course, Anna and Aletta couldn't resist claiming some as theirs. Rachel's once clean room is now filled with 50 dogs or more.

The Family Teenager

2008-04-20T20:10:00.003-07:00

Here is a glimpse into the life of the family's teenager....

Despite repeated requests to clean...

Leah spends most of her time, reading, playing the piano...

...and did I mention she likes texting? Unfortunately...or is it fortunately?...her favorite texting contact lost his cell phone privileges. Due to texting a certain young lady too much.

Pony Rides at Cannonsburgh

2008-04-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

While Sara isn't smiling, she did have a good time. Aletta thought it was fun and couldn't believe that she was able to ride a pony. Sara rode on Philly and Aletta rode on Gambler. Anna wanted to ride, but we decided against it. There is always next year!

If you are wondering why Leah & Rachel aren't in any of the Cannonsburgh photos....they were off cheering on the Church's Young Men in the Stake Dodgeball tournament. In the final 1-ball "free-for-all" game, Rachel won....I don't quite understand how one of the Young Women wins a Young Mens dodgeball game, but....she's going to gain quite the reputation across the Stake.

Visit to Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village

2008-04-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Our family visited the Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village. It was a free event and people were reenacting and dressed up in time period costumes. Nathan and Sara enjoyed watching a "shoot out at the saloon". Aletta and Anna were bothered by the gunshots, so I moved on with them. The buildings we visited included a working mill, one room school house, school housing, phone operator building, doctor's office and general store, civil war encampment, blacksmith shop and church. Throughout the village, there was storytelling and a few music booths. We enjoyed seeing how life was back then. We sure have been blessed with so many inventions now.

Update on Nathan's Elbow

2008-04-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Nathan had surgery on Monday! It was done at an outpatient surgery center. While it was supposed to be arthroscopic, true to form, Nathan required the real thing!! We were at the surgery center for about 7 hours. Most of it was waiting for Nathan to wake up from his general anesthesia...he was a little slow. Also was a little nauseous.

Check out the great hardware on his arm! Nathan's looking forward to 3 to 6 months of physical therapy!!

All for the joy of a little rollerskating!

Way too busy

2008-04-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot going on, but failed to update the blog for a month.

Leah received a "Superior" rating for her solo singing of "Crucifixion" at her "Solo & Ensemble" competition. Last year's solo garnered an "excellent." Leah was very excited to receive an improved rating vs. last year.

Rachel, Sara, and Aletta have started soccer. Nathan is crazy enough to attempt to coach Rachel & Sara's teams. (3 hours of coaching per week, not including games).

Anna refuses to be potty trained

Nathan got the bright idea to go rollerskating with the youth at Church, despite never having rollerskated before. Broke several bones in his elbow, and partially tore a ligament as well (he fell down). Probably facing surgery. But there is always next year's Stake Skate!

A few new pictures below...

Showing off the Prize

2008-04-06T18:57:00.001-07:00

Aletta had a great time collecting eggs.....here she is showing off her prize catch!

Easter Egg Hunt!!

2008-04-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

A little late to put these pictures on the blog, but we took the girls to an Easter Egg Hunt at the Church.

Here's Rachel...I can't tell if she's listening for a baby chick, or just trying to get up close and personal with some chocolate...

Old Snowstorm Picture

2008-04-06T18:45:00.001-07:00

As an addition to the snowstorm pictures from a month ago, here's one of Rachel...showing a little Cougar Pride in the snow.

Blizzard in Tennessee!

2008-03-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

News of a big storm on the way caused the Rutherford County Schools to send the kids home from school an hour early Friday afternoon. It was raining at the time.

It started snowing at about 7 or 8 pm.

A bit comical for our family, having lived in much snowier climates in Minnesota and Washington. But there was no complaint from the kids.