Lake Powell 2009

Okay, so these next few posts will be slightly out of order chronologically speaking, but at least the experiences will be documented! In July, my Grandma Torgesen passed away (an amazing lady, more to come later), then we had a family reunion w/ the Torgesens (my parents, siblings, etc), and then I took our kids and rode down w/ my sister Elizabeth to Lake Powell to spend a few more days w/family while Marc began his training for his new business w/ American Family Insurance. Anyhow, here are some pics from the lake!






Bryce and Whitney both learned to kneeboard and enjoyed it! Olivia wasn't too excited to try...maybe next time.



We took an excursion in the boats one day over to a huge sand dune at the Lake and Carter and Gramps watched the boats while everyone enjoyed the dune and the mild cliff jumping.



Even Granny had to take the plunge!


Probaby hard to see in the picture, but this is Whitney and Bryce going together off the edge!

Pioneer Day -- 2009

Our two older girls, Whitney and Olivia, were able to be on the float that our ward helped put together for our stake for the Pioneer Day parade here in town. Unfortunately, a year later I can't remember the theme, but our specific float theme was "Bloom where you are planted". Anyhow, it was fun to participate in building a float and the girls loved being in the parade! I admire those who were in charge of coming up w/ the idea and did most of the work...and glad it wasn't me! :

Mesa Falls

On our way home from Island Park last summer, we took the scenic route and stopped at Mesa Falls. It was beautiful! Here is a picture or two. After hiking around the falls, we then continued home w/the necessary stop at Big Jud's for dinner (see the Island Park post) where they are known for their HUGE hamburgers, ice cream, etc. And as I mentioned in the post about Alyssa, I will be trying to catch up, so these next few posts will cover things from 2009 and I'll slowly work my way up to the present, maybe, one day, anyway, that is my hope! :)

Bryce and Olivia at the falls


Mesa Falls...a beautiful place and worth the stop


Marc and the kids

Introducing Alyssa!

Okay, so I've gotten behind (like a year behind, really) in keeping up the blog. Loads of excuses but will save those for another time. Here is the biggest news in our family, bigger than buying our first home, bigger than getting our first puppy, bigger than trying to finish the basement of previously mentioned home purchase, you get the idea...

On June 3rd we welcomed Alyssa into the family. She was 8 lbs. 4 oz. and came with an appetite! We've loved getting to know her and continue to be surprised at how quickly babies grow up. At her 2 month appt. she weighed in at 12 lb 4 oz and took her first set of shots like a pro. And we love that she sleeps for long stretches at night! Here's a few pics and will post more later...sometime within the next year as I still need to catch up from last year! :)

Here she is a day or two old...Whitney is holding her.


The nurse was nice and let each of our kids listen to Alyssa's heart when she came to check on her. Here's Olivia taking her turn.


Granny and Gramps (Marie's parents) came to visit for a few days when Alyssa was a week old.


Just a random shot of Alyssa when she was 3 or 4 weeks old.

Fun in Island Park

In the middle of July (2009), we took a short little family vacation and spent two days up in Island Park. Due to connections w/ a great friend, we had free lodging and enjoyed some of the local sights. After returning home, we asked the kids what their favorite part of the "trip" was and it was unanimous -- "The see-saw that Dad built!" Goes to show who needs money to have fun...only logs and flowers and such needed!

Here's a creative homemade hat rack...


A family of ducks enjoying an afternoon swim.




The kids at Big Springs





Dad is great...look at the seesaw he put together for us!




Of course, the trip back home wouldn't be complete without a stop at Big Jud's. The hamburger really is the size of an entire dinner plate... fed our whole family!

Whitney's Reward

So Marc promised the kids that once they memorized all 13 Articles of Faith, he would make them a HUGE lollipop, carrying on a tradition from his grandma. Well, Whitney accomplished her goal and was excited to receive her very own "made-by-dad" giant lollipop. Here she is with her prized possession.
And what little sibling wouldn't want a piece of that yummy treat? Carter thinks if he does his special smile, Whitney will instantly share!

Happy 4th of July!

Before the holiday we had gone to spend time w/ family in June. This is Carter receiving some love from a cousin that is 2 years older than him. :) Just a fun picture!




We stayed here in town for the Independence Day celebrations for the first time since we moved here 3 years ago! We enjoyed a fun breakfast with our ward family, then made a dash over to the parade, followed by a leisurely afternoon, and an attempted bbq with some families in the neighborhood. I say attempted as you'll see from the pictures that mother nature had other plans. However, by the time it was dark, the weather cleared and there was time for awesome fireworks.

Always nice to see folks from "home"!






The kids were always at the ready for any and all candy that might come their way.







Here is the storm that blew in that early evening. It lasted for about 2 hours from start to finish and included all the cool stuff...lightning, thunder, hail, wind, and water!































The kids enjoying the result of the storm and then a few hours later, Bryce and Carter ready to watch fireworks outside...