Adding to the family

No- it's not what you think. Cassidy has been begging for a new "pet" lately, and with high maintenance Black Sabbath we took the easy road with Goldie. With a stop at the local pet store we purchased: a bowl, a tree, sand, a mermaid and the much needed filter- we brought Goldie home. We warned Cass about the life expectancy of a gold fish, and she seemed OK." I will just flush a flower down the toilet with her if she dies." No need for the awkward all fish go to heaven talk I guess. After a week with Goldie all is well- I admit to a sigh of relief when I walk by the bowl and see the fish still swimming. I thought I was being such a comedian when after a week I noticed the filter wasn't living up to what we expected and I cleaned the bowl myself. As Nate sat in the kitchen I said," curse you aqua scum!!!!" He just looked at me like a was from Mars- I thought it was funny. The filter is being returned.

Oh Amy

Many of you know Amy. Well none of you will be surprised that she threw herself a themed 30th bday bash. transformed into Jimmy Buffett's margaritaville this year( she has done wine tasting parties as well as dragging us all to a piano bar :). We all dressed for the occasion(parrot head attire was required)-some tacky, others cute- but everyone festive. There was a version of Bingo and a great volleyball game. The Taylor's have a way of drawing people for a great party. There are many reasons to love Amy, she has great taste, a wonderful sense of humor etc... Besides... she throws a great party. I'm still feeling it today.

Bear Lake/Ingram Family Reunion 2008

I said Bear Lake was the Fife family reunion, it's actually the Ingram reunion (Nate's moms side of the Family). Might I add they are wonderful, positive people. It's always worth the work that camping entails. It is fun to see the 3rd generation cousins get to know one another. The age range was 2 to 16, and of course, Nate's diverse, successful, hard working cousins, aunts and uncles. The trip fell over Fathers day weekend. I was lucky because my parents also made the trek and spent Sunday at the beach with us. How lucky to have my dad there along with Nate and his grandfather.

Coby had a fun because he took Andrew Harward along for the 3rd time. I hope it is OK with everyone if he becomes a regular! Katie and Cameron have this cool game. I think it's called monkey balls ??? It's similar to horse shoes, but just right for 13 year old boys.

On beach day we have a great volley ball game for the adults and older kids to play- Nate and his cousins take great pride in getting the court just right, Nate raked the sand and took a picture- It is the only picture he took. I guess I will take pictures of the kids. The little cousins played tug of war(Idaho against Utah).

Nate's sister Stacey had to have her appendix out emergency style Saturday morning during the hustle and bustle of getting ready. My mother in law headed home but came back up on Monday afternoon, about the time we were leaving. Grama Joyce asked if Cass could stay. What a fun memory for Cass to have- that she was special enough to stay an extra night with her cousins.

I learned a lot this year-as I do every year- I learned that Nate does like short hair- just not on me- Jennifer do you have to be so cute? I learned that ticks really do exist-cutie Ashtyn found one in her belly button. I learned that whatever treats I have for my kids, they will never be as good as Uncle Dave and Aunt Laura's because they have the best food. I learned Cassidy needs more sunscreen on her face, and that Uncle Nate shouldn't say stupid because god doesn't want us to say that word- thanks miss Kate. I look forward to next year.

Does This have nuts?

We are getting ready for the annual Fife family reunion at Bear Lake. I'm sure I will have great photos to share. I do however, relate a story I feel compelled to tell all my dear friends, readers, and especially new moms. We had no idea Cassidy had a SEVERE nut allergy until her 3rd year at bear lake. While sharing some trail mix with her lovely cousins Cassidy became violently ill. My sister in law Stacey will forever be a saint in my eyes for taking turns holding a vomiting child through the night in a trailer-ugh. Our fears were confirmed a few months later at a bday party when Cassidy became violently ill again after eating caramel cashew ice cream(I was the one that chose the flavor). I share this story to encourage you to be aware this summer as kids come bouncing through your homes, or as you have family reunions with children you may not know very well. Ask children if they have a food allergy, or be cautious as you take treats to social gatherings. We found out the hard way- I guess that is the only way to find something like this out. Cassidy's allergy does not run in my family or Nate's. We have educated our family and friends. Cass sounds like a little recording whenever she is eating something new, "does this have nuts?" She just knows how sick she gets- Thanks for reading

Coby's First Win

Coby had a race last Friday night- May 30th, 2008. This is the first race he won that wasn't by default(the other racer red-lighted).This is a picture of the t-shirt my brother made for our family and Cob's fans. If you want to see a picture of his dragster look in my blog archive for Speed racer in May.

We may even plant a tree!

We have an exciting project at our house- curbing, and new flower beds. This is pre-tree and bushes stage. I want to document how it looks before and after. Nate's friend does this for a living and I'm pleased with how it turned out. It's funny, we have been in our house 6 1/2 years (I know just getting the yard figured out) but now that we have some direction it feels more like a home. If anyone has any great suggestions on bushes and a tree or two let me know. Kelsie if your reading this please tell me where you get your tulips and when you plant them.