Baker City 2010

I wondered what appeal Baker City Oregon could hold for a professional group of people wanting a weekend get-away. I was pleasantly surprised with the rich history and nostalgic mining town we stayed in this past week, thanks to Scott's manager and associates. We stayed in a haunted historical hotel built during a mining run. We ate dinner in the original library. The hotel even had tours of the spooky underground cellar.

We were set up with ski equipment at Anthony Lakes resort on Friday. I admit I was a tad bit nervous only having skied twice in my life. I forgot how to get on and off the lift, but didn't want to admit it to the group we were with. Not that it is so technical, but I figured out real quick that if I don't slide to the end of the chair and stand up, then the lift will just keep going. Let's just say I took the scenic tour the first time up. It took me a couple runs and then I couldn't get enough of the beautiful mountain.

We followed skiing up with roadkill from a little steak house in Haines, Oregon. It was the first steak I have ever ordered. It was very yummy Fillet Mignon. We couldn't leave without a game of bowling at the local alley. This was quite the different agency trip from the typical Whitetail in McCall, but It was my favorite yet. I guess there is a little cowboy in us all.

We were there for such a short amount of time, but it was perfect to get back to the family Saturday and celebrate Eliza's birthday.

Valentines Day

This Valentines Day holiday, we decided to take on a more creative approach to the typical cards. It turned into an all day project. We created well over 100 candy airplanes with heart notes tied on, for all the kids friends. It took until 2 A.M. to finish up the last of the project, but the kids sure loved doing something new as a family.

James got caught red-handed writing "friendly" notes to several of his closest "girl" friends.

Hiking

It is time again for the annual snow shoe/caving expedition. Scott took his brother Greg this time. They made a day trip of it this year.

Scott and Greg spent the day taking in Idaho's beautiful views and countryside, while getting to visit with one another.
Paul Sellers, the ultimate outdoors man, is still recovering from his bear attack last year. He is not able to dig a snow cave but Scott says that Paul can still hike anyone into the ground. It is amazing that he is even alive (ran right into a mama brown bear and her cubs, hiked two hours to safety after being viciously mauled and torn up).

Greg is such a trooper. He only had jeans, no fancy technical gear, and went through all day hiking with wet pants. They all had a great time together.

The shoeless wonder

Most children love P.E. My children are no exception. Micah (aka Gumby) was excited when he set the school record in the flexibility test for the Presidential Award, but did not come to school prepared to run the timed mile. He said when his P.E. teacher yelled go, he had both hiking boots untied. Half way through the mile his left boot flew off. In attempt to save time he picked up his boot and finished his mile with one shoe on and one off. He walked through the door, at home, and immediately apologized for his one soiled sock, but proudly announced his 6 1/2 minute mile. Go Micah Boy!!!

Daughters

Not so many years ago I would have told anyone that I was a "boy" mom. I have even been known to say that I was relieved to have so many sons. I wasn't sure I'd know what to do with a girl. I am sensitive but not emotional, I like to look nice and clean but I rarely wear make-up and don't enjoy shopping. I have a love for the "Arts" but would rather be athletically active or outdoors. Consequently, raising feminine daughters was questionably out of my comfort zone. Boy am I sure glad someone saw fit to send me these two little daughters, I was wrong. I had no idea how much I needed them. If I want anything cleaned and organized (to my standards), I ask a daughter. I actually love the time every morning I get to comb and style their hair, it is when we visit and giggle together. I would never get through bed time routine if it were not for two little girls who take turns every night singing to, cuddling with and reading to their little brothers. Both girls are always willing to be my partner and right hand in anything I do, exercise, cooking, even creative projects.
After all, I've waited many years to have someone to watch Miss America with...who else is going to laugh, judge and critique our countries Barbie dolls! (We had to skip the swimsuit competition, too many eww gross comments)

Our home needed the help in softening the edges, with kind and sensitive daughters.

Growing Stats

According to the American Pediactrics charts...

James
85 pounds=17 %
4 ft. 11 inches=20%

Micah
92 pounds=66%
5 ft. 3/4 inch=86%

Danielle
62 pounds=20%
4 ft. 4 inches=19%

Isaac
56 pounds=44%
4 ft. 3 inches 53%

Eliza
35 pounds=less than 3%
3 feet 6 1/2 inches=7%

Thomas
32 pounds=23%
3 feet 4 1/2 inches=69%

Gideon
22.5 pounds=less than 3 %
2 feet 8 1/2 inches=5%

Fun stats, just for kicks!!!

Annual Agency Meeting

Annual Banquet in the Sky Box of BSU. Reuniting with the Panama sisters!
Top producing agents of Idaho and Eastern Oregon. (Scott is number two by less than one point, he still amazes me with his passion and work ethic)

Scott checking out his GPS prize for the top referrals for the agency. Scott was the one of the keynote speakers during the day meetings and was glad to relax and enjoy the dinner tonight.

The best administrative assistant out there, who happens to be a cute little pregnant lady!

A fun night on the town, just the two of us!