HOLYMOLY THIS BOY IS 21 TODAY!!

Even though this is Landon way back when - it's how I feel today!!! Have a Happy Birthday Son. We all love you!!

Some fun things we did this past summer.

Dupage Children's Museum - We had some time to kill after dropping my mom off at the train station in Naperville. Anna usually gets a free pass to this museum but we had never gone before and alas when we did go we had no coupon. I don't think it was worth the money we paid but everyone with young kids out here should go at least once.

My personal favorite was this bubble making car wash. I like bubbles.
Strolling thru Kettle Morraine state park

Randall Oaks Park and Barnyard ZooOk this snapshot doesn't show you the enormity of this pig. She was the biggest pork I've ever seen.
Strawberry pickin in Woodstock

............................................................Anna and friend Lexi.
Museum of Science and Industry - Harry Potter The Exhibition

Weasley's car is the only thing you can take pictures of which is in the main lobby. Bummer no photography in the exhibit. Ok so I've been a couple of times with different members of the family. My favorite is still pulling up those mandrakes (screaming root babies. hahahh)
Some of my kids have been sorted - Jonathan is Raven claw - Anna and Ellie are Griffendor and I can't remember the rest. The exhibit is off to Boston in Oct. They are following my kids.
My girls love to have fun, well some of them do.
I don't think Ellie was too impressed with it but everyone else loved it.
My Family Hiked the Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim . Had a Great time
See David's earlier post
I don't know how Jonathan got up there, nor do I want to know. Sure makes for a cool shot.
Williamsburg, Va and Jamestown is where Anna and I ventured - see earlier post.
Yay - Josh and Emerald stopped by on their way to Boston U. So we had to take them downtown to Millenial Park and the Shedd aquarium.
Not only are Josh and Emerald in this pic but so is David,Tami,Molly and Anna. Can you find us?
(click on pic to enlarge)
Josh being an engineer major was impressed that you can't see any seems on "The Bean"



Kayaking in Lake in the Hills -

Paddle boating since they only have 2 kayaks to rent out.
Jet skiing on Crystal Lake. I have the nicest seminary student who invited us for a wet ride.

Jet ski's are my favorite toys. Too bad I don't own one. I miss the Lake Powell Days. There is just something about going super duper fast in the water. I LOVE IT!!!

He belongs on a magazine cover for Yamaha. Love his smile that boy of mine.



Have I mentioned "Never a dull moment when Em is around"
We love it when friends and fam come to visit. Scott dropped by for some Chicago style pizza.
Oh how I miss my grandbaby....


We had a busy summer with girls camp,youth conference,high adventure for girls and trips to Chicago. We love living here and we love company so plan a visit.

Will we hike in Heaven?

Last week between my birthday and Father's Day, five Allred's, five Hansen's and a Crane did a quick hike from the North rim to the South Rim. The timing was terrible and it cost too much money, but I relished every minute of it. Hiking wears the body, but invigorates the spirit. Hiking reawakens the wonder and reverence for the majesty of God's creations. Hiking forcibly removes those narrow blinders required by a career and broadens our view of what's really important. Hiking is an old man's opportunity to prove that the old legs can still set an imposing pace. Hiking is embracing the challenge of a 3:30 AM start and watching the gradual sunrise awaken the wonderful colors from the shadows of the night. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father takes time to enjoy the grandeur of his creations, but does He do it with boots on? It's one of those questions that will have to wait until the next life to get the answer.

I owe a lot of thanks to a number of people who allowed me to really enjoy this weekend:

Tami and Anna - Tami for letting me go and Anna for understanding that she's just not big enough yet. Make it through sixth grade cross-country and we'll talk again.

Leland Hansen - The man has boundless enthusiasm and makes things happen. Thanks for committing me to come and bring my kids.

Grandma and Grandpa Hansen - Our chauffeurs. They drove us to the North rim and met us back at the South rim. I love talking with these two wonderful people. Our roots go back to the same parts of Northern Arizona and we can feel the connection.

Emily and Molly - This picture will explain it all. Emily flees to her fantasy world whenever trauma should be unavoidable. Molly always seems a naive victim of circumstances beyond her control. (29 degree weather and no jacket or long pants.) Both provide unending humor. Who else would spend their Friday night in the Grand Canyon earning their Junior Ranger badges?

Jonathan and Landon - An hour or so of wonderful dad and sons conversation sitting in the Bright Angel Creek soaking our anguished feet. Thanks for breaking away from work and school to be together. It's been too many years since we got to spend time with each other and just talk in a quiet environment.


Mom, Paula, Grandma - Food, lodging and family time on either end of the trip.

Kate and Ellie - Giving up Jonathan for a few days and even better bringing him down and spending a hour with me. This grandpa loved it.

Next year - A location where all can come, but still a challenging hike for those that dare. Banff Canada????

Funny words :)

I've noticed and enjoyed the posting of young moms sharing the funny things their little kids say, well my kids are grown and some are gone but I thought I'd share a couple of things they've said lately that made me laugh.

1. J - boasting to his sister - "Look Em I have offspring"







2. A - "Mom can you help me with my makeup (she's in the school play). I need mascara and fondant"
Me- "Fondant?"
A - "yeah fondant"
Me-"Do you mean foundation?"
A- yeah fondant, foundation, they're the same right?"
Me- "Yep pretty darn close"






3. While shopping in the teen section with Anna and looking for clothes for her older brother who had just turned 20.
Me - "Maybe we should go out of the teen section since he's not a teen anymore"
A - "Yeah, he's an eXpiRed teen now."

The Expired teen


I hope these made you smile, they sure make me smile :)

Landon is 20

Landon

Happy Birthday Landon!

Wow, can't believe my son is 20 today. Just seems like yesterday we were living in Cottonwood where only 2 Doctors delivered babies and there were no epidurals since they didn't have a trained anesthesiologist. Luckily labor was not that long. The volunteer who happened to be Aunt Elaine Allred's mom brought Landon to me, she commented on what a snuggly baby he was and he's been that way ever since (well except for a few of those teen years) Happy Birthday Son! We all love you and miss you.

David's Birthday surprize

My Three from out West

Test Picture

Landon and his lovely hair. My fam in front of the Arizona temple