Nov 5 2011

Straw Maze

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Karin

One of the things I love about fall are the corn and straw mazes. Corey and I used to go to corn mazes and we always had fun. One year we decided to try the local straw maze. It’s in Archer Idaho near Big Juds (If you’ve ever lived around here you know about Big Juds). We found that we enjoy the straw maze much more than the corn mazes. So that’s been a tradition for us for a few years now. We like the straw because it’s nice and soft to walk on and you don’t have rows that you keep twisting your foot in. We also like how it muffles the sound and you really don’t feel like anyone else is in the maze until you round a corner and wallah there they are (I bet it’s pretty cool at night). Also you can’t really tare a part the bails of hay like they do the corn. So the maze looks the same the last day as it did the first. This year they had some tunnels built into the maze which the kids absolutely loved. If you haven’t tried the straw maze you should. It can be a little claustrophobic at times so if you have trouble with that maybe you don’t want to try this. Each of us took turns leading the way through the maze getting hopelessly lost and when we got to the finish we started it all over again. This is a great family activity.

Nov 1 2011

Pumpkin follow-up

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Karin

Our Three Pumpkins

I told you I would give an update on the pumpkins that we grew in the garden. That’s right I said pumpkins. Last time you saw one of these it was just a blossom. I hand pollinated 3 more for a total of 4. One pumpkin got the size of a baseball and then shriveled up and died. These pumpkins kept growing and growing and growing. I had to pluck them off the vine while they were still green. I then put them on my porch and let them turn orange. They all still have green on them but the kids didn’t mind. They are 27lbs, 24lbs, and 19lbs. These were the biggest pumpkins our family has ever carved. Definitely going to try growing pumpkins again next year. I just hope we get some blossoms about a month earlier than we did this year.

I let each kid design their own pumpkin. Preston decided he was going to name his count pumpkinstein. Corey had a little trouble with all the teeth Levi wanted on his. Sophia likes the circle (hers was nice and easy to carve). They turned out pretty cute and the kids had tons of fun scraping out the guts.

So being the forgetful person that I am I forgot to take pictures of the kids in their costumes 🙁 Preston’s was the most creative. He wanted to be an ice cream man and unfortunately I don’t have a picture of him. Sophia wanted to be a fairy. Levi wanted to be Dracula. There was one day last week that Levi had a School Program and we got pictures of him and Sophia dressed up. We went trunk or treating at our church and then Corey took Sophia and Levi around the block some more. Preston is getting so big, he wanted to go with his friends this year. One of the other parents went with them and they really scored on the candy. Pretty soon he is going to be too old to go trick or treating and I ‘m having a hard time coming to that realization. When did he start getting so old? I haven’t aged any so what happened here?

Corey Carving and Levi being a goof while Preston watches intently.

The kids in front of their pumkins

Three little pumpkins sitting on a bench.

: Pumpkins all lit up

Levi and Sophia in Costume. Levi is sad because his dracula teeth hurt his mouth.

Sep 2 2011

Survived the first week of school

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Karin

Sophia didn't want to be left out. Can you see the anxious look on Levi's face?

That’s right school started this week. On the first day Preston and Levi were so excited. They were up and dressed before the sun was. We all made the trip to the bus stop only to find out that the bus was early. It is a few blocks to the bus stop from our house and when we rounded the corner the kids took off on a mad dash. The bus waited for them and they made it on just fine. They got on the bus before I could even wish them luck and say goodbye. Since the bus was there so early it waited for a while. Corey and I were able to catch up and wave to the boys through the windows. I could tell Levi was a little anxious and was on the verge of tears. Later that day he told me he cried when Corey, Sophia, and I walked away. You can see his silhouette in the bus picture on the top right window. Other than that everything went without a hitch. The kids love their teachers and are excited about getting back to work. Preston has already started and finished a book and has started a new one. It has been really nice and quiet around here with just Sophia and I (and sometimes Corey). I seemed to have acquired an extra shadow. Sophia doesn’t have her brothers to keep her busy so she just follows me around all day. It is funny to see how she plays. Just today she was saying “I love you” and I told her I love you back. Then she informed me that it was her elephant talking to her not her talking to me. The kids are loving school. I’m loving the alone time with Sophia. Corey is liking the quiet time he has for work. We are all happy! Yay for school!

Preston going into 4th grade

Levi going into 1st grade

Walking to the bus stop

Goodbye bus

Aug 20 2011

Tiffany Family Reunion 2011

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Karin

Warm Lake Idaho

Well it was time for another Tiffany family reunion. We decided to have it in our old stomping ground of Warm Lake Idaho. My family used to have a cabin here and spent many summer days on this lake. It really holds a special place in each of our hearts and was a perfect location for our reunion. There are really too many pictures to post so I’ve selected a few and I will post the rest on facebook.

The reunion was pretty laid back with a few planned activities. There was a lot of lounging, swimming, playing in the sand, and eating. One night my dad set up his projector and played a video that he put together for us. The video was a modge podge of videos and pictures of all of us growing up. It was fun to see the crazy old hair styles of everyone. My dad also made copies for all of us. My copy will only be viewed in private and then kept in the vault. Only a special few will see snip-its of it.

For the most part meals were up to each individual family to prepare themselves. We had two meals that were all together. One night we had steak, corn on the cob, watermelon, and salad. It was probably the best meal we had up there. Everyone did a great job working together to get it on the table. We also had breakfast together. We went and picked huckleberries the day before and were able to make huckleberry pancakes and sausage for breakfast. We also had dutch oven peach cobbler one night that I had opted out of because of my sugar issues. It looked so delicious and my kids had at least seconds.

We spent a couple of days swimming in the lake which was a bit chilly but when you got used to it it was quite refreshing. Conveniently we left our camera back at camp for these trips. Although I did see my sister with her camera so there might be a picture out there that you should stay clear away from. My Idaho legs were like a beacon and if looked directly at them you might go blind. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.

We had a family game night that turned out really fun. My dad prepared 7 minute to win it games. He teamed family against family. We had fun shooting rubber bands at playing cards, swing yo-yos from our backsides, unraveling toilet paper on our arms and that’s just a few. My sister Krystal won overall and her prize was a big jar of jelly beans but also, a surprise to everyone, she gets to plan the next reunion.

Our little family also took the opportunity to hike to one of the many hot springs up there. There was a fire about 5 or 6 years ago and it burned most of the area. The hike was hot and dusty. As soon as we got back we took a nice refreshing swim in the lake. My brother Cameron and his girlfriend Brittany came with us and it was funny on the way back Levi had to be in the front of the pack. The problem with that is he liked to kick the dust up and who ever was behind him had a face full of dirt. It happened to be Brittany behind him and a few times she would try and run in front of him only to find him running faster to keep ahead of her. By the end we took a short cut and beat him to the car. It was a fun little trip and I enjoyed getting to know Brittany a little better.

On the last day we all met at a park in Boise to have lunch before saying goodbye. We were all able to see my grandma Wilkins (Tiffany). We had a big photo with her and all of the great grandchildren. Just in my family there are 15. If you add my cousins my grandma has 18 great grandchildren. It was really hard to say goodbye to everyone especially knowing that it’s going to be another two years before I get to see most of them. I can’t wait for then next reunion which, according to Krystal, will probably be in California.

My Nephew Zachary had a birthday. This is all the grandchildren eating cake.

My family loves to play games. Here they are having a play nine tounament.

We also liked sitting by the fire

Our hike to vulcan hot springs

fishing from the dock

Great Grandma with great grandkids.

My siblings and I.

The whole clan

Jul 14 2011

Reed’s Dairy

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Karin

We are so fortunate to live so close to Reed’s Dairy. It’s our favorite place to go on a hot summer day with the family. Last night was especially great because Reed’s was celebrating that they were voted #1 in the area. Reed’s gave out free ice cream and cake. They started to hand out the cake and ice cream at 6:00 pm. So we headed out after dinner and got there around 5:50. A line had already started but it wasn’t too long by then. We got our cake and ice cream pretty quickly and were able to beat the crowd. We sat down and enjoyed. I didn’t tell the kids we were going there so it was a nice surprise for them. I love these moments I have with my little family.

: enjoying the cake and ice cream

Having fun

Jul 5 2011

4th of July

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Karin

I hope everyone else had a great 4th like we did. It ended up being a pretty busy day. Corey was gone before I even had a chance to wake up. Every year the city puts on a 5k fun run that runs the parade route. This is Corey’s second year of doing traffic control for that event. He was gone by 6:30 am. He made it back just in time for us to head out and see the parade. We had a great time at the parade. Sophia looked so cute dressed all patriotic. After the parade we went home and packed up a lunch and headed out to meet some friends at Gem Lake. The kids loved eating and swimming with their friends. We spent a good 2 hours there. When we got home we finally had some time to relax. The kids and I watched a movie while dad took a nap. After dinner it was time to head out to the firework show. Idaho falls has a pretty big show. It’s actually the biggest firework show I have ever seen. They light them off at the greenbelt and since we don’t live too far from there we only have to go a couple of blocks to get a great view of the fireworks. By the time we got home it was around 11:00 pm and the kids were beat. We had such a wonderful day and I feel such a great gratitude for all the men and women in the world who have made it possible for us to have the freedom that we do.

Sitting and waiting for the parade to come

Sophia waving her flag

Kids swimming at Gem Lake

Amy and I watching the kids swim

playing frozen bubble while waiting for the fireworks

fireworks

Jun 29 2011

Summer!!

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Karin

Yay!!! Summer has finally reached South East Idaho. We have had a very long winter followed by a very wet and cold spring. It is starting to look very promising. On Saturday June 25th the sun was out and it was warm. The kids asked if we could get the slip and slide out. They ran and got their swim suits on and out they went. It took them a while to figure out how to slip on the slip and slide, but that didn’t stop them from having fun. Corey had the idea of pulling them with a rope along the slide and they loved it. It was nice and refreshing on a warm summer day. Hope we get a lot more of these. It’s been cold for too long.

Preston being pulled with the rope (sorry it's blurry)

Levi playing with the water spraying out the end

Sophia Sliding

Cheeeeese!

Jun 28 2011

Playing at the Park

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Karin

One of our favorite things to do in the summer is play at the park. We are lucky enough to live close to a park. We do spend a lot of time there but sometimes we like to explore new parks. This particular day we went to Tauphaus park. We have been spending a lot of time here lately because Preston also has tennis lessons at this park and instead of just dropping him off. Levi, Sophia, and I go and explore the different playgrounds at the park(there are 4 just at Taphaus park). There are so many parks around Idaho Falls that I hope we get to explore all of them this summer.

Sophia ringing the bell

The boys monkeying around

Sophia going down the slide

Preston going down the slide

Levi and Sophia in the tube

Jun 27 2011

Levi’s Birthday

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Karin

Today was Levi’s 6th birthday. I can’t believe he is already six. He is the kid that keeps me on my toes. Always has and I believe he always will. Just a couple of weeks ago while at play group we lost him. Yes that’s what I said lost him. It was time to go home and we gathered all the kids only to find out that Levi was missing. We search and called and looked and he was nowhere to be found. My girlfriend Amy called Corey to see if maybe Levi headed home. Sure enough there he was at home. Later I asked him why he left. He said he wanted to ride his bike so he went home. That’s the way it is with him. Once he has made up his mind to do something he sticks to it and does it.

Today we celebrated Levi’s birthday by throwing him a little party. We tie dyed shirts and hit a pinata. Then we opened presents had pizza and then ate cupcakes. It was a beautiful day and the kids loved playing together. It did get a little hot but luckily our neighbors tree provided enough shade for them to sit and eat.

My little boy is growing up. I can’t believe he is going to be in 1st grade come this fall. He is always quick to forgive and very loving. He is always ready for a hug and isn’t grossed out by mommy’s kisses yet. I love him so much. Happy birthday Levi.

gathering the kids for the activity

showing the kids how to tie their shirts

Levi pouring the bleach solution over his shirt

Broken Pinata

Levi opening presents

Levi blowing out his candle on his cupcake

Front view of the tie dyed shirts

Back view of shirts

Jun 27 2011

Summer Thunder Storms

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Karin

Something about the summer I love are the thunderstorms. We have a really nice beautiful day and by four or five o’clock the dark clouds move in and the thunder starts to boom. I like to sit on the porch and smell the fresh rain and watch the lightning. I know not the safest place to be during a thunder storm and I wouldn’t recommend it. This particular day the kids came out with me. It was raining off and on and the lightning was far away. Levi started to dance around and as soon as he did it started to pour. I told him he must have a great rain dance. He just looked at me puzzled. Sophia joined in the dance and they had a great time. I love evenings like this. It’s peaceful and the kids are happy and best of all I’m happy.