Martinez Menagerie

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T14:20:00.001-08:00

Fireworks at the Space Needle, Seattle WA

We spent our New Year's Eve at home enjoying games, movies and food - lot's of food!

A YEAR IN REVIEW:

Gabe turned 16 yrs old. He got braces. He can now date and will learn to drive this year. He's taking Japanese at school.

Sam is now taller than I am. He was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. He likes to play video games and watch tv.

Carly got glasses, matured beyond belief, and continues to do well in school.

I earned my Associates Degree (finally), deal with arthritis in my knee, and serve as the nursery leader in our ward.

Daniel continues to work with Boy Scouts/YM, the ward choir, and officially became the Assistant Chief (and acting Chief) of the Respiratory Care Department of the VA-Puget Sound Healthcare System.

Can't wait to see what the coming year brings our way. Welcome 2012!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T16:40:00.000-08:00

Time again for family pictures! (SAM): "Why do we have to have a family picture?" (GABE): "Why do I need to change out of my pajamas?" (He didn't, I just cropped his PJ bottoms out of the "official" photo! (DANIEL): "Why do I need to be in the picture? Can't we just send out a picture of the kids?" (He took pictures of just the kids while waiting for me to be ready).
It's always such a struggle to get everyone together for a simple photo around the tree... but it has been accomplished!

We tried to get our dog, Rainbow, in the picture, but she wasn't good at smiling on cue. Also, we had to make sure that our new Yoda tree topper was included!
HO-HO-HO!

Soccer Season!

2011-12-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

Another soccer season has come to an end. Gabe and Carly really enjoy the sport and usually play indoor and outdoor soccer. We are proud to watch them play, but it will be nice to have our Saturdays back!

Go UPSC Arsenal! Go UPSC Jaguars!

Zoolights

2011-11-27T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a few years since we went to the Zoolights, and it was really fun to go as a family this year.

Gabe, Sam, Carly.......................................... The Martinez Family

Daniel, Jennie............................ Daniel, Dolores (Grandma Martinez), Linda (Aunt Linda)

Sam and Carlos riding a camel!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

As is our usual tradition, we go to the Spanaway Fantasy Lights on Thanksgiving Day. So, after stuffing ourselves at Aunt Linda and Uncle Jeff's, we piled into the car.

Kitchen Remodel!

2011-11-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love the sound and smell of construction in the morning! Ever since we moved into our house in 2004, I've wanted to remove the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. Today it came down!

We also opened up the wall between the dining room and the living room! Open, airy, light. Love it. Can't wait to do more!

Gabe's Eagle Project

2011-10-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

We're so proud of Gabe -- he's completed his Eagle project! He organized his team and built 24 sawhorses for our local Playground by the Sound building project.
After building the sawhorses, they delivered them to the playground construction site (Doesn't Sam look excited to be involved?). After they were used there, they were donated to Habitat for Humanity. Go, Gabe!

Sam's 50-mile Bike Ride

2011-09-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sam's Boy Scout group has been building up to this big bike ride for months now, and finally it's here. They met very early at 5a, and as you can see are raring to go! (Ha!)
The boys and their leaders rode from Snoqualmie pass to the town of Carnation, all on bike trails. The ride included a 2-mile ride through a dark tunnel, and they were gone for most of the day. Sam was tired when he got home, and didn't give much details (he's not very talkative when it comes to non-video game conversations). But, he completed it! We're very proud of him.

Chambers Bay

2011-08-23T00:07:00.001-07:00

University Place, WA. I'm often quick to criticize because of the lack of sunshine, but it can be breathtakingly beautiful here.

Gabe, Carly and I went for a short outing this weekend at Chambers Bay (our local golf course that has serene views of the Puget Sound and will be home to the 2015 US Open). The Central Meadow is a big park with lots of paths and beach access. The kids had a great time riding their bikes in the warm summer air:

We need to do this more often. Next time I hope there will be a picnic basket involved...

HOT Lake Mead

2011-08-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

We met about 30 of our Vogt (Mack) relatives in Las Vegas this year. It was quite a drive to get there, but so nice to be in the Utah and Nevada sunshine.
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We stayed at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas for a few days. The kids enjoyed the pool and the view. We had to drag them out of the hotel to see a few sites. My favorite event was the Celine Dion concert. I happily went by myself while the rest of the family hung out at the hotel. It was an awesome concert!

Next we moved to Henderson NV to stay at the Fiesta and enjoy the lake. The heat started early in the morning, which meant more lake time for us. The afternoons got to 115 degrees! There were three boats, four jetskis, and a huge lake to swim in.

Here's a short video of Carly being towed on a tube. We were just starting out here, so just relaxing and slow...

We stopped in Salt Lake City on the way back home and enjoyed touring Temple Square.

Leslie's Soft Caramel Popcorn

2011-06-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Since college I've used my roommate's recipe for caramel popcorn -- it's the perfect combination of golden, soft, buttery caramel drizzled over popcorn. Every time I make it, I wonder why I don't make it more.

My roommate, Leslie, is so fun and sweet -- just like the caramel popcorn.

Recently I misplaced the recipe and had to go online for an alternate (OK, I didn't HAVE to, but I was really in the mood for caramel popcorn!). I picked the one that was as close to Leslie's as possible and made it. It was edible, but nowhere close to the gooey goodness of my usual recipe.

I immediately e-mailed Leslie and asked her to re-send me her tried and true formula. This time I'm posting it on my blog, so I'll never lose it again:

Leslie's Gooey Caramel Popcorn

*Pre-pop 4 bags of microwave popcorn and sift out unpopped kernals. Spread on two large baking sheets for mixing. (I use the "movie theatre butter" version -- all that butter flavor and salt goes perfectly well with the caramel. No calorie counting allowed when eating caramel popcorn!)

1 C Sugar
1 C Brown Sugar
1/2 t Cream of Tartar
1/2 C Corn Syrup
1 C Butter
1/4 C Warm Water

Combine the above ingredients and cook on medium low until "softball" stage. (If you like crispier popcorn, cook longer -- "hardball" or "hardcrack". I love it soft.) Add 1 t baking soda, and immediately pour over popcorn. Mix together and enjoy.

Utah Trip

2011-04-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

I took a short little trip to Utah last weekend and was able to spend a lot of quality time with my family.

My parents are raising my three nieces and recently adopted them. Last Saturday they were all sealed in the temple.

It was great to have all of my brothers and sisters there together to help celebrate -- whether or not they were attending the temple sealing. We laughed, we ate, we played games, we ate, we talked, we ate. (See the pattern here?) Didn't get much sleep, but had a wonderful time.

Love you Mom, Dad, Matt, Carrie, Micah, Rebecca, Adam & Jared!

PS: Thanks to my wonderful husband (I don't say that enough) for taking care of business here at home while I was gone!

03/01/11 NVI Science Fair

2011-03-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

Sam and Carly both participated in the Narrows View Intermediate Science Fair this year. Carly's project was comparing speed of a runner, someone on a scooter, and a bicycler.
Sam's project was to see which kind of wax melted faster: Regular, Palm, and Soy.

They came up with the ideas on their own, and just informed me on what they were doing. Science projects are traditionally "helped along" by the parents, but this year I wasn't even asked for my opinion. The impending Science Fair usually provides a lot of stress to my life, but I was able to relax and watch them work! (I only helped by printing pictures for their display boards, and helped time Carly's tests). So I watched them, and kept my thoughts for project improvements to myself. This was not an easy task!

I am a little relieved they are getting old enough to handle these things on their own! I'm sure the time will come when I remember with fondness those days of Science Fair volcanos, and plant projects. But, for now I'm breathing. Breathing. Go Science!

02/25/11 Snowboarding!

2011-02-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Gabe wanted to go snowboarding for his birthday again this year, so we bought him a snowboard (used) and a lift ticket for his birthday in December. He went for his birthday, then again in January. I'm glad he continues to enjoy it.

Today was their final snowboarding trip for the season-- Daniel took Gabe, Carly and Adam Lundquist up to Snowqualmie Summit. Carly got a snowboard lesson, and the boys hung out on the mountain together.

01-20-2011 My Younger Man is 40!

2011-01-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Daniel! So, now you're forty. I keep waiting for you to catch up to me, but I seem to keep aging, too.

The kids and I spirited Daniel away to Great Wolf Lodge for a nice weekend of relaxation and water-park fun. Waterpark, dining, arcade, and relaxation.

Daniel and the kids loved going on the raft and tube rides. Because of my knee problems, I couldn't go up so many stairs, but I loved being in the wave pool, and sitting in the hot tub!

Gabe and Sam's favorite spot was the wave pool.

12-31-10 New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Our stake celebrated the New Year by holding a bash at our YMCA - swimming, classes, climbing wall, volleyball, gymnastics, hot dogs, nachos, fruit. It was really nice to spend time with all the members of the Tacoma Stake. Sam hung out in the pool, Carly hung out with her friends doing everything, and Gabe paced himself on a treadmill in front of a TV. Daniel and I basically socialized with our friends. We really enjoyed being there.

My New Year's Resolutions -- I say Resolution very loosely. Nothing is typed out and pasted to the refrigerator, or anything like that. But, I do think on the past year and resolve (maybe that's a better word) to do better in the coming year: Lose weight, become physically fit and be a more physically active mother, keep a clean house -- organized and purged!, show love more easily to my husband, pay off debts and spend money wisely, hold regular Family Home Evening, read scriptures as a family.

Who knows? Maybe 2011 will the year for me to transform -- into MagnificentMom, WonderousWoman, and SuperSpouse. One can only dream.

Christmas Photos

2010-12-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

So happy I didn't procrastinate taking the Christmas photos this year (well, I didn't wait until Christmas Eve Day, so that was an improvement over last year!).

Carly wanted to have a couple of Christmas Cards printed up just for her friends.

Here are her poses. She had to include her little sister and best friend, Rainbow!

Merry Christmas!

12-02-10 Sam's Band Concert

2010-12-02T22:27:00.000-08:00

Sam plays drums in the NVI Band. We went to his holiday concert tonight. He really enjoyed having his family and Grandma Martinez there.

Harry Potter Fever!

2010-11-25T22:17:00.000-08:00

After spending a lovely day at Aunt Linda & Uncle Jeff's house for Thanksgiving dinner, we headed of to the Pacific Science Center to see the latest Harry Potter Film in IMAX!
Gabe, Carly, Sam, Daniel

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part 1

Back To School - Ricks College/BYUI

2010-11-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a few months since I decided to finish my degree at Ricks College (Now BYU-Idaho), and many years that I've been thinking about it! I went through the application process and finally received my e-mail of acceptance yesterday. I was all excited to get going, but I'm required to complete an online orientation, and the first one available isn't until January 2012. So, now I need to wait.

I look back at my college years with fondness. At the time, it was all about dating, not really about education. I was there to just pass the time until I found a husband! Sad, huh? Oh, what I could have accomplished if I would have had a plan! Here is a picture of me with my roommates my first year of college (1984!):

Karen, Jan, Me, Sandi, Michelle

Here are current pictures of BYUI. It's so much bigger and modern than when I was last there. I still have sleepy dreams about attending college-- not reality, just imagined college life where I don't know where I'm supposed to be, missing classes, getting lost, not remembering a locker combination. It's very stressful in my dreams!

Although I have anxiety about taking classes (specifically, Math!), I'm excited to get going! I don't want those two years of college to be wasted. They need to matter! I'm so close.

Trunk or Treat 2010

2010-10-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

Boo! Halloween was on Sunday this year. We celebrated on Saturday by going to our church's annual Trunk-or-Treat. Hundreds of candies in less than an hour! The kids love it so much that even Sam and Gabe had to get in the action-- too old for Trick-or-Treating, but too young to be out at teenage parties.

I remember going from house to house until midnight with my pillow case full of goodies. Times have changed so much. It's just not safe to let your kids roam to houses of strangers. Thank goodness for all our friends and fellow ward members taking part in the Trunk-or-Treat!

BLAST FROM THE PAST: These are pictures of our little dressed up Treaters in 2003, the first year we moved to Washington. They attended Aunt Linda's Harry Potter Halloween Party and did the normal Trick or Treating rounds!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010 Mother-Daughter Weekend

2010-10-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Day 1: Leave our families in SLC, BOI, SEA and depart for DEN (Note the airport abbreviations -- getting in travel mode)! Find Hyatt - Summerfield Suites and off to Benihanas!

Day 2: Downtown Denver Mint Tour, Shopping, Lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Denver Art Museum, Dinner at Mezcal.

Day 3: LDS Temple Drive-by, Red Rock Amphitheatre, Red Lobster for dinner

Day 4: Shopping, airport, home. Sigh.

Ice-Blocking!

2010-08-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, we go ice-blocking right before the start of a new school year. This year was no exception (although Gabe couldn't make it).

A few families from the ward gathered their blocks of ice at Vassault Park, brought a few refreshments (we are LDS after all!), and watched the kids slide! There were a few of brave adults, but alas, I was not one of them.

Happy Birthday, Sam!

2010-08-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

Thirteen years old! Instead of having a "traditional" party, Sam decided to have an intimate (ha!) dinner with family and just one friend at Red Robin.

Love ya, Sam!

Ward Campout

2010-08-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

Annual tradition! Ward campout at Zions Camp in Belfair WA. Not a lot of members this year, but still a lot of fun!

Gabe swimming.......... Sam hammocking .......... Carly (with Greg & Erica Webb) boating

Since it was Sam's birthday the last day of the campout, we had birthday cake for all on Friday night. Sam loved having the special occasion in his honor!

Gabe and Sam rockin' the dock video

2010 Scout High Adventure

2010-07-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Gabe had the awesome opportunity to go on the Boy Scout High Adventure this year. They went kayaking and camping along the South Puget Sound.

They were in their kayaks every day going from one camp to the next. Gabe would race ahead of the group, then just float and relax. The leaders thought he was asleep. He told me he was just relaxing. They kayaked over 50 miles!

One night they had white salmon for dinner. Gabe said it tasted like steak. He won't try fish, in general, and only likes tuna fish sandwiches or fish sticks. They also had Prime Rib. (Luckily they didn't have to haul their food in the kayaks from camp to camp!)

He had a great adventure!

Budding Volleyball Player

2010-07-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

I loved playing volleyball (when I was younger and in better shape!), and was so excited to see my little one go to a volleyball camp this year! Carly rocks the court!

Lincoln City, OR

2010-07-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy that my kids were able to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Vogt in Oregon! (Thanks Mom and Dad for driving from Utah!)

Payton, Carly, Ari................................... Beach view from the D Sands Motel balcony

Jennie & Dad............................................. Jennie & Daniel

A few of the "Vogt" cousins..................... Grandma Vogt & the cousins

Softball Season

2010-05-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Gabe didn't want to participate in baseball this year, and it's been 3 years since Sam was interested in it. Luckily, our little, sporty Carly was game! She seems to be a natural at most sports, and really enjoyed being on the "Tiger Lily" team this year.

Happy Birthday, Carly!

2010-04-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

Carly turns 10 yrs old! She and her birthday group had a great time bowling, eating, opening presents! Even Dad, Aunt Ruth, and Grandma Martinez got to be included.

Family Home Evening - Bowling!

2010-04-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

The kids and I decided we need a night out for FHE. They still need the bumpers up, but we had a great time! I love to spend time with them. Too bad Daniel had to work!

These are very short videos of each of the kids bowling. Each one ends with a Whoo-Hoo from Mom (you gotta be supportive)!

8th Grade Orchestra

2010-03-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

Gabe loves being in orchestra and playing the violin. He's played for 4 yrs now, so I guess he's happy with it. His Dad and I tried to convince him that band was better, but he was sure that violin was cool! We are very proud of him.

This year the Curtis Jr High orchestra competed in the Mt Hood Festival in Oregon. They had a great time and even stayed overnight!

4th Grade Science Fair

2010-03-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

Carly had a great time this year with the Science Fair. It was required for her to take part, and she did her project on the density of liquids.

Carly with her good friend, Erica. Carly with her favorite teacher, Crabby Curren

Carly - 4th Grade Music Program

2010-02-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

School is winding down, and here is Carly in her 4th Grade Music program at Chambers Primary School.

Grandma Martinez, Carly, Proud Daddy

Snow-Boarding: Lesson 2

2010-02-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

I stayed at Summit Central with the boys while they had their lesson (and finished reading the 1st Percy Jackson book!), while Daniel took Carly to the Tubing Center. They had a great time.

Sam decided he wasn't ready for the chair lift, so he stayed on the beginning slope and practiced.

Gabe found a friend from class and they were having a blast on their boards. Here they are on the chair lift.

Here's a video of Gabe snow-boarding. He falls a lot at first, but gets a good ride at the end. Looking forward to Lesson 3!

Valentine's Dance

2010-02-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

Our stake had an adult Valentine's Dance. It was fun to go and try and re-create our dance moves from the eighties! Me and my Valentine:

Snow-Boarding: Lesson 1

2010-01-29T14:04:00.000-08:00

Gabe's birthday present was snowboarding lessons. The Summit at Snowqualmie has a special EZ 2 Learn package that includes 3 lessons, gear, and lift passes. Gabe invited Sam, and here they are for their first lesson:

We arrived early, so they messed around for a while on the "bunny slope" before their lesson. It was pretty cool, and had a kind of flat escalator to get the skiers back up to the top.

Once they started the lesson, the instructor taught them how to get back up when they fall, let them go down the learning hill a few times, then took them over to the chair lift! I know they were nervous, but excited. Daniel and I hung out by the fire pit, watched a little of their lesson, then moved on to read in the "lodge" area.

Can't wait to see how much they improve after lesson number two!

Gabe turns 14 years old!

2009-12-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

Gabe decided to have his birthday dinner at Red Robin this year (he loves the tower of onion rings), and will be going snowboarding soon to celebrate his 14th birthday.
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On the way home from dinner, we talked about the day he was born-- how we planned to name him Daniel Robert (D.R.), and it was only the night before his scheduled c-section that we changed it to Gabriel Ty Martinez. I told him how he ate all the time, how he spit up all the time, how he had night terror, and how he loved to sleep on my chest and would cry if I put him down in his crib.

1997

Now he's fourteen years old! That means I'm fourteen years older, too. I'm no longer a newlywed and having my first child. I have a fourteen-yr-old son! I can't believe he's grown up so fast. He has man-hair on his legs! NOOOOOO....

2001

I remember when he cried because he had to give up his binky, when he would watch Barney videos one after the other, when he was so helpful toddling over to get diapers for his new baby brother, and how much he loved to be rocked to sleep.

2004

How quickly the time goes. Two more years and he'll be driving. Four more years and he'll be graduating. How long before I have grandchildren? Grandchildren. I'm not ready for that. I still feel young inside. I'm still adjusting to motherhood, getting to know my husband, and planning our future together.
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2006

I am so blessed to have Gabe as my son. He is bright, comedic, sensitive and challenging. I look forward to sharing every joy, hardship, and milestone he'll let me be a part of in his future life.

2009

We love you -- Happy Birthday, Gabe!

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

December has been a busy month as usual. Just weeks after our tri-ward Super Saturday, we had our Relief Society Christmas dinner. As the 2nd counselor, I get to plan all the parties (with lots and lots of help -- especially from our Enrichment leader, Julie Wells). I am blessed to serve with these friends, and love the example they are to me. Here is a picture of our hard-working presidency:

Melanie DelToro, Sherida Bird, Jeannette Hill, Me

We also had a Ward Christmas party, and the kids didn't mind posing with Santa. Well, they didn't mind posing. Notice they're not really showing him the love...

Carly, Sam, Santa, Gabe............................. Carly and her good friend, Alyssa

I once again procrastinated with taking our Christmas picture, and we were doing our traditional pose in front of the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve morning! I quickly downloaded the one picture that wasn't hideous, and our Christmas cards were picked up at Costco that afternoon. Thank you, Costco. You're awesome.

Next year, things will be different. I vow to plan ahead! To be organized! To do my Christmas card 2 weeks before Christmas-- or at least 2 days before Christmas.

Daniel, Sam, Gabe, Carly, Jennie

We spent Christmas Eve at our house with Aunt Ruth and Grandma Martinez. It was nice to have them here for the holiday. Ruth made a lovely meal, and the kids really enjoyed opening the wonderful gifts from them-- the highlight of their season!

Ruth & Sam ........................................Arthur & Dolores

A friend of mine shared one of her family traditions with me, and this year we incorporated it into our Christmas Eve activities. We each wrote down what our gift to God would be during the upcoming year. Without reading each other's, we put the papers into a Christmas box. Next year, we'll re-read what our 2010 gifts were, as we again celebrate our Savior's birth. My hope is that every year we'll add new gifts, and try to keep the real spirit of Christmas alive all year long.

"He whose birth we commemorate this season is more than the symbol of a holiday. He is the Son of God, the creator of the earth, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, and Redeemer of mankind, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace..." -- Gordon B Hinckley

The Spirit of Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving at Grandma Martinez's house this year. Ruth did all the cooking! Yeah! All I had to provide was pies and rolls. Ahhhh. My kind of Thanksgiving...

Our tradition is to go see the Christmas lights at Spanaway Park on Thanksgiving night. It's fun to get bundled up and drive through the display while sipping on hot chocolate and listening to Christmas music.

The season of Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for so many things... my hard-working husband and the love he has for me, my children who love to spend time with me and entertain me on a daily basis, the home we have to gather in, to sleep warmly in, and to play together in, my extended family who offer love and support, my job which helps to make a dent in our credit card debt, and the peace and love I feel when I think of my Heavenly Father and his love for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Boo!

2009-10-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

The kids are getting older, but they still enjoy dressing up for Halloween!

We went to the school Trunk or Treat, the church Trunk or Treat, to Grandma Martinez's house, and they went to the houses in our neighborhood.

Cool carved pumpkins, huh?

Gabe: Mario, Carly: Cleopatra, Sam: Skeleton Archer

Blast from the past: Jennie, Matt and Carrie Vogt at Halloween - some time in the 70's! I think Carrie still has this Raggedy Ann costume. She loves costumes and has quite a collection.

Soccer Season

2009-10-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Carly and Gabe really enjoyed soccer this year! Carly learned a lot on her team. She's a real hustler. She and one of her best friends, Erica, played on the same team -- The University Place Soccer Club JAGUARS.

Gabe's been on the same team for the last few years: The University Place Soccer Club ARSENAL. He continues to grow in his skills and really excells at being a defender. He always seems to be dancing on the field, and says it helps him focus on the game!

Mother/Daughter Weekend in San Diego

2009-10-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Once a year, my Mom and sisters and I meet for a special weekend. Just the girls. No kids. No husbands. No TV. No work. We look for airline specials, hotel deals, and rental car coupons, and PLAN. Four family's calendars are researched, and we make a decision. The location has to be somewhere on the west coast (we don't want to waste this precious time just traveling!), and we try to stretch it to 3 nights.

This year, Mom picked San Diego. It was so sunny when we all arrived at the airport. Ahhhhhhh. Sunglasses were a must, and flip-flops appropriate.

I love flip-flops. They are the summer. They are tanned feet and legs. They are pedicured feet...

We spent our first full day at Del Mar beach. It was nice to just "be", with the sound of waves in the background. Carrie and Rebecca fit right in as Southern California babes...

For lunch we moved on to Mission Beach at Belmont Park, had lovely mexican food, and investigated the beach shops.

We met up with the rest of the family, ate dinner at The Mexican Cafe in Old Towne, then went on to a performance of The Lion King. The Civic Theatre was beautiful, and the musical memorable. (Thanks, Mom!)

The next day we went to the Swap Meet (wouldn't recommend it -- mostly garage sale-type stuff), and (surprise!) out to eat. I love going out to eat. Here we are in front of the restaurant.

Front row: Aunt Janice, Mom, Elizabeth & Brooklyn, Rebecca, Jaylynn;

Back row: Me, Carrie, and Elisha

It was fun to spend time together, catching up, cracking jokes, playing games, eating, and talking, talking, talking. As usual, I lost a little sleep on this trip.

Worth it. Way worth it.

09/06/09 Mt St Helens

2009-09-06T00:52:00.000-07:00

When we first moved to Washington in 2003, Daniel and I took a drive to see Mount St Helens while the kids were with Aunt Linda for the weekend. Here is a picture of Daniel in 2003, and both of us this year:

We wanted the kids to see it, and finally had a "family day" to visit the National Volcanic Monument at Johnston Ridge Observatory.

Although the kids complained about how long the drive was, how much time they were "wasting", and how they would rather be at home playing video games, I think they enjoyed it.

Going home!

08/28/09 Ward Campout

2009-08-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

We love to go to the Ward Campout every year at Zion's Camp. This year we had one sunny day, and the kids we able to play in the lake. The second night it was cold and rainy, but we still had a lot of fun with our Ward friends.

Nicole and Carly, Gabe and Sam

WASHJAM 2009

2009-08-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Jamboree was held at Fort Lewis here in Tacoma. It was a great opportunity for Gabe, Sam and Daniel to experience something this special. Since it was held so soon after Boy Scout Camp, our Troop just went up on Sunday, 08/23/09.

Thousands of Youth and Leaders from the whole Puget Sound area joined together. Elder Perrin Walker and other area leaders were in attendance. Sacrament Meeting was held, and each Pack made their own dinner before an evening Fireside.

August 7, 2009 Sam Turns Twelve!

2009-08-07T23:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sam!

I can't believe he's already twelve years old and passing the sacrament at church. It's such a transition to go from Primary to Young Men, and he's rising to the challenge.

Sam and his friends Jacob, and Alex (and Gabe)

This year he invited a few friends to see the movie "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen", then we went for pizza at Round Table. It was a nice, laid-back celebration.

We love having Sam in our family, and appreciate his willingness to laugh and celebrate!

Hot in Los Angeles

2009-07-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

We spent our vacation this year in Los Angeles. Aunt Ruth sent for us, and let us stay at her place for a week! The kids are such good traveler's now that they're older. It's (almost) like traveling with adults! They had their i-Pods and Game Boys, and stayed entertained the whole flight.

Arrrrrrgh -- We were pirates for a night!

We were treated like celebrities at Universal Studios,

Cooled off at Raging Waters in San Dimas,

and played in the surf at Newport Beach. We walked Balboa Pier, and checked out the shops. I remember a lot of beach trips when I was little -- that was when the Penny Arcade actually used pennies (ok, maybe nickels). My parents always got a cup of chowder at The Crab Cooker.

Some of Daniel's and my highlights include In-N-Out Burger, El Pollo Loco, Don Jose's, D'Elias Grinders, and Wienerschnitzel!

Oh, the memories...(excuse the drool).

We saw lots of family, and generally relaxed in the sunshine!

Ahhh, The Golden State... you still seem like home.

July 2009 Boy Scout Camp

2009-07-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Boy Scout Camp was again held this year at Camp Hahobas.

It started out uneventful, then one of our Troop's scouts got lost. Yep, we were one of those news stories you hear about... Our scout found an abandoned campsite and was able to make it on his own through the night. A helicopter and Search and Rescue volunteers looked all night long. In the morning he hiked to someone's house and called his parents! Wow! We were so relieved. There were a lot of prayers being said that night.

After the drama, the boys continued on with the camp's scheduled activities.

I think Gabe could have won an award for dirtiest feet. Gross.

06/27/09: A Sunny Day in Westport, WA

2009-07-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

When sunny weather comes our way, we need to take advantage of it and head to the beach! So, this time we tried somewhere we've never been-- Westport:

I was amazed at how many surfers there were at this beach (in their wetsuits, of course!). It was fun to watch them. There were hundreds of sand dollars, and Carly and I found a lot of very smooth little, beautiful rocks.

It was the weekend for Pirate Days, and they had a lot of cool outdoor booths and food stands. The snow cones were wonderful, Sam tried his first frozen banana on a stick, and I picked the homemade donuts. Yum!

Adam & Berni Jo - Married 06/05/09!

2009-07-02T00:07:00.001-07:00

My brother Adam and his bride, Berni Jo!

I was so happy to have the opportunity to see my brother get married in Utah last month. The only disappointment was that I couldn't bring the whole family with me... It was such a quick weekend, that it would have been miserable to drive to Utah for just one day, then drive back.

It was a great party, complete with dinner, dancing, and a candy "bar" -- full of M&M's, cotton candy, mints, jelly bellies, rock candy!

Patrick & Marcia Vogt (parents of the groom), Micah & Jenny Vogt (my brother and his bride), Me and my sister, Rebecca. We were each other's dates since we both left our families at home.

My brother, Matt and his wife, Paula. My brother, Jared (with one of his daughters, Peyton)-- Adam's Best Man. My sister, Carrie, with one of her daughters, Alexi. Aren't they both beautiful?

I love this picture of my Mom and Dad because they both seem playful. I hardly ever see my Dad being playful... and no wedding can be complete without the Chicken Dance...

CONGRATULATIONS Adam & Berni!

05/15/09 Father & Sons Campout

2009-06-10T00:38:00.001-07:00

Our Stake had it's annual Father & Sons campout at Zion's Camp. The boys loved fishing, and can't wait for the Ward campout this summer so it will be warm enough to swim!

05/08/09 Laundry Room Project

2009-06-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

We finally were able to finish laying the laminate flooring-- a project we began in 2005! (I don't think it really needed to acclimate for THAT long!) We started in the entry, hall and dining room... last year did the kitchen... and just finally finished in the laundry room/office!

OK, it wasn't JUST flooring that took us that long. First, my Dad and Daniel built a dividing wall in 2005... Then we recently had someone set up the sewer, water, and electrical to be able to move the washer/dryer...

Then we painted... and since there was no flooring yet, everyone helped out! Love that $5.00 can of "oops" paint from Home Depot!

Finally time to start laying the floor! Add new trim, electrical outlets, and blinds, and we can move the desks and computers back in. Ahhhhhhhh.

We still need to install cabinets and countertop... maybe in 2011! Slow and steady wins the race, right?

04/24/09 It's a Hannah Montana Birthday Party!

2009-06-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

Carly turned 9 years old! She invited a few friends to come over for playtime and cake right after school.

Then we all headed to see the Hannah Montana movie. I must say, that I even enjoyed the music! Here are the girls in the bathroom before the movie started.

To finish off the event, we all went to eat at El Toro Restaurant. The girls had a great time, and Carly LOVED having them all for the celebration! Happy Birthday, Carly!!!

03/27/09 A Close Call

2009-06-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

Gabe and some neighborhood kids made the poor choice to run around the neighborhood and shoot at each other with pellet guns! Gabe got hit in the eye and came in the house with watering eyes telling me that his vision was blurry. When the white of his eye started getting red, I knew we'd better go to the doctor. Urgent care wasted no time sending us to the ER at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.

Gabe and I spent hours in the emergency room hoping that his eyesight wouldn't be permanently gone. Gabe was just getting over a cold, and couldn't breathe through his nose, so when they gave him an IV with medicine to put him to sleep, he almost stopped breathing! They gave him medicine to wake him back up, put him on oxygen and a heart monitor, and he was fine as they continued to run tests. They did an MRI to determine if there was anything left in his eye -- no. They continuously monitored the bleeding inside his eye to see if it was disapating -- it was.

Gabe spent most of his time asleep as it was the middle of the night by this point. When we were finally released from the hospital, Gabe had to wear an eye patch to school for a week. I think he sort of enjoyed everyone calling him a pirate! We had disposable patches, so he would draw weird eyes on the outside each day.

It took an urgent care visit, an emergency room visit, six eye doctor/specialists visits, four prescriptions, and eight weeks of healing, but his eyesight is back. He's been released to full activity again! Many friends and family fasted and prayed for him, and we are so thankful that Gabe's vision is back. The doctors think we are very lucky, but we know we are very blessed! Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!

The Lion King - Seattle

2009-03-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

We went with Grandma Martinez and Aunt Ruth to see Disney's musical, "The Lion King" last weekend. It was amazing to see all the costumes (they really stole the show), although the singing was top notch, too! Here is a copy of our program and ticket stubs:

We sat in the highest mezzanine of the beautifully classic, sold-out Paramount Theatre in Seattle, and the kids really enjoyed it. Gabe, however, tried to stay cool and disinterested the whole time-- kept his headphones on the whole way there, during intermission, and on the way back. Teenagers! We weren't allowed to take any photos of the performance, but here are two shots I downloaded from http://www.broadway.com/:

I think the production goes to Las Vegas next-- Why not take a trip and check it out?

Ice Fishing in Utah

2009-02-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

Our family spent last week in Utah. Daniel and Grandpa Vogt took the boys ice fishing.

Daniel and Gabe all bundled up in their snow gear!

Sam and Grandpa waiting for a bite. It was cold but sunny, and the rays reflected off the snow to give all the boys very interesting sunburn marks on their faces!

I was officially in Utah to help out at my parent's house -- organizing, de-cluttering, etc (14 bags donated to DI!). But, while the boys were basking in the sun, and Carly was spending some time with her Frixione cousins, the girls were able to spend a day together. Mom, Rebecca, Carrie and I went through the open house at the Draper UT temple, shopped at IKEA, and had a fun dinner at Timpanyaki.

Thanks to Carrie for taking the day off from her Mortgage business to spend the day with us, thanks to Rebecca for leaving her kids and travelling from Boise, and thanks to Mom for giving me the opportunity to have a little vacation and earn some money! It was nice for me to stay with my Mom and Dad and be the child again, and leave the cares of my actual life behind for a week!

Snow Better Time for Winter Break!

2009-01-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

I've only been in Washington for 6 winters, but there hasn't been this much snow ever before (you know, since we've lived here). The kids had 3 snow days even before their Christmas (eh-hem, I mean, Winter) break began from school. Since our front yard is steep, the neighborhood kids loved it, and made a great path for sledding and snow-boarding.

Gabe's 13th birthday was on 12/28, and he wanted to go snow boarding or snow tubing as a family. (Yea! He still wants to spend time with us!) It was much cheaper to do the tubing, so we headed up to Snoqualmie and did a 2-hr session with the rope tow. The kids had a blast!

On News Year's Day we went to the Pacific Science Center. My favorite part was buying caramel popcorn from a vendor outside!

Merry Christmas 2008!

2008-12-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

Come on! It's already the 19th. We HAVE to get this Christmas photo done! Everybody is going to be in this Christmas picture! Hurry up! Put on any red shirt you have... No, Daniel, it's going to be a family picture. WE have to be in it, too. No, we AREN'T going to just use the family picture from our August vacation.

OK, I have a fun idea. Let's try and get our heads together as close as possible, then Dad and I will be kissing the end kids. It's not gross. It will be fun! Ok. Our lips look weird.

Let's try just a regular group pose. Hmmmm.... I'm not sure about that. I have to look good, too, right? And why does our wall look like two different colors?

Let's take one of just the kids, just in case. Yep, that's the one! OK, everyone can change into their snow clothes and go back outside to play. Don't we have beautiful kids? Now, what to do next year? Everyone in antlers?

In Memory of Maxine Mack

2008-12-21T21:52:00.000-08:00

Born 03/30/1917 Died 10/27/2008

After my Grandpa died, Grandma moved to Texas where her oldest daughter lives. My earliest solid memory of Grandma Mack is visiting her in Texas when I was small. She had a lot of puzzles, games and books for all her grandkids, and made peanut butter candy for us to eat. While I was a teenager, she lived near us in Idaho. She looked forward to having me sleepover at her house. I would help her organize her food storage, then we'd play games. She loved to make breakfast for us the next morning. She was always up for a good time, and loved to do crafts.

The last years of her life, she lived back in California. My Aunt Janice and her family spent a lot of time with her, and took great care with her. This is a picture of me and my Grandma the last time I saw her. While we were vacationing in California in August, I was able to go visit her in the hospital.

For the funeral, Rebecca and I were able to fly to California a little early and help organize some of her belongings. It was nice to have that time with Rebecca. I feel even closer to her now that we went through that experience together. It was great to reconnect with Janice and her family, too. I forgot how much fun it is to be around Janice. I miss having her in my life. Going through Grandma's things helped me realize how much we all meant to her. She saved everything I made for her, and every picture!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

2008-10-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

The sun peeked out long enough for us to go to Spooner Farms in Puyallup, WA

The kids, of course, wanted the biggest (and most expensive) pumpkins!
Daniel told them if they can carry it, they can get it. Which one to choose...

While Daniel, Sam and Carly went through the corn maze, Gabe, Dolores and I found the goodies--
caramel popcorn and apples, roasted corn on the cob, hot chocolate.

Soccer Season!

2008-10-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Carly is on the "Blue Lightening" team, and Gabe is on the "Arsenal".

Carly and Sam love to support Gabe by watching his games...

if there are snacks and entertainment! GO TEAM!

Mother/Daughter Weekend

2008-09-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Our Mother/Daughter weekend this year was in Boise. We attended the Deseret Book's Time Out For Women (Mom's treat)...

Rafted the Payette River (another treat from Mom!)... Met Micah & Jenny for lunch...

and played games 'till all hours of the night.

As usual, we all talked and laughed, stayed up late, ate wonderful food (thanks for all the goodies, Carrie!), soaked in the hot tub, and enjoyed each other's company. It was a wonderful weekend!

Ward Campout

2008-08-30T13:12:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was spent at our annual Ward Campout at Zion's Camp.

The kids loved playing in the lake and eating S'mores.

It was great to have some time with our friends in the ward. Daniel loves to get out the camping supplies, and cooked a great dutch oven dinner!

Disney Vacation 2008

2008-08-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

Day one of our drive to Southern California. We're energetic and excited for our Disney vacation!

When we arrived in Southern California, we went to Medieval Times. Sam got knighted, and we ate everything our serving wench brought us with our fingers while we cheered on the Green Knight!

Here we are boarding The Disney Magic on our cruise to the Mexican Riviera.

Carly loved being in the Oceaneer's Club, and also got her hair braided. She had a great time, and made a lot of new friends.

Sam had his 11th birthday while on board. He loved the pool and the ocean at the resort in Puerto Vallarta.

Gabe spent a lot of time in Disney Quest -- hanging out with the teenagers!

Dolores treated us to the cruise, and it was great to have the time with her and Aunt Ophie!
With the kids so busy with their club activities, Daniel and I had some time alone, too.

Our 4th Disney Cruise - AWESOME! I can't believe they made us get off the ship after only 7 days! Who's going to lay chocolate on my pillow at night? Who's going to prepare gourmet food for us? How can we survive without our nightly entertainment?

After the cruise, it was time to spend some time in Southern California - Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland!

Carly and Daniel loved all the roller coasters. The rest of us enjoyed the more traditional rides. Too bad "It's a Small World" was closed for renovations...

Here we are on Splash Mountain. I'm in my "happy place", Sam is crying, Gabe is hiding, and Daniel and Carly are loving it!

Daniel and Carly driving in Autopia... Carly thought the cars weren't fast enough.

I remember going to Knott's when I was little and panning for gold. I had my little vile full of gold flakes for years... these days they just get 5-6 tiny "nuggets".

It was a very welcome vacation: The cruise was relaxing and luxurious, and the parks were exciting and tiring... Can we do it again next year?

Pacific Science Center

2008-07-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

Here are some highlights from a recent visit-- Pacific Science Center, Seattle:

Thanks for the membership, Aunt Ruth!

Carly's Ears

2008-07-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Carly had to wait until she turned eight to get her ears pierced. Here she is "in the chair" trying to be brave.

She picked cute little multi-color gemstones in the shape of a daisy.

All done, and no tears! She can't wait to coordinate earrings with outfits... Uh-oh, she'll want more earrings!

04/25/08 Carly's Baptism

2008-05-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Carly -8 yrs old and baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Thanks for all who helped us celebrate! We appreciate the time and expense you went through to get to Washington!

Cub Scout Blue & Gold Dinner

2008-03-22T11:31:00.001-07:00

March 2008: Sam decorated this cake for his Cub Scout Blue & Gold dinner. He even melted the chocolate for the scout medalion all by himself.

Bathroom Remodel

2008-03-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Before

During After

March 2008: We are so excited about the remodeling that has happened in our main bathroom. New travertine, toilet, fixtures, vanity, and we added a window!

Christmas 2007

2008-03-10T19:38:00.001-07:00

We had snow on Christmas Day! It didn't stay very long, but the kids were scraping snow off the car to get enough for snowballs!

Halloween 2007

2008-03-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2007 - The kids were very specific about their costumes this year. Thank you Aunt Ruth for sewing Gabe's Link costume!

Couple Time

2008-03-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

It was so relaxing on the cruise to Alaska. Just Daniel and I made it even more special! LOVED getting on the ship in Seattle, and not having to fly!

New Blog

2008-03-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our family's new blog. We hope this will help you feel part of our family, and updated on what's happening with us!