What a Productive Day

Yesterday started off pretty normal as I headed off to work at 6:30 am. In fact, the day was going pretty normal until Michelle sent me a text message telling my that Grandma and Grandpa Petersen were coming down to help us with work around the house. I had just signed up to work a double when I received this text message so I quickly called back and removed my self from the work schedule. That's when the day went into overdrive.

Michelle had already been busy chopping down the sucker branches and cleaning up the lilac bushes in the back yard. I went up on the roof and fixed the swamp cooler pads so that it wouldn't leak into our house. Next was work on the new bicycles we found at the DI. I still need a tire for Michael's bike but we'll try to find one off another bike at DI.

Michelle was prepared with a list of tasks and jobs for us to accomplish during this work spree. After fixing the bikes I checked the list for the next job. The Petersens arrived and went straight to work. Grandma Petersen started with (finishing) painting the kitchen while Grandpa Petersen started on the vehicle maintenance. We replaced the gas filter on the suburban and the oil filter and a windshield wiper blade on the Geo. Next we did a quick adjustment on the lawnmower, planned a small electrical upgrade for the basement and evaluated needs for several other projects. Of course we had to make the obligatory trip to the store to get needed parts for the afore mentioned tasks. Michelle keep the family running while Grandma finished the painting in the kitchen. We had a dinner break for spaghetti, green beans and orange jello.

Grandma and Grandpa Petersen had to head back home before it got too late but we were able to take advantage of the extra help to get a lot of small tasks completed. After they left I was still able to get in a small exercise session. After a quick shower we were able to go to bed feeling very good about the tasks we were able to accomplish yesterday.

Grandma and Grandpa Petersen, thank you so much for your help!

Barrus Family Reunion 2010

We had the wonderful privilege of attending the Barrus family reunion in Blackfoot, ID. Great-Grandpa Barrus' health is not what it used to be so, with some encouragement from Grandma Petersen, we decided to attend this event. So Friday morning we packed up the suburban and we headed for Idaho.

The boys were very excited about the trip, probably because it was going to be an opportunity to see their cousin Devin Boel. I don't think they knew much more about the trip or even cared. We stopped in Brigham City where we met the Boel children, Uncle Kyle and Grandma and Grandpa Petersen. Devin jumped in with us and the 3 girls jumped in with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Kyle (Aunt Melissa decided to stay home with Lydia and her newborn, Aldin).

We finished the 4+ hour trip eagerly anticipating the tin foil dinners that we had prepared only to discover that the traditional camp fire was not lit! So a quick stop at McDonald's and that mishap was remedied. We arrived at the park and the kids disappeared as the adults pitched camp. The reunion was already underway with family stories, skits and such being presented.

The traditional camp fire was finally lit but we had already eaten so we just enjoyed an evening sitting by the fire, after putting the boys to bed around 10:00 pm. The night was very windy once we decided to settle down and sleep. Michelle was afraid the tent would blow away with us inside (probably like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz). But we survived, albeit very tired in the morning. The following video and pictures are just a few highlights of the our Saturday:

(Michelle and our family tree)

(family picture with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Barrus)

(The kids pause during family picture time)

(A visit a Barrus grave site)

(A visit to a Denney grave site)

(Independence Day celebrations with the Petersens)

(Michelle playing too)

(Our humble grand finale!)

Father and Sons Campout

We had a wonderful campout up near Grantsville. We joined Grandpa Petersen and Uncle Kyle on their ward's fathers and sons campout. The boys had a great time being able to run around just about anywhere they wanted.

When we first arrived at camp Grandpa Petersen and Uncle Kyle had already set up the wall tent so we just had to move our stuff in. David found a lizard in the rocks around the fire pit and tried to get the lizard to voluntarily crawl onto his hand. It was less-successful.

The ward was providing dinner so we hurried along to get some grub. The boys at a little bit but apparently they weren't too impressed by the hot dogs and hamburgers that had been prepared. I felt good just getting them to eat a little bit before they were off to more exciting aspects of camping.

The boys congregating around the dart games. The magnetic dart game wasn't as appealing to everyone so my boys were able to squeeze their way into the gaming arena. The real darts had a constant line and it would take hours for them to finally get their chance to play.

After exhausting the various activities at the ward camp site we headed down the road for a little privacy and quiet while we did our campfire. We roasted a few marshmallows for smores before bedtime.

They boys were pretty tired by the time is was dark (after 10 pm) so they didn't fuss too much about getting ready for bed.

The boys must have really been tired because we were still able to sleep until after 7 am! What a relaxing camping trip this was.

After breakfast (which the ward provided and my boys didn't even touch; a mix of eggs, hash browns, bacon, and biscuit) we headed back to pack up camp and head home. When we arrived we discovered a new roommate. Apparently this was a first for everyone but it was fun to see this bird up close.

We had a wonderful time, beautiful weather, great campfire, fun games and just a good all-around experience for everyone!

Father and Sons Campout

I’m not sure how I missed this memo about the Father and Sons annual camp-out. After all my years as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I didn’t realize that every May we have a Father and sons campout to commemorate the restoration of the Priesthood.

This year our ward had to cancel our campout due to a lack of participation. But my brother-in-law’s ward didn’t cancel their campout. In fact, their entire stake went to the same camping area for their annual campout! Actually, I think there were about 4 stakes that all went to the same camping spot! Once we actually arrived it was quite crazy with the number of trucks, suburbans, campers and trailers that were caravanning the single lane, unpaved, windy road to this church sponsored campground (we know it was church sponsored because there were senior missionaries guarding the entrance where everyone checked in).

Well, Michelle “just happened” to be talking to her brother and discovered that their campout was this weekend. That’s when the idea starting brewing in her head and the conspiracy developed. As it turned out, Dad Petersen was going to attend this father and sons campout with Jared (Michelle’s brother) and his boys. So Michelle deduced that Mom would be there with Tosha & Melissa in Logan while all the boys would be camping: Girls Night!

So the next thing I know, we are packing our suburban with all of our camping gear in preparation for a father and sons campout. Yes, that means that I would be taking 4 of my 5 boys camping by myself!!! How hard could that be???


Michelle armed us with plenty of hot dogs for dinner (the stake was providing breakfast for everyone!). And with our tent, sleeping bags and a change of clothes we were ready to go.

RAIN! While we acknowledged that rain was in the forecast I wasn’t expecting 12 solid hours of rain during our 12 hours of campout. It started raining from the moment we arrived at camp around 5:30 pm and didn’t stop raining until about 5:30 am! So we set up the tent in the rain, built a fire in the rain, cooked and ate dinner in the rain, roasted marshmallows and had smores in the rain, found lost boys in the rain, got ready for bed in the rain and the retired for the evening in the rain.




But one thing is for sure, it takes more than cold rain to dampen the spirits of 4 young boys in the wilderness with a live campfire! My boys unloaded half a mountain of rocks into the nearby river (there is something about a splash) while I set up camp. These same boys delighted in igniting wet wood in the fire to watch it burn or smoke (we probably should have been more strict about playing with fire but we figured everything was wet so what’s the harm). And the boys were with their cousins so that is always a treat.





The rain did give us a small reprieve, just about long enough to eat our dinner and roast some marshmallows.



The rain turned to snow around 3:00 am (or so I’m told). Aleky and Michael both woke up in the middle of the night with concerns that I was able to resolve (after which they were tucked by snuggly in their sleeping bags). We had trace snow on our tent and were about 75 feet below the snow line in the morning.

Apparently wet wood doesn't burn very well and it was quite a feat getting the fire started in the morning.

With so many people to feed in the damp, cold morning, breakfast didn’t turn out quite like we planned. But with a break in the rain we quickly packed up all the wet gear and “packed” the suburban for the return trip home. We are still recovering for the wetness of this trip but it was a good experience. I suspect that the rain and cool weather helped me keep track of my boys because they were never too far away from the fire. Had everything been “ideal” I may have lost a boy or two before the camping was finished. (just sayin’)

We returned to Jared’s house and the boys immediately found the toys and the movie (I think my boys are addicted to video stimulation, any video and they get sucked in). But we had a good visit and then it was time to head home. Kyle had to get back to school work and other obligations.

Mother's Day

Mothers Day has been a great experience for our family this year.

This morning I woke up to get a head start on the day. I whipped up a little breakfast for Michelle. Before I brought it to her in bed I had the boys all run in a give her a kiss and wish her a “Happy Mother’s Day!”

The boys quickly ate their breakfasts and then got ready for church. We made it to church on time which is always a great way to start the day. Things were going pretty good until we looked at the program…and began to notice something very peculiar. The primary children were NOT on the program! How can you celebrate mothers without having the kids involved? A question we are still pondering…

The talks were about women and both speakers did a good job of extolling the virtues of womanhood. The boys were remarkably reverent which made things so nice. After Sacrament meeting was over the boys are quickly headed up to primary on their own. There were not flowers and acknowledgements to all the mothers…just a little strange. However, before the end of the meeting block the women were given a (No, it wasn’t a flower or even a chocolate bar) tomato plant! I guess nothing says mom like a tomato plant (which should have already been planted if you want a good harvest of tomatoes). At least they did something. I was getting al little worried there.

Michelle has, once again, gone above and beyond the call of duty. Yesterday she made several batches of bread. Oh no, not for our family…these special loaves were to be given several of the special women in the ward who have been of particular inspiration to Michelle as mothers (or mother figures). Michelle spent the next couple of hours delivering these loaves and visiting with several of our senior sister neighbors. As it turns out, a couple of these visits were very well timed and needed. I am always so amazed at Michelle’s sensitivity to the Spirit.

Already considered a successful day we are finishing our preparations for a fabulous Sunday dinner of roast, mashed potatoes and corn when we get a call; Michelle’s parents are going to stop by and visit! How amazing cool is that and what an unexpected surprise! Could our day be any better?

I made a quick trip to visit my mother and to wish her a happy mother’s day. I headed back home once she began to receive phone calls from the other siblings who also wanted to wish her a happy mother’s day. I arrived home to discover Michelle’s parents who had just arrived. The boys were all over this visit from Grandma and Grandpa Petersen (mostly Grandpa Petersen).

We are so blessed! Happy Mother’s Day Michelle! We all love you.

Thanksgiving with the Family

We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and we look forward all year to each opportunity to gather together with our extended family. The Petersen's side of the family has quite a few cousins who are all very close in age. Each time we get together the cousins will do everything together and they go non-stop until the late hours of the day. While cooking a Thanksgiving meal that comes in handy since all of the kids stay occupied. I find it quite amazing how few accidents and crying actually occur with so many little children in such close proximity for an extended period of time.

In any case, we had a fabulous Thanksgiving meal hosted at Aunt Melissa's house this year. We created a table for the kids and most of the cousins (3 families represented - Boels, Joneses, Kims) were able to fit. Now eating was not a high priority item for the kids (especially my boys) but they stayed put because they had to wait for their cousins to continue playing.

These kids were found hanging around.

Cynthia heads up the nail decorating activity while the mommies work on dinner.

Parent enforced curfew, the boys decide to camp out in the family room so they can all be together.

My boys discover the Nerf cannon. They set up a sniper nest at the bottom of the stairs.

We had a very enjoyable time visiting with family. We certainly appreciate the Boels for allowing all of us to visit their home and share in their hospitality.

One Step Closer to a Working Bathroom

We are making progress on our bathroom sink. Grandpa Petersen has completed the steel frame (designed to hold up to our boys vigorous activities). He's also added the front and side panels. He came down to install the frame in our bathroom so we could finish adding the tile to the top and install the sink.

The next step was to add the counter-top. The boys were very excited to help add weight so that the counter-top could be secured to the frame. They were very patient and I worked in that small space to screw the frame and the counter-top together.

The next step is to determine exactly where the sink goes, cut out the sink hole and then tile the counter-top.

Family Reunion (part 4)

This morning there was a somber mood among all the kids. I think they knew that their time together was coming to an end. Of course it may have just been the cooler mountain air and overcast skies and the fact that the fire had been put out by the rain. But this morning the kids did everything together. You couldn't separate them.

The first activity of the day was to try and get the fire started again. I think the chances for success would have been greater had the matches actually lit when you struck them. We finally resorted to using a lighter.

The camping experience was starting to wear on some of the kids. Katie hadn't had a shower in days and this was a real problem. Most of the other kids didn't seem to mind missing that important aspect of civilization.

Aaron seemed to be content simply eating the topping off of his muffin. After all, these are healthy muffins so the best part has to be the topping.

Michelle caught me in her picture as she tried to capture the scene for her panoramic picture stitching program. (I moved to soon and the stitching program chopped my arm off!)

More breakfast under the canopy (to avoid the random rain drops)

The kids were playing some sort of treasure hiding/finding game. Then they played red light green light but with dragons! I'm sure they played some other games as well. They spent the morning together and would hardly even separate when called by their parents!

I'm not sure why they started rolling the logs. These logs were originally set up for a family photo but were never actually used for that purpose. The kids found them more exciting to roll across camp.

Next came the thrill ride of the day. We all loaded up on top of James' new suburban rack and went for a ride up to the main road and back. This is a bumpy road and would have rivaled any ride at Lagoon, especially since this one doesn't have seat belts or safety gear!

After the roller coaster ride we went on a treasure hunt. We were working fast because the Kims had to get on the road and head for home. The kids went to work following clues like they were stars in National Treasure or something. Once they read each clue they were off at a sprint to find the next one. There were 10 total clues.




The kids finally found the gold at the end of the hunt. It was a glorious moment. All of their staunch determination had finally paid off.

It was sad to say good bye to the Kims. These several days had been wonderful to be together. But all things must end and the Kims were the first to leave. Jared's family would leave next but not before they had a chance to defend our camp from the attacking squirrel.

With the camp secure and safe we finished packing. I happened to catch this candid moment as Hailey helped David bring up the high chair to be loaded into the jeep.

This camping trip / family reunion has been an awesome experience. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins for 4 days! We got to see each other all together for the first time in a couple years. As the family spreads across the country these times will be more and more precious.

I am certainly grateful that I was able to spend these 4 days with my family. We had a fabulous time and we've made many great memories.