family picture

We had to get a new shot of our family for some business stuff Ryan's doing, so here's how it turned out:I know most are familiar with the struggles of taking a family picture; getting everyone to look at the camera let alone smile being the main one. Our kids were in a very tired, lethargic mood. Benjamin mostly grimaced instead of smile, and his hair kept getting blown all over by the wind, so a little photoshopping will be necessary. But all in all, not too bad.

(See what I mean about their mood):

you like me! and other news

So, who wouldn't be flattered seeing this sign? I guess if your name isn't Megan you wouldn't be too flattered. In full disclosure I have to say that Alex and Benjamin had just been reading the George and Martha book where George creates a Martha fan club. Also, I don't think Alex quite understands what a fan club is because when I came into his room (he had displayed this sign outside his door), he was sitting up on his bunkbed with a pretend gavel, and he hit his bed with it and said, "Case dismissed!"

Speaking of Alex, he's enjoying first grade. It has taken me a few weeks, but I'm used to him being gone all day now. On the first day I kept panicking thinking I'd forgotten to pick him up. He had a bloody nose on the first day (which he told me about in great detail, including how the blood felt going down his throat), and on the second day he came home and announced that he had discovered his first loose tooth. He has a fun teacher so we're looking forward to this year.

Here's the obligatory fist day of school shot:

Last week Ryan was given some tickets to a Dodger's game, so he took Benjamin. Just thought I'd stick that on here:

Other than that, we've been absorbed in the Olympics. We even got our TV hooked up again just to watch. I have to admit, it is inspiring. And devastating and suspenseful and infuriating and thrilling and all of that. I have a hard time believing Usain Bolt is that good without any chemical assistance, (and I'm not a fan of his attitude), and I can't get over Lolo Jones' disappointment. Of course the gymnastics and swimming are fun to watch, but I still scratch my head as to why some of the other "sports" are included. Some of the announcers get a little annoying, too. But it's fun to be a fan of sports for two weeks out of every four years.

that's my hometown

Just now on our Google homepage I saw this in the "useless knowledge" box:

In June 1995, as KVEW-TV reporter Mychal Limric was doing a news story on beekeeping in Kennewick, Washington, the bees took an apparent liking, or disliking, to his hair gel, said the station’s news director. The bees attacked him from a hive 50 feet away. Limric was treated for more than 30 stings on the scalp and face. He was the only person there who was stung.

for Mom and Josh

And for any other Feist fans:

summer cramming

Last week we had to cram in a bunch of activities since Alex starts school this week. We started off last Monday visiting the Discovery Science Center where they currently have a "grossology" exhibit. It was very crowded and noisy so I doubt the kids learned much, but they seemed to have fun. There were exhibits on animal poop, a smelling lab of the different types of smells animals give off, dung beetles, slime, etc.

Here are Alex and I being underwhelmed in a hurricane booth.

Alex attempting the rock climbing wall.

And Benjamin's attempt.

Charlie enjoyed the "Bob the Builder" exhibit.

Benjamin is the tiny red dot standing under this dinosaur.

Alex braving the bed of nails.

The boys spent that night at their cousin's house and we met up with them the next day at the Santa Monica Pier. This is one of the touristy type places that I've never been, and I was surprised at how much fun it was. I kept telling Ryan that it was better than Magic Mountain. It helped that there were no long lines and that the temperature was pleasant, and we found some free parking! I don't know when I became such a wimp about the heat, but few things get me in a worse mood than being stuck outside in a heat wave. But back to the pier, it's basically just a carnival, but cleaner and without the scary carnies. Alex suprised me by going on all the big rides. He said his favorite was The Dragon (one of those huge boats that swings back and forth- I think Shannon got puked on once on a similar ride at the fair), because it "tickled his heart a lot".

The view from the ferris wheel.

Then, last Thursday was our last beach day of the summer. A big group from our ward tries to go every week, and it's one of the highlights of every summer for us. This time we stopped at Bennett's Honey Farm on the way there and after the kids tasted eight kinds of honey they decided the Cactus variety was the best, so we brought some home with us. I didn't get a picture there but I did get a few at the beach.

Had enough? Okay, I'll stop.

Waterski 2008

Two weeks ago we went on the annual Haslam waterski trip to Lake San Antonio.

Cousins fishing

Alex skiing

Cousins playing

"little" cousins tubing

"big" cousins tubing

brothers playing

inspecting a coyote skull

Benjamin eating watermelon

Charlie with Papa

Our latest viruses

This made me laugh way too hard.





The kids saw this next one and now it is a regular thing at our house to sing, "Can I have a napkin, please?"



And this one is just neat.