Award of excelance

An Art contest at school called reflections has many categories (Literature, Photography, music composition, visual art, and more) Paige entered into the photo contest with a photo she took during out hot air balloon ride a few years ago, and also painted a picture of a growing girl using this years reflection theme (Dream, Inspire, Imagine)

Her picture won an award of merit (smaller ribbon)
Her painting won an award of excellence and will be going on to the state competition.

(I will have to come back and post pictures of her pictures, they are still at school)

Bulls eye!

 

Not the horse from toy story, more like Catnis from the hunger games.

 

Paige mentioned she would like to try archery. actually she asked for a bow and arrow for Christmas. Fearing for our neighbors dogs and the local birds we opted for some lessons out at a ranch in the dessert. She loved it and did really well on her first time out!

 

 

 

winding up '13 headed into '14

 

Early in December the Strode's (all of them except Dan) meet in Las Vegas for a family Christmas gathering. We rode the Polar express, visited with cousins and saw Santa. We exchanged Christmas gifts, and snuggled all into the same house for good food and fun Christmas movies!

 

 

We have lived here in Arizona for about 4 years and have yet to take he kids to its giant hole in the ground. Both Dan and I had lived here as teenagers/ young adults and didn't care for the family trips to the GC, so we didn't put it high on the list, but as usual, when its moving time, all the last minute trips need to be squeezed into the plans. So instead of flying Logan back to Utah for school, we drove her back and stopped oat the Grand Canyon.....yep, a very pretty, very big hole in the ground!

 

 

 

 After bringing Logan back to Utah, we stayed a few days to visit with Grandma and Grandpa, to have some fun cousin time and to sled and freeze! New years eve Grandma and Grandpa taught the kids to make Gyoza (Japanese pot stickers) They learned how  while living there on military assignment.

 

Then we finished our Christmas vacations, right back where we started...Vegas. With the only other Strode brother and his family. Rest was needed and enjoyed.
On to 2014!

Adventure!

While I am the first to admit adventure in a growing family is found in everyday events, THIS is a blog about a more than average adventurous family, so we need to have a good adventure from time to time! How about 2.5 hours and 6 towers of zip lining over animals seen mostly when on safari!

 

 

 

 Our upside down Paige!

 (not a member of our family)

 Our sideways Logan

 Just hanging out Seth

 The dainty Zip liner - Tori

 Daddy tries it both ways!

 Its the Adventure Family!

 This is my favorite picture. Look close to you see the Lion right under the platform we took off from, and the Giraffe just under Paige's upside down head? SO Freaking Cool!

Wahooooo!!

Christmas 2013

As I title these momentous happenings in our lives and post the pictures to our little adventure blog, I am slightly rattled at the years passing by and the kids growing so big and I can not imagine what next year will be like when we fly not one child home from college, but two. I wonder where "home" will be seeing that we have a move year coming up and Army adventure on every corner.

However I have learned with this military family of mine, to appreciate the moments as they happen, and love them for what they are. Next year will worry about it's self, Ill be busy enjoying it!

 

 Seth put on every clothing item he got for Christmas all at one time.

 

 

 

 Our traditional cake for baby Jesus, and as tradition seems to have...no one wants to eat it!

 A "big girl" bike for our too be college student. se needs to give up the green banana seat bike for something more practical.

 Dad and mom made each of the kids a copy of their baby book to keep for them selves. They enjoyed looking at themselves as the sweet babies they were.

 Logan got a cash necklace! Just what every girl wants!

 Our sweet meg, Aging has made you like things more of the "Sleep" nature and not so much squeaky toys. She got a bed pillow I made and a blanket made from a piece of each of the kids bathrobes. ( I sewed each of the kids bathrobes and PJ bottoms!)

The big adventure gift was a bit of a puzzle to put together and figure out. With a little help they worked it out. A zip lining tour over an out of Africa zoo! Woooo Hooo! High adventure!

Merry Christmas to one all , Love the Strodes!

20 and counting

It was 20 years ago and we got married in the afternoon, I think with all the preparation, and nerves, no one ate much that morning. As soon as the ceremony was over a luncheon was served, but not to the bride and groom, they were ushered off to work with the photographer. From time to time a bridesmaid or grooms man would be called over for a shot and have to put down their plate and wipe their mouth  for a picture. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I can't help thinking "how rude!" SO the evening went on , one technical wedding requirement after another, First dances, Guarder, and Bouquet toss, cutting of the cake. Thinking back on it, that was the only bite we had that night. No wonder when 9 pm started rolling around the groom was ready to leave. A quick stop to change clothes and hose off all the shaving cream from off the car and we were on our way. Just one loud belly growl and we knew we needed food. We didn't think about the significance of what we chose to eat, or how it might seem silly 20 years later, we just ran through the BK drive thru and each got a Whopper.

It may be teased as the cheapest 20th anniversary dinner in history, but it was sweet, and reminiscent, and Id be happy to have a whopper with this man in another 20, or  any day!