The PEHRSON'S we were meant to be

Happy 13th Birthday Shayla

2011-12-31T19:51:00.000-09:00

Wow, look at all those presents

Shayla's friends Elcee and Mariah

We are all excited for doughnuts

Believe this or not, but Shayla is an official teenager (shhh, don't tell anyone, especially Shayla. Just kidding, she has been counting down for a couple weeks and the last week she reminded me everyday). We are so proud of the young woman she is becoming. I can't believe I have a teenager...it just doesn't feel like it was 13 years ago I gave birth to my first child. I can still remember a lot of details about that wonderful night. She changed who I was and made me a mother. I love you Shayla.

For her birthday, she had a couple friends over to spend the day with her and they listened to music, played with their ipods/phone, texted, laughed, and just hung out. Later in the day, we all went ice skating, which is always a favorite. And of course, we can't celebrate Shayla's birthday and New Years Eve without Jerry's firework display (even if it was -30 degrees). Those of us who did go outside to watch, rather than stay inside our 65 degree home, were dressed in complete winter gear. It was a lot of fun and almost everyone made it to midnight.

Happy Birthday Shayla and Welcome 2012!

Breakfast companions

2011-12-27T20:23:00.000-09:00

Tyler eats oatmeal with applesauce and brown sugar for breakfast almost every day. He absolutely LOVES any character from the Movie Cars (1 or 2) and was a lucky boy to receive Mack, Finn Mcmissile, Holly Swiftwell, and Francesco Bernoulli for Christmas. He has not been seperated from any of them since. They had to all be lined up just perfectly before he could eat his breakfast.

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T19:49:00.000-09:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Day. The plan was to get up about 8-8:30 am to start opening presents, but at 9:20 am Dallan came in and asked when we were going to opening presents. It was so nice the kids let us sleep in. Dallan had been waiting patiently in his room, the twins were now just starting to get up, and the other girls were downstairs watching a movie. When we were younger, we couldn't wait past 7am to open presents.

We all made our way to the living room to see what Santa brought.
Shayla: an ipod docking stations, slippers, Alaska sweatshirt, music cds, books, game, lotion, fleece pj pants
Dallan: Shayla saved her own money and bought him an ipod (she wrapped it in a large box filled with his underwear, many layers of wrapping paper and duct tape. It is just like what Uncle Russ and Lee did. It took Dallan over 5 minutes to open it). He also got a game, fleece pj pants, duct tape, croc slippers
Kassidy: Since Dallan got an ipod and won't be needing his Nintendo DS and games anymore, he wrapped them up and gave them to Kassidy (she was shocked and thanked him with a great big hug, which he usually avoids but not this time). She also got a basketball hoop, croc slippers, fleece pj pants, a magic 8 ball, music cd
Addelyn: and American Girl Doll "Lindsay," a scooter for her doll and an outfit, croc slippers, fleece pj pants, chapter books, color books,
Tyler: Mack truck, cars, toolbox kit, train tracks, dinosaur hat
Kylee: a baby doll, squinkies, a penguin hat, a new game
Jerry: survival rope bracelet and zipper pull, tools, electric shaver, and a large moose print
Shelly: a new blender and food processor, clothes

It was great to be able to 'see' our families on Skype and share our Christmas with them as well. After presents and a wonderful Sacrament Service at church, we ended the night at the Shaw's. We sure miss our family who are so far away, but love spending our special times with our friends who live close by. We are so thankful for our wonderful Christmas.

Santa Came Early

2011-12-24T22:35:00.000-09:00

Rachel, Addelyn, and Kassidy weren't afraid of Santa

Santa's early present...marshmellow bow shooter

The kids visiting with Santa and getting their candy canes

Shayla is trying to comfort Kylee who is under the blanket. She is NOT a fan of Santa's or anyone who is a stranger to here (especially in costume)

Kelly is brave to hold the target

We had a surprise visitor come to our home on Christmas Eve. Can you guess who it might be? That is right, Santa Claus. When the doorbell rang, I went to answer it and Tyler was with me (he runs to the door anytime he hears it). He was so excited that Santa would come to his house. The older kids were excited as well, but not Kylee. It is a good thing she only made it barely around the corner to hear and see Santa, because she freaked out. She hid under a blanket with Shayla holding her until Santa left.

So Santa came in to visit and bring a present. He brought the kids a Marshmellow Bow Shooter. It uses the large marshmellows, and surprisingly it shoots pretty far and accurate, but that also depends on the shooter. Santa was pretty impressed with the toy, as were we. After watching the kids shoot at a target, he gave the kids a candy cane and was on his way. The visit from Santa was a great addition to our Christmas Eve with the Shaw's and added to the excitement of Christmas.

Christmas Eve Nativity

2011-12-24T19:36:00.000-09:00

Dallan as Joseph

Shayla as Mary with Baby Jesus

Kelly as the donkey (but only for the play)

Lorna as a Shephard
Rachel as the Angel
Kelly and Kassidy as sheep

Angel proclaiming Jesus' birth

Shephards, sheep, and Angel coming to visit the Christ child

The Wise man (Addelyn) hear from the Angel Jesus has been born and come to bring gifts

The giving of gifts

We had a great Christmas Eve with the Shaws. After a wonderful dinner, Jerry read the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as the kids acted out the nativity. They all did a great job. We ended the spiritual lesson with my favorite song from The Forgotten Carols, The Innkeeper. This song is so powerful, that you can feel the emotions the innkeeper must have felt the night he found out that he turned the parents of Jesus Christ away. The message of "Let Him In" brings tears to my eyes. Are you letting Him In?

Kylee's doggy

2011-12-23T19:12:00.000-09:00

Tyler and Kylee were recently introduced to Playdough (I hate playdough because you end up cleaning more off the floor and table than you keep...not really but close). Kylee saw the kids use toothpicks, so she wanted to also. Here is her creation...a doggy (she says). Kids have such amazing imaginations.

North Pole Visit

2011-12-22T19:28:00.000-09:00

Kassidy, Tyler, and Addelyn telling Santa that they have been good kids

In Kassidy and Addelyn's letters to Santa, they were wondering how Santa gets to everyone's house in one night (he gains 24 hours because of the different time zones and magic...he must start early), and if anyone in Santa's family gets presents (the elves and Mrs. Claus do get presents). Great questions!

On the wall at Santa's house is a display of childrens letters. Kassidy was reading them and realized she was reading Dallan's letter from last year. Amazing they keep them that long.

Outside the Santa Claus House in North Pole

Addelyn was so excited to see the reindeer at Santa's house that she planned ahead of time and brought her own camera

Every year for one of our 12 Days of Christmas, we go to North Pole to see Santa and his reindeer. It is so much fun to go out there...it sure brightens your Christmas spirit. The younger kids like writing letters and delivering them (we always hand deliver Connor's to Santa himself), but Dallan and Shayla are starting to stop doing that. The excitement in everyones face is fun and wonderful. This is something they will always remember doing, no matter how old they get.

We love these visitors

2011-12-22T19:26:00.000-09:00

Momma moose with her baby that is just left of her in the tree line

The mom is on the left while the baby is to the right. Can you spot the moose (or is it moos'n?)

The kids being quiet as they look out and watch...

...or being quiet as we actually go outside to pose.

We love watching these 'any time of the year' visitors. We could watch them for hours. Actually, Jerry did. This mother and baby walked across the front of our yard, into the side where they ate a while, then walked down the hill behind our house and laid down to rest for quite a while. They didn't seem bothered when we went out and just did their own thing. We love the wildlife, especially when they get this close to home.

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-21T19:22:00.000-09:00

Rachel sure is having a great time

Look at Addelyn's sprinkles

Kassidy spent a long time working on her cookies and even scrapped off frosting to start over when the frosting design wasn't quite right

Tyler sure is a cute cookie decorator

Lorna supplied all the sprinkles and boy there were many to choose from

Even daddy got involved...'taste testing' the cookies

Here is Kassidy's finished cookie masterpiece-she gave this cookie to Santa

One of the favorite Christmas break activities is making and decorating the butter cookies. We really enjoy doing this with family and friends. It was great to have Kelly, Lorna, Rachel, and Tana over to help and they all get so creative. Lorna brought over about a dozen different sprinkles, and mix that with about six different frosting colors and you have some incredible cookies. Sometimes you wonder where the cookie is with all the decorations. It is so much fun to share some of the traditions with my kids and hopefully they will also remember these fun times as a family.

A Phone Call

2011-12-19T19:21:00.000-09:00

Not sure who Tyler is calling, but he wanted to be left alone

Chatanika Lodge

2011-12-18T19:19:00.000-09:00

Braving the -25 degrees as we wait for Santa to arrive

This Mr. and Mrs. Claus sure do arrive in style...

...a lite up sleigh pulled by a snowmachine (only in Alaska)

Chatanika Lodge puts on a great Christmas party for kids, complete with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, corn dogs, cookies, Santa, and presents. This was the first year we went and we all had a great time. When you first arrive, the greeter at the door writes your children information down and gives you a number. You enjoy an all-you-can eat kid friendly buffet, visit with our friends, and wait for Santa. Once Santa arrives, everyone gathers around him and waits their turn. Once it is your turn your family goes up on stage, visits with Santa, and he gives everyone a gift. The people at Chatanika sure know how to have a party.

Creations

2011-12-15T17:11:00.000-09:00

Kassidy showing us all her amazing clay creations she made in one of her classes as school. They made the creations with clay, let the clay dry, then painted them when done. She made some great bead necklaces, bowls, and plates. Way to go artist!

Trip wire-watch out!

2011-12-15T09:54:00.000-09:00

Shayla doing her in-class demonstration

For Shayla's Shocking Experience Class project, she had to make an electric device that uses a battery to make a light come on when a reaction occurs. This is definitely up Jerry's ally for help. They worked together to make a doorway trip wire. When the wire is tripped, it drops a metal washer onto a metal plate that is connected to the battery, which is connected to the lightbulb, which then goes off. She and Jerry did a great job.

Ice Skating

2011-11-05T21:56:00.000-08:00

Kassidy being such a great big sister to skate around with Tyler and Kylee

The older kids were invited to an ice skating birthday party, so we decided we all wanted to go since it had been a while. This was the twins' second time ice skating, but this place has supports to help beginners learn to skate and keep their balance. These things are awesome for the twins to use. Kylee would hold on, on hang on, keep her feet parallel and get pushed around. Tyler would hold on, but he was constantely moving his feet like he was walking. By the end of the night, he wanted to try skating without the bars, and guess what he can do it. He was so proud of himself as he skated around. Actually, he would walk on the ice, but with ice skates on. He wasn't sliding his feet like we do, but he was doing it. When he fell down, he could get right back up and go. It is so much fun to see these little kids learn and master new things. They are growing up too fast.

Running Club

2011-09-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

Before the race stretches

Kylee wanted to stretch also

Tatum (in purple) and Kassidy close behind (they usually stayed close together during the races)

The final stretch...YOU CAN DO IT!

Dallan nearing the finish line

Our finishers...Dallan, Tana, Tatum, Kassidy

Addelyn and Rachel (in pink jacket) doing their pre-race stretch

It is the start of Running Club once again. This is a great activity through the school to keep the kids active during the early fall. Races are held at numerous schools in the area. The race courses are usually through the trees and forest surrounding the schools. Most of the time you don't even see the race until the end.
Kassidy loves running club and looks forward to it each year (this is her second year). Early in the season, Dallan was doing it, and then Addelyn joined toward the end of the season. It is great to stand on the side lines and cheer them on as they come out of the trees, and then cheer them on again as they near and cross the finish line. After each race, everyone receives a metal and they should be proud of their hard work, persistance, and never giving up.

Fall Colors

2011-09-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

I love driving home to our house in the Fall. Fall in Fairbanks actually starts in August. These beautiful colors are what we see along the road to our home. They are so bright and vivid. It is amazing how quickly the beautiful, bright, summer greens turn to these bright yellows, oranges, and reds. I would love to have these colors year round. Pictures don't do the colors justice, but believe me, Fairbanks in the Fall is BREATHTAKING. And no, when you see one tree, you definately haven't seen them all because they are better when you see them all together.

I See You

2011-09-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

We decided to try a new camping location..the Denali Highway. We found a camping spot that was on the banks of a small lake with plenty of room for the the kids to move about. When we got up the in the morning, it was cloudy and rainy. Jerry knew that if there were any caribou or moose out on the hills, morning time is the perfect time to see them. Sure enough, after looking through the binoculars a herd of caribou started to move across the hills across the valley from us. There were quite a few of them, in a couple different herds. The kids were able to see them also, without the binoculars, which got them excited. Tyler loved looking through the binoculars and I'm sure he didn't see the animals through them, but he was having a great time looking just like dad.

Don't look down!

2011-09-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Jerry had some roof work that needed to be done, but our roof is a little too high to use a ladder on the ground, so he improvised

After scaling the ladder, attached to a bucket on a tractor, climbing the roof, attaching the gutters and roof material, Jerry completed his roof project without incident. With him being over Quality Assurance, I don't think OSHA would approve of this.

Rain Gutter Ragatta

2011-08-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

Dallan's "Purple People Eater"

On your mark, get set...

GO!

The rain guttar ragatta is a fun activity for the scouts. The boys shape their boats how they like and then race them down rainguttars full of water. The way to get your boat to move is blowing in the sail. This is easier than it sounds. If you blow too soft your boat doesn't go very far; if you blow too low in the sail the tail end of the boat drops into the water; if you blow too high on the sail it doesn't really move. The boys had a great time and in the end, everyone received an award. I think Dallan got the award for the most creative name: The Purple People Eater

Webelow Scout

2011-08-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

Scout leader John Young

Dallan pinning on the mom pin

Kassidy told me to smile since she had the camera

Dallan has worked hard the past couple months to finish his Wolf requirements in Scouts so he could move on to be a Webelow. Most of the requirements he has enjoyed working on, while there are others that he does just to pass them off. He is looking forward to being a Webelow with some older kids and working toward fulfilling those requirements as well.

Cars Fanatic

2011-08-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Tyler's favorite movie of ALL TIMES is Disney Cars. He knows all the characters and even some of the lines in the movie. As you will notice, Tyler and his Disney Cars (Mater, Lightening McQueen times 3) are all watching the Cars movie. Tyler not only will take them to the 'movie' but they have to be lined up just perfectly.

Take my car and drive

2011-08-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Kylee were having so much fun driving and playing in the barbie car. It is a battery operated car, so we have to help them drive so they don't drive off the hill. To them, it is just as fun to play in it as it is to drive it. I don't know where they were going, but they were going somewhere fun.

Another school year

2011-08-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

Our Middle Schooler
Teacher Mrs. Millam

Our 5th Grader
Teacher Mrs. Ward

Our 3rd Grader

Teacher Ms. Marshall

Our 1st Grader

Teacher Mrs. Meath

Another school year is beginning again. When school gets out in May, three months of summer vacation seems like a very long time with plenty of time to do whatever we want. But, when the middle of August arrives, we all look back over the past three months and ask "Where did our summer go? It doesn't seem like it is time for school to start." By the end of summer vacation the kids are all looking forward to going back to school to see all their school friends and teachers again. Mom is especially excited for school to start, but don't tell the kids that. We are so proud of all the kids and how hard they work at school and at home with their homework. They are great students!

Movin' dirt

2011-08-13T18:53:00.000-08:00

Our filled in trampoline...this thing is not going to move now

Pushing the dirt over the edge (and taking out many the hated rose hip bushes)

On the left, there is a six inch drop of dirt that has been removed

Shayla and Dallan helping smooth the ground out when they aren't standing on the pallet being pulled behind the 4-wheeler to level out the ground

The extra dirt pile when we were all done

After all the hard work...so much more level

Since we moved into our new home in the fall, we didn't have time to work on the yard. So, during the fall, winter, and spring, we found some minor/major issues with unlevel ground and drainage issues. We rented a tractor over a weekend and tackled all the ground work. The work included digging down the dirt quite a few inches (specifically around the foundation of the house) then spreading that dirt at an angle away from the house. We probably dug down six inches then put three inches back. Once we got it looking level, from a ground-eye view, Jerry hooked up a pallet to the 4-wheeler and the kids climbed on to add weight and he pulled them around the level the high spots and make it look good. Boy did it look so much better and the ground was sloped away from the house and we haven't had water in our basement or garage since.

Blueberry Picking

2011-08-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

Shayla and Kassidy searching for blueberry bushes

This is dad and Dallan

Addelyn doing a great job filling her cup with wild blueberries

How many blueberry pickers can you see?

Shayla trying to protect her self from all the mosquitos

Dallan, Kassidy, and dad

Along the Denali Highway, the bushes were full of wild blueberries.

Summer Fair

2011-08-10T21:45:00.000-08:00

Shayla and Rachel Shaw

This is my 'before the ride' face

One of their favorites

Another favorite

We always have a great time at the fair. This year, Shayla and the Young Women were having a scavenger hunt at the fair for an activity, so Dallan and I went along. The kids had to find the weights of blue winner animals, pick up free handouts at specific booths, details regarding specific food items, and the first one back received free ride tickets. Unfortunately our team didn't win, but it was still fun. Afterwards, the kids and I headed to the rides. We had Rachel Shaw with us also, so it was fun to see the kids do some of the rides. The favorite this year were the swings, which I went on, but I had a dizzy sick stomach for the rest of the night (the swings use to be my favorite as a kid, but not anymore...I'm sure age has nothing to do with it :) It was a great night out.

Wheels are fun

2011-08-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

Tyler, Addelyn, and Kylee sure love the 4-wheelers

Dallan learning to drive his new 80cc Honda dirt bike

Jerry having a fun time on his motorcycle

Dallan following close behind

Addelyn is still practicing driving the 4-wheeler, with Kassidy as her passenger
(Addelyn is doing so well and follows the rules as a driver: watch where you are going, focus on what you are doing, no playing around while driving, drive slow and in control. When someone breaks the rules, they are no longer driving)

Here is everyone along the river bank on the 4-wheelers and motorcycles

It is so much fun to go out 4-wheeling. We picked up a new motorcycle for Dallan, so now we have plenty of riding toys for all eight of us (for a couple years anyway). As the kids are getting older and better at their driving skills, they are given more responsibility. Addelyn is getting better at driving the 90cc, so she is able to take a passenger (usually Kassidy). Shayla is now driving the 450cc and can take Tyler or Kylee. Dallan is driving his 80cc motorcyle and is learning how to kick start it and steer it better around road obstacles. It is great to see how mature all the kids are when it comes to being in-charge and in control of these toys. Even when others see how well behaved the kids are, they are impressed. This is an outdoor activity we love doing!

Kassidy's Baptism Day

2011-08-05T20:30:00.010-08:00

Her special gift from Grandma and Grandpa Nelson...her very own scriptures and case. They even marked some of their favorite versus and shared their testimony. These scriptures will be special forever.

My Beautiful Kassidy is 8 years old and getting baptized. She has grown up so much and is an absolute joy to have around. She was so excited for her baptism day. It was a wonderful experience as we felt the spirit as we knew Kassidy was making the right choice to get baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. We are so proud of her.

8th Birthday

2011-08-02T20:37:00.016-08:00

Kassidy and friend Lynna seeing who could swing higher

Fried chicken, yummy yummy!

Kassidy, Addelyn, and Lynna

Taking a train ride around Pioneer Park

This year Kassidy got the jar of pickles...who will be next?

A Tinker Bell watch

Her own "American Girl" doll

Waiting for the surprise...

The expression...

The surprise...Rock Band guitar and microphone for the Wii

Rockin' with the Beatles

Kassidy is 8 years old! Wow! We decided to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and head to Pioneer Park for a picnic dinner. Kassidy's friend Lynna came along to join in her birthday celebration. I secretly picked up fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy for dinner. She has been wanting fried chicken for quite a while now, so her birthday dinner was the perfect time.

Kassidy is just amazing! She rarely lets anything/anyone get her down, she has a positive outlook on life, is always smiling or laughing or play silly tricks on others, is energetic, and full of life and adventure. She is going to grow up to be a strong person with a life full of possibilities. She is such a joy to have in our family and I enjoy watching and listening to her as she has so much to share. We love you Kass-kass!

Park Play

2011-08-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

Tyler was having so much fun kicking and running after the soccer ball

I think Addelyn can make it 3/4 the way across these monkey bars...there are about 12 rings

Taking a train ride

The kids love to play at Pioneer Park. There are two playgrounds; one for younger and then older kids. It is always fun to go because everyone has something to play on. Then if they are extra good, we will take a train ride around the park.

Dallan's 10th Birthday

2011-07-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

Waiting patiently to open his gifts

A new baseball mit that actually fits

The Beatles Rock Band set for the Wii

Rock N Roll

A dessert favorite: brownie, chocolate pudding, cool whip, and toffee bits

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY DALLAN

After spending a great weekend in Valdez, Dallan came home to celebrate his 10th birthday with dessert and presents. He loves being ten and was excited to receive a new baseball mit, books, and a drum rock band set for the wii.

Here are some fun facts about Dallan at the age of TEN:

Loves basketball and is constantly improving his skills
Trying to learn all about hunting so he can go with dad
Is always asking indepth questions about anything in Life
Loves being with his younger brother
Enjoys being in the kitchen and learning to cook
Enjoys watching Alaska State Troopers
His favorite subject in school is still math
Homework and school comes pretty easy to him, so he doesn't have to spend much time on it
He is still pretty competitive
Loves playing most games: computer, wii, family, DS

We Love you Dallan and are so grateful you are a part of our family!

Valdez

2011-07-23T17:18:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Kylee really enjoyed climbing on rocks. It was better for them to be up on the rocks than down by the water getting wet

Tyler raced his cars all over the rocks. There were a few times we had to search for his cars down between the rocks, but found them every time.

Kassidy was such a great helper when she wasn't fishing

Our catch after a few hours

Our camp site

The mountains of Valdez are almost always covered with gray, rain clouds

The march down the rocks to the fishing

We made it without falling

The kids fishing

We headed down to Valdez, Alaska, to fish for some Salmon. We haven't been to Valdez since 2007, so this was an especially fun trip. Valdez is about 300 miles southeast from Fairbanks, so it is not too far. The first morning there, the sun was out, the sky was clear, and there were no rain clouds to be seen. This is a rare occurrance because it is usually raining all the time. We headed over to Allison Point, which is not too far from the fish hatchery. We could see tons of fish coming to the surface, so this made us excited about how our day of fishing was going to be.

We parked on the side of the road and headed down large, sharp, slippery rocks to the water to start fishing. Everyone was so excited and couldn't to get their first bite. Well, we didn't have to wait long because the fish started biting. Within a few hours, we had probably ten or more fish. This is the type of fishing we like...cast, wait, bite, reel in, repeat. There isn't too long of waiting before someone catches something. Everyone caught fish and it was fun to see the excitement from the kids as they reeled in their own fish. They have never caught so many fish. This is what keeps the kids entertained. We fished most of the day and ended with 24 kept fish to stock up our freezer.

We caught many salmon and some rock fish. We did see a few sea lions pop up out of the water. These animals can get so big.

The day we left, the rain came in, but we still wanted to fish one last time. We covered up with rain jackets and boots and headed to our fishing spot. This time we didn't keep any of the fish, we just caught and released. We figured we already had enough fish for a while, but noone wanted to stop fishing. We had such a great weekend and we can't wait to go back!

Happy birthday to Me

2011-07-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Here I am minding my business, when a couple cuties sneak up behind me...

and SURPRISE! A new computer

My beautiful birthday cake made by the kids

Can you believe a blog post all about ME? I can't because I am usually the one behind the camera, but this time I get to be in the spotlight.

So, for my birthday this year, I received a new computer. We have had the same computer for nine years, it was running pretty slow, technology has changed so much since 2002, I use my computer for alot of picture and video storage, so it was definately time for a new one. Thanks everyone!

A couple days later, we were at church and someone asked the kids if they made me a cake for my birthday. They didn't and the lady offered to bring the kids to her house and she would help them make a cake. Well, the next day I had a few errands to run and when I came home the kids had made and decorated a birthday cake all by themselves. They sure know how to make a yummy cake, with cards, and make me feel so special.

Best of Friends

2011-07-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

This pictures reflects Rachel and Addelyn's personalities when the get together...silly girls

After our great family trip to Utah, Addelyn's BEST FRIEND, Rachel Shaw, was anxiously waiting for her return. Rachel and Addelyn met in their kindergarten class and became best friends pretty quick. Don't get me wrong, they do disagree and fight occasionally (when that happens they say they broke up) because they both want to be in charge, but do get along great. We have even become great friends with Rachel's parents and love having get togethers. Rachel had a fun surprise for Addelyn...matching Best Friend shirts. They love their shirts and each other.

North to Alaska

2011-07-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

In front of our new 32 foot camper and Excursion

Some of the wildlife we saw along the 3,000 mile trip

In early June, the kids and Shelly flew from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Denver, Colorado, where mom and dad Pehrson were waiting for us in our new Ford Excursion. Once we arrived, we drove from Colorado back to Utah, where the rest of the family was waiting for us. For the next four weeks, we enjoyed spending time with family and friends and making so many memories. Toward the end of the trip, Jerry joined us in Utah. He spent a week in Lake Powell with the brothers (and a couple others) then we started our trip back to Alaska.

We were all excited to make this five-day drive from Utah to Alaska. We made it five years ago, but most of the kids were too little to remember it. Along the way we looked for some of the remembered sights from 2006. The kids did awesome. They spent their days reading books, coloring, watching movies, sleeping, eating, complaining a little bit, and realizing this was what we were going to do for the next five days. Jerry drove the whole way, while Shelly tried to keep the kids entertained.

We looked forward to seeing how many wild animals we could spot. We saw caribou, moose, black bears, buffalo, foxes, road kill, and sheep. We didn't have any mishaps, except the stress and frustration of being in a car for so many days straight. It is a beautiful drive, so many colors to see. We love Alaska and hope to never be driving out of this beautiful state to leave...just back and forth to see family.

4th of July fun

2011-07-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

Addelyn taking her turn at Croquet

Croquet has been played at the majority of Nelson gatherings as long as I can remember. Sometimes it was a little too competitive (I won't mention names...Lee and Shelly), but it was always a lot of fun. It is great to see my kids play it, but you haven't really played croquet until you play agains Uncle Lee (he is always black)

What a little kid

The Nelson and Michaelis gang doing sparklers

Tyler wasn't too sure at first

Tommy was great to let everyone help light the fireworks

It was a great night to spend with the Nelson's doing fireworks. The kids, both young and old, love sparklers and poppers. The kids especially got excited with the bigger fireworks went off. Luckily not too many fingers were burned from holding the sparklers by the wrong end after they were done (Tyler). It was a great night as the last night together. We sure love our family.

Nelson Family Pictures

2011-07-03T21:50:00.000-08:00

The Nelson/Macdonald/Pehrson Family

All TEN Grandkids

Some were better than others

Grandma & Grandpa with their grandchillins'

A Silly moment

On a more serious note...the brothers/sisters/inlaws

It was so wonderful to be able to have a Nelson family picture taken this year. It has been too long to remember the last time it was done, it was way overdue. The pictures turned out great with the white and levis. Fun to see the grandkids all together, but there is always at least one who doesn't want to participate...oh well they will all change by the time we do this again. We love our family!

Dinner Fun

2011-07-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Adults dinner after a wonderful temple session

One of our favorite places to eat: Golden Corral

The Pehrson family loves family dinners, no matter where it is. After an afternoon of family pictures, we ended our wonderful day with another family dinner. This was a great way to end our trip, since it was the last time we were all together. We love our family and miss them so when we are away.

Ropes Course

2011-07-01T09:37:00.062-08:00

Show us your muscles

Working together to pull up the rope swing

Shayla on the climbing wall

Addelyn on the rope swing

Going up! I can't believe Addelyn did this.

Moms turn: I can't remember being this scared in my life! I was so scared that I almost puked.

Cayden sitting on the edge of the zipline

Most of the Pehrson Gang headed to a Ropes Team Building Course. There is no "I" in team, so we had to work together to finish each course; the whole time cheering on our teammates. Some were easy, some were hard, some took the whole team to make it work, while others took individual strength. There was no judging, fighting, arguing, bragging here. It was a day filled with family, fun, and new experiences.
The activities included a climbing wall, zip line, rope swing, while the group strength activities included building a walkway with only a few boards, getting your group from an island to a tiny boat, and others.

We all had a great day, but the highlight of the day (and most group inspiring moment) was when Cayden went to do the zipline. He climbed the poll to the top, but once he got up there and saw how far down it was, he completely froze. In fact, he froze for at least two hours. Thankfully, there were a couple incredible councelors and Aunt Angela to be up there with him to support, encourage, and talk him out of his fears. When he was finally secured to the zipline cable, Dallan told him he would race him to the end (Dallan was on the ground willing to run, while Cayden ziplined down). Everyone else got involved and when Cayden finally let go of the rope, the race and cheering began! He did it! Cayden overcame his fear, but not without the love and support of his family. This is what today was really about! When Cayden got his feet on the ground, he wanted to go again (which he didn't do though).

What a great learning day for all of us.

A Welcome Home

2011-06-30T12:04:00.001-08:00

Dallan and Kylee

Tyler and Kylee were so excited to see "Me daddy"

Oh, how the twins missed Shayla

Shayla and Dallan were able to go to Lake Powell with the boys. They met Jerry there after being in Utah, without Jerry, for two and half weeks. They spent a week there, so by the time we were all back together it had been three and half weeks. This is a long time for young kids who don't know time. It was so wonderful to have Shayla, Dallan, and especially Jerry back with us.

Water Park Beauties

2011-06-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

Don't these ladies look lovely in their bathing attire? What great swim models Kassidy and Kenna make at the water park.

It was a great afternoon to spend at the water park, complete with slides and kiddie pool, and not very many people there.

Bowling at Fat Catz

2011-06-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Addelyn loved using the ball ramp to prevent getting gutters

Nice job!

Kassidy is going for the wind up...

Nice push off Hope

Dallan has really improved on his bowling skills...trying new spins on the ball or positions on the lane

Our audience-Kassidy and Hope

What a stance Hope

This is Kassidy's "I'll just bowl and not see what I get"

Lacie helping Hope push the ball off without the ball ramp

STRIKE!

Katie, Sadie, Tyler

Kylee is going to give it a try

Brother and Sisters-I love these two!

Tyler couldn't stay away from the balls. He watched them come up the ramp and had to be warned many times to get his hands out of the way or they would get pinched. Luckily they never did.

She sure is a cute bowling model

Bowling at Fat Catz with kids in the summer is the way to go because they bowl free everyday (all you have to buy is their shoes). We went a couple times while we were visiting family in Utah. We always had a great time with laughs and new high/low scores. You can't complain when you are with family.

So Peaceful

2011-06-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

How did he get to be so big? Even at 2 1/2 I can't stop watching him sleep.

Fun day at Ashlee's

2011-06-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Nelson helping the kids feed the sheep who live on the other side of the fence from Ashlee's house. I think someones hand got a little too close to the sheeps mouth and they got a little bite. Ouch!

Shelly and Lucy

Tunnel Fun

Some of the girls playing barbies

Shelly, Lucy, and Bree

Katie playing baseball with the kids...nice pitch

Lucy is anyone's friend who has food...yum!

Katie pulling Lucy and Tyler

Lucy and Tyler

I want to ride Tyler

Grandma wants to ride too

Addelyn and Lucy

We had so much fun at Ashlee's house. They have a great kid backyard with sheep, slides, new swingset, and cousins. It was so relaxing and great to watch all these cousins play together. We sure miss this when we are away.

Fun with Tate

2011-06-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

Kassidy, Tate, Addelyn

This is serious

Some of the kids and I had a great dinner, visit, play, and smores with Kraig, Amy, and Tate Cannon. I have known Amy since we were fourteen (we even taught Primary together at the age of 19-Sunbeams no less). She is such a great friend. The kids had so much fun playing together and it was great for the adults to sit back and visit. Thanks for the fun night Cannon's; sure miss you all!

Lehi Rodeo

2011-06-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

The kids, and grandpa, enjoying their snow cones almost as much as the rodeo

Bucking Bull Ride

The starting gate

Mom, Kylee, Kassidy

Mom, Tyler, Kylee

Bucking Bronco

Calf Roping

Motorcycle Tricks

Marcy got us all excited about the Lehi Rodeo. The kids and I have never been to a rodeo before, but knew we would love it. The night was perfect weather where we were able to have a great time together as a family.

My favorite were the bucking broncos. The calf races are fun watching how fast the cowbow can rope that calf (don't worry no animal was hurt). Some of those bulls for the bucking bulls (8 Second races) are huge. I hope the riders wear some type of chest protection. After the rider is bucked off, clowns are quick to help control the bull while the rider gets out of the way, which usually means jumping onto/over the fence. During these races, the riders are timed and scored, with the winner announced after each event.

At first, the younger kids gave their full attention to the racing horses, bucking bulls and broncos, but as the night went on, their attention was lost...until the motorcycles came out. They set up two ramps, reved up their bikes, did some practice runs (but not at full speed), and then put on an awesome show. Tyler was mesmerized! The bikers jumped from ramp to ramp, did flips, no hands or feet, and twists all while airborn.

As we drove home that night, the kids all had a great time as they saw something new, spent time with their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, and made a wonderful memory.

Logan Visit

2011-06-23T13:07:00.000-08:00

The kids and I headed up to Logan, Utah, to visit the Madsen's and Wrights. We have not seen them in a couple years, so we had a great time. We spent the night at the Madsen's and the following day we went for a drive. We went and saw the Logan temple. It is beautiful. I was amazed at the architecture; it is done completely in flat, rocks. This temple is huge compared to the rest of Logan.

Following our trip to the temple, we drove up Logan Canyon. The water lever, in some places, is almost to the road. Some of the canyon parks are closed due to flooding in some of those areas. We did find a park we could walk around and feed the ducks. Tyler and Kylee loved to throw the bread to the ducks and watch them eat it up quickly.

We sure had a great time and miss the times we get to spend with our great friends. It doesn't matter how long between visits, but the Wright's and Madsen's are friends we can pick up right where we left off.

WATER FIGHT!!!

2011-06-23T12:02:00.000-08:00

This truly was the HIGHLIGHT of the trip...a water fight with Uncle Lee and Uncle Russ!

"You better be scared now ruggers!"

The way we filled up before we used a bucket full of water

Uncle Russ was scared and was hiding from all the kids...can't you tell?

Tyler was an animal at this water fight game. By the end, he probably got everyone wet with his water gun. He absolutely LOVED this game!

We can't be in Utah, with Uncle Lee and Uncle Russ around, and NOT have a water fight. As soon as the kids found out we were going, they were planning the water balloon fight, but they weren't prepared for the water guns. They remember these fun times forever.

We were all prepared to let the water fight rip at the park...water balloons filled-check; water guns-check; bucket for refills-check; video and cameras ready-check.

It was absolutely SO MUCH FUN to watch the excitement and laughter from everyone. The kids loved ganging up on Lee and Russ, and then ran as far away as they could when they were ganged up on. The video footage of the water fight is so much better than pictures. But believe me, it was MEMORABLE.

Classic Skating

2011-06-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Tyler absolutely loved this motorcycle game (he didn't play the game, just rode the motorcycle)

Kassidy and Addelyn using their scooters...they preferred scooters over skates

Tyler was incredible on a scooter. He jumped right on and was off. He rode it just like the big kids...right foot on the scooter, left foot pushing off. He was so much fun to watch because he was scootering all over and he is only 2! So cute and he LOVED it!

Kylee was willing to try to scooter, but got frustrated with the handles because they kept turning. She enjoyed it when she stood on the scooter and I pushed her around...doing all the work.

Some of the kids and I went to Classic Skating with Lee and Dianne, Cathy and Gary, and Grandma and Grandpa Nelson. This place is awesome. Going to Classic Skating brings back memories of when I was younger. This place still has the same black carpet with confetti designs, benches, tables, and food area from long ago (not that long ago :) )

There is the skating area where you can rent in-line skates, roller skates, or scooters. In another area is the video arcade, and another are with bounce houses, slides, and climbing jungle gym area. This is a place to spend a few hours at (they need one of these in Fairbanks). It sure is fun and I think it might become a new 'must' when we visit Utah.

Park Play

2011-06-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

Uncle Lee and Kassidy pushing Russ in the "big kid swing"

Russ, Tyler, Shelly, Kylee, Grandpa watching the kids play

Push me higher Grandma

Now it is Addelyn's and Kassidy's turn

Thats enough Russ!

Grandma with walking Lucy

Addelyn and Kassidy going in circles-I'm dizzy just watching them

Tyler and Addelyn-she is holding onto him tight because she know how wild and crazy Uncle Russ can get

We spent the afternoon with the Nelson gang at this awesome park. This park had a mini water park with all different type of water toys. The other toys at the park were original and alot of fun. They even made toys for adults-those who were willing to try them. Even though it was windy, light sprinkles of rain, and cloudy, we all had a great time being together having fun!

Splash Pad

2011-06-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Kylee were a little shy at first to get wet

But before long, Tyler was right in the middle of all the action

Kassidy is taking a break

Addelyn decided to join her

Tyler was covering up the water holes in the ground

Addelyn trying to avoid getting wet from all directions

There is an awesome park by Ashlee with toys to play on and then when you get hot you can cool off on the splash pad. The kids love playing on these because you can't avoid getting wet. There were water guns, water umbrellas, buckets filling with water and then dumping out when full, water shooting up from the ground. Even though it was a cool, windy day, the kids had so much fun and were exhausted on the drive home.

Hogle Zoo

2011-06-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Zoo had some visitors...DINOSAURS

Kenna, Kassidy, Addelyn with Triceratops

Every few minutes this dinosaur sprayed water

Grandpa Nelson, Kylee, Tyler checking out the monkeys

Kylee showing and telling us what a monkey does/say

Kassidy and Dallan waiting for T-Rex to spray them with water

Dallan, Addelyn, Sadie, Kenna, Kassidy

The baby elephant on the left was getting a bath and loved the water.
He was drinking the water, rolling in the water and mud. So fun to watch.

Grandma Nelson and Tyler watching the elephants

The kids digging

Sadie, Kenna, and Addelyn Measuring Up

Now Kylee's turn

Giddy-Up Cowgirls

The final train ride...all aboard

The famous ball at the entrance of the zoo with water covering it
We spent a great day at the Hogle Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa Nelson, Ashlee, Kenna, Sadie, and Bree. We love the zoo, no matter how many times we go. It seems we never see everything. The kids had a wonderful time going from one animal to the next. Tyler and Kylee really got into the different animals and even told us the sounds they make. I don' think they realized these animals they see in their books really are real. Another fun day with the Nelson's.

Princess Festival

2011-06-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

All the girls had to choose which Princess dress they were going to wear to the Princess Festival. They all found their favorites!

Shelly, Kylee, Hope, Addelyn

Kylee couldn't decide which one to wear, there were so many to choose from

Meeting Captain Hook (Peter Pan)

The Little Mermaid Aerial

Beauty and the Beast

Alice and Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland)

Queen of Hearts

Princess and the Pea

Tyler and Kylee wanted up on the high bed

Aladdin and Jasmin

Making wishes at the wishing well and throwing rocks in hoping their wishes come true

All of the girls, and Tyler, spend a wonderful afternoon at Thanksgiving Point Gardens at the Princess Festival with Grandma Pehrson. Every princess you can imagine from the fairy tales were there. She would talk to you about her story. There were crafts, plays, beauty parlors, and dresses everywhere. Everyone you met made you feel special and that what all of our nieces, cousins, and daughters are...SPECIAL.

Sore Toe

2011-06-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

After a fun afternoon at the Princess Festival, we were eating lunch on the lawn and Kassidy and her cousins were racing...without shoes on. Kassidy tripped in a hole in the grass and bruised her right, big toe pretty good. It was difficult to walk on, bruised instantly, and started to swell. Since it didn't get better but worse overnight, we headed to the ER. After some xrays, it was determined she didn't break it, but just jammed it pretty good. She is a great sport.

Kennecott Copper Mine

2011-06-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Addelyn, Kenna, Sadie, Dallan checking out a model of the mine and adjoining plants (that distribute the minerals and other benefits)

Tyler with all the tractors

Checking out different minerals samples through magnifying glasses

Dallan, Kassidy, Kylee, Addelyn, Kenna, Shayla standing in front of 99.99% pure copper

Kassidy, Kenna, Bree, Shayla, Ashlee in front of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olymics display. The medals were made from Kennecotts raw materials: 400 ounces of Gold, 1 ton of Sterling Silver, 1,100 lbs of Copper, 80 lbs Zinc. They said these metals were the largest and heaviest metals ever given to athletes.

L-R: Dallan, Kenna, Kassidy, Shayla, Sadie, Ashlee watching a video presentation

Over looking the Open-Pit Mine (pictures don't do the size of this mine justice)

Addely, Kylee, and Tyler with a rail car

Tyler, Addely, Kylee checking their size compared to this massive tire

After a day of fun, time to eat and shop

Ashlee, Kenna, Sadie, and Bree joined us for a trip to Kennecott Copper Mine. This world largest open pit mine is HUGE! It is over a mine deep and almost three miles across. Standing at the top is so windy. This place is amazing!

Water Fountains

2011-06-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

Kylee didn't care too much for the water, but she really enjoyed watching everyone else get wet

Once Tyler got wet and saw what was going on, he LOVED it! He didn't like the water getting in his face, but he didn't mind getting wet. He caught on fast to cover up the holes in the ground to prevent water from
coming out.

We forgot Addelyn's swimming suite in the car, so we had to improvise her clothes to get wet in. We actually didn't really need a swimming suite because she didn't like getting soaking wet. She had a great time hanging out with Tyler and Kylee and only get a little wet.

The older kids had a blast! They could not have gotten any more wet. They were in every fountain and just trying to get soaked. Their favorite is standing over the ones that shoot out a ton of water.

6th Birthday Continued--Family

2011-06-14T20:56:00.012-08:00

Our Big 6 Year Old! Addelyn didn't need much for her birthday this year, since we were so lucky to spend it in Utah with our family. Addelyn is pretty amazing, her smile and laugh will brighten any room, her desire to learn to exceptional, and I love her to pieces. Happy Birthday Sweet Addelyn!

Unfortunately, I didn't make this one (that is what traveling will do)

A new camera

I love her smile

Who can resist Justin Bieber? A couple of my girls love him

Now they can sing with him too

Spending time with aunts and cousins...this is what we miss most about birthdays is being away from all the family we love.

The Childrens Musuem

2011-06-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

You have crazy arms Kylee

Kenna, Kassidy, and Tyler putting the balls in the tube and watching them get sucked upwards

Tyler and Kylee loved the way the balls got sucked up

The group trying to make music on the large keyboard...it didn't quite sound right

This is the force of the air

Tyler and Grandma's turn

Shayla and Dallan really enjoy the climbing wall

Giddy up cowgirl Addelyn

See my tools mom

Tyler was in heaven with all these 'construction' toys...

...even in the kitchen

Sadie all set up for snack time...but with no guests

Kylee must have been shopping with mom a time or two...looks like she knows how to do it

The Childrens Museum in Salt Lake is so much fun. It can take hours to play/do everything. We had so much fun as we made music, worked at a construction site, became human dominoes, played house, went shopping, made paper airplanes and watched them fly, made a play, and so much more. The kids can really be kids here!

Sweets Candy

2011-06-14T09:47:00.033-08:00

See Mom

The kids and I were were looking for new places to see in Salt Lake, so we headed to the Sweets Candy Factory. We took a tour of the factory and were able to see and smell the sweet, candy goodness. The hundreds of pounds of sugar they use daily is transported from room to room through huge pipes along the ceiling. Each room is setup to make or do specific things: dipping, filling, coating, shaping. When each door of the rooms were opened, you could smell the difference. Our favorite room was the chocolate room; ooh I can smell it right now. Did you know that when they form cinnamon bears they use corn starch to hold the gummy shape until cooled? Or, jelly beans have multiple layers on them, but the best layer is just under the hard coating?

Following the tour, we browsed the candy store and sampled some more yummy candy. As you can see, the kids enjoyed this part the best.

MUSTANG!

2011-06-13T20:48:00.001-08:00

This is Shayla's DREAM CAR! Whenever we are driving down the street, and Shayla sees any type of Mustang, we hear "MUSTANG." She loves them all and is SO jealous that Uncle Ray has one, but he was kind enough to give her a ride. She is keeping her fingers crossed he still has it when she has enough money, any a drivers license, to buy it.

Ice Cream anyone?

2011-06-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Just like Dallan to tease the girls

Grandma and Grandpa always have ice cream cones when we come to visit...just like Grandma Great did (I wonder where they learned it). The kids sure love ice cream and their grandparents.

Orem Summer Fest

2011-06-11T17:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves the Merry-go-Round

Kassidy, Dallan, and Shayla loved this ride and laughed the whole time

Uncle Tommy with Sadie, Kenna, and Addelyn

Kenna and Sadie had a great time riding together

I think Kenna thought she was in a parade on a float-so cute!

The motorcycles were Tyler's favorite ride!

These two are such great buddies. Addelyn always wants to help Kylee

Grandma Nelson with the grandkids at the parade

Tyler found some string and played with that rather than watch the parade

Tyler found this balloon and ran all around the yard chasing it,

or it chasing him, until he fell down laughing. He sure was fun to watch.

We walked across the street from where Grandma and Grandpa Nelson live to the Orem City Park. They were having the Orem Summer Fest which included a carnival, parade, and fireworks. We met up with Ashlee and Tommy and their girls to take on the rides. The Merry-Go-Round with motorcycles and bikes was a hit with the younger kids. The older kids really enjoy the spinning really fast rides (these make mom sick). Following the carnival we sat on the grass to watch the parade. Everyone knows the best part of a parade is the candy that is thrown. Unfortunately we were too far back to get any, but leave it to Grandma to come prepared with licorise (the family favorite and must-have for any occasion). After an evening of fun in the park, we ended our night at grandma's house. It sure was great to spend an fun-filled evening with cousins and grandparents.

Aquarium

2011-06-11T17:09:00.020-08:00

Hammer head sharks

Look, more sharks

Liz wondering if she should touch it...do it says Kassidy

Scary Eels

That eel behind Tyler and Kylee is bigger than they are

Chris, Dallan, Addelyn checking out the sting rays (with Angela and Ray behind them)

No Tyler, I don't think the sting rays stick out their tongue

Addelyn with baby Ella

Addelyn and Aunt Angela

Liz, Cayden, Dallan, Kassidy

Don't touch the tail Kassidy

Kylee is brave, Tyler not so sure (opposite reaction than I would have suspected)

Shayla, you really are having fun

Both Kylee and Addelyn are taller than the penguins

Mom helping Tyler touch the sting ray...not much luck

To celebrate Cousin Connor's 5th Birthday, we all headed up to the Aquarium. We enjoy coming to the aquarium, especially the string ray pool. The twins were fascinated with all there was to see...sting rays, sharks, small and large fish, penguins, and so much more. We are so glad we were able to be a part of Connor's birthday.

Concert in the Park

2011-06-10T16:17:00.015-08:00

Atomic Amy and the Spentrods

Dallan and Cayden

Shayla pushing Connor on the swing

The Pehrson family supporting Amy and her music group

Kassidy and Liz being silly girls

Addelyn, Liz, Kassidy, Connor, Grandpa Pehrson, Karmel warming up by the fire

Tyler having a great time-can you tell?

Kassidy was walking along the fence line when Connor wanted to do what the big girls were doing, but his way is a little safer

We had a great night at the park where Atomic Amy and the Spentrods performed (Aunt Amy's music group). Most of the Pehrson's came as we danced, listened to music, the kids played on the swings and in the water, and ate pizza and doughnuts. It was the perfect night for a concert.

Hanging out with cousins

2011-06-09T16:11:00.027-08:00

Karmel had a great craft day with the cousins. They made crowns, wands, and painted their own cups.

Making music on a new found violin and the popular piano=a lot of noise

For dinner, Addleyn, Tyler, and Victoria husked the corn

Even after two years since we have been to Utah to visit all our family, the kids picked up right where they left off with their cousins, but isn't that what family is all about? They had a blast!

Sleep over at Grandma's

2011-06-08T16:08:00.004-08:00

Addelyn

Kassidy and Connor

Dallan

Shayla

Tyler and Kylee
It is always fun to have sleepovers at grandparents house. It sure is interesting to see the sleeping positions of everyone.

Fire Ride

2011-06-07T21:02:00.004-08:00

We had some crazy fires around Fairbanks this summer. While I was in Utah, Jerry and some friends jumped on their motorcycles to go check out the fire first hand.

Pit Stop

2011-06-07T16:06:00.011-08:00

Playing at Mcdonalds

We made it to the top

Look at how strong the wind is

Tyler and Kassidy running to the top of the steep hill...yes they both made it without stopping

Kylee doing what she does best...looks cute!

Traveling with six kids, and grandparents, requires some stopping along the way to eat, play, potty break, and to stretch our legs. Oh it feels so good to move around.

We made it to Utah

2011-06-07T16:04:00.003-08:00

The kids and I flew from Fairbanks to Denver, Colorado on an overnight flight. We were supposed to leave at 10:15 pm getting into Denver at 7:15 am, but due to plane issues we left and arrived two hours later. Grandma and Grandpa Pehrson were so wonderful to drive to Denver, Colorado, to pick us up in our new Excursion. The drive back to Utah was good, once a couple of kids got over their car sickness.

Yes, Tyler was with us, but after running off the curb and giving grandma a heart attack, we strapped him into his carseat as fast as we could for his safety.

Addelyn's 6th Birthday Party--Friends

2011-06-04T12:35:00.057-08:00

I used blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple colored cake mix to make these multi-colored cupcakes. The kids were able to frost and decorate them how they wanted...which usually means more frosting and candy than cake

Here are the different arts and crafts stations: decorating crowns, making coin banks, and coloring paper dolls or paper cars. Fun to see all the individual designs from everyone.

Let the present opening begin!

The birthday friends

Tyler wanted to help

Addelyn and Kyle

Addelyn and Cash

Addelyn and Jonah

Addelyn and Ashley

Addelyn and Hallie

Addelyn and Lynna

Addelyn and

Addelyn and Ryann

Addelyn and Tatum and Tana

Addelyn and Jaylyn

Addelyn and Blaze

Addelyn and

Addelyn and Mackenzie

Addelyn and Sammy

Since Addelyn LOVES to color, we had and Arts & Crafts Birthday Party. We had do-it-yourself crowns with all the glitter paint, markers, and puff stickers you wanted for your crown. We also colored paper dolls and race cars. Along with making a money bank. It was so fun to see the creativity of these now first graders. It was even better to see the support from all of Addelyn's kindergarten friends (almost her whole class came) and the relationship she has with all of them. They all love Addelyn and so do we.

Smores

2011-05-28T10:43:00.004-08:00

What a pair of silly sisters

Who says you have to be camping to make smores? The kids wanted to have smores and couldn't wait for the next campout. So we made them in our backyard and of course they were just as good. Bring on the graham crackers, marshmellows, and chocolate. Yummy!

Kindergarten Friends

2011-05-18T10:50:00.001-08:00

Rachel, ?, Addelyn

Ashley, Addelyn, Rachel

What an exciting time kindergarten is. Making new, long lasting friends. Addelyn had a gret first year of school and made some wonderful friends. They will all continue to be in classes together as their school experiences continue.

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-05-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

Graduating Class of 2011

This day makes me so sad...Addelyn is growing up

End of the year art project

Addelyn and Mrs. Lessley

Where did the last six years go? My Addelyn is graduating from kindergarten. She had a fantastic first year of school. She improved on her reading, mastered her beautiful handwriting, was a kindergarten teachers dream come true, and a wonderful friend to all. We are so grateful she was able to have Mrs. Lessley as her teacher, since she is retiring. She was Kassidy's teacher and Addelyn looked forward to doing everything Kassidy talked about doing in her kindergarten class. She has grown up so much this last year, and it makes me sad. Can't she stay my little girl a little while longer?

Congratulations Addelyn, we are so proud of you!

That ain't my truck

2011-05-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

"Thats my girl (camper), my whole world, but that's not my truck"

Over the past 6 years we have really enjoyed going camping. We bought this 24 foot wilderness camper from Jerry’s parents in 2005 and have a lot of memories and fun times with it. As our family has grown, even though we really loved it, and kept it in good shape, we realized that it was becoming too small for us. It didn’t take us long to sell it, and we hardly had a chance to get used to the idea that we were selling it. Well, before we knew it, the buyers were hauling it away from our house, with no real chance for good byes. That’s when these words to a song came to Jerry’s mind “That’s my girl, she’s my whole world, but that ain’t my truck” and with nothing else around, he grabbed his cell phone to take one last picture.

Things turned out well though, we followed through with our plan to get a bigger and newer camper. We found a 2008 32 ft Flagstaff camper, with a large slide-out and a floor plan we love, in Utah. The other part of the plan was to pick up another vehicle which could carry 8 passengers, gear, and safely pull the larger trailer. We located a Diesel Ford Excursion in Idaho, and after a great family vacation in June 2011 the Alaska Pehrson’s made our second trip up the Alaska Highway, but this time with a new rig and two more passengers.

We look forward to our new toys and all the fun camping, fishing, hunting trips as we explore all that Alaska has to offer.

A day on the train

2011-05-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

Tana, Tyler, Shayla

Brian, Tatum, Kassidy, Kylee

There is a train that runs through Fairbanks. So before the tourist season started, they were having a day full of activities at the train depot, and this included a free train ride. We met up with the Weckworth's and had a great time. The kids, especially Tyler, loved the train ride, too bad it didn't last longer.

Camp Li Wa

2011-05-13T10:55:00.001-08:00

For a kindergarten field trip, the and I was able to go with Addelyn and her class to Camp Li Wa. This is a fun place for kids. The kids are able to pet new chicks, brush a mini horse, rabbits, roosters, horse carriage rides, and more. It was so fun to watch Addelyn associate with her friends, but also her friends loved playing with Tyler and Kylee. We love kindergarteners.

Fun on the Swings

2011-05-13T10:52:00.002-08:00

After the field trip to Camp Li Wa, the kids took a break playing on the playground. All of Addelyn's friends wanted to take turns pushing Tyler and Kylee on the swings. Addelyn got a little jealous because they were her brother and sister and she wanted to push them and take care of them. The twins didn't care who pushed them, as long as they got their turn on the swings. Higher!

Trampoline Project

2011-05-07T11:53:00.017-08:00

Those are some huge tree trunks in our ground

Look at all that dirt and trees

Jerry has always wanted a trampline in the ground, so since we have the land to do it, now was the perfect time. He borrowed a back hoe to do the ground work. He marked it all out first, then started digging. Usually when you start digging a hole you find dirt, but not in our case, we found tree trunks. Thats right, our ground is built up of the trees that were knocked down to clear the property, mixed with a littl dirt. While standing on the ground, when Jerry hit the ground with the tractor bucket, the ground shook like jello because it wasn't solid ground. I guess that explains why the yard isn't flat and level.

Dallan and Jerry had a great time digging. Of course, Tyler wanted to be out there with them to experience the big tractor. He loved watching and riding inside it.

Once the hole was dug, it took precise placement of the legs and frame of the trampoline to make sure it was level. After leveling it, it was time to put the trampoline back together. Once the kids jumped on it for a while, it settled and became uneven, so another project began. We had a lot of fill dirt left (from another project) so Jerry filled the trampoline hole with dirt. I'm not talking just a little bit of dirt, but it is filled about 1/3 of the way. The dirt burries the legs all the way up to the frame at an angle or like a bowl. This way, the legs can't move, but you can still jump without hitting ground. I'm telling you what, this trampoline is so sturdy and stable that it is not going anywhere. It is flat with the ground and looks awesome. Another job well done Jerry (the final results)...

Hoola Hooper

2011-05-05T11:52:00.002-08:00

Kassidy and some friends at school decided to hoola hoop for the school talent show. They practiced everyday during lunch. I was shocked at how well she can hoola hoop; I had no idea she could do these things. She can walk or kick her leg with the hoola hoop on one leg, move the hoola hoop from her waist to her neck and back down again, but more importantly she can move her booty! (I will keep search for the video)

Science Project

2011-04-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

Dallan had a class about Cells. For the end of the quarter project, they had to reproduce a plant, animal, or human cell. Dallan choose the plant cell. I remember making this type of project in my junior high class, so I gave Dallan the idea. We made a round cake with jelly beans, licorise, gumballs, frosting, and cake as the different parts of the cell. He sure was proud of his work.

Reindeer Farm

2011-04-27T07:22:00.004-08:00

Mama with newborn calf

Tyler trying to get close to the Reindeer

Another fun kindergarten fieldtrip was to the Reindeer Farm (AKA Caribou). It is always fun to see these animals up close. Their antlers are so tall, it is amazing they can hold their heads up. There was a surprise waiting for the kindergarteners...a newborn calf born a couple days previously. And what better way to end the fieldtrip in the snow, cold, and mud...hot chocolate and reindeer shaped cookies. Yum!

Mud & Ice Fun

2011-04-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

Tyler and friend Cort Spencer

We were attending one of Dallan's scout activities that was held outside with snow and mud. I spent more time keeping the twins out of the mud and snow than participating in the activity. When it was time to leave, they were soaked, muddy, and cold, but at least Kylee dressed for the occasion.

Easter Morning

2011-04-24T10:39:00.001-08:00

Who needs breakfast when I can just each chocolate candy?

This year the Easter Bunny hid the baskets everywhere. The kids had to find only their's. They couldn't point out where someone else's was. It was fun to watch them run around searching. There were times they looked in the right area, but not close enough. Of course, Shayla and Dallan had to really search for theirs.

I found mine

Is mine really in here?

New Easter Clothes

2011-04-24T10:32:00.001-08:00

Easter Eggs

2011-04-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

Watching the kids decorate easter eggs is alot of fun. It is fun to see their creativity in color combinations and the excitement as they pull the egg out of the dye. Tyler and Kylee were really fun to watch this year as they continue, and remember, new experiences. They should have their own batch of eggs, because they colored their eggs so fast they wanted more. They were more excited to put the egg in the dye and take it out than wait and see the colors. Fun, traditional memories are what they will remember.

Learning to Tie a Tie

2011-04-23T10:34:00.002-08:00

For Easter this year, Dallan requested a real tie. He wanted to learn a tie...no more clip on or zipper ties (sorry Russ). Jerry showed him how to do it and in no time at all, Dallan had mastered a tie. He now can walk through the house while tying his tie (Jerry prefers to do it slowly and perfectly).

Family Arctic Man

2011-04-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

Addelyn racing on the left

Kassidy racing

L-R: Addelyn, Kylee Griffen, Kassidy

Broken down sled with Tyler right there to "help"

Kylee and Shayla keeping warm (Kylee wanted to stay in her jammies)

Kassidy and Leigha Rosenthal in their snow hole

Shayla jumping

Dallan landing his jump

Tyler and Kylee sitting on the snowmachine

Tyler and Kylee eating the camper

The group

Kassidy and Kylee going for a ride

Our couch burning finale complete with fireworks in the couch. The heat was so hot it broke apart the concrete pad it was sitting on

The weekend after the guys Arctic Man trip, all the families from these group of guys Jerry went with, head back down to the same location and have their own Arctic Man. There are kids races on the snowmachines, complete with trophies, moms' races, good friends, and a lot of sledding. It was so nice that the weather was nice...sunny and in the 50's maybe; we didn't have the snow/white out conditions that were here the week prior.

The sledding experience Jerry and I had was CRAZY. So we snowmachined up the mountain and made our starting point. We could hike around a bit, ride the machines further up the mountain, or we could go sledding. Jerry and I decided to sled (after watching the kids do it for hours). We both got in a black cargo sled and away we went. HOLY COW! We were going about 30 mph for half a mile or so. We could barely stear (you had to use your weight and the back person put his hands down), laughed the whole way down, and was pretty scared. He hoped the whole way down we didn't run into any of the kids that were already at the bottom. This is one of the wildest things we have done! Once we at the bottom, we were picked up by the snowmachine and headed back up to the top (no we didn't do it again). IT WAS A WILD RIDE!

We all had a great time and hopefully we can do it all again next year!

My new table

2011-04-14T12:44:00.017-08:00

The dining room table we have been using was my Grandma Nelson's. It worked great...it was long, had two leafs, and could fit all 8 of us plus a couple more, around it. But the way the legs were positioned, the ends of the table were beginning to sag. So, I looked and looked for just the right one and I found it. It matches my oak wood in my cabinets, microfiber seats, and black chairs. It is 96 inches long. It is only a couple inches longer than my other table, but about six inches wider which makes it feels bigger. The first time we all sat around it, I looked at Jerry at the other end and he looked so far way. We now can sit around the table without hitting our knees on the legs. I love my table and really try to protect it from damage. The first mark on it almost made me cry, but with six kids sitting around it, some damage is expected!