Thursday, August 14, 2008

Flash Backs Of Summer

August 2008

So summer is officially over. Courtlyne started school a week before Carter. (I couldn't find my digital camera so I only took fim pictures of Courts first day. She started 3rd grade and is so gald to be back in school.) Carters first day of Kindergarten. She was excited to go to school with her big sister. We ride bikes together to school everyday. It is great to be so close to school --And I am getting a great workout riding back and forth four times a day!! WHew Courtlyne, Carter and Cal on Carter's first day of school what will me and Cal do at home alone now? Oh not much, it seems Kindergarten is out almost as soon as you drop them off, I forgot how this breaks up the day.


*Summer Wedding*

Mckell Poulson got married on August 22nd. I have know McKell and her family since Mckell was 8 years old. She was on the very first team of level 5 gymnasts that I coached on my own. I coached her until she graduated from high school and joined the gymnastics team at BYU. So she was the first gymnast that I have seen go all the way. She and her little teammates even served at my wedding. Needless to say, she and her family have been a big part of our lives. I used to babysit her and her brother and sisters and now they babysit my kids. It is a great friendship that has been shared by McKell's mom Sheri and I, and by McKell and myself. I truly love an appreciate this girl and her family. Good Luck McKell Merkley!


SNOWBIRD
My parents have had a condo at Snowbird since I was a little girl and it is still one of my most favorite places on earth. The kids look forward to going up and spending time in the pool and in the mountains with Grandma and Grandpa. Swimming never gets old if you are young. Taking a break.
In the secret woods.
The playground has the coolest swings I have ever seen. You go so high that if you are little you have to strap up a harness buckle for safety. Carter would have done this all day long.
The playground also has this puke machine that Courtlyne loves. It just sits enough off balance that you spin and spin and spin--fast. The kids try it and then get off and try to run--usually into a tree.

Alpine Slides

Going up the lift for the Alpine Slides. We sent Ben up on foot so he could save us a decent space in line. Thanks Honey!

Coming down










*The Best Day of the Summer*

We started off August in the best way possible with the baptism of our oldest daughter Courtlyne. She was baptized on August 2nd by her uncle Allan Measom. She was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost by her Dad, Ben Marziale. A lot of people thought it was wierd(including Ben) that Courtlyne wanted Allan to baptize her. My uncle baptized me so I didn't think it was that wierd. Allan was very excited to baptize Courtlyne. Ben actually baptized Allan when he was 8, so I thought it was very cool that Courtlyne chose Allan to baptize her. She loves and looks up to all of her uncles and aunts. I hope they never forget that these kids that we have really want to be like them.


Thank goodness for Grandma Linda, she makes all the beautiful dresses that my girls wear. I wish I had that skill.
I wish I would have got this picture one second earlier. It was the sweetest hug!
Courtlyne and Allan













JULY 2008
24th of July
This is one of our favorite times of the year. The rodeo, the carnival, the parade, and all the other fun Spanish Fork Fiesta Days excitement. It is fun to run into old friends and to spend time with our families.
The girls rode this ride 3 times. It was definitely their favorite.
At the parade with Jessie.


*MUTTIN BUSTIN* Carter had been talking about doing this for about 6 months. We tried to prepare her with a few rides on Ben's back. She got the lucky draw of being the first contestant. Lucky because she may have changed her mind after watching some of the other kids.
Cowgirl CarterMounting up. This sheep was running wild before they threw our sweet little girl on. I was a little nervous for her.
The aftermath. She scored an 81! The 3 highest score of the night. She also was one of only a handful of kids that did not run back crying! Hooray Carter! She did say she is not quite sure if she wants to do it again next year. HUM- wonder why?





Courtlynes other birthday party!
A Cool beachside cake made by Mom!!










After we got home from Mexico Courtlyne had to have another party to celebrate with those who missed the party in Mexico.














The 24th of July children's parade is always a GREAT time. Grandma Linda helped Courtlyne decorate her bike with cool streamers. She rode all the way down the route!
















Hot July afternoon* A fun day playing the the backyard with Grandpa Gary. He went out for a little relaxation and ended up with a water fight on the tramp. These are the moments that I want my kids to always remember!
















Thanks Grandpa!!






ON OUR WAY TO MEXICO


Puerto Penasco here we come!

On our second day in Mexico, Cal and Carter both got stung by jellyfish. It was horrible. They were sitting with a bunch of family on the shore just letting the waves wash up on them and the next thing you know---bloody murder screams!! Ben was out on the wave runners so I was panicking trying to take care of both kids. Thank goodness for Grandpa Gary and Aunts to help. We tried all the wrong stuff (ice, freshwater) not the way to treat the sting. About 5 minutes later --it seemed like an eternity-- Ben came running up and yes, my children can now say that their Dad peed on them. Well, he actually peed in a cup and we poured it all over them. This did help the sting! Then a man came by who had vinegar--the best solution to help the sting--and he helped us out. A little tylenol and a nap and they both woke up feeling much better. Today almost 3 months later Cal still has marks on his arm from that darn Jelly!



*JELLYMAN*
One of the horrible Jellies.
This is a crazy game that my Mom's family has played since before I was born. Everyone gets a paper bag hat and a newspaper whacker. The point of the game is to get everyone's hat off while yours stays on. The adults had their own game and then the kids had a go at it. Of all the people on the beach that were partying we were definitely the spectacle.
Courtlyne, Jenny, Carter and Jessica


*JULY 4th*
Weird, we were in Mexico for the 4th!
Jenny Carlson was actually baptized while we were in Mexico. She was baptized in the ocean by her older brother Mark. It was a great experience for the family to be able to witness this important day and be reminded of our own baptismal covenants. I actually found out that my Grandma Betty Carlson was also baptized on the 4th of July.




This is a picture of Carter, Jenny, Courtlyne and Jessica. Jenny and Jessica are actually my cousins--my girls love when they come to town and they get to see them. We wished they lived a little (or a lot) closer!!
Jessie and Cal playing a little homerun derby!




Of course like at all family reunions, or maybe just ours, there the was the dreaded skit night. This year there were actually good showings from all families. Our skit ended with Courtlyne trying to find a little green ball--hence the nose pick.






Is this not the cutest boy you have ever seen? Look at those muscles!I told Ben we need to move to the coast so he can fulfill our wishes of him becoming a professional surfer!


FUN AT THE POOL!!


Ben and Cal
Cheesey Carter
Courtlyne the Daredevil
Cal flying high with uncle Jared
Courtlyne and Holly
Carter and Allan
Ben and Carter
Cal the Jellyman!








At the Beach
It was so so so hot that we were either in the pool or in the ocean. After the Jellyfish encounter we had a few who were a little leery of the ocean so we played in the sand then went back to the pool.

Carter, Cal and Court Mom and Courtlyne taking the waves!
Sand Sculptures *The sandman*
Finding sea shells, and hermit crabs was a favorite early morning pastime.

Courtlyne was very excited to celebrate her 8th birthday in Mexico. We had a good day on the beach and in the pool and spending time with family. I can't believe my first baby is eight years old. Wow! That means we are getting old ourselves.

Improvised candles--we could not find any birthday candles in the Mexican grocery store. We stuck some matches in the cake instead.
Amazing the decorating that can be done with what is found!!



*Beautiful Scenes from Mexico*







and my most favorite scene of all the boys in my life!!





On our way home from Mexico we stayed with Ben's Uncle Ritchie in Mesa, Arizona. He took us out on the lake in his boat. Wow, Ben's first time water skiing. He was up the second time, after a horrible crash that he did not want to repeat. It is amazing how he can pick up anything in a few tries. He was then showing off and he skiied for a long time until he tried a back flip that took him off his feet.




That's my Man!


Watching Dad

Second cousins, Larson Marziale and Courtlyne, ready for a ride on the tube. The sun setting on our vacation!!






JUNE 2008

The Tigers take the championship!
( well, we at least hit the ball really good!)


Softball season again. Courtlyne was a great hitter this year. Sh is getting better at catching--but still frustrates her Dad when he plays with her. She played with her cousin Brylee on the Tigers, and uncle Jim coached. It was a good season!
Look at that hitting stance. Taught to her by her Dad, a true professional in the field of hitting.















Fathers Day June 2008





















My Hottie Husband and me sharing a Father's Day kiss. I couldn't ask for a funner, cuter, lovelier Dad for our kids.





They love their Dad and so do I!








RELAY FOR LIFE

GIVE CANCER THE BIRD!! We participated in the Utah Valley Cancer Relay for Life. It is held in Payson every summer and is a great fundraiser for cancer research in Utah. When my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May of 2006 we all decided to do the 2007 Relay For Life it was a big success--This year I was actually not going to participate because it is hard to organize a team and raise money but then we were hit with bad new again, my Moms cancer came back in March of 2008. When we told our kids my oldest Courtlyne said she wanted to walk all night to help Grandma Linda. So we did this years Relay for Life. The Relay is a 24 hour walk/run to raise money for cancer research,in Utah. It is very inspiring and emotional ---We were proud to be a part of it once again.




Carter early in the morning after she had a little bit of sleep during the night.











Courtlyne was a champ she did not sleep all night!! Finally at 7:00 in the morning when I was taking down the tent she sat down in this chair and literally fell asleep in a minute. I packed her in the car and put her in her bed at home where she slept until 3:00pm. Amazing!!





SWIMMING LESSONS

Swimming lesson were a little bit of a flop this year--The only weeks we could be here for full lessons were the first two weeks after school got out so it was COLD!! We survived and got a few free passes to the pool since our classes got canceled a few times due to the weather
Courtlyne and Carter are both really good swimmers they love the water, they love the slide and Courtlyne loves jumping off the diving board. She got brave and tried front flips --I wouldn't allow the back flips yet. (I know what they look like on the ground--not ready for the pool yet!)
Carter and Courtlyne
MOM, can we PLEASE go home it is FREEZING?!






MAY 2008


Courtlyne Marziale last day of 2nd grade!

We made these tie-dyes on Memorial Day--It is now a Measom family tradition every Memorial Day. Ben laughs that we are the ONLY people who still wear tie-dye let alone make our own. Look how good they turned out though -all those colors have to make you smile!



My siblings minus one: Emma, Holly Adams, Allan, Me and Jessica--Gregg is in California.
We started off the summer attending the graduation of the last generation of Measom Soccer players from Spanish Fork High. My littlest brother Allan graduated in May and it is crazy to think there are no more reasons to go to football games and soccer games until my own kids are there in about eight years.