Jessica's Dance Studio

For Jessica's birthday this year, I sent her away to a hotel. Then my Dad and I spent about 8 hours remodeling our storage shed into a dance studio. It has insulation, new laminate flooring, electricity, 6 x 7 foot mirror, internet (well that is still in progress, dumb wifi), heater. So now she can perfect her skills in private without kids (and a husband) staring.

Late Holloween Photos

Leah was really excited about being Cleopatra this year. They learned about her in school and she was thrilled when party city had the full costume. Ruth got whatever we could find around the house.

Ruth's Door

Oh Ruth. You sweet little...booger. Ruth has created this little game for herself, which she thinks is quite funny. Jessica's car has automatic locks, but we lost the remote. So you have to use a key to get in the driver door then hit the button  to unlock all the other doors. Well Ruth, for several months now, ihas been big enough to reach the lock on her door. So when we go to the store and I move to get her out of the car she quickly kicks the lock and I have to walk back to my door and unlock all the doors. Though her orneriness (I don't know where she gets it) keeps her going and she quickly locks the door. My humor turns to frustration and I have to reach in through my door and hit the lock where my hand is bombarded by kicking feet. I have to move swiftly to unlock the door amidst flying size 2s and get the door open. She giggles but has a very serious look on her face. Anyway, she loves this little battle we have. I don't know if she does the same for Jessica or if she saves this little game just for her dad. 

Ruth beating me up

Using my iphone, Leah shot some video of Ruth beating me up with the swing.

Leah washes hands

Sick and Tired

Well we are on our third day of our family vacation. And like a vacation, we are getting a break from work, school, responsibilities and good health. OK so we are all home sick. And though it is not a vacation we are getting those breaks.

Tuesday, Ruth started getting sick. Then Jessica and Leah on wednesday and me on thursday. Fevers, sore throats, tender skin and achy muscles. All so much fun. So the house is a wreck and the TV has received excessive use. But come end of this weekend we should all be OK to return to our normal lives. And bid a farewell to this awful vacation.

Ruth singing

Ruth singing Gumby from Gabe Sprenger on Vimeo.

I was trying to get Ruth to sing what she knows of the Gumby song. She's so cute.

Idaho

This last weekend Christie and I took the girls (Leah, Ruth, Noel and Sydney) to Idaho for Grandma Longs 80th birthday party. We left Friday afternoon and trekked the 6 hours to Nampa.

It was a nice weekend. The party was fun and everyone was there (minus Gerry). The girls had fun playing with cousins and we had a good time catching up with the family we dont get to see very often.

On sunday morning We took the girls to Raging Rapids, Idahos huge water park. Ruth stayed with Charlie because she was not feeling very good. But Christie, Noel Sydney, Leah, and I enjoyed a few hours of Idaho sun and Fun.

We headed back Sunday night. I was a fun, busy weekend. That will take a few days to recover from.

Saint Helens

On Monday (Aug 24 09) Adam and I hiked to the top of Mount Saint Helens. It was a lot of fun, but quiet challenging. I have been walking with the girls several times a week this summer to try and get ready for the trek, but this hike kicked me in the tail. It took us five hours to hike the five miles and 5000 feet of elevation, and 3 hours to come down. It was an amazing day, clear and warm. Awesome. One mountain down man more to go. Check out the photos and videos on our flickr page.

St. Helens Photos on Flickr

Enjoy.

We participated in our first race today. It was a 3k for race for
courage. It was to raise money for the guy at work whose son died of
cancer last month and whose wife is going through it as well. There
were four hundred participents. It was fun.