What's in a Haircut

Well, Ellen has had her first true short haircut since she was a little girl. About a year and a half ago she took a pair of fingernail scissors to her hair and cut chunks out of it. Because of the oddity of the cutting with that one I had to call my stylist to have her fix Ellen's hair with layers. It was still able to stay pretty long though.

You would think that she would have learned her lesson from cutting her hair with scissors once, but all it seems she learned was to use bigger scissors so that she could cut more hair. I got a call from Landon and Ellen while I was on IDX to tell me that she had taken her scissors and cut her hair. I told them I would look at it when I got home and see what I could do.

Luckily, this time she did a pretty neat cut job on her hair. She cut a lot more hair off, but it was at least mostly straight and she left it long enough that I thought I could do the cut job myself. It was really disheartening to me as I cut off her hair. Right before I had left for work I had expressed to Landon how beautiful I thought her hair was getting. It was so long and we had straightened it to make it look absolutely gorgeous that day.

I think it actually turned out really cute. Which makes it harder to explain to her why she shouldn't do it again. Landon told her that if she did it again Mommy wasn't going to fix her hair, Daddy was. So far this has seemed to stick in her head that she does not want a boy hair cut.

After she was done she went to look in the mirror and came back to inform me that she kind of looked like me and McKinley (her friend in Kindergarten who also has a bob.) We are sad to be loosing the length, I cut off about 5 inches of hair, because now we can't do as many fun hairstyles. She was really sad when I told her we couldn't do the flag in her hair with it this short. We are remembering some cute hairstyles from when she had short hair and really it is adorable on her. I just hope that next time she decides she wants her hair cut short she will let me know before so that we are not forced into the cut.

Eastern Idaho State Fair Shinnanigans

I love the fair. It is as simple as that. Every year I get so excited as Labor Day draws closer that we can go to the fair. I have passed this passion on to our children as well. Ellen asked when the fair was going to come back at least once a month the whole year if not several times in each month. Landon made the mistake of not taking me one year in the beginning of our marriage and has not made the mistake again. He loves the food and I love everything!

This year we loaded up with our friends the Olsen's and headed out. The only night that we found we had available to go it was raining, but we still decided to try it. It actually turned out not too bad. The worst of the rain came while we were eating and since it was a cold, rainy night there weren't too many people there and we were able to find a sheltered place to eat. After that, the place was ours with very minimal sprinkling.
One of the kids' favorite spots is McKee's petting zoo. They had all of the animals put away because of the rain, but we still went in and looked at all of them. Levi was so animated pointing them all out and telling us about them.

This picture was hilarious. The little boy, Miles, was talking to his mom about the goat when it leaped out and started trying to eat his glove. The goat did it over and over again for us, which was nice so that we could get this totally cute shot. Miles thought it was hysterical.

When we were walking through the cows Ellen pointed at this cow and said, "Mom, is that where chocolate milk comes from?" I loved it!

This was the Olsen's first experience at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. From the looks on their faces I think they had a good time. And we were happy for the company.

He Likes Musicals, eh

Our little Levi man is not much of a movie watcher. This has been a totally new experience for Landon and I because our other two kids were mesmerized by Baby Einstein by the time they were 3 months old. Levi at a year old still hasn't found anything the really entertains him, until recently.

One afternoon he got into our movie drawer and brought Landon the movie "The Happiest Millionaire." It is an old Disney musical that we totally love. Landon put it in to let the older two watch and Levi sat down and watched the movie, just like this....
The musical actually kept his focus. He sat like this for a full 5 minutes. Landon said that he would get distracted during the speaking parts, but whenever he heard the singing and music he would come running and sit mesmerized by the movie. I guess we just had to find his thing....musicals.

Craters of the Moon

For Labor Day we decided to do a little exploring at Crater's of the Moon with our friends the Olsen's. It was a really windy day, but that actually made it kind of nice, it wasn't too hot.

First thing when we got there we decided to have the lunch we packed. Since it was sooo windy we piled the kids in the back of the van to each their sandwiches. Ellen, Levi, Trevor & Reed

My girl is such a babe!

Levi trying to see what everybody else is looking at.

For most of the longer walks we packed Levi up in the backpack. He enjoyed it.

Trevor, Ellen, and Reed

They walked many of the trails holding hands.

Erica striking a pose. Doesn't she look like a seasoned spelunker?

The moment Ellen saw this name she got sooooo excited. She began telling us over and over again that it was her Cave! So, when we got to the sign, I took her picture next to her cave.

The whole group, Blaine, Miles, Reed & Erica Olsen. Landon, Trevor, Levi, Katie and Ellen Ladwig.

This was in Beauty Cave. We didn't make it very far though because none of us thought to bring flashlights. Landon took Ellen and Trevor most of the way down following other people with flashlights. The trip back to the mouth of the cave was a little harder for them because they lost the people with the light.

Katie and Levi walking the trail.

The kids were such troopers that day. They climbed over everything and wanted to go in every cave. They really enjoyed themselves.

The Olsen's emerging from Indian Cave.

The Landon Ladwig Family

While the kids were troopers, they did get tired. Reed decided he needed to lay down at this point for a little rest.

In the middle of the exploring Landon's neck started really aching him. He had strained it somehow the night before and then carrying Levi in the backpack made it flair up pretty badly. Luckily we had a doctor with us (Blaine is in his residency.) After we came out of one of the caves Blaine tried helping Landon relax his neck a little.

All in all it was a really great trip and a good way to spend Labor Day.

Tacoma in a Weekend

The last weekend in August we loaded up the family for a quick weekend trip to Washington. Well, actually, the kids stopped in Boise and Landon and I went on to Washington with his mom, Diane, and brother Eric. We left for Boise on Thursday night and stayed at my parents house. Then Diane and Eric picked Landon and I up in Boise on Friday and we returned on Sunday. Since it was such a quick trip and such a long drive we decided to leave the kids in Boise with my brother's and parents. Thanks to them for taking care of them while we were gone.

We went to Tacoma for the wedding of Landon's cousin Ryan. The drive was actually fairly enjoyable. Without the kids we watched grown up movies in the car, I worked on posting my grades, and my favorite, I read. I was given the series "The Hunger Games" before we left by some friends, and devoured the first book on this trip. It has been a long time since I have done that and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We were lucky enough to stay with Landon's Aunt Esther and Uncle Marty. They were gracious hosts and we had a great time. Since Landon and Eric are allergic to cats they had to camp in the neighbors yard, so as not to die from throat closure. The first night there Esther, who is a teacher, and I got to talking about online gadgets and teaching things. We shared some fun things we knew about with each other and discussed secrets of the trade. Landon was bored, but I had a ton of fun discussing professional stuff with someone.

The first day we were there we went down to the pier to a wooden boat show. While there they were having drum boat races. I have watched these on TV but have never seen one in real life. It was really interesting to watch each boat having a drummer pounding out their rhythm. I think it would get confusing and you would really have to train yourself to your own drum. If we lived anywhere where they did these, I think I might want to get involved. It would be really great exercise.


This boat was a two man paddle boat. Four guys took it across the Atlantic Ocean with someone rowing non-stop. Really cool story. This boat is sooo small, I can't imagine living on it for as long as they did.

Landon and I standing in front of one of the boats on the dock.

The people who man the boats were there, all dressed up in their pirate garb, to answer any questions we had about the boats. We learned some really cool new stuff.

Esther and Marty, our gracious hosts.

Esther, Diane, and Marty.

Landon, Katie, Eric and Diane.

Landon and I realized in the middle of this adventure that we were much more relaxed than normally we would be. Then Landon figured out why. We had no kids. Normally when we go to things like this we are chasing kids, yelling at them not to touch things, and trying to catch what we can without loosing a kid over the side. It was really interesting to get to leisurely look at the boats and enjoy our time. (Although the kids would have loved it.)

Landon, Katie, Esther and Marty in front of a car boat.

A closer look. Esther told us a story about seeing one of these in action when she was a lifeguard.

That afternoon we went to a Rose Garden in Tacoma for the wedding of Ryan and Joelle. It was great to get to see the Ladwig family again. We really don't see them very much. The last time was two years ago at Grandpa Ladwig's funeral. It was nice to see them on a happier note.

Landon and Eric talking with his cousins Adam and Misty.

The Happy couple, Ryan and Joelle!

Their wedding was absolutely gorgeous. I think this was one of the best planned, prepared, and just absolutely timeless weddings I have ever been to. From the invitations to the wedding programs to the decorations, everything was perfect. We had only met Joelle one other time when we came up from the funeral, but she and I have kept up with each other a little on facebook. She is one of the friendliest most genuine people I have ever met. From the moment I met her I knew that we could be good friends and I was so happy to be able to go and share in this day with them.

Look how happy they are!

Landon and I after the ceremony. Landon couldn't be out down by Ryan, although it was their day to be in the spotlight.

The reception was in Ryan and Joelle's backyard, which is gorgeous! The have the most fabulous garden and landscaping. They had decorated it with lanterns and pretty table decorations and even a dance floor. The food was good, the entertainment was fabulous including a rendition of the Napoleon Dynamite dance by the bride and her friends, and the dancing, well it rocked! You can tell what a fun group of friends they have because from the moment the music started the dance floor was packed. Joelle has got to be the most hard core jammer I have ever seen. I loved it!!!!

Diane and Eric dancing the night away.

Marty had some pretty serious moves of his own.

We stayed and partied for a long time into the night, but then decided we had better head back to the house to get a good nights sleep so that we could head back to Pocatello the next morning. Once back at the house we all got ready for bed, including Landon and Eric to their tent. On their way out to the tent they passed one of Esther and Marty's neighbors and said hello to him. As they went into the neighbors yard, they could hear this man on the telephone calling the police and telling them that two men in hooded sweatshirts just ducked into the bushes. They went out and tried to talk to him, but all he would do is tell them to "Stay right there!" Eric came in the house and got Marty and Esther to come explain to the neighbor who they were. (In this man's defense, two years previously there had been a murder just down the street.) After Mary and Esther explained he finally believed who they were, but it makes for a fun story to end the trip!

A Face Only a Mother Could Love

One night after playing in the back yard Levi came in the house with a face like this. Levi has a constantly running nose. And I mean constant! Match that up with dirt from the backyard and a little bit of dinner that didn't get wiped off good and this is what you get. This picture doesn't truly show it well, but the snot/dirt mixture wraps clear up and into his eyebrows.

A face that only a mother can love!

First Day of School

That's right! My Bouca girl started Kindergarten this year. I have to admit, that I wasn't sad to see this day come. I was really more excited. Much of that I am sure is due to the fact that this girl has been ready for a long time.

A couple of days before her first day we were able to go into her classroom to meet her teacher and some of the kids in her class. She loved playing with all of the activities that were set up on the tables. We had to do each one. We were one of the first ones to get there and were the last ones to leave.


The night before Ella was so excited I was afraid she wasn't going to go to sleep, but she managed it. Leave it to me to sleep in the next morning. It has been a long time since we have been up and ready to leave for anywhere by 8 a.m. I made the mistake of only setting one alarm for myself and slept in. Luckily, Ellen woke up at 7:30 and came in and got me. We were rushed, and were a little late, but we made it.

After getting her dressed and me dressed I drug the boys out of bed and we headed outside to the horror of no van in the driveway. Landon had taken it to work leaving me with the truck and no car seats. (He forgot Ellen started school that day.) We buckled the kids in the back seat of the truck, my praying that Levi wouldn't figure out he could escape, and headed for the school. Once there, I pulled all the kids out and headed for the school. Since we were late, the kids had already gone to their classes. (I might add that we were only a couple of minutes late. The second bell hadn't even rang yet.) One of the school employee's met me at the office and offered to take Ellen to class which I was grateful for since both of the boys were standing there with dazed looks on their faces and in their pajamas. But before he did he proceeded to lecture me on getting my child to school on time. I wanted to scream at him, "It's the first day of school and her first day ever. Give us a break!" I refrained, took it in, and then kissed her goodbye.

After I got home I broke down crying to Landon that I was the worst Mom ever and totally screwed up Ellen's first day of school. He just laughed at me and then hugged me and made me feel better. Truly though, what did I expect. I was never on time for school, or if I am honest anything else in my life. Why would her first day of school be any different? I am proud to report that she has not been late since that first day.

We took most of these pictures after she got home from a very fun day for her. She loved every minute of it. One of the girls in her class was in Kindermusik with her so she already had a good little friend. Of course she drives the teacher crazy sometimes because she reads and insists on things being done exactly as the instructions read. She enjoys doing all of the projects in class and especially loves her specials, Spanish, Music and P.E. (Library is still a little boring for her because they won't let them check out books yet.) We are so proud of our little girl!

Happy Birthday to Katie

For my birthday my spectacular husband had the brilliant idea of going to the beach for a bonfire. He knows that the beach and the water are where I truly find relaxation and peace. So, away we went for a BBQ at the beach with friends and family.

Levi enjoyed playing on the beach. Much more than at Bear Lake when he had a double ear infection. I think there was sand in every crevice when the night was done.

Our good friends the Olsen's joined us. This is their son Reed.

I love this girl!

My sweet sister, Annie, decided to bring out their boat. They boat my Dad's boat from him a couple of years back, so this is the boat that I know and love and always have my best ski's behind. We had Jason take a picture of us at the beach and he decided that the boat needed to be in the picture. The boat looks great, but you can't really see our faces. Just know we had a good time.

Maggie Porter

Annie and Jaycee. Aren't they babes?!

Braiden had a rough time, but this is not completely unusual. He had stellar hair though!

Miles Olsen

Definitely my favorite part of the night. This was the first time I had really been able to have a good ski (with a good ski boat and on a good ski) in a couple of years. Landon says that I am a snob when it comes to skiing, and I probably am, but it makes such a big difference to have the right equipment. I felt more free, more alive than I can remember. After that was the first time I have heard Landon say that we should really look into buying a boat. Maybe even before a trailer. (That is huge for him.) Thanks Anne for giving me the best birthday present ever!

After my ski, we decided it was the kid's turn. Ellen wouldn't do it, but Trevor said that he would. After throwing a fit about getting in the water and me forcing him in, he loved it. I used to ski on the front of my Dad's ski's when I was little, and Jason has gotten really good at it over the years. Trevor wouldn't put his feet down so Jason ended up holding him up the whole time. (Good thing Jason is such a big guy.) Once they were up Trevor loved it!

His triumphant ending!