Clocks.... Can you hear me now?

My mother has taken to collecting clocks. I went through the entire house and photographed each clock that actually chimes or makes an "animal" sound of some sort. There were more than this, but the others didn't "chime" each hour. Anyway, I had to show the proof that there were hundreds.....(o.k, I won't exagerate, 18) CLOCKS that chimed one after another each and every hour. I think its kind of funny, but every hour it seems like one of the boys end up saying "what was that?" and act like its the first sound they have ever heard in their life.

The Effects of Driving for 12+ hours

Zac and Jacob are out today. Those kids are tired! We dont blame them, except that anytime we start to fall asleep, they seem to wake up or scream just enough so we dont get any rest. Oh well... Thats vacation for you! We kept a small tally of a few things while we were on the road yesterday, and thought we would post them... I felt inspired after reading Camerons blog the other day of his " 95%"

Times Zac asked "Are we in California yet?" =26

Rages of Gas Prices from Utah to Antioch California: $4.15 to $4.35

Times Cameron asked for a new activity while in the car: 12

Times Jacob fell, and actually got hurt: 4

Times I complained about not having any good shoes to walk in: 7

Times Traci loved and commented on the Sierra's: 21

Times I yelled at the kids saying "DON'T MAKE ME TURN THIS CAR AROUND!" : 8

Day 1- The big Hurdle

We originally planned to stay in Reno Nevada overnight. When we arrived, it was only 4 p.m. and we noticed the kids were doing soooo good! Not wanting to jinx the good behavior, we decided to make the big push to my moms house, about another 3 or so hours(depending on trafic and how many times we ended up stopping). It went really well, until we switched off onto highway 113 from highway 80. About half way down 113, a Ford Expedition full of children pulling a trailer with 2 horses somehow lost its rear wheel doing about 40 mph. It was a miricle that the truck didnt flip. The truck ended up in a ditch on its side with the trailer still atatched to the truck, it too on its side. We stopped and did what we could to help. We set out the few flairs that we had and directed traffic on the tiny 2 lane road until EMS responded. We felt blessed that no one was hurt or injured, including the horses. Even with all of this- the children still did great until we arrived at my parents!

California or Bust

Tomorrow we start our trip to California. We should be gone for almost 2 weeks. I cant wait to see the Ocean again and bask in the California sunshine. It has been 4 years since we (as a family) have been to California. I think he highlight of our trip will be Anchor Bay and the Giants game we are going to on Tuesday. I'll do my best to keep posting how we are doing while we are gone. -No promises though!

Officially Done

Proof that the sprinklers work- and the timer is also working! Now I can go on vacation without having to worry about the lawn dying!

FINISHED!!!!

Karate Finals/ White Belt Test

Cameron and Zac took a Karate class this summer. For their final, they had to do some of things they were taught and then punch through a wood board. They were sure excited to do it- and I am proud of them for accomplishing it!

Day ?? of Project Backyard 2008

I have been at it ALL WEEK. I don't think I have checked my e-mail once this week- and I haven't been in the house more than 5 minutes straight (unless I am sleeping...) Anywho, It has been a crazy week! I am now just getting updated on my posts- so I'll have more soon!

Day Spa/ Pool closure wont stop these kids!

Carter Day Spa/ Pool is closed for Renovations

Day 1 (give or take 4 days)
We needed to tie into our main line. If you didn't know, I hate all forms of plumbing. In case your wondering, I don't consider Sprinklers part of plumbing. Tying into the main line is a little above my experience level, so I hired out the hard part, and just dug my own hole. The hole kept getting bigger and bigger, and is now being refered as the Carter Day Spa and Public Pool. Thankfully its done, and leak free- even though this photo looks like there is a major leak.