Our Vacation Part 1

We are currently 13 days into our 5 week vacation and having a great time. Yes, it is alot of driving
but the kids have been doing great!
Our first stop was in Cedar City, UT, all I could say is that it was gorgeous and I would definitely go back! Our next stop was Salt Lake City, UT. While we were there we took a tour of the State Capitol which was absolutely beautiful - a must see if you ever head that way. We also walked around the Temple Square and ate lunch and Bringham Young's old home, by the way Mormons don't drink coffee, that it just crazy for someone with my addiction to coffee - I settled for a nice cup of ice water. The grounds were beautiful the temple is off limits to only the chosen people. I thought that was amazing that a "church" could be off limits - obviously they have something to hide. It was really amazing as we drove though the entire state of Utah, every couple blocks there was a church, I don't think I've ever seen so many churches in my life. In Rawlins, WY we had so much fun and I found something I love - Deep Fried Pickles!! We took a tour of the Frontier Penitentiary est. in 1888 - so interesting! They had a gas chamber and a Gallo for hangings - yikes!
We also went to the Carbon County Museum, it was a journey back in time - another must see!!

On to Mt. Rushmore, I don't think we missed much here's a list of where we went - Sturgis,
Wall Drug,
The Badlands,
Crazy Horse Memorial,
The Mammoth Site,
Mt. Rushmore! Amazing, Amazing is all I can say!
Seeing wild Buffalo up close!!
Today we are in Billing, MT. We toured Little Bighorn Memorial and it was - WOW!! It made me sad to see what greed does, how many senseless deaths because the white man wanted more. This trip has been such a great history lesson for the whole family. We are all enjoying every moment. I will try to post more often. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

So far this summer....

We have been nonstop so far this summer. We are getting ready to leave on our 5 week vacation, so life has been happening fast. We brought our trailer home a couple weeks ago to clean it and get ready for our trip, it was fun to have all the kids help wash it! We took it back to storage and will be bringing it home this week for me to load - Yea!! We also went to Disneyland with our cousins, which is always a favorite, we love when they come to Cali! Last week and this week I get to watch Dean and Carries girls who are the sweetest! It's very helpful because it keeps my kids busy so I can get my work done before we leave on Friday! We just wrapped up baseball and I'm in shock - no baseball games for 5 weeks since we are not going to be around. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE baseball but a break from it is going to be really nice! Yesterday, Sammie and I went to, my niece, (Dean's oldest girl) Chelsie's bridal shower in Santa Barbara. Chels is getting married while we are gone so we are sad to miss the wedding. She is going to be the most beautiful bride!! She is marrying Scott and will be moving to Germany, he is a missionary to military youth kids - isn't that neat!! So here's some pics from the last two weeks.

Robert Opening his main gift!

Robert's Graduation!!!

Robert graduated today from 6th grade. The ceremony was amazing!! Robert received a Citizenship award that was a letter signed by the President - cool!! Here's a little clip of Robert getting his diploma. We are so proud of Robert!!!

Way to go Yankee's!!

Last Saturday we had our end of the season party for the Yankees. Ed was the manager for Michael's team this year and he did a terrific job!! I was so proud of how Ed gave individual attention to better each player throughout the season. Michael fell in love with the game this year and it is so exciting to see him grow into a great team player!! Thanks Ed for making me a proud wife and Michael for giving me a reason to cheer!! I love you!!!

Time goes by so fast!

This morning I took Robert to a 6th Grade Introduction to Junior High at his new school. I am amazed at how life is going by so fast! My baby, my first born, is growing up! Robert graduates on June 5th from 6th grade, not so long ago I was walking him into kindergarten. Today, I had mixed feelings as I watched him at his new Jr. High Assembly, one of excitement, one of emptiness, if that's the right word. I'm so excited for Robert to be starting this new stage in life. It makes me excited when I see him get excited! On the other hand, as I drove Robert back to his elementary school, I got a pit in my stomach as we approached. The thought that things will never be the same, they are going to change because he's growing up. Tonight, my thought is to savor the time I have with my children because time goes by fast when I'm not paying attention to it!! I remember, my parents telling me when my kids were babies, to enjoy this time, it will go by very fast. Like always they were right, it is going by too fast!!

A Special Day with Robert!

Yesterday, I took Robert to Disneyland. Robert was sick when we took Michael for his birthday, so it was his turn to go!! We had a lot of fun, eating, going on rides, eating, rides, eating, rides, eating - get it, he's a growing boy. When you look at the pictures notice how tall Robert is getting, he's an inch away from my height. It was a great day together!! Robert is a really cool kid and I'm so glad he's ours!!

Rattler #2

Two rattle snakes in one week is more than enough for me to handle. The bad news is this one got away!!!

It's officially Snake Season at the Winslow's

Yes in deed, we had our first rattle snake for the year yesterday. I really hate snakes, they send my heart racing!! Ed was still out of town with the boys, so I went looking for a neighbor to save the day. I found a friendly neighbor and asked him to come kill it for me. Yes, I am a chicken!! This snake was not huge like the last one, this one was a baby - the deadliest kind! I took a picture once it had no head and after I did the grossed out dance. So, my thought today is to always go out of your way to show kindness to your neighbors!! I so appreciate Jim helping me out!!

Girls just want to have fun!

The boys were having a special weekend with Ed at a fisherman's conference up at Hume Lake. So, on Friday I took Sammie out of school to go to Disneyland. Sam and I had an absolute blast!! Roller coasters, ice cream, shopping who could ask for a better day!! Sammie and I bought matching earrings - Tinkerbell with our birthstone (topaz) in it. Sam is so fun she loves all the fast roller coasters, so we laughed and giggled the whole day!!

Happy 8th Birthday Michael!

I can't believe it's been 8 years!! On Monday, Michael turned 8 years old so we had planned on taking all the kids to Disneyland. Unfortunately, Robert came down with a high fever the night before so he was unable to go with us. Ed and I took Michael and Sammie and we had a great time even though we all missed Robert. As you can see in the pictures Michael hammed it up all day, he's a crack up!! We are so thankful for the blessing Michael is, he is such a gift from God. We love you Michael!!

California Gold Rush

Sammie's 4th grade class studied the California Gold Rush in school this week. They celebrated the end of the week with a old fashion Hoe Down. It was so much fun we all got to join in the dancing at the end of the performance. Here's a video of one of the square dances they learned. Sammie is in the brown skirt and vest, her hair is in a pony tail.

Fun filled day!

This morning we started off at Samantha's talent show. She has been singing in the Talent show every year since 1st grade. Sam has a beautiful voice and is such an enjoyment to listen to. This year Sammie sang with two of her friends and they did a great job!! Here is a picture of Brianna, Rebecka and Samantha. Both Michael and Robert had games today, and they did great!! These are the best of times!! We finished the day celebrating Granny's Birthday, which is actually tomorrow. Here's a video of her opening up her gift from John, Sue, Ed, me and all the grand kids.
Ed's mom is such a blessing to me and I really lucked out with having the best Mother-in-Law in the whole world!!