Happy Birthday Denver!

by Vicki Conger

I can't believe Denver is already 10! It's amazing how quickly the years have gone by and how much he has grown! He's so tall now, so it's hard to imagine him at 3 lb. 10 oz. ! Sometimes I have to look at his pictures just to remind myself of how little he was! Denver is getting to be such a smart boy. I thinks he has a brain like Shane's and he retains a lot of information. Even his primary teacher, Bro. Hardy, has commented on how Denver knows all the answers in primary. There is something to that brain of his, because he also a great memory. In fact, he always brings up things that happened years ago that everyone else has forgotten.

Denver is fun loving and gets along with everyone he meets (except Evan) and he has tons of friends at school. He is also very funny and has a quick wit. He just has a great personality that is hard to dislike!

This is a pose he manufactured at the Museum of Ancient Life, what a silly boy!Denver is getting to be quite responsible and likes being "in charge". He helps me with Grant all the time! I feel comfortable leaving Grant with him while I run to the mail or to do a quick errand. He wants to babysit for longer, but I think I'll wait a few more years!

He has mentioned that he wants to be either a pilot or a chef when he grows up. The boy loves to cook! He makes eggs for breakfast all the time, many desserts, and has even made us dinner several times (including spaghetti & meatballs and homemade pizza) by himself!

Some of his likes are: cooking, video games, building forts, shooting, camping, fishing, swimming, and country music (especially John Denver)

Denver is such a sweet boy and isn't afraid to give us hugs or say "I love You". We are so glad that he is part of our family!!!

Cleaning Crew

Mom, Julie and Vicki went to help Debbie get the Carlson's new house clean and ready for move-in. We worked hard and got a lot done, but also had a lot of fun talking and being silly.

We had a lot of fun with Roger Rocket

(the strap-on vacuum).

Mom working at getting some crusty boogers off the coat closet door

Deb's friend and her daughter came to help too

Cameron wishes that he could have come instead

of watching Vicki's kids... I wonder why!

Mom's Montana Pictures

Our Montana homeSolomons at Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs
Alex, Andre and Connor
Yellowstone Bear
Where are my shades?
Seeing the sights at Yellowstone
Grant, Vicki and Alex
Fun with Wayne, Jared and Melissa
Check out the Dragon's Mouth!
WOW!!
Andre and Cameron catching up
The guys
Old folks in the rain
Cameron and Andre
Getting ready to hike
Alex
Chandler and Aunt Suzy
Happy hikers
Hikers
On the trail
Rocky trail
Suzy and Dad back down the trail
Alex and Alisha
Red Boxcar in Red Lodge, YUMMY!
Jared shading his eyes
Red Lodge animal rescue
Cute cowgirl
Serious gaming
Hanging out in the back yard

Carlson Family News

The Carlson family is moving! Their new address will be: 6778 Gold Yarrow, Las Vegas, NV 89148 (off 215 and Sunset). Help is requested by anyone available on Monday, August 10th. Anyone with a truck and/or trailer would be greatly appreciated.

Debbie has been busy packing and organizing and will be glad to be finally settled in after the move. She was released from her Young Women calling in her ward but is filling in as Primary chorister for the next four weeks, which she really enjoys. Carissa serves as the Primary pianist.

Carissa is still working for a doctor's office and teaching piano. She recently received another scholarship and is looking forward to heading off to BYU at the end of next month. She has a new cell phone number which is (801)427-4262.

Randy, Kyle and Cameron are all going on a priest trip to California the first week of August. They were supposed to be going to Yellowstone but that was cancelled, so whatever they end up doing, we hope they have a good time!

Cameron was ordained as a Priest on Sunday, July 26th by Randy. Congrats, Cam!

Kyle is excited about going to the temple on August 8th to receive his endowments. He is eagerly awaiting leaving on his mission in September and is doing everything he can to prepare. He even spoke at a missionary prep fireside this evening.

I've been teasing Deb that we're all taking bets on when she's going to have her "breakdown". With Kyle heading on a mission, Carissa leaving for school and the stress of moving, I hope it doesn't hit her too hard in the next couple of months. I hope we can all be supportive with the many changes the Carlson family is facing right now.

Carlsons, you're such a great family and a wonderful example of being "anxiously engaged in a good cause". Keep up the great work!

Snick

Carissa's Scholarships

As most of you already know, the initial scholarship Carissa received will cover tuition for fall and winter semesters at BYU as well as $1,000 each semester for books and other supplies. This scholarship can be renewed her sophomore year if certain criteria is met.

Carissa also just received another scholarship this past Friday for $2,000 ($1,000 each semester which will pay half of her housing for the year). The scholarship is from the Jeff & Kenna Cooper Foundation through a perpetual education fund that has been established. (Brother Cooper taught all three of the Carlson kids in seminary).

These scholarships are such a blessing to Carissa and her family. Congratulations, Sis, for working so hard to qualify for these scholarships.  You deserve it!

Happy Birthday Kobe!

by Cynthia Evans

Kobe is such a fun boy. He always has funny things to say and often cracks us up. When he was three, in Sacrament meeting he said, "Check out the bootie on that blondie!" really loud then starts laughing - "Hey Jeff" (two rows behind us) "that's from She's the Man... you seen that movie?". I thought for sure everyone in the back section would bust a gut. We all cracked up (well, I was red with embarrassment).

Kobe always wants a hug - he is my cuddly boy and every night says "Please strack by my back, mom". When he was little he would put his arm or leg up for Kevin or I to scratch.

He loves fishing with his dad and playing with his friends Preston and Rylan. Kobe's nickname is "Smalls". He is a good little baseball player and really likes practice and games. He caught a pop fly (and was really surprised) and hit a home run this spring... he was very excited. Kobe likes being outside and having fun. He loves getting together with cousins and is always trying to have a sleepover.

Kobe loves school and was Mrs. G's favorite. He kept her posted every day when Kevin was in the hospital. She knew something was up the 1st day because he wasn't his happy self. The lunch ladies at school tell me they love watching Kobe because he is so animated and always cracks the other kids up. Kobe is a sweet boy and so happy to have finally lost his 1st tooth on July 5th.

Kobe is hoping to grow soon (he and Kannon need a growth spurt for Christmas). Kobe is a generally happy-go-lucky kid...a little mischievous but always sweet. Happy 7th Birthday, Kobes!

Love you, Mom

Orange Teriyaki Sauce

Submitted by Vicki - "I found a recipe online for a homemade Teriyaki sauce. I thought it was really good and easy to make!"

1 cup orange juice
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup sugar

This can be used as a marinade or as a sauce over stir fry (or any recipe that calls for Teriyaki sauce). I used it with ramen noodles (without seasoning and water) , chicken and vegetables, and it was tasty! Enjoy!

Montana Trip - by Vicki

Museum of Ancient Life, Lehi, UT
Grant, Alisha, Chandler, Evan, Ginormous Shark, Rylan, Denver, Jared, Cameron
Denver & RylanJared, Melissa, WayneYellowstone National Park
Mr. BisonThe four stooges (Rylan, Evan, Connor & Denver)Cute boys (Cameron & Andre) watching Steamboat Geyser in awe!Alex and Alisha. Alex was so sweet to Alisha on the whole trip. She played with her, let her sleep over and endured countless hours of jibber-jabber!Our fam at Mammoth Hot springs.Damn eagle!! If I had a gun, I'd shoot it out of that nest right now!! It took us 45 minutes to go about 2 miles because everyone slowed down to see it.Old FaithfulSome of the clan at the Upper Falls.Stillwater River
What a beautiful hike!
Andre and Cameron kayaking.We had a blast rafting down the river. Thanks Milo!!Red Lodge
Nature Center
Helping the elderly cross the street after a long day of shopping.Columbus, MT
Museum of the Beartooths
Melissa and I decided to run a 5K with Suzy and Connor. Connor did a great job and got 2nd place in his age group. Melissa was just behind Connor, and Suzy and I came in about 5 minutes later. Melissa ended up getting a tub of honey for driving the longest distance to get there, but some wrinkly old broad talked her into trading it for some sun screen and bug spray. I don't know about the rest of them, but I had fun and would love to do another 5K soon!Freedom Days parade in Columbus.Stay tuned for the new season of Lost. This season is filmed on private property near Columbus, MT, don't miss it! JK!! I had every one just turn around where they were standing and I think it looks really cool. It totally reminded me of the title sequence for Lost.