Sammi's Baptism

Saturday was Sammi's special day. She was able to be baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by her daddy. It was a beautiful time for all of us. It was a Stake Baptism, so three other children were being baptized as well. Sammi sang a solo of the Primary song, Baptism. It was very sweet, and I think I was more nervous for her then she was! Her pure child voice made the song come alive. It was a sweet moment.

As she was confirmed a member of the church, it was metioned in her blessing that now is the time for her to be "The Listener" (That is what Samantha means). When she was blessed as a baby, she was told when the time comes, she will listen to the Holy Ghost -- the time has come. :-)

We love our Sammi. We are so excited for her and her future. She is our Sammi Sunshine -- always bringing light into our lives. :-)

Staying Cool

We have been "enjoying" some serious Summer heat lately (over 100 degrees). The kids do their best to stay cool. Lots of water fun, and popsicles. :-) I am so grateful for grass and huge shade trees in the backyard! The hammock has been my friend while the kids spray water everywhere. :-) This is not my favorite time of year -- with the heat -- but Fall is just around the corner!

Stanley Saturday

We took a little Saturday trip to Stanley, Idaho. It was a 3 hour drive, and we got a late start. We just wanted to see if we could get out of the heat -- it was 105 degrees! Anyhow, we made our way towards Stanley, on an extremely curvy (very beautiful) mountain road. There were tons of deer and we hit a few field mice, it was a pretty exciting ride -- especially the dark return trip home!

Stanley was beautiful. The Sawtooth Mountains provide a glorious scene. It is just a tourist town, with a population of 100. It seemed like there were tons of camping places along the way, and it looked like an awesome place to camp. We drove through the Ponderosa Pines, which are so pretty, and they smell so good in the night air -- like Christmas! :-)

We found a school park for the kids (and us) to play at. The teeter-totters were the big hit. We spent most of our time on them.

Up and down, up and down . . .

Charles and I had a blast on the teeter-totter. We would take turns with William. Whoever did not have William would fly into the air -- it was hilarious. We have not laughed that hard in a LONG time!! It was WAY fun!

Our biggest problem was getting off. Getting on was a trick -- but off was just silly. The first time I knocked Charles where the sun don't shine, and I fell flat on my bootie. We got a little more skilled over time. We were very careful not to endanger William. If Charles would have gotten off with William still on, William would have shot straight up -- like a cannon into the sky! No wonder you don't see teeter-totters around much!!

We had an awesome time! The weather was perfect there, about 85 degrees. It was a nice relief from our heat wave! It is always fun to go on day trips. I love discovering new places. I think we will venture off to Stanley again. :-)

Hot-Head

What a pretty little device...who knew???

Why didn't anyone ever tell me about a flat iron?? I guess I knew they existed, but I never considered the fact that I NEEDED one! The last time I went to the hair salon (which I do once a year) the lady that did my hair used a flat iron to style it. I thought the results were mainly from the hair product she used, and I thought I could recreate it with a curling iron -- wrong. Anyhow, we were at Costco the other day and Charles insisted that I get one (he liked the way my hair looked after the salon) and so -- I got one! :-) It was so fun to use! It is just what my fat hair needs! It takes out the "fluff" and the weird kinks in my hair, and leaves it straight, smooth, and it looks longer and healthier (at least I think so!) Hooray for flat irons!!

Picture of fat hair after shower and dried. (Taken more than a year ago!)

After the flat iron . . . (make-up helps, too!)
The pictures are lame because I took them, and the kids helped. :-) The real difference is the way that it feels on my head! I am so excited, it is like having "normal" hair -- rather than a horse's mane! :-) Flat irons are awesome!

A little Star Wars Moment

This is a video that my brother showed us while in Alaska. It is pretty entertaining. My family likes it because they (not me) are totally Star Wars nerds. Sammi and Daniel are working on learning the song, and they were just in the kitchen practicing their Wookie noises. :-) At first I thought it was actually him singing, but upon a little investigating found that he is lip syncing (vocals by moosebutter). It is still entertaining, and makes for a great four-part harmony skit (I have seen a few of those, too.) :-) Oh, and YES! John Williams is the man! :-)

(Just close the ads appearing on the bottom, so they are not in your way)

4th of July

This year for the 4th, we had lots of fun! We were so inspired by Ray's firework display in Alaska, that we (Charles) decided we should do our own! We went to the local fireworks stand and got a "few." I just love blowing money into the air -- what a thrill! :-) I gave Charles a budget of $20.00 and well, he blew it!! Literally! Anyhow, it is one of those things. The kids will never forget it! It is amazing how money sparkles when you light it on fire!

We started the evening by watching the National fireworks broadcast on TV (with our new converter box!) :-) We now actually get clear channels! Hooray! The kids loved the Sesame Street part, and they were dancing around the room to the music. :-) They also made their own little flags to wave around.
We then went up to "our spot" that we went to last year to watch the city fireworks. It is a great spot on the hillside, you can see all the fireworks for miles around. As we backed our car into our spot, our friends from church were in the car next to us! It was great to have the Harlins there. The kids loved being together, and then we decided to take the party to our house after the city show. We combined our fireworks together for a pretty good street show! :-) It was great!

On our way up the hillside, we saw this....

I thought it was suppose to be a road-crossing chicken?? Anyhow, I had to take a picture, it was pretty funny! I have no idea where it came from?!

Well, that is another holiday down. The Summer is flying by at a super-fast pace! Oh well, my favorite time is Autumn and the "good" holidays! Hooray!

Happy Birthday Johnny!

I will always be your big sister watching over you . . .
Even though we may be seperated by distance . . .

We will always be buddies. . .
You will always be my favorite younger brother, forever and ever. . .

I love you Johnny!

Wedding Photos

Click on the link below to view wedding pictures, videos, etc. :-) Enjoy!

http://web.me.com/edlindquist/Wedding/Wedding_Pictures.html

Alaskan Adventure

We just returned from our trip to Alaska. My sister (Beth) got married, and all of my siblings were able to make it. All 5 of my parent's children have been married in the temple -- pretty awesome! It was so nice to all be together! I have posted a bunch of pictures, but none of the wedding! I had my mom's camera for the wedding photos, so I will have to get some pictures from her. :-) Just a few for now. . . I am having a traveling hang-over! It was a long trip home. We had an awesome time!

(The pictures are in random order)

Seward, Alaska. We spent the day hanging out in Seward, by the ocean. It is always a fun place to visit.

On the way back from Exit Glacier

Daniel showing me his special badge. The Park Ranger gave him a booklet to fill out, and if he did, he would get a badge. He filled it out along our journey, then Grandpa had to haul bootie back to the Ranger's office (before it closed) luckily, they made it in time -- Daniel was thrilled!

Charles and Ray discussing deep doctrine, or something . . .

William was a happy boy throwing rocks in the water

McKinley showing-off her cute smile

My Dad has been living in the "Valley" a little too long, the cowboy is starting to leak out . . .

Exit Glacier

Charles and Mindy are discussing Alaska fashion

The bugs were really bad through the woods, they especially liked Charles

Stephen and his new girlfriend

Sweet Cousins

Throwing rocks in the lake at Wasilla, the same lake where Sarah Palin lives. :-)

Alaska Sun Beauties

What a cutie-head McKinley is!

Stephen is in his element outdoors, he has NO fear!

Sammi is sporting the Jedi-Knight look. :-)

Sisters

Hatcher Pass

Summer Sledding was the highlight of the kids trip, they would do it ALL day!

Daniel and his favorite dog Sage

Beppy getting ready for the reception (with some help from friends)

How cute are they??? :-) Sammi LOVED being with McKinley

Waiting at the airport

There are 12 years between us, but who can tell??? :-)

More to come . . .