Friends

Whenever we head south, we try to stop and say hello at Inland Scuba in Idaho Falls. Brett has alot of great memories with his extended family there and we love to visit them all! But when big kids talk, little ones get bored, so the boys made a friend of thier own.

One of these days, I WILL get scuba certified, and we'll have to go out on a dive! Or send Brett out with you sometime so he can keep his hand in.

Travels

We got to spend some time with each set of cousins, and I tried to pick out the most prevalent activity with each group.

At the McKinnons

the boys discovered the joys of a kid-friendly piano! They played for us many times throughout the day, repeatedly.

It was also cousin Ivan's 4th birthday. Shane took it on himself to be in charge of quality control testing the frosting for the Thomas the Train cake we made. (thankfully, Aunt Dayna had this nifty laundry bar that saved his clothes, I need to get me one of those!)

At the Miller's

We took Shane into the hot tub with us for a bit. We didn't manage the camera too, but he did enjoy the big bath/pool, unless Dad tried to turn on the jets. Other than that, he spent ALOT of time playing with his new Thomas trains, and throwing fits when he had to put them away.

Brett got to go out to Tahrgee and ski for his birthday.

Austin found a very interesting place to play... he'd never seen such a cool place, contrived just for his enjoyment for sure!

We met up with the Robinsons bunch at Mom & Dad's property. It only took one word to get us out there... snowmachine.

We got to see the new house start.

And had tons of fun snacking and playing around. It was very windy and cold, so we didn't hang out too much in the snow.

On The Road Again

The kids were wonderful on the road. The right toys, snacks, milk, and timing for naptime travel made for keeping it real.

Austin had issues with his car seat restraints. However, I'm not going to post a picture of him skewed sideways, chewing on his feet. Mainly because I don't want the proof of it all out there for anyone in law enforcement to see. (nudge nudge like Jared!)

Austin also liked to steal Brett's insanely big Maverick travel mug. I'll be sending another pic I have (on my phone) to the Mt. Dew people to see if we can get into some ads, he was that adorable drinking out of a mug almost as big as he was.

Dad was just glad that we weren't knocked off schedule too terribly much. And when we were, it wasn't by too terribly much.

Airport Fun

Our trip started with a very tired Shane asking to go home. He wasn't terribly excited to travel via air at any point. The blanket was a huge help. He often had it pulled over his head in his "hat". I guess it blocked out some of the hustle and bustle; the trick was keeping it up off the floors.

On the planes, Shane was content to sit or cuddle; while Austin was keen on making new friends. I tried to keep him from being obnoxious. On the way home, when Shane was being sick all over, Austin's big blue eyes and ready smile found a friend (a minister at a local church) willing to help entertain and hold him while I was occupied with Shane.
Seattle Airport had this cool play area for the younger kids. We made a few new friends and had a grand time getting out the wiggles on all the airport themed play stuff.

Shane was thrilled to find a slide, no matter how short. It was lots of fun; until some bigger kids came in (they had one of those carnival signs- "you must be under this tall to play in ..." ) and started being rowdy and climing on non-climbing toys. Then Austin dropped a load and it was the perfect excuse to leave tactfully.

The moving walkways was an INSTANT hit. Escalators, elevators and anything that moved attracted these two like flies to honey!

The phones were discovered very quickly too. Mom was mean and refused to hand over any money to make the magic toys work.

But it was loads of fun any way!

Not everyone was enthusiastic to explore these strange new places and the joy they bring. Dad did his duty, letting my use the little girls room alone once or twice, and then took up luggage patrol. (what I think is funny is that the kids and I were able to sneak up and get things out of our bags, even the ones under him, and Brett didn't even stir!)

Lots of new things to see and do, but we're glad we don't do this all that often.

Does It Ever Happen To You?

After 3 or 4 days of high fevers, coughing, runny noses, sore throats, raspy breathing, no food and less than minimal liquids and Mr. Bowl; I took the boys to the doctor this morning.
We got in by seeing a Physician's Assistant, but the guy didn't seem too over his head. Me, on the other hand felt like a fool. I don't know if this ever happens to you, but it happens to me ALL THE TIME! When I finally get to the doctor, the symptoms stop. We finally get in to the kids room at the doctor's office and get the thermometer under Shane's arm (he's been burning up all morning), no fever. Same with Austin. Both have been coughing their heads off, not a peep. Shane was kind enough to puke for them, but only because I got him to drink some Propell with The Banks' Family Cure All. Shane was my biggest worry, they decided he wasn't dehydrated yet. Austin came out with 2 ear infections; I can't get him to take the meds.
Heaven Help Me!

>SIGH<

I have a ton and a half pictures to post, and a dozen fun stories to share from our adventures out in the "real world". BUT, both boys got sick, very sick on the last day and now I'm scurrying to calm kids, wipe drool and foreheads and catch with the ever-present bowl... if you know what I mean. Shane hasn't kept anything down in days, and neither boy has been awake much, but they still need physical contact with me. With their fevers, I feel like there should be sand, it's so hot!

PLUS, the Coast Gaurd let us know that they decided to let us move into a bigger unit. We have 3 weeks to get moved and get our current unit up to snuff, ready for the next tenants.

One or the other I can do, but both will be a bit challenging. I can't afford to get sick! I can't leave the boys! I sure hope Father in Heaven has some angels on stand-by 'cause I'm sure going to need all the help I can get!

Soon is all I can promise on the pictures and stories, soon...

Break Through!

I'm just so excited- and I didn't actually do anything!

My younger sister, down at BYU is taking a Family History class. She was able to find some information on our Dad's paternal line that we'd been looking for for decades!

William Roy Quiner - 30 Aug 1939 Alameda,CA-- our Dad
William Elisha Quiner - 31 Mar 1917 Denver, CO-- his Dad- thought he was a 'jr', so we assumed...
William Elisha Quiner - 8 May 1895 Denver, CO-- BUT...
William H Quiner - 8 May 1895 Denver, CO -- hit the spot!
George H. Quiner - married to: Eva M. Quiner-Dec 1854
July 1869 Wisconsin Indiana

Elisha C. Quiner - married to: Jane M. Quiner-about 1820
about 1825 Conneticut Ireland

Her self-set next mission is finding Elisha and Jane's marriage record so she can get her maiden name. Also as far as can be figured out; Elisha C. Quiner's parents are William and Margaret Quiner, and Elisha's sister is Caroline Quiner Ingalls, we've always suspected, but it hasn't been researched that very thoroughly yet.


I'm beyond excited! The first second I get when I get home, I plan on calling the local Family History Guru and see what I can learn. After years of living in a religion where half of everyone knows (or thinks they know) their ancestors back to Adam, it's really nice to have our own little break through. Wish us all luck!

My Slick New Ride

My Slick New Online Ride... Sorry, I haven't figured out the photo editing just yet.
I think it's a 7" by 9" max. Only weighs maybe 2 lbs. I know Acer isn't the greatest, but I don't need name brand stuff, that's Brett's arena.

On Tour

Starting Monday the 9th, and for the next couple weeks, Our little band will be on tour!
Yeah! We hit a packed house in Logan, Utah, followed by a dip in the heated waters in Idaho Falls. Dad's slid down a few mountains and we've all spent a heap of money! Fun, fun, fun!
Tomorrow we strike out again, this time heading for a day-long mountain gig. We might even get to ride snowmachines again! Then there will be some down time at the old home base. I'll keep you posted as the scheduling cements. Pictures, I hope, will arrive during our down week- we've just been scurrying too much to take the time thus far! See ya soon!

Movie Critic 2

I've seen the previews for 'Run Fat Boy Run' for the last few months and although it looked funny enough in it's own British way; I was sure it'd be vulgar and raunchy too. I finally thought what the heck and it put it on our netflix list. It came yesterday and was a pleasant surprise.
Yes, it is PG-13, and had it's useless inappropriate (but amusing still) parts. There was no sex, limited swearing, and a great story.
Some parts reminded me of my friends down south, training for a marathon.


*Stop right here if you plan on seeing it! I don't want to ruin it for you!*




It was hilarious to me watching him chase the transvestite. The relationship he had with his son was enviable, most Dads wish the could be so irresponsible. But, in my opinion, the very best part was when he stumbled across the finish line- way after everyone else. He has a crowd behind him of TV crew, supporters, and some losing money every step he took. He falls into his ex-partner's arms, thier son flops ontop of him, oblivious of his injuries. Then the little boy says, "Daddy, you won!" with all the enthusiasm and awe little boys hae for thier dads. As huge a loser as the guy was, it was the perfect line to show how little it matters!

Great movie- for Adults!

Sam I Am (now with answers!)

So I'm folding laundry at midnight, trying to uncover my bed so I can get in it. I go to put some sheets in the "linen" closet and see a long forgotten game... Dr Seuss Trivia! How perfect! I got it years ago, then found it to be wicked hard... what do you think?

In 'The Lorax', what is the only plant outside the Once-ler's house?
a) a shrub
b) a cactus
c) a Christmas tree

In which Dr. Seuss book can you find the story of Gertrude McFuzz?
a) The Sneetches and Other Stories
b) I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! and Other Stories
c) Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories

Who said,"It's high time that you knew of the terribly horrible thing that Zooks do. In every Zook house and in every Zook Town every Zook eats his bread with the butter side down!"

a) VanItch

b) Grandfather

c) Chief Yookeroo

In 'Horton Hears a Who!', on what date did Horton first hear the small noise?
a) May 5
b) May 15
c) May 25

What color are the cow's horns in 'Mr. Brown Can MOO! Can You?'
a) blue
b) orange
c) green

In 'The Lorax', what do you have to give the Once-ler to talk, other than 15 cents and a nail?
a) a shell of a great-great-great-grandfather snail
b) an old rusty hook for his dented up pail
c) a never used stamp for his never sent mail

In 'Fox in Socks', what animals appear in Ben and Bim's band?
a) cows
b) mokeys
c) pigs

Name the unhappy, dissatisfied king of Sala-ma-Sond.
a) King Derwin of Didd
b) King Birtram of Binn
c) Yertle the Turtle

From which book comes:
"And, speaking of birds, there's the Russian Palooski.
Whose headski is redski and belly is blueski."
a) If I Ran the Zoo
b) If I Ran the Circus
c) Oh, the Thinks You Can Think

Where did the scary encounter with the pants with nobody inside of them take place?
a) on a mountain
b) in the woods
c) in the Valley of Vung

Name the Fix-it-Up Chappie who could put stars on and take stars off of Sneetches.
a) Sylvester McMonkey McBean
b) Marvin K. Mooney
c) Bartholomew Cubbins

In 'The Cat in the Hat Comes Back', how many little cats are in the Cat's hat?
a) 6
b) 16
c) 26

What herbivorous weapon does the Yook patrol use to keep away Zooks?
a) a Brickle-Bush Stick
b) a Snick-Berry Switch
c) a Gak from Yak Club

In 'Hop on Pop', what big words does father read?
a) Constantinople and Timbuktu
b) Eldorado and Catmandu
c) Borodino and Waterloo

Complete the line:
"And how fortunate you're not Professor de Breeze who has spent the last thirty-two yeast, if you please, trying to teach Irish ducks how to read..."
a) Siamese
b) Jivvanese
c) Breezeanese

In 'McElligot's Pool', where are the Eskimo Fish from?
a) Kuskokwim Bay
b) Hudson Bay
c) Bristol Bay

What color are the question marks on the cover of 'The Cat's Quizzer'?
a) purple
b) blue
c) green

(this last one is in memory of my Dad... ;p )
Finish the rhyme:
"When at last we are sure
you've been properly pilled,
then a few paper forms
must be properly filled
so that you and your heirs
may be properly..."
a) milled
b) billed
c) drilled

If anyone wants to play... I'm here through the weekend!

Happy Day Dr. Seuss!

There was supposed to be a big to-do at the school today, but the DLP teacher decided not to get over-involved. They read some Suess in Circle time and that was that, as far as I know.
Shane wasn't interested in reading any of our Seuss collection, which was just as well because they're packed away in a box to protect them til the day he'll let me read them to him.

I did manage to spare a thought for my favorite of the Seusses... The Sneeches and Other Stories, especially 'What Was I Scared Of?', the tale of the pale green pants with nobody inside them.

Let your inner child revel in the imagination that the man left behind!

Brett's Story

Brett often falls asleep on the couch. This led to a very funny story...

The other night, he settled into the couch to wait for sleep. It was long in coming, very very long in coming. He comforted himself thinking that the coming day was Sunday- if he was stubborn enough, he could sleep in.
The next morning, he woke to the boys crying, caterwauling, and calling for mommy. He shifted to a more comfortable position and waited for the noise to be quieted by me. Nothing happened. He glanced at the clock, 5 til 10. Being late for church was no big deal, but why wasn't Tiff getting the kids?
When it was finally clear that a very upset Austin was heading down the stairs, Brett got up and went to get him. They got Shane down from his perch, calling for mom the whole time. Then the fun started... where was Mommy? The three of them checked the bedroom, the bathrooms and continued through the house. In the laundry room, Dad peeked out the window, the car was still in it's spot. Where could Tiff be?!?
Maybe she ran off to church, got a ride for some early meeting or something. Well, he'd show her. They'd settle down right on the couch and not go to church, or go anywhere for that matter.
After a while the movie ended. Not wanting to cross the room and actually switch the movies in the player, Brett hauled the kids upstairs. It was 1:30; church would be over and Tiff home any time now. The three boys settled into Austin's bunk and started a movie up. After a while, the boys started drowsing. He pulled the blanket up and cuddled down too.

Fast forward to 3:30... I come in the door to be greeted buy an unders-clad Shane looking for milk. I got upstairs and found Austin watching the end of the movie, stuck in bed under Brett's arm. Brett was snoring. The boys and I move down stairs until Brett woke up, at 5:45. Apparently, as Brett gained consciousness, he realized; (not that the kids were gone) that it was Saturday- not Sunday. I had been at work all day.
Brett comforted me, saying that at least the kids had only been on their own for at most 45 minutes... what can happen in 45 minutes? He found out the answer to that question today (the real Sunday) as he dug all the interesting artifacts out of the boys' VCR.