Summer 2009

This has been a great summer. It has gone by too fast though. We have had beautiful weather for the most part so we can't complain. We have spent time with family a lot this summer, with visits from some of Jeff's family and all of my family several time. We have had a lot of fun and a little bit of sadness but through it all we had family and the gospel. June had us taking Cassin down to the MTC in Utah to begin his Missionary Training to serve in Tennessee. While there he contracted the flu and had to be quarantined for a while, which meant he didn't get to fly out with his district but had to go on his own a few days later. He is doing great in Smyrna,TN. and is learning, Teaching and growing. July we celebrated Canada Day on the 1st by going to the parade in Raymond and then on to Waterton National Park for the Day. We spent it with my folks and Jody and Dano and family. The kids loved red rock canyon and trying to hold the butterflies on their hands. We got to attend our cousin Macie's baptism that she had in Raymond while she was up visiting and Aunt Tricia got to speak at it. We visited Red Rock Canyon againg when Aunt Lori and Uncle Danny came to visit a few weeks later. This time we hiked up into the canyon crawling over boulders and under logs and into freezing water. Maddi hiked up the whole way with me and we had a great day. Uncle Brett and Aunt Adlina came up to celebrate Stirling Days with us. It was a great day. Maddi decorated her bike and rode in the parade. All the cousins rode on the Creamery float and everyone went to the creamery afterward for a BBQ and ice cream. That day was a little stressful on me because I was put in charge of the Community Beef on a bun supper. Once it was over  there was a big sigh of relief heard. I couldn't have done it without a lot of help from friends and family. July 22 we had Zach Larkin fly into Calgary for a visit. We had been waiting for this for a long time. I think He and AJ had a good time but it's kind of hard to tell with guys, they just don't say much. Jeff took them fishing at Payne Lake and then into Waterton.  I think we visited waterton more this summer than I ever have in my life. July 27 we took Zach back to the airport  and the next day I was off to Kimball for Girls camp for the day. We spent the day doing crafts and river rafting. It was a great day spent with all my mutual girls. I think you really build bonds at camp even if its only for a day. When I got home late that night I was informed that my grandma Judy had passed away that morning. It was really sudden but it was a blessing for her I think. She didn't have to spend a long time in the hospital or have a lot done to her. I think in my heart I knew she was gone and I wasn't really sad. I am so thankful to have the truthfulness of the gospel that lets me know I will be with her again someday and that she is happy and whole in heaven. That being said it was still  a trying time and I am so grateful that all of our family could come back up when they had just been here. There is strength and comfort with family. It becomes a celebration of Grandma's life and all the wonderful memories we have of her that we will always cherish. She has always been someone I looked up to and wanted to emulate. We tried a camping trip in August. It's probably been almost 10 years since we have camped and despite all the rain I think we had a good time. Just don't ask Brandon and AJ their opinion. (But they did have a good time) OK we cheated a little and after 2 days of rain we packed up our tent at Beaver Mine lake and headed for Fairmont Hot springs in BC and stayed in a little cabin for the rest of the trip. It was fun at the hot springs and we had a blast at the funtasia miniture golf and petting zoo. We definitely have good memories to take from this summer. It has gone by too fast and now School will start on Monday. Back to Schedules and Homework and grumbling in the morning. Oh Joy! I do have pictures of all our summer activities but for some reason I can't get them to upload to my blog. I'll Keep working on it.

One Year Later

OK so almost one year has gone by, and nothing new has popped up on the tanner8 blog. Here's a brief update on our family.
Dustin has been out for over one year now and is currently serving in Manhattan. He has had great success, met wonderful people and had quite a few baptisms. He is a district leader and has a new companion who is from Belgium.
Cassin just had his farewell on the 31 of May. He gave a great talk and it was a great day spent with family. Grandma and Grandpa Tanner came from California, Jo and Shane from Rexburg, Brett and Adlina from Idaho Falls and Tera and Wade from Twin Falls. The Idaho family wins for best support. We just had a great time together and the weather was beautiful. We are leaving on Friday to head down to Utah to get some missionary things before he goes in on the 10th. I just heard on the news tonight that it is now curbside drop-off at the MTC due to swine flu now hitting there. WOW I'm glad I found out before I got there next Wednesday. That would have been a shock. Now the mom will have some time to prepare herself. Cassin is excited to be going to the Nashville, Tennessee mission.
Brandon is turning 15 in a few weeks and has decided he better hurry and get his learners license. Better late than never. I even saw him with a book studying the other night. Will miracles never cease. He is busy playing soccer and saving up for a new bike.
A.J. is always with friends. I think I feed the masses either lunch of supper every day almost. He is playing soccer too. There are some nights that I am at the soccer field from after school till 9:00 at night watching my kids play but I'm glad they like it.
Maddi has been keeping busy playing soccer, attending achievement days and doing art. She won first place in the grade 1-3 art category for collage. Then she took overall 1st place for the whole school because her picture was the best example of the theme, Earth Explosion. She won an art desk to go in her room. I think that makes 3 desks she's got.
Kaitlin finally gave in and tried soccer this year and found out she loves it YEAH. She is one stubborn cookie. Trying to get her to try anything new takes creativity and shear force of will. Actually it really takes a lot of patience because she just has to work everything out in her head. She got first place for her watercolor painting for grades 1-3 in the artec. I was really proud of the girls for their efforts.
Jeff and I won't know what to do with only 4 kids around. This will be a new experience for us all. I am glad the warmer weather has finally come. Jeff planted a garden and put up a fence around it to keep out the dog. I like just being out in the yard and planting flowers. Hopefully some will be alive when we get back from taking Cassin to the MTC. next week. I know Jeff is looking forward to going down and getting a little break from work.
LIFE IS GOOD

Make a Smilebox photobook

Birds of Prey

This summer we decided to visit the Birds of Prey center located in Coaldale, a 20 minute drive from us. I was really amazed at the facility they have there. They take in birds that have been injured in one way or another. They have owls, eagles, hawks and lots and lots of ducks. All different varieties of each. We had a great time wandering around and watching a demonstration. The favorite part of the day for Maddi and Kaitlin was holding the little burrowing owl. I think we'll put this site on our list of summer visits.

New Look for my Blog

Okay, I'm terrible at keeping up with this blog. I admit it. But I'm playing around and getting more familiar with it, mostly by trial and error. I found this fantastic site the has the cutest blog backgrounds. Hence the new look for my blog. Im trying to post the link but I'm having trouble. the site is Leelou blogs. Cute, Cute stuff. I am hooked on checking out all the cute blogs out there. There are millions, people, millions! It is addicting. As I figure out how to do this better I will add links to the ones I like. My favorites, of course, are my friends and family. You guys do a terrific job and put me to shame.