I love him...

New Photographer in town

Rylee's new past time (aside from gymnastics) is photography. So far she has arranged two shoots with two of her best friends. I have to say, the kid has a good eye.

Happy Birthday Miranda!

OK...I realize I'm sporadic about this. That I don't remember everyone's birthdays. Because of this, I should just give up on the Happy Birthday's on the blog. But on the off chance I do remember, or have a few minutes to jot something down, I just can't help myself. So, if you are one of the people I have missed so far this year, or if I miss you at a later date, please know I love you, but I'm terribly unorganized and it's a rare moment of clarity when I remember a birthday!
That being said, today is one of my dearest friends birthdays...and I want her to know how much I love her guts! Miranda...you are one inspiring woman. Your love for your family and friends, your faith in a loving God, your hard work at mothering and wifing (pretty sure that's not a word), your love for a good book, a good movie and a good laugh are just a few of the reasons I love you. Thank you for being such a great friend.

Gymnasts

I just feel the need to get a record of some of the amazing events that have been happening in our living room lately. My once relaxing and homey front room has been redesigned as a gym. Not like a go for a run and lift some weight gym, but a gym in which world renowned gymnasts practice their tricks and choreograph intricate routines and tumbling passes.
While the equipment may not look professional, it is highly creative and takes up a large chunk of space in a room I previously enjoyed reading a book or watching a movie in.
I am routinely asked to "judge" different skills on a scale of 1 - 10 and I have to be honest, it's pretty much all 10's.
And that's not coming from a biased judge...I promise. I judge not only on execution, but on creativity, passion, desire to do well, and costume design.
10's all around!

Another weekend in Mobridge

Kristee Page - BEWARE - If by chance you are reading this blog, there may be a couple of pictures that will scar you for life!!!


No house yet. No plans for the big move. But we did spend a fun weekend with Dad in Mobridge. While it's no fun for Dad to be living in a hotel...it is fun for the kids to visit him there!
And swim in the pool.
We skipped school Friday and headed out early, arriving in Mobridge about 11:00. Ryan was working, but took off for a quick lunch with us.
Afer lunch the girls and I headed up to Mobridge High school for a tour. We hadn't called ahead, and when we got there we found out there was no school on Friday! Teacher in service day. But there were some very nice ladies in the office who offered to show us around anyway. We got to see the gym, auditorium, cafeteria, high school wing and the much anticipated middle school wing. Next we were introduced to the Principal, who was having a meeting with the elementary principal, so we met him too. He told us that the Beadle School (where Rylee will be going) was closed but offered to take us down and show us around any way. So, we got our own private tour of Rylee's school as well. There are three 4th grade class rooms and we got to go inside each. Probably the most exciting news was that the 4th grade music project this year is Guitar! We were all excited about that as Rylee has begun guitar already in Carrington and was anxious to continue.
After our school tours, we went down to main street, stopped in the Chamber and visited with the ladies there, and then on to the Pet Store...where the kids had been dying to visit.
After playing with the puppies (and begging to buy one) we walked up and down the rest of Main St. Stopping in all the shops and introducing ourselves and checking out the merchandise.
Then it was back to the hotel and more swimming time while we waited for Dad to finish up at work and take us out to dinner.
After dinner we decided to drive out to the Sitting Bull Monument. http://www.sittingbullmonument.org Turns out...it's his grave.
It's a pretty spot overlooking the river and across to Mobridge. The kids were intersted in why there was money and cigarettes scattered around the grave. Don't know the answer, just that we put flowers on our graves, this must be a Native American tradition?
On the way home, this is what we saw sunning itself in the road. (The following pictures are not for anyone with Ophidiophobia, or a fear of snakes!) I wanted the kids to see it coil and hear it rattle. After squirting it with water and throwing a couple coins, it was still unfazed, so we got closer...and it worked! The kids were a bit freaked out, but Ryan and I were excited. They are so cool. The pattern is differant on a Prairie Rattle Snake than the usual Diamond Backs we are used to in Utah, but still beautiful.
That was enough excitement for one day, so we headed back to Ryan's home at the Wrangler Inn for more swimming and movie watching.
The next day, we did a lot of exploring, seeing some beautiful country houses that look out over the water and day dreaming about living in such beautiful places with such amazing views someday. We had such a nice, relaxing family day. It was super fun to hang out with Dad in our soon to be new town. Oh, and of course...more swimming!
This morning, after more swimming, we walked the three mile paved portion of the Lewis and Clark Trail that follows the river through Mobridge. I plan on spending a lot of time with my running shoes and rollerblades on this trail.
And then, it was goodbye to Dad and off to home, and laundry, and homework. Can't wait for Dad to get here on Thursday!

Car Auction

Also in Carrington today, there was a huge collector's car auction. A family with an impressive collection decided it was time to sell and pulled off one amazing car show/auction. Rumor has it that Jay Leno had a representative there.

Now...I'm not really into cars, but there were a few here that impressed even me!
Brooklyn desperately wanted me to bid on this 1929 Ford. She had quite the picture in her head of herself driving that baby to school!
But me? I can picture myself driving HWY 101 in this baby!

Junk Fest 2009

Today was the annual Junk Fest here in Carrington. People come from all over to see and buy all the amazing refubished "junk" that the 4 Junk Girls make.
I cannot describe the talent these ladies have. You will have to come next year and see for yourself!
One of the funnest parts of Junk Fest is the waiting. Usually, I'm out there with the rest of the crowd. Hot Chocolate and cinnamon rolls in hand. Anxciously waiting the 9:00 start time when they cut the ribbon and ladies (and a few brave men) charge the big barn, ready to fight to the death for their piece of the "Junk". This year, I was on the other side of the fence...camera in hand!
Here's the crowd waiting for the countdown. Before he could reach "3 - 2- 1" they broke through the ribbon and were off! The line to purchase your final selections is miles long within minutes! It takes more than just the four "designers" to pull off this amazing show. Check out the group of volunteers that come to help out (and for a sneak peak at the merchandise.)
For more information on Junk Fest...click on the title of my post.

Did anyone see this on Oprah yesterday?

Thank goodness for DVR, or I would have missed this and I think it's one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I wish I had been there! I LOVE the Peas!
Pause my music before you watch.
(Judy, you have to see this!)

Again...no pictures...

Last night was a thunderstorm. Not the usual few flashes of lightning and a little rolling rumble, but the full on strobe light action with continual booming claps that only seem to happen in the Great Plains. At least, I never saw or heard anything like these storms while living in the protected nests of the Rocky Mountains. I love thunderstorms, but last nights storm was the kind that sends little bare feet running up the hardwood hall with a final terrified leap from doorway to moms bed. The kind of storm where the kids snuggle in, shaking and terrified. And unfortunately for them, I'm the kind of mom who laughs at their nerves!
I love storms. Especially long drawn out storms like last nights. The lightning so continuous it almost looks daylight, and the thunder a continuous, deep rumble punctuated with a few ferocious claps. The kids made me shut the windows, but I sat up enjoying the show long after they had relaxed and fallen back to sleep.
Before she had fallen back to sleep, Rylee did ask me who turns on the tornado siren in the middle of the night. Wow. I never even thought to think of who it might be! I just trust in the nuts and bolts of my little community to take care of that without ever a second thought. I answered her with an unsure "The police?" But it is a good question.
Speaking of Rylee questions, she is full of them lately. Today's was "What do lice eat?"
"Lice? Like bugs in your hair lice?" I asked.
"Yes, lice."
Another good question. Guess I'll have to Google that.
~ Update ~
Lice eat tiny amounts of blood (much less than a mosquito does) for their nourishment.

Muir Family Pictures

I've finished having a bit of fun with these pictures. Here's my favs:
The Muir Siblings; a pretty good looking group.

Uncle Brandon and Auntie Jenn; they win the prize for "cool aunt and uncle".

Brett, Becca and Avery; one adorable family. Becca, this is my favorite picture of you. Your laugh is so contagious and when I look at this it makes me want to laugh with you!

Greg, Cheryl and Boston; Cutest little boy...ever! (oh...and his parents are all right too!)
Nate and Lindsey; I think I remember being this young...
The best looking Muirs yet:
Muir Cousins: Brooklyn, Rylee, Boston and Avery. Cutest kids on the planet.
Baby Cousins:

My girls:

The Muirs:

And last...but certainly not least...The Butt Grab!!!

Pretty sure Ryan threw up in his mouth on that one! I love it!