GG'S MAIDEN FLIGHT
AND
DONAVINS MAIDEN 2 WHEELER PRACTICE

September was a great month for firsts. Allen finally talked GG into going for a flight. We tried to talk her into wearing Grandpa's bomber jacket but she passed. She really was thinking it wasn't going to be much fun in the little plane. But, she loved it. She kept asking what things were and would've gone for a longer flight had the daylight held out. She even took a turn at flying the plane. I was looking for a parachute, you know she can't see very well, so how would she know the ground from the sky? It was great fun!!! Maybe we'll name the plan "Shurley". (do ya get it, like Shirley)

Donavin grabbed the bike from the neighors and tried out his luck with his daddy and his grandpa running up and down the street while he peddled. He is a fast learner.

THE FINAL TEA PARTY OF THE SUMMER

Denise and Tylar are all dressed up. I think Denise will be happy now, she wanted to dress up and play Tea Party with Tylar. We missed having Debbie with us. There is always next summer, and more Tea Party fun.

So Doug and I were having a conversation as we started packing in on Friday about the similarities backpacking has to this earth life. Since we've been home I have really pondered this as I've thought back over our experience.

We arrive at the parking lot full of excitement and enthusiam ready for whatever adventure may await us. We're somewhat annoyed as we head to the Ranger Station where we are given instruction about our safety and being prepared for any unfortunate incident. We are told how to protect ourselves, how to clean up after ourselves and basically given the rules. We then head back to the parking lot where we check our packs to make sure we have all the things that we will need for this journey: food, shelter, warm clothes, cooking items, water purification, extra shoes, all the things that will sustain us, protect us and keep us safe. After loading the packs on our backs and adjusting them for comfort for the long haul we head to the trail head where mom and dad see us off. With a few pictures to remember the moment, hugs and a "we'll see ya when you get back! Have a good time, be careful and we'll be here to pick ya up!" they wave us off as we head down the trail.

As the day wears on some of the enthusiasm fades as our packs become heavy, blister's begin to wear, kids begin to complain and there is the occasional "come apart". There are obstacles along the way like the slough and river crossing's and even our own selves become somewhat of an obstacle as our bodies and minds want to stop. And of course there is the ever present danger of a bear lurking around. But we continue on. We chose to do this knowing it would be difficult at times but knowing the reward at the end would be worth it. We also realize how fortunate we are to be sharing this experience together. The words of encouragement, the singing, the games, and of course the beautiful scenery lift our spirits and help us to be grateful that we are with each other.

As our adventure ends and we head off the trail a little bruised and battered we know that mom and dad will be waiting with a sandwich and Pepsi to hear all about our journey.

I listened to the girls singing "Families Can Be Together Forever" as we walked through Bechler Meadow and it really impacted me as I watched us all walking along, packs loaded and heavy, dirty and tired, but all together. It made me realize how grateful I am that we are and eternal family and that we are here to help each other along this trail. This is why I love backpacking!

We had a great time on Ethan's special day for his ordination to be a deacon. We were very proud of his accomplishment. It is ALWAYS a great time to get together with our family and share in special, or not so special events.
Then came our second Tea Party, that was a grand success, and makes me all that much more convinced that it should be an annual thing. Last, but not least, and absolutely awesome pic of Deb and Zacky.

HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY! Six weeks later, I finally got my kitchen and dining room floors finished...well kinda finished. I still need to seal them. I have been stressing and worrying about what I was going to do with these floors, but once again, by the grace of Jeff Hale's Hardwood Flooring I was able to get them done. Seriously, these are the nicest, hardest working guys ever. They totally deserve 5Xs what I could pay them, so please, please help me "pay it forward" and recommend them to anyone that you can.

So I thought I'd post some pictures to catch up on our last couple of months! I can't say that it has been a particularly busy summer but it definately has gone fast! Ethan attended his first Scout Camp in August. He had a great time! Lance was able to go with him for the entire week and he came home a "First Class" scout! Tylar and I got to spend the week doing girl stuff and we really enjoyed our time with just the two of us. Ethan's 12th birthday was this month as well! We had a big birtday party in our backyard with both he and Lance's friends. The following weekend was his ordination. This was a great weekend! Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Doug, Aunt Angie and the girls all came down along with all the Ashby's. Ethan was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak in church that same Sunday about Scout Camp. When it came time for his ordination there were so many people they had to do it in the foyer. Lance gave him a beautiul ordination and I of course cried.....ALOT!! Afterward we had a barbecue with everyone that came to support us. Deb even made the hamburgers! (She actually touched the meat! And graciously accepted Doug's instruction on making the ultimate burger! lol!) It was an amazing day and we were so grateful to everyone who came and shared in this awesome milestone with us. This last week Tylar started 4th grade! This coming week Ethan will start Junior High! As always, I wonder where the time has gone! Lance and I celebrated our 21st anniversary this month! Time marched on! I wonder what the next 21 years will bring!

Make a Smilebox photobook

LET'S HAVE A TEA PARTY

Four beautiful young ladies were invited to a Tea Party in Grammy's back yard. We used very fancy dishes and dress up for the formal occasion. Proper etiquette was observed and great gossip (that's what you do at Tea Parties). But, instead of gossip, we talked about days when Grammy was young. Wow!!! What FUN!!

Let's try to put the photo of the lake in now. I obviously put the wrong one on below. Actually, one photo is of Idaho Falls.

August 1,2009. Orville and Wilbur would've been proud of 89 year old Gramps as he handled the flight like a pro. He had a good time. We couldn't quite talk Granny into going in the plane, but she was there to wave as he took off with Allen. The cheerleaders and Gramps fan club took turns cheering the fligts on as others took advantage of the calm skies to go for a flight as well. Debbie, MiKayla, BrieAnna had a birds eye view of the ground while Zack, KeeAra, Donavin and Don waited with Granny and Grammy on a more firm foundation. They will get to go another time, it was getting too late for more flights.



Now, who can guess what the body of water is? First one to identify it wins. What a great view of the windmills. Dad and I took a nice long flight early one morning and took those photos of the lake and windmills.

Zack having fun with his cousins Madison, Brecklin and his Aunt KeriLynn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZlxhnyd7Jo

I hit the publish button prematurely.
Yes, we had a great week, the only thing missing was Jason and Emmalee, and Deb for part of the week. We went to the parade, and the fireworks. We had a family cookout with Granny, Gramps and GG (not to mention a few dogs!) The cousins all enjoyed their time together and got along so good. Then we all loaded up and caravaned up the highway for the big camping trip and hike. But, sadly Deb went home and wasn't with us. We were so excited when Doug and Ang said, "no mosquitos"---they told an untruth. We made bug jars and magnifying glasses. Grandpa, Grandma,Don and the kids didn't spend the night at the lake, but they hiked back to the camp to tend the dogs. The others continued up the mountain (in a horrific climb (that's what they told us)and went to Hancock Lake another mile UP the trail. We got back home and everyone participated in the clean up. Ethan and Zack made what they called their contraption in the apple tree. They will be glad to explain it to anyone who will ask. Then came the big flying day. We got up really early so the air would be calm, and everyone got to have a couple of flights. Oh, the expressions on some of the faces was priceless. And the birthday party out of the back of the car for Donavin (4 years old). It was a great week with lots of priceless family time together. Our grandchildren are not only beautiful, but wonderful to be with. Our family time and the memories we make are the most important part of our lives, and Grandma and Grandpa love all, and appreciate the part each member has in our lives. Thank you so much, we love you with all our hearts. We missed those who couldn't be a part (Jason, Em, Deb). But, we thought of you often.

DID WE HAVE A GREAT TIME? OR WHAT!!!!!

It was a fabulous, beautiful day, and only a couple of meltdowns,but not from the sun. Everyone, including Grandma and Grandpa successfully hiked the two or two and a half miles up to the lake. It was quite an accomplishment. Koodos to all the younger ones (and the older ones) for making it.

Up, Up and Away. Donavin had a great 4th birthday by flying for the first time. We got up at 5:30 am to go to the airport, so the air would be calm. All of the kids got to go flying with the exception of Jason, Deb, and Em, Dean and Heather,who were'nt able to be there. The kids loved it. They all had a great time, and some even got to fly the plane themselves. Perhaps we'll have the spirit of an Amelia Earhart or Chuck Yeager take hold in our grandchildren and keep the dream of flying alive.

BYE-BYE JUNE!

So as usual it's been a busy June for the Ashby's! We finished up baseball and unfortunately Ethan's team gave new meaning to the term "bad new bears"! They either started off the game kicken butt and ended kickin dirt or started the game kickin dirt and ended kickin butt...not enough to win though! Ethan moved up a league this year so there were new rules which they all had to adjust to and some of the boys his age have hit their growth spurt and that really came into play when batting! Through it all Ethan played with great sportsmanship, had some awesome hits, played some good defense, and over all just had fun! He's now praying for a growth spurt before next season!

Following in the foot steps of another great "Trackster" in our family.....(Mariah) Tylar started track this month and has "Wowed" us with her mad running skill! She has truly loved it and beg's us to take her to the track to practice every chance she gets! Last Monday she was in charge of Family Home Evening and made us all go to the track. She was the coach! She warmed us up, ran us, and sprinted us until we were all wore out! She has won multiple ribbons and even qualified to run the 4x100 at the State Hershey Meet. She recently took first place in the long jump by jumping 8'9". The above picture was the qualifying meet for the District Hershey meet where she took 1st place in the 50 meter dash. It's been so much fun watching her and we are excited to watch her continue to grow in this!

The other pictures are of the kids Field Day at school and all the Ashby boys playing basketball which has become a regular occurance! I took pictures because as you can see, Lance is playing and in 20 years I don't think I've ever seen him play. I was a little nervous because of his back but it doesn't seem to bother him and I'm quite impressed with his basketball skill....so is Ethan! It's been a fun time for he and Ethan to spend together.

Well those are a few of the highlights for our June! We're definatley looking forward to July and all the family activites that are coming up and can't wait to be together with everyone! I'm sure we'll have some great pictures to post!

SUMMER FUN!

RUN TYLAR! RUN!