Christmas with the Claridges

Once again, we headed to Thatcher for the holidays. We stayed with my Mom, Grandma Lynn. This was Clinton's last Christmas home before his mission, and David's first one back after serving his mission. It was so fun to be with them! Grandmother Layton came over as well on Christmas morning to open gifts with us. It was a special Christmas to be able to be with her and my Mom. Too far and few are these moments. I love them so much!!!

For FHE we did what just about every other family I know around here does: enjoyed the Temple Lights. It's amazing to see displays like this through my children's eyes. They were giddy!! It was classic.
Bryson was given this "reverence bear" from his primary teacher. It, "teddy" has become part of the family on just about every occasion there is. I would have never guessed!!

Bryson, Teddy and Elizabeth

Every Christmas morning we wake up, hold hand and make a train, and run through the house singing jingle bells before we run into the room with the tree. It has been fun to have my mom, brothers, and Grandmother join us for two years now. Clinton woke up early this year and decided to go outside "unknowingly" during this part of the celebration.

Uncle Clinton got Elizabeth this princess jewelry. She was in heaven!!

I was totally being silly for dramatic effect here and Lamar thought it was post worthy apparently. I already knew what was in the box. (Clothes $$!)

We got Grandmother Layton to play Ticket to Ride with us. She and I teamed up so that I could help her learn the rules and understand how to play. We ended up beating everyone by a long shot!!!! I distinctly remember seeing a tear fall from the corner of Ryan's eye as he accepted defeat. Shannon and Mom didn't take it as well. Lamar had to go for a walk to get some air. Poor old chaps! Grandmother looks sweet, but she is a game shark!!

Uncle David, Grandma Lynn, and Grandmother Layton. I guess that Clinton must have put the cowboy hat on the stand in the background after coming home from a day of work. Evidence that although we can't see Dad with us, he is not very far away. He lives through us. It is typical of what I probably saw every single day of my life. It just fits. Life as ususal. I love it. I love going home.

Grandmother, Clinton, and Elizabeth.

Special times. These are the moments that make our memories sweet.

Turkey with the Echols

Yes, we are FINALLY getting around to posting about the holidays. Heartfelt thanks to those who provided the oh-so-tender-loving push! Please keep in mind it is LAMAR who does our blog, I am merely the humble scribe. (Send the hostile threats to him next time please folks. J/K!) We did have a wonderful Thanksgiving at Cory and Dawn's house in Safford. All five siblings were able to come and it was so much fun. Cory and Dawn planned the whole weekend for us. We played some games at the Church, had a surprise joint B-Day party for Vince and Marsha, and ate a whole lot of great food.

ALL the Echols Clan

BFF!! Yes, that's right. I have methotically and continually placed the thought into my girls' minds that we are Best Friends, and will always be, Forever. Ahhh, a mother's love!

Justin racing to help his team try to win the dress-up relay race.

Cory and Danae helping Elizabeth cross the finish line.

Grandma Echols helping Bryson.

Should someone help Grandpa Echols dress himself? I love that they do silly stuff like this with their kids and grandkids!!

Surprise!!!! A dinner date for 2.....make it 22! Kelsey, Elizabeth, Tiley, Shayci, and Bryson couldn't wait for Grandma and Grandpa to walk in!!

Vince and Marsh. So cute! Still so in Love!

Ten Down, Happier Than Ever.

Lamar and I decided to experince a New England Fall for our 10 Year Anniversary. Dreamy Right?.... It was, and then some.
We had 6 days...no kids...no schedules...could it be true? It was amazingly perfect in every way. We flew into Manchester, NH and drove 45 min to the most amazing B&B on Harris Island (basically York, ME) for three days. Then we drove from the coast of Maine back to New Hampshire and up the middle of the state through the mountains. There we spent 3 days at another B&B in the country. Seriously, it was like a town in the movies. Gorgeous!!!!! Colorful foliage EVERYWHERE! Pics can't ever begin to do it justice. So here is how our blog works: Lamar is the creater and driving force behind our blog. He'll decide he wants to do a post, picks what he wants, gets it all ready to publish, and then asks me to do the writing. For better or worse, this is our system.

Hiking the Flume in NH. It was heavenly.


This is the view from our porch in Maine. It was so dreamy.

At the water's edge of our B&B in Maine.

We went for a walk in York and found a Pub for dinner. This park was across the street. The ocean is just beyond the park. I felt like I was in a Jane Austin Movie!

We had a sliding door that opened onto our porch. This is our view looking out. (Maine)

The dock on the side of the B&B in Maine. I tried with all my might to convince Lamar to have our house sold and our kids sent out to us. I wanted one of the houses in the background more than I can describe.

Nubble Light House in York, Maine.

Awesome covered bridge; part of the hike at the Flume Gorge.

Hiking the Flume

Still hiking the Flume!

My sweetie is a fan of action shots. This is dedicated to him. It was my first ever "action shot" photo session.

Lamar's action shot. That's some pretty good air! We were on a drive through the mountains and decided to stop at a scenic pull-over. Next thing I knew we were laughing and having so much fun doing this photo shoot of "action shots". Lamar is so much fun to be with!

We woke up our first morning at the B&B in NH and went down to breakfast. This was what it looked like outside. In every direction, this was our view. So Awesome!

On our way back down the mountain and to the airport we stopped at this amazing little hiking trail tucked off the highway, that was only about 15 minutes long beside this stream that created a swirling basin at the bottom. Hence it was called "The Basin". So Fun!!!

Lamar and I agreed that second to experiencing Norway 5 years ago, this was by far our favorite getaway together. Enchanting, Treasured, Romantic, Relaxing, Breathtaking... Trip of a lifetime.

Lake Trips

'08 Summer Fun in the Sun!

We love to go to the lake and have good old-fashioned family fun! No TV, no phones, no toys, no distractions. Just great times.

B-Man
April was AMAZING at the lake. Not once did she cry or complain. I mean come on!
How comfortable does that life jacket look?! She loved to be in the water.

Uncle David braving the tube with B-Man and Lizzie

April's first trip to the lake. I'm glad she loved it,

because there are many, many more trips to come!

End of summer stats:

1)Lamar had just about got his backflip landed perfect! Then he injured his ankle quite badly (curse early morning B-ball at the church!) and had to take 6 weeks off. He was pretty bummed. That wiped out the ski season for flips. 2)I learned to ski on one ski this summer and LOVED it. Who new?! 3)Bryson popped right up on his skiis the very first time he tried. He was a machine! That kid could ride forever! His first run, he went 45 minutes. I am not joking!!! We went from one end of the lake to the other without him wiping out. He was a natural. We had other boats slow down and ride along side of us so that they could cheer him on. He even received a standing ovation from a boat of 5 men in their early 20's who then flexed their arm muscles and pointed to Bryson. He was so excited and proud. 4)Elizabeth's first time in the tube with only her big brother, she flipped out of the tube and into the water. 15 miles an hour would probably be pushing our speed. Uncle David "saved her". (She treaded water with her life jacket on until we flipped around and David pulled her into the boat.) Scared the stars out of her! 5)April loved the lake and continues to live worthy of her repuation as the best baby EVER!

Camping at Big Lake

Each year Lamar plans a camping/fishing trip to Big Lake for some one-on-one with the kids. He started taking Bryson when he was 2 1/2. This was their 4th year. Initially, we envisioned this becoming an awesome father/son experience as the years unfolded; a unique opportunity for them to be away alone together. Then we had two girls. Now what? Well.... why not? I guess they need time to bond with Daddy too! We had always thought I would have girl time with the girls and he would have boy time with the boys on this weekend each year...we'll see what the future holds. For now, Elizabeth was ecstatic to be included in the group for the first time! (Must be potty trained to go, and she missed it by a month last year!)

Horse shoes is a family fav. not just camping, but at occasional family gatherings, and trips to the mountains.

Their CRAZY pic~ Lamar always has to have one!

Bryson with some live action on his pole.

As soon as the fish comes out of the water Elizabeth darts!

Bryson's infamous quote "Echols' aren't quitters".

The First Day of School/Street Olympics

First Grade Already?

I think I blinked, and Kindergarten was over. School started on Aug. 6th. Bryson's first day of first grade. Also his first time having all-day school. Afterward , the girls and I picked him up for an ice cream at Dairy Queen to celebrate.

April's first taste of ice cream. She wasted no time grabbing the spoon out of my hand and immediately digging in!

Bryson took this pic, and did an amazing job of capturing April's joy in her new found love.

In honor of the Olympics, our amazing and talented neighbors, Mark and Alexis Merrill, created the Washington Court Family Olympics for our cul-de-sac. It was a huge success. They came up with four events, and had candy bar medals for the winners of each event. Gold (Peanut M&Ms), silver (York Peppermint Patty), and Bronze (Reeses Peanut Butter Cup). Inspiringly, they did all team events, with only 3 teams per event. That way everyone medaled! Genious! Their girls, Ava and Mia, made all the invitations. But Bryson was invited to help make this one for our family.

Mark & Alexis

The Balloon toss

Lamar and Bryson's team took gold in the water sponge relay, and Elizabeth's team took Bronze.

Water cup relay. Someone fills your cup up by squeezing water from a sponge into it. Then you have to run to the end and dump it into the milk jug. First team to fill it to the line wins. The first round was kids only.

Then it got exciting and we added in the adults with the kids. Only this time, each team poured from cup to cup (on top of your head mind you) down the line to the milk jug. It was so fun!

Flattering look don't you think?Possibly a new trend in fashion

Seriously, this was so much fun. My team got Bronze (which was my fav of the 3 candy bars so I didn't mind one bit.) Lamar was the Michael Phelps of the W. Street Olympics and swept the podium with all Golds!

How better to end the night than with a patriotic popsicle?