Mutton Bustin'

Friday started out with swim lesson level tests for all three of the kiddos. Here's the pics http://mooselynews.blogspot.com/

Then we headed up to Todd's brother's cabin in Eden, Utah with part of his family. I'd had a really hard last several weeks so, it was good to get away into nature. I have decided that Huntsville is my favorite town. It has that small town and historic charm I love. Our first day there I spent most of the day reading and the hubby took everyone on Ranger rides through streams and up steep hills. We went to the rodeo in Liberty and the kids played most of the night with their cousins Nate, Allie, Devin and Ashley. Then we had a campfire with smores and fireworks, Caleb's favorite part by far!

Saturday morning we headed to Huntsville for a pancake breakfast.

Then it was over to Liberty Days for a greased pig contest, chicken chase and mutton bustin. Let me just say that we had no idea what we were in for when we signed up our two oldest for the wildest ride of their lives...

I seriously had to hold back the tears when they decided to put on their brave face and go for it. All but two of the kids before them came away crying and one girl ran into a fence. Todd thinks she probably broke her collar bone.

It's serious cowboy business and I honestly can't believe Meghan and Caleb made it! These were no mellow lambs! They will have a good story to tell some day. After the mutton ride they did a fish catch and grabbed trout with their bare hands which we then let back into the river.

All in all I think everyone had fun and I love everything about Independence Day! It is one of my favorite times of year. Hats off to Watermelon, American flags, barbeques and freedom.

What Do You Think?

Reading so many books lately has triggered some wonderings on my part. I have been thinking of who I was once, who I am now and who I am to become. When I read authors descriptions of people they make the individual come alive on paper, as if they are sketching a caricature. They describe their looks, their talents, their interests, their short comings, their manners and character. Have you ever stopped to think about what makes you, you? What is the first impression you leave with people when you meet them? Does that impression change over time? What will be our legacy?

Pride and Prejudice

Best movie ever. I just spent the last two days watching it with my children. Todd even sat down for the last hour or so. I remember in college we used to have movie marathons with the BBC Jane Austen movies.  I had forgotten how much I love this one. The change that takes place in Mr. Darcy's character because of  making Ms. Bennett's acquaintance. The walks in the forest and beautiful English country side. The gentlemanly manners and the power of true love. Okay and Mr. Darcy, Collin Firth is really perfect at playing his part. The moments they accidentally run into each other...I am and always will be a hopeless romantic and old fashioned. Once again, seeing this was proof I was born in the wrong place and time :)

Four Generations

Emmalee (my daughter),

Heather Aileen Zahn Gardner (me),

Marsha Callister Platner (my mom),

Jeanne Marie Thorne (my grandmother),

Meghan (my oldest daughter),

Danielle Frear Stewart (my sister)

Happy 5th Caleb!

I have to admit looking through all of these photos made me really emotional. Our brave little Caleb has been through so many surgeries, occupational therapy, hearing tests and treatments. He really is a strong boy and a tender heart. He is a cuddler and so agile. I think he will probably grow up to be a gymnast and a drummer if he follows his dreams :) Today's party is all about Scooby Doo, bike ramps, baseball, and squirt guns! We love you Caleb!

Caleb through the years... http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?source=ppsl&instanceid=115990940

Spontaneous Family Photo

We got out into nature today and took the long way. Drove the back mountains from Farmington to Bountiful. I love the trees and fresh air. The peeking water falls, moss grown rocks, valley views, wild flowers and scrub oak forest. Spencer got a hold of a blow pop, and well, as you can see it got a hold of him in return! His hand is stuck to his face.

. There are some more photos of our off road adventure below on Flickr...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherzahngardner/

Happy Father's Day

click to enlarge

To the two dads in my life!

To Todd who is around more than most fathers, who makes us laugh, plays baseball and tag with the whole neighborhood, cooks and cleans often, prays with us, loves to snuggle with his kiddos and works so hard every day!

To my Father, Kenneth Charles Zahn for teaching me to run, to search microfilm at the Family History Library and for giving me a love of books. For singing with me, and teaching our children to fish, to rock hunt and pump when swinging. For showing them how fun a poppa chicken leg can be.

Childs Play

I was down in Salt Lake today and decided to stop into Red Balloon toys to browse for a Birthday gift for Caleb. I have learned I have to go in there without the kids if we want to make it out alive or at all! But as usual I was the one being sucked in. I have to admit that I have fond memories of playing with Smurfs, Strawberry Shortcake mini pvc dolls and Fisher Price villages.

I was more than disappointed when our two oldest showed absolutely no interest in playing with toys. The things I bought were more for me than they were for them. 99% of the toys we own now reside at our local thrift store or garbage dump.

That being said you should still know that I am a huge sucker for collector's toys that are well made and will last. I don't buy them often because I know what their fate will be within the walls of our home. I wish I could though...it makes me a nerd I'm sure. But oh well!

Tell me they aren't cool? Plastic, durable figurines that come in zoo animals, roman soldiers, and elf families. Your children could spend hours acting out fairy tales and old historical moments with something that will never wear out or break.

Here are "our" (my) favorites...Schleich and Playmobil.