Sixteen Years of Wedded Bliss

A month after the actual date (due to the county fair and general busy-ness), we actually went out on a "real" date to celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. We invited our friends, Marv and Candi to join us and they talked us into trying a new restaurant that they are very fond of called the Brass Lantern. It's located in the tiny town of Genesee, Idaho (population 900). It had a surprisingly nice ambiance and very yummy food.

I *gasp* forgot my camera! Thankfully Glenn's new smartphone has a decent camera built in. This has been coming in handy lately when I see blogworthy topics and am camera-less. Those around me maybe don't appreciate Glenn's camera as much as I do.

I imagine Marv and Candi would've been fine if I failed to document the evening in photographs, but they didn't complain (out loud).

This is the main reason I needed my camera. Glenn's huge Prime Rib and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. And this came after a trip to the very nice salad bar.

Another good reason for a photo. Bite-sized steak (I think it's a local favorite--tender steak lightly breaded and deep fried. Yummy AND healthy!) and a baked potato. I should've taken this photo after I loaded my potato with butter, cheddar cheese and real bacon pieces. Can you say delish? Seriously, people, this is good stuff. Are you paying attention?

Line Art 101

Nicole offered to teach Morgan and me how to do "line art" that she learned from her art teacher at school. Glenn fell asleep during "Art Class" (see yesterday's post), so he was sent to bed.
You start out with a squiggly line of your own design. Then you draw parallel lines above and below that first line and make contact at random points along that first line. Got it? Good.

I thought Morgan and I made exceptional art students. We didn't fall asleep.

Again, my masterpiece. Actually, Nicole has one of these on the refrigerator which is much more impressive. She thought I should put mine on the fridge also. I think not. But it was fun. I hope they teach more art classes soon.

Family Watercolor

Ellea came up with the idea to have an "Art Class" in her bedroom the other night. She talked Nicole into helping her and had three "stations" set up for Glenn, Morgan and I to try our hand at watercolor. I enjoyed it so much more than I imagined I would!

Nicole came up with the idea to paint a picture of a potato. This is Morgan's version. Not bad for a 7 year old.

This is my masterpiece. I was pleased with the potato, but it was tricky getting the shadow just right. Glenn summed it up well. "Potato on hockey puck." I might have to frame it.

Glenn's green potato. I asked him if it was moldy. He didn't appreciate my narrow-minded ways.

Combine Derby

We had a fun day at our first-ever demolition derby yesterday. A combine derby to be exact. The kids all thought it was fun to watch these big machines crashing into each other!

The University of Idaho offered to buy this beautiful combine before it had a chance to be demolished by crashing and bashing! So it was just on display. No playing in the dirt for it! The kids are avid Vandal fans and were enthusiastic about the photo opportunity!

There were 11 other entries that did plenty of crashing and bashing.

It was exciting! After three rounds, there was one combine left standing. Not sure what his prize was. Hopefully more than just whiplash!

Andie's presence made it all worth it for Ellea and I. Of course, I only convinced her to let me hold her when her mom gave me interesting food items like this sucker! You'd think after having her as an overnight guest, she might like me just a little, but with her mom around, she doesn't even have much use for her own dad! Guess Ellea and I can't take it too personally.

Poison

Ellea told us about a new game she's been playing at school called Poison. You take turns shooting a basketball and if you make a basket the other players run away until you yell poison after you catch the ball. Everyone stops and you try to (gently) hit someone with the ball and that person is out. Clear as mud, right?!

It was fun to play with the girls. I need to not be such a fuddy-duddy about playing with my kids.


It's harder to play in the semi-darkness, but we stuck with it!

Glenn wanted an action shot. Here I am, a fuddy-duddy in action!!

New Wheels

We've discussed getting a smaller four-wheeler for the kids to use for a few years. We never took the plunge because of cost. Ellea made a good point not too long ago that we don't hesitate to spend money on horses and their "stuff." We decided to start looking more seriously at four-wheelers for those kids who don't have an affinity for four-legged transportation!

We found one at a good price in Lewiston and made a quick trip down there Thursday night to pick it up.


Who else but Glenn to try it out? Not really his size, though!!

The kids couldn't wait to get out there and try it out before the bus came Friday morning!



A quick lesson in shifting.... Those pesky gears!




Morgan hasn't learned to drive the four-wheeler yet. He was happy to be a passenger, but I bet he'll be anxious to learn to drive it soon!!



I hate to break it to them, but they'll be outgrowing this thing in just a few years!!