24

Here are some pictures of our 24 hr drill

Wow! This Sunday afternoon our neighborhood had a surprise disaster preparedness drill. We were instructed to live as if a natural disaster had happened days ago and we were still without power, gas, and water and the food in our fridges had gone bad or been consumed. It was a test to see if we could survive with what we had in our food and water storage and 72 hr kits. Well, we made it! I actually had to leave the house for a doctors appt 3 hrs prior to the 24 hr mark, but, oh well. We had a good time. It was hard work. Luckily our water storage was in good shape. It tasted fine. We limited the bathrooms to 2 toilets from 4 so we wouldn't have to carry buckets all over the house to flush 4 of them. Our emergency candle holders were so awesome. They came in handy.Some of the kids camped in the yard. Cooking lunch and breakfast was a painstakingly slow process. We only had the propane grill. We should have had firewood and charcoal to dutch oven cook. I had to boil water to make this certain type of powdered milk to make pancakes. It took 45 minutes to boil water and cook pasta. I am so thankful for power and running water. I definitely need to store paper plates,bowls, and cups.

It was great to not have t.v. and computers, though. We enjoyed the weather outside and the kids were playing games by lantern light. The worst part was not taking a shower!!!!!! A few of our neighbors were cranking up their generators. Chris had to set his cell phone alarm to wake up for work and he had powdered milk on his cereal after finding his clothes by candlelight.

As we were doing this drill we were making note of all of the things we had wished we had so we can better prepare for a real disaster in the future.

Here are some pictures we took.(Oooopppps! Chris has the laptop with him in the Bahama's, so I will not be able to post pictures until Monday the 25th) Sorry.

No entry for Sunday or Monday morning...

We are having a disaster-preparedness drill from 7pm last night (Sunday) until 7pm today. Rita and the kids are having to pretend that there is no water, gas, or electric service and that all items in the fridge are 'off limits.' It was a challenge put to us yesterday to experiment on our food storage, water, and other items that we should have on-hand in case of natural or other disaster.

So there won't be any blog entries except by the person who 'gets to' go to work!

We'll resume regular blogs when the power comes back on tonight. ;-)

Sunset

Steven took this beautiful picture in our front yard while the sun was setting.

Nature Boys

I was in the kitchen and saw my sweet boys out back observing a butterfly. They were out there for a good 30 minutes quietly watching it. I just had to take a picture. I love these precious moments. These are the times I wish I could "pause" time and keep them young forever. I love that Alex (14) will play with John (4).I have LOVED being with them this summer. School starts in two weeks. ):

Family Home Evening

Adam was in charge of the treat on family night and he chose "dirt with worms". It was so messy,but he was so proud to make it with the help of Stevo.

I swear, my kids do own shirts. I guess Ryan was hot after a crazy game of "Stinger" that Alex taught us how to play. He got the idea from EFY (Especially for Youth)

The Roof

John and Adam had their first trip on the roof. They are not afraid of heights because they both went up and came down without hesitation. That is every boy's desire...to get on the roof with Daddy when he is fixing something.
I am sure that my safety conscious in laws and sister in law are cringing at this post as soon as they lay eyes on it. Am I right Amy, Dana, and John????? (: Sorry for freaking you guys out.

Sticky Kids and Jam

Making freezer jam and apricot fruit roll ups with kids was a very messy, but fun experience. We made a ton of fruit roll ups and they were gone in 48 hrs. We had a great time together. I love being with our kids. I feel so blessed to be home with them full time.

Games

Daddy having fun with the boys.

RED

Red cake batter for Spiderman cupcakes looks different on everyone. (:

Bday Boy!!

Spidey!

Johnny is 4!

We now have two 4 yr olds!!!! John turned 4 on August 2nd and Adam will be 4 until August 30th. John woke up to a Spiderman Bday. Katie and Steven decorated the table and spun a "web"on his bedroom door. He had a scavenger hunt to find his present. He was so cute and excited. Even our big kids LOVE to be covered in balloons and have their door decorated shut so they can rip through it in the morning.

Train Ride to Salt Lake City

Last week I took Alex and Katie down to SLC with me to meet up with my sister, Emily. She was in town for a convention. It was great to see her. We had fun riding the commuter train. It is so much cheaper than gas and much more relaxing.

Power Washing

Alex had a "blast" power washing the deck so we could re stain it last weekend.

Ryan's Guitar

Ryan has finally $aved for his guitar and was ready to buy it last week. I have never seen a boy soooooo excited! He was so cute when it was delivered to the house. I wish I would have had a video camera nearby.

Scout Camp

Alex and Ryan both went to Scout Camp recently. Ryan, Day Camp, of course. He did archery, boating, rifles, and first aid. He loved it. Alex went to Grandaddy lake. They hiked in 8 miles with all of their own supplies. He had a great time fishing and cooked all of his own meals for the 3 days. Their leaders were amazing and really know how to instill confidence and self sufficiency in the young men.
Kathryn also just got back from Girl's Camp at Reid Ranch. She was able to horseback ride, do archery,canoeing,quilting,hiking etc. She loved it and has not stopped recounting all of her activities with her brothers.

Hey, Mom

Alex finally helped finish this puzzle up. Did you finish your 1000 piece yet?

Talented

I wonder if he might be able to be a waiter, part time, while going to college.