Staci's Wedding!!

I took off to Utah for 2 weeks in July to attend my little sister's wedding.

If you're interested in seeing her ACTUAL wedding photos, check out the link (to the right-hand side) to my photoblog for KDS Photography.

Adam was left home alone with the boys. Luckily he had a few months of experience being alone with the boys since I started working at the bank, and I think it really paid off! I didn't have to wonder if he was remembering to feed them this time!

I'll tell ya what - ok, now I sound like I'm from Kansas - Staci had it MADE! With a sister as a photographer, a Sister-in-Law as a cake making, flower arranging genious, An Aunt as a concert pianist.... she had a LOT of help!

Ora and Staci... um ..... I'm not sure if they're smelling the flowers, or hiding behind them....

Ora did such a great job - this girl pretty much makes every other talented person look LAME.

Kevin was actually quite fetching, himself, with a little boquet....

The detail on her cake took Ora 3 hours to finish....and a lot of elbow grease!

Everyone needs a good cheesey cake-cutting pose...

and a good slice of cake....

And we weren't disappointed!

Staci and Ora sampling the fruits of her labor...

Aunt Maria graced us all with her talented music at the reception...

Staci obviously didn't share my feelings of romantic affection....

DANCING QUEENS!!

The whole Famdamily

The Costa brothers did a divine job decorating the honeymoon car

Boys Boys Everywhere, and Not a Place to Sleep!!!

The Stewart Family had a reunion this last week, and it was held at the old family farm. AKA, our house! There were exactly 30 of us, all within the confines of our little house. As crazy as it sounds, it was a lot of fun!

We had a weenie roast outside, and ate smores.

Almost all the Stewart cousins are Boys! Out of all of the cousins there, Madeline and Shaylee were the only girls. I'm so glad they have each other! And Junior didn't mind them at all, either!

Tim's boys brought their Airsoft guns to share the joy of being pelted with us all.

Time for a reload....

Adam's 4wheeler finally got the attention it deserved....

Cameron and Taylor took quite a liking to each other.

Bedtime was interesting - And so was the smell of so many teenage boys!

I'm really not sure WHO thought of removing the blade from the lawn mower and tying the gocart behind it, but it sure made for endless hours of entertainment!

Is that a genuine taste of Kansas fun, or what?!

Taylor and Nate staying connected

Gma Stewart brought a bunch of old family photos for the kids to look at

Keenan and Trey shared a bed - and actually got some sleep, I think!

Big Bear Camp 2009

Camp Kanza

Trey got to go to his first real live Cub Scout camp this weekend. It was 3 days long - ironically the hottest, muggiest, most miserable days we've seen so far this summer! But the boys had so much fun!!

They passed off 11 requirements, and 15 electives - they got to swim, canoe, learn archery and shoot guns, play games and get good and stinky! He seemed impressed most by them getting to retire an old flag. What a great experience!

He was all nice and tan and TIRED when he got home. We were so glad to have him back, and he was especially glad to see his little dog, Junior.

And then he passed out!

Brotherly Love

I was stung by a wasp a couple years ago, and since then have been absolutely terrified of the darn things. They are really mean!! So when a wasp is spied in the house (which, in summer is almost every day) I promptly run to my room and lock the door (because we all know a wasp that is good and angry can unlock any door) and remain there until my boys have "apprehended" the creature. They're so good to me.

This has occured several times this week, with the latest incident ending on Brett's bed - the top bunk. The boys smashed away at the insect with a broom until it was completely obliterated, and wasp-body parts were strewn about.

Trey and Cameron took the opportunity that night to torment poor Brettsky by telling him over and over they had seen another wasp up on his bed, crawling around. He was pretty freaked out, so I told Trey that since he had taken the liberty to scare him, Brett would get to share his bed for the night if he didn't want to sleep alone.

Brett was delighted! Treyton acted as though he weren't, but as you can tell....I don't think he minded one bit.

All Hale the Queen!!

For starters, yes. I chopped my hair off last week. It feels good not to have it on my neck in this nasty, humid weather!

And YES, that is a magic crown I'm wearing!

My boys made it especially for me in Primary today. It contains a magical power. Whenever I put it on, they have to do whatever I ask.

Happy Mothers' Day to me!!!

Weenie Roast

Before it got super cold over Easter Weekend, the kids asked if we could PLEASE have a little cookout. So we pulled out the roasting sticks and did just that!

The boys helped Dad feed the fire until it was plenty big, and filled up on hotdogs, chips, baked beans, and pop. And of course, smores.

I told the infamous "Monster -With- the -Buggar story, which scared Brett half out of his pants. Then they begged me to tell a version of "The Cookie Story" (an original bedtime story made up by yours truly that they adore) that involved vampires and monsters. We passed on that for Brettsky's sake. I told them a version that involved all their best buds from school, and sent them off to stink their sheets up with smoke.

It's so nice to have our very own campground only 10 yards from our front door, and noone around for miles. We will sure miss that when we move into town!