{G-Sale}

Me and five of my friends spent last Friday and Saturday putting on a garage sale. Although we had tons of cute stuff for cheap garage sale prices, none of us did too well. I was especially let down since I am use to selling big; however, it was fun to just visit with friends and watch the kids play- or not! They pretty much kept to themselves in the backyard. I rarely had to check on Ryley in the back yard because he checks in regularly and I know he doesn't hit. Neither he nor Maisey were aggressive and I have to say it is relieving. Not that I don't have concerns, he is tremendously timid and that in itself can be consuming and embarrassing.
I have to thank Michelle for hosting this sale and for putting up with the mess!

Ryley's new "white" shoes. I'm still not use to this dirt = boy thing and I am just thankful I bought him two pairs of identical shoes (1 for play and 1 for when we're out and about). Lesson learned!!!

{Tigers}

This is our 6-7 year old team. People laugh when I tell them I'm coaching. They usually chuckle and say something along the lines of, "Herding packs of animals." But, I get defensive and tell them these kids have skill! True, some timid personalities are afraid to follow through at times, but nonetheless, they are only 6 and 7. Just imagine how good they will be when they are teens.

{Octoberfest}

Due to major road construction at this time, the Guenther family did not hold their annual Octoberfest with a crowd of 300 people. However, even after the in-laws recent month long trip to Germany (which they usually take in April), they weren't going to let this year pass without a celebration (well, Jill wasn't anyway)! We headed up for a quick, wet Octoberfest, and we still had a great time! Pictures were impossible to take with the rain and I was able to catch these few in the dry house we first got before people really arrived. 2 little boys waiting for 1 big boy. 3 busy boys yields 9 tries for a picture which = 1 semi- good shot!The little girls minus Michelle who was caught up in a game of Washers.
The last girl dancing late into the night with one energetic Opa! The rain didn't stop Maisey when the other kiddos retreated inside.

{Soccer}

Hopefully, they won't look like this at the end of the season... But they are as adorable as can be
and they are having a great time! They improve every game and it's so fun to see.
Coaching has been so much fun. Believe me, it is not as easy as it seems. League or no league, these kids are 6 and 7 and they think they know how to do everything. After games I always take a poll from the parents to find out if I sound like I'm nagging throughout the whole game. I've never heard a "yes," but I have felt as if I may lose my voice!

{Family}

This past weekend we went to Eugene for Lily's baby shower. She is due in two weeks and will be the first child to Tyler and Katelyn. I am so excited for these new parents. They amaze me. In June Tyler will graduate from OHSU as a dentist and Katelyn will be graduating from there as a doctor. I'm sure it will be a tough year with a new little one and traveling for interviews for Katelyn's surgical residency, but they can do it. The best news is OHSU is opening a new daycare so they will be close to work, school, home (also on the hill), and little Lily.

Me, Katelyn, and Sheena (both my cousins' wives). Little Sally and Big Sally also flew down from Seattle for the shower. It was great to see them, especially little Sally who I have seen in about 4 years, since Tyler and Katelyn got married.

While we were there we celebrate my dad's birthday which was the day before. I made him a good dinner which he enjoyed intermittently with the Duck game. My family is full of Duck fans.

Although the kids can get pretty bored sometimes visiting the "small" town of Eugene, they did a good job keeping themselves occupied outside with my parent's dog Chloe. We are looking forward to next summer when Ryley isn't eye level with her tongue. She is a very sweet dog for being so big.
We had a great relaxing time and can't wait for the holiday's when we will go visit again.

{School}

Maisey was so excited to start school. I wasn't so much. We had a great summer and we miss her when she's not home. I also wasn't as eager when I found out she was being placed in a 2nd/3rd grade classroom. I mean really, this girl thinks and acts old enough without the constant influence of 8 and 9 year old's. But, she's doing great and loving every minute of it. Working on her first project already.
She was presenting to the class that she wants to be a Doctor when she grows up, she has brown eyes and brown hair, a perfect little family, and that she loves Watermelon.

{Enchanted}

A couple of weeks ago we capped off the summer by visiting Enchanted Forest. It was a summer incentive for Maisey as she worked through pages of "homework" each day. I like to keep her working and ahead rather than deal with the possibility of facing the "backward slide." She thought 4 pages was too much until she found out two of her cousins had to do 10 a day (they have a great reward system)! I have visited Enchanted Forest since I was a kid and I seriously love it- even more than Disneyland!
The grounds keepers do a great job, you would never know how old it is. Seeing these old rhymes made me feel a little guilty (or a lot) because I may read to my kids each day, but not enough of the classics. I don't even know how familiar these stories were to them. But I sure enjoyed it. Hansel and Gretel's house (my favorite).The witch and her slide (not pictured- but the kids loved it along with the other many slides throughout the park.

The 10 minute water show that plays to music (here's a snippet). A great place to sit down, eat lunch and cool off.

Now make sure you go and visit!

{Family 2}

Our niece and nephew came and stayed the night with us this past week.

The kids, as well as Chad and I, adore these well behaved little personalities. But seriously, Ryley was in heaven with Colby in the house. He was his shadow. It was so sweet to watch. Colby was so patient for having a two year old with him for every breath and move!

Ryley was right in the middle of everything. Here the kids are interested in a Wii game, and Ry planted himself right in the middle.

Playing at Wilson Pool.

Maisey and Peyton

The boys

{Family 1}

Last week we went to Eugene to visit with family from Southern California. We had a great time just visiting and celebrating the short time we have together every so often. Grandma Ryan is looking great at 94 although this may have been her last trip up since it's long and she refuses to fly.

Whenever we go to visit Ryley enjoys running around my parents house going up and down the stairs, and playing with their big dog Chloe. Ryley is the perfect height to get smacked in the face with her big black lab tale!

Hopefully, I can post a big family picture soon from someone else's camera.

{Ward Campout}

Friday night we went to the ward camp out. The kids were ecstatic.

Especially when they discovered the water (which we somehow missed last year, hence them swimming in their clothes).This is a great campground because it has an enormous play structure (this picture is from our tent).Maisey loved riding her bike with her friends. And Ryley enjoyed watching the horses at the other side of our tent.

Although it was about 100 degrees, the shade actually provided some relief on days when I thought it was inescapable!

{Morgans RUN}

The other day we took the kids to Mogans Run, aka "Pirate Ship Park." Ryley is in love with boats (okay, he's really in love with anything transportation), but on this day he could care less- all he did was RUN!!! Some dad was there with his remote control car, and my son chased it like a little dog for at least 40 minutes.
All Chad could do was have regret over the fact he once owned a $400 car and I made him sell it (so he says). Later in the day I saw Chad "shopping" for one on the computer. Someday I told him- like five years from now when Ryley is old enough to drive it!

Since Ry wasn't very interested, I took pictures of this park for keepsake since he really does love this park, and I really love this park! There is a lot more not pictured, but if you haven't been, and you have a boy who loves boats, this is the place!

The smaller ship for your smaller captains.

{Late Bloomers}

The other day we decided to go raspberry picking. The one problem we ran into, was raspberries aren't really in bloom anymore (we missed their prime time in June). We managed to pick some late bloomers, but were dismayed when we barely found enough for one milkshake, rather than the six we were picking for!

Ryley could have cared less. He was obsessed with a tractor, ATV, and chickens.

Ryley telling the chickens goodbye.

I guess we will know for next year! And, we will crave raspberry shakes since all the local stores are out as well!

{Everything}

It's hard to say what we've been up to lately, because you probably already know we are always up to "everything." Sure I love to enjoy the small things in life like the kisses, hugs, and snuggle time I get from my family each and every day, but we also like to be involved in just about everything possible. When I say "We," I truly mean all of us like to be busy going, going, going.

I feel a bit robbed of sunshine this year... It just hasn't been hot enough to spend hours basking in. The kids still enjoy swimming a couple times a week, but I can't say I'm as excited as them- although I usually love water!

Here are some random pictures of little things we've been up to:

We went boating and swimming with a couple families at the lake last Saturday. I also enjoyed discussing a wonderful book at book club that morning, followed by Saturday market and Maisey's Primary activity, (all before the lake).

I've been sewing some nights, mostly accessories and baby stuff. I think everyone is getting tired of it but me- and Ryley with his cars. Ryley just can't seem to keep his toys away from my machine. He also ventured out and got himself into trouble- something I'm thankful he doesn't do very often. I've learned not to leave my stuff out.Ryley also finds joy in the laundry basket- I mean his boat! He is also becoming quite fond of the camera, hence the cheesy grin.
We hope we have some warm summer days ahead while we catch up on a few neglect summer play dates!

{Pool Party}

Over the weekend we enjoyed the annual "Guenther Pool Party" hosted by Adam and Carey. It's fun to look at pictures of the kids each summer and observe their growth. It is also a ton of fun to watch the men in the family act like big boys. They always provide the entertainment. Ruby, Peyton, and Maisey

I don't know how many drinks had been consumed by this point... And, although we don't drink, Chad's goofiness is the product of a fun-loving personality!

If only I hadn't erased the picture of Adam jumping off the ladder onto the pool toys!

Boys will be boys in this family.