Doin' the Puyallup!

For Family Night, we “Did the Puyallup!” I’m referring to the annual fall fair in Puyallup, WA. We had so much fun. We started out by taking the shuttle bus from the Sumner train station. The kids had as much fun riding in the back of the bus as they did on the rides at the fair.



We had initially told the kids that we would not be riding any rides. We started out by walking through all of the exhibit buildings. Rachel’s favorite exhibit was a lady bug collection from an 11-year-old girl. Steve’s favorite part was listening to the live accordion music. My favorite part was people watching (and all of the food, of course!) Sophia’s favorite part (I guess) was watching the clowns do their magic show onstage.


I made the kids walk through the livestock barns with me. They couldn’t believe that their own mom had taken a heifer (baby cow) to show for 4-H when she was Ben’s age. I explained that I had to hang out in the barn the 3-4 days that fair was going on to watch Violet, my heifer. They gagged and held their noses because of the “cow poop” smell that permeated the building!


After the wonderful aroma of the livestock building, we moved on to the food areas. The boys wanted the Walla Walla Burgers—huge hamburgers with grilled onions—and curly fries. Steve and Rachel split a Soba Noodle plate. We all split an elephant ear. I had a scone (fresh, hot biscuits filled with jam ) for dinner—no nutritional value, whatsoever, but yummy—plus bites of the boys’ hamburgers!


We reluctantly told the kids they could each ride one ride before we left to go home. When we got to the ticket counter, we realized that it was “cheap ride night at the fair!” All rides were just $1 each. We splurged and bought 6 tickets so each kid could go on 2 rides. (We had to hurry and catch the shuttle back, so they couldn’t go on more—darn!) The kids were pretty bummed. We heard a lot of “No fair! You mean we walked through a bunch of boring buildings and smelled smelly cows when we could have been riding more rides?!?” We told them they should be thankful they got to ride any rides at all because we’d told them we were just going there for dinner and the free entertainment.


On the way out of the park, Steven bought a fake wooden snake with his allowance money. He had fun freaking people out while we were waiting for the shuttle bus. In the dark the snake looked very realistic. (I'll post a picture of Steven and his snake when I take one!) Until then, look at how much fun Sophie had riding on Daddy's shoulders!

Back in the Swing of Things

We're officially back to "real" life again. The kids all started school Wednesday, and what an exciting (and long) day it was! First, at 7:00 a.m. we sent Steven off to middle school. For those of you who know me well, know that I am NOT a morning person. So this will be a new experience for me! It will only get worse soon, as Steven starts Jazz Band before school, and since the bus doesn't pick him up, I get to drive him a couple of days a week. Oh mannn!

Next, we sent Ben off to his new school, where he will participate in STEP (Student Teacher Enrichment Program). STEP is designed to challenge kids who might drive their teachers crazy in a normal classroom setting. They go at a little faster pace and have more interactive projects and assignments. The school is near downtown Auburn. It's kind of rundown, but they have excellent teachers and, more importantly to Ben, a fun playground. Luckily, the bus comes to pick him up near Rachel's bus stop, only a few minutes before her's comes, so I only have to make one treck to the bus stop in the morning.
At 9:00, we went to a teacher conference for Rachel's class. We met her new teacher. She seems so nice, and Rachel is just thrilled to be back in school. She was sad that her best friend, Kylie, isn't in her class this year, but she has another friend, Payton, in the class, so she's happy. Rachel didn't actually attend class until Thursday, so she had one more day to stay home and play with Sophia and Leia (our new puppy.)
Everyone came home from school and reported that everything at school was just fine. Steven said middle school is a lot like elementary school, except there are a lot more rules. He had been nervous about the whole locker combination thing and finding his various classrooms, but he did just fine. He's bummed that none of his friends are in his core classes. He does have a couple of friends in Wood Shop and Band, though. The boys brought a whole recycling bin full of papers home with them, and I spent the next 2 hours filling out forms.

As I was filling out the forms, I noticed Leia (the puppy) on the porch with something bright orange (and pretty big) hanging out of her mouth. I quickly went over to her and instructed her to "drop it." Of course she didn't! She swallowed it! She kind of gagged as it went down, and I opened her mouth to see if I could see it anymore. Nope! Gone! I figure it was one of three things--a nerf dart from the boys' gun, a broken piece of plastic shovel that was recently chopped up by a lawn mower, or (hopefully) a Rhodedendron leaf. (Although Rodies are poisonous to dogs.)

I wasn't too worried at first because she ate a bunch of her dinner later, so I thought, "She's fine!" After I got the kids in bed and Steve was out taking care of bishopric business, Leia started writhing around on the floor in pain. She started gagging. I picked her up and ran outside. As soon as I got to the porch, she threw up.

Now for those who know me, I have a HUGE aversion to anything to do with throwing up. I try to keep my kids away from other sick kids, I have them wash their hands a lot during flu season, etc. just so they don't get sick. Steve is such a wonderful husband that when the kids do get sick, he cleans everything up. For some reason, doggy vomit is not as vile as kids' vomit. I didn't freak out too badly--except that I was really worried now about what the dog had swallowed.

I called Steve, and as he came home, I called the after-hours vet, and they said to rush her in. I just knew she was dying, so I went upstairs to the boys' room and told them to give her a hug before Dad got home. There was weeping and wailing and lots of prayers said for our sick, sick doggy. I was really afraid we'd never see our new puppy again and I wanted our boys to be able to say "good-bye." Steve, the eternal optimist, gave me an "Oh brother!" look when he came home and said everything would be fine and told the boys not to worry.

Leia threw up in her kennel on the way as Steve took her to the vet. Steve left the dog at the animal hospital and came home. I asked him how much it was going to cost. He said, "Around $300." We've never even spent that much on all of our kids combined for visits to the emergency room! The vet took x-rays and said he couldn't see anything solid, but that things like Nerf toys and plastic don't usually show up on x-rays. Well, duh! Then why did he take the x-rays?!? So he induced vomiting and the only thing that came up other than dinner, was a bunch of strings from, ironically, a toy the vet had given us last week! I went back at midnight to pick up Leia and brought her home.

The next day she was a little lethargic (and boy was I, too.) We watched her closely and the kids said lots of prayers and asked about "doggy heaven." I told them she'd be fine. It's funny! Now we don't have as much of a problem getting the kids to go out and play with her now. I think they have a new-found appreciation for her.

Rachel had fun her first full day of school. She came home super tired, but really happy. She said first grade "wasn't as hard as I thought it would be!" Just wait! Sophia just crawled around the house all day saying, "Da-dull" (Rachel) and looking for stuff to do. She REALLY misses the kids! And so do I, but it sure is quiet now. :)

Dog Days of the Summers'

Summer has flown by. We have been keeping so busy, and we're even busier now because we've added a new member to our family. We'd like to introduce you to Leia, our new Miniature Schnauzer puppy.


I know my family will faint because I've never been a known dog lover. But, the kids have been asking us for a dog for the last couple of years. Whenever I've tried to send them outside to play, they always say that our backyard is too boring and that it would be so much more fun with a dog.


For Ben's birthday in June, we told him that his present could be getting a dog. But, we would spend some time researching what kind of dog to get, and we would need to learn about caring for an "inside dog" before getting the right one. We checked out every book from the library on choosing dogs, training dogs, etc. Our family is now officially dog-trained!


When I first went online to search for what kind of dog we should get, a website popped up with the reply, "You want a cat!" We finally decided on a Schnauzer because they don't shed, they don't smell, and they're kid friendly if they're raised with kids. We even helped a lady in our ward bathe her Schnauzer, just to make sure this was really something "I" could handle! It was just like bathing Sophia, just a little wetter!


Two days ago (Tuesday) we went to the dog breeder in Olalla, WA. We got to meet a couple of her litter mates and her mommy, Jessi. She was the sweetest little one there. She came right up to us and instantly everyone decided she was meant to be part of our family.



Coming up with a name was a brief cause of contention among the kids, but they finally agreed to "Leia" after "Princess Leia" from Star Wars. They originally wanted to name any dog we got "Obi" after "Obi Won Kenobi" but I insisted on getting a female dog!


She has been such a good, little doggy. She follows me around everywhere I go. I never, ever imagined that I could like a dog, but I really think she is sweet. She snuggles up in our arms just like a new baby. But she doesn't wake up in the middle of the night to eat, so it's even better!


After the first morning up with her at 5:00 a.m. (I'm NOT a morning person!), I wondered, "What have we done?!?" It's really been crazy around here trying to make sure she doesn't go potty on the floor--(no accidents yet!) and keeping Sophia and Leia from each other, but the kids have really stepped up and are doing a great job learning all about RESPONSIBILITY. I'm just wondering, "What do I do when the older kids are in school!?!" At least Sophia won't be bored.


Leia was just what we needed right now because the kids now have a "project" for the next two weeks before school starts. They really love her!

Party at the Lacey's!

We're in Drummond, Montana visiting Tammy's parents for a family reunion. All of Tammy's siblings are here, along with their kids. There are 27 of us. Here's a quick picture of all of the kids:

We're spread out in tents, trailers, and various rooms in the house. The kids are having a great time, and so far we've been able to keep up with them. Tammy's having fun with her sisters:

and Sophia is meeting her cousins:

So far, we've ridden in the boat (Steven wakeboarded!), roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, played all kinds of games, changed 657 dirty diapers, and eaten 7 million calories. It's the perfect 4th of July vacation!

Our Little Vacuum Cleaner

Our little Sophia turned 9 months old this week. How the time flies! She is having so much fun trying to keep up with everyone. She is very independent now. She loves to explore the house. We no longer need to vacuum or sweep the floor because she takes care of it for us! Just kidding--we sweep a couple of times a day, but she still manages to find something to put into her mouth.

Sophie has also started "singing." Her favorite songs are Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam and The Wheels on the Bus. She even likes to dance along when she sings--it elicits more of a reaction from her adoring fans. Jabbering is also a favorite pasttime. She can say her own little versions of "Da-Da," "Ra-Ra" (Rachel), "bbbbbb" (bottle.) The last couple of days she has learned to shake her head "No!"

Here's a picture of one of her favorite places to play--under her bouncy chair!

Finally, Sophia is trying to learn to stand up with the help of furniture. As a result, she has little bruises all over her forehead from falling into chairs and walls. Her latest bruise coordinates with her purple pants she's wearing today.

We're all happy that stranger anxiety and separation anxiety haven't set in, yet. Steve and I were even able to go out to dinner and to see Ocean's 13 last night while Sophia and the other kids stayed home with our friend, Barb Davis. Thanks Barb!

Ben's Birthday!

Today is Ben's 9th birthday. Happy Birthday Ben!

Since it is Sunday, we celebrated his birthday yesterday. It started off with breakfast in bed:

French toast, of course. Breakfast in bed is a funny tradition at our house, since the kids always wake up before the parents. So it involves sending the birthday kid back to bed while we make breakfast. But they love it, so we keep the tradition. All meals served on birthdays are done on the "red dishes."

Ben's birthday party was a skating party at Auburn Skate Connection. It was loud, noisy, and hot, but we didn't have to plan anything so it was great. Ben and his friends had a great time:

Tammy made Ben's cake. She went for a simple design that would appeal to a bunch of 9-year olds: Cake with candy on top.

It looks like Ben is having a great birthday weekend. We love having Ben in our family, there's nothing better in the whole world than a happy Ben.

Steven's year-end concert

Steven finished his first year of band this week, with a concert on Monday night. This was their second concert, they had one earlier in the year. It was a pleasure to see how much they've improved! Wow!

Steven plays the trombone, and his teacher decided to feature the trombone section with a special number. All 6 of them came to the front of the stage and played this song:


After Steven's 5th grade class performed, we stayed for the 6th and 7th grade bands. We're looking forward to next year when the band practices together every day.

Afterwards, we went to Ben & Jerry's (or, as Ben says, Me and Jerry's) for ice cream.
Great job, Steven. You did a great job this year!