Mining for Opals

My mom and Dan and I went to Spencer Idaho today to mine for opals. I read this great article in sundays newspaper about the mine in Spencer and that they have some of the best opals in the world. I was pretty impressed. So I talked my Mom and Dan into going, too. Along the way I saw this awesome boat and thought how much Jeff has wanted a boat! He could load this fixer upper onto his trailer and there you have a sailboat. I bet he could figure out how to put a motor on the back too!!! Well I was excited so we just had to take a picture. If you look really close you can see two parrots in the top. HAHAHA

















And this is us mining for opals. They have a tent so you can cob the stone in the shade and that makes it a lot nicer. You rinse the stones off and see the sparkle of the opals much better. Well, this is one of many things to do in Idaho. I bet you are all so excited for your next trip to Idaho to go opal mining.
There is also a cafe' next to the rock pile and they serve the best idaho fries with fry sauce. A must have.

Our Family 2009

The Boyz & Me. Where's Dan? What a bunch of handsome fellows!















Our family pix for '09. Next time we'll take in the evening for better convenience of not being blinded. It was hot out there! Unfortunately Taryn and Ashley didn't make it.

Of course wiffle ball is always played at Nana & Papas house. Even the younger ones know how it's played.

Of course the 4-wheeling is a must do too.

And this year there were fireworks for the big kids. Whoever took these pix did a great job.

Papa was such a great sport with the grandkids and was kind enough with all the dads to allow the girls to go and have a spa day. Of course that is what us girls live to do when we all get together.

This was such a fun time for us I hope you all enjoyed it. Let's do it again next year! I love you all!

More pix @ Family Gathering

Lance is the instigator with the kids. He loves to rassle! Of course so do the kids!














The Big BBQ dinner was a hit, I think. And the cake with its wonderful filling was mighty fine. Happy Birthday Bryce (31). Yeah.














Me and The Boyz. Of course they didn't hook up my controls so I couldn't play. They knew I had been practicing and would have whipped their hineys! Ha Ha














Me and Sarah.














And what a trip it was to the Carousel.

Who Are You?

So I tried the background thingamajiggy and wow it worked! YaHooo! So for this blog I would like everyone who looks here to sign in and leave a comment. Doesn't matter if I know you or not. Last year someone from the Philippines wrote a comment. I had no idea others could look at the blogs that weren't the people signing in specifically to my blog.

Anyway, let's see how many people actually look at this blog. Now if I don't get any response I am gonna feel really bad and probably quit blogging. Does anyone look at this blog? Sign in and let me know.

Butchering Day

Alright so it is still obvious that I still haven't figured out how to get the pictures in the right order. So look at the post backwards, okay. So this is Dans cat Pepper. Jeff found a mouse nest under the chicken coop and Pepper had a grand time playing "cat & mouse", what else.

Dan even got in on the excitement of catching a fat chicken and pulling on its head ready for the chopping block. Good catch, Dan!

I took this great picture of Jeff pulling off the skin, but he didn't want it posted. So you get me with the finished product, just giving it a good rinse.

And of course we started this chicken show with Jeff catching the first unsuspecting hen, which they all ended up being roosters. The people at Cal Ranch, where we bought the chicks said they were pretty sure these were all hens, cause they checked their wings. Well, most are roosters. Now the white chickens it really doesn't matter but the reds were the laying hens. And did you know that only the hens lay eggs. The roosters crow and fertilize and we only need one rooster. So needless to say I am looking for some bartering, again. Anyone want to trade hens for roosters?

More Pix of Georgia fun

We went to the Atlanta Aquarium

A park that was used during the Olympics. It was funny 'cause this guy offered to take our picture then asked if we could give him money, which of course Bryce did. As usual I didn't have any.

Me and the kids, one of these days I will be able to have my picture taken with my eyes open. Darn Lasik, I can't stand the bright lights and it is automatic to close my eyes.

And this cutie pie is the newest baby in Bryce & Amy's family. Garrett. What a good little boy he is.

Our Stay at the Georgian Hotel

This is the Beautiful Georgian Hotel (aka The Carters New Home). We spent a wonderful six nights and five days. As you can see the manager and his staff were very accomodating to our every need. This luxury Hotel boasts an amazing 4 bedrooms 3 1/2 baths with a parlor and executive dining room. There is access to a private lake with boat dock. You will feel right at home in this palatial home when you visit this residence! The owners said in the near future they will be hosting movies in their own personal movie theatre with upgraded playroom and popcorn for everyone. Don't miss out on this property make your reservations today!
























I quit my job when we got back from GA and thought I would take up writing travel logs for magazines. What do you think of my first try?

We had such a great time at the Carters in Georgia! The weather was actually warmer in Idaho, but it was still very mild and nice. It is amazing at the lush greenery all around. This area is very hilly and trees with kudsu everywhere. We also had our teeth cleaned, and Jeff even had three cavities that Bryce filled. Whew, I'm glad it wasn't me. Jeff did say how gentle Bryce was though and it didn't even hurt. Amiee, the hygienist cleaned our teeth and I think I'll be able to do it without laughing gas next time. Thanks Bryce for the great dental care. He even gives crest toothpaste with free toothbrushes! YEAH!!!