Murder Mystery Dinner

For Oma's birthday present, we had a Murder Mystery Dinner with the family. We rented "The Chicago Caper" from the Game Den @Provo Towne Center Mall. The game was set in 1928 in Chicago and "Hal Capone" had just escaped from prison. Everyone did such a great job with their roles! It was supposed to be held at a "speak easy", so we transformed our basement into an
old-school speak-easy complete with apple beer, Henry Whineheart sodas, and Martinellis.

Opa was: Ernie "bet a million" G. Ambler...Chicago's most colorful millionaire gambler

Oma was: Anna Maria Carlotta Sassine "Torchy"....featured singer in Chicago Jazz and traditional blues numbers

Isaac was: Eddie "socks" R. Gyle...an avid golfer known as a fast dealer in affluent circles

Tannis was: Billy "the kid" Thrower...star pitcher for the Chicago Stock Kings major league baseball team

Jamin was: S. Treighton Harrow...U.S. District Attorney and chief opponent to the criminal element in Chicago
Shanda was: "Silky" M. Adam...slinky and shady lady who owns and operates a prominent private establishment

Sara was: Malissa F. Orrthot "Scoop"...a young reporter for the city's leading paper

Kayla was: Molly M. Awbsterr...a society dame from New York and her prominent and respected family

While the adults were playing downstairs, Kira and I watched all the kiddos upstairs. I was also cooking and playing the host. We had appetizers of salami, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, olives, and cheese; salad and garlic bread; chicago deep dish pizzas, and canoli for dessert. The kiddos snacked on rice krispy treats, popcorn, chips, and chocolate milk while watching movies.

My little helper Taylee and I going back and forth between the adults, the kids, and the food




SPOILER ALERT!

Shanda "silky" ended up being the murderer. We were all pretty stuffed and tired by the end of the night-but a good time was had by all

Independence Day

We repeated last year's festivities for the 4th of July and rented seadoos, tubes, and a water trampoline at Jordanelle reservoir. Sara and I were able to get up early from the campground and save a good spot on the beach. Later that day, Isaac & Tannis fam, Kris, Jeff, & Kayla, Niel & Darci, and Kris' brother and sister and their fams all came up to meet us and play at the water.

The water trampoline was a hit for all ages. It's an adventure to try and keep your balance while jumping on a floating/bobbing object. The brothers enjoyed a game of king of the hill.

My kids didn't get a great night's sleep due to camping, so they were definitely ready for naps. The only way I could get Carter to stay asleep was to keep him in his carseat. We kept both of them in the shade in their carseats while the water fun went on.

Tyson and Sara coming in from a crazy ride on the seadoos. They were both sore and bruised from throwing each over off.


A family ride (minus Taylee) on the seadoo...Carter loved riding the "boat"


One of Carter's favorite spots was the food area...chips and cookies galore. Carter paradise!

Chillin' with Dad in the tube

The Pitchers taking a ride together



What a cutie! Jared floating away on his tube

My sweet little Taylee soakin' up the sun.



It was fun just to play at the beach and hang out with friends and family



Some of us forgot to keep loading up on sunscreen...these burns were no fun for the recipients.



Most everyone was pretty worn out by the time we got home and showered-but I just had to see the fireworks at Thanksgiving Point. I took Carter and Taylee, Tucker, Caleb, and Sarah around the block to watch the fireworks in the sky...it was the perfect ending to a fun 4th of July.

Camping

We took Taylee's first camping trip July 3-July 4 2007 up at Jordanelle State Park. This is the same park we took Carter to last year for his first camping trip. We had a nice spot in the McHenry campground by the lake. Jamin, Shanda, and the boys and Michael, Michelle, and their kiddos came too. It was a blast. We had tinfoil roast dinners and Costco muffins & orange juice for breakfast. The night was pretty cold and with two babies we didn't sleep great-but I can't go a summer without camping. Carter couldn't have been happier being outside. He loved exploring. The moon was gorgeous, especially reflecting off the lake.

Carter LOVED riding the seadoos or "boats" as he called them. I let him drive me around on the lake early Wednesday (the 4th) before other people got on the lake. He kept turning it in circles....he was a natural daredevil.



Taylee seemed to like being outdoors as well.


Tyson was such a trooper. He cooked the food, set up camp and sleeping arrangements for everyone (we had some last minute changes), and shared the tent with 4 others...what a guy!



I heard Carter saying "neigh" and turned around to see him "riding" this big rock. He was pretending it was a horsey. He does a good job at entertaining himself....and us ;)


The boys all had so much fun chasing each other and hiding in the dark. It was fun to see all the cousins having fun together.




The Pitcher family...we were so glad to get to spend time with them. They are such an awesome family with really great kids. Carter adores Matthew...he is so sweet to him.


The "blue" moon reflecting off the lake by our tents....what a beautiful night to be outdoors.

Oma's Birthday

We were able to celebrate Oma's birthday while they were here....the big 28! Happy Birthday Oma!