Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!!

Starting the Summer Off Right

The kids got out of school on June 19 at 11:30am. By 1pm we had had lunch, and were on the road headed to AZ. We had 25 hours to drive, and our car was packed to the hilt!We stopped in UT. along the way to visit Matt and Jami. We couldn't wait to see new baby Wyatt and the girls. Kennedy and Kylee
Then it was off to AZ to see friends and family there. This is Colton and Brayden. It was so fun seeing both babies. You really forget how tiny they are! Rowdy and Brayden
While we were there, Grandpa Scott got tickets for a Diamondbacks game. The team stinks, but the hot dogs and nachos were worth it!

Whitley's orthopaedic surgeon suggested that if we could find someone to remove her cast while we were on vacation, it would be better for her arm! So Landon went to good ol' WalMart and picked up some heavy duty metal cutters. Took that cast right off!
This is the girls visiting "Ahma". It was too hot to stay for very long at the cemetery. We went to Peter Piper Pizza one night for dinner with the Kahle's. We use to do this all the time. The kids run around like crazy people, and we can sit and visit. It's a win win. This is Colton and his best friend in the whole world Preston. These two spent almost the entire 9 days together playing XBOX!
On our way back home, we stopped in Springville to spend the night with Shane and Nicole. The kids had a blast spending time with their cousins. Bumpa took us all out to eat at Tepann Yaki. The kids loved the show!
All 6 Johns grandkids. Kennedy (7) Brandon (9) Ashley (3) Chase (6) Colton (12) Whitley (9)

We got home late tonight. Just in time for our 4th of July celebration. We had a blast visiting so many friends and family. Thank you all for you continued love and support, and for opening your homes to us.

Movin' On Up

Colton graduated from elementary school today. I was doing pretty good until they played a slide show of all the kids. I wasn't the only one. They had baby pics of all of them, then now shots, plus tons of pictures from this past year. As usual for Rosa Parks, it was first class. Now he's on to Junior High...Colton and Jack

Receiving his certificateListening to Mr. Newport (principal) talk

Colton and Mr. Brekke

After the program, they had refreshments and mingling! We are so proud of you Colton. We can't wait to see what you do with your life!

Grillin' Steaks

I love steak. But not just any steak. I'm a steak snob! I only ever order a filet. I'm just not that into fat! However when we bbq steaks at home, filet is a little pricey for a week night dinner. Our friends introduced us to the tri tip a few years ago, and we love it. You can get it at Costco in either a big roast, or several smaller steaks. You can't go wrong either way. It is very lean, and so tender.

In the summer we love to bbq, and as I was giving my steak a good rub of seasoning tonight, I got to thinking about something new I could do. I know we have our favorite marinade or two that we always do. But I love to get new ideas of different rubs and marinades. So I'm asking. What's your favorite way to season a steak?? And what's your favorite cut for bbq-ing at home?

Here's ours...

1/2 C. Soy Sauce
1-2 Tbsp. Sesame Oil
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. Steak Seasoning (I use Schillings Montreal Steak)
2-3 Tbsp. Lemon Pepper Seasoning
1 tsp. Garlic Salt

Let meat marinade for 1-2 hours, but not longer. Grill and Enjoy!

The Ice Cream Man

Nothing says summer more than the sound of the ice cream man! This little "love machine" has been visiting my neighborhood regularly for the last couple of weeks. People come scurrying out of their houses like little rats! My kids (and husband) included! They say the choco-taco is the best. Who knows. I don't like ice cream.

Broken Arm Follow Up

So here's the rest of the story...We took Whit to see the orthopedic surgeon. More X-rays, which really hurt. She broke her radius bone, right through her growth plate! The good news is that she only has to wear her cast for 3 weeks. They don't like to immobilize the elbow for too long. She'll have to have more X-rays next week, because sometimes additional breaks can show up a week later! After that she will probably need some physical therapy, and then another check in 4-6 months to make sure the growth plate hasn't been compromised!

I was explaining to the surgeon that we were heading to AZ in a week, and wondered about a waterproof cast (a girl can dream). He said that they don't put waterproof casts on because then people go nuts. Play in the sand etc. He suggested that we could go to a medical supply store and buy a cast cover. He said as our provider he didn't suggest that. So I asked him as our close family friend, what he suggested. He said he'd get the cast cover. He was really cool.

Then Linda came in to put the cast on. She was about her business, when the Dr. came back. Landon asked him again the name of the medical supply store so we could get her a cover and he and Linda exchanged funny looks. She told him we hadn't had a chance to visit, and that he should leave. After he left, she proceeded to explain that she was indeed putting on a waterproof cast. That who else would they use them of but a 9 year old little girls headed to swim in AZ! But that we had to keep it on the down low, because the other Dr.'s frowned on them. Our Dr. knew all about it, and was the one to suggest it.

This is Linda, and I love her. Whitley chose a lime green cast. When it was all on, Linda suggested that she add a hot pink stripe! It's so super cute! Whitley is thrilled.

This is a better picture of the cast. It goes from her knuckles practically to her armpit! Good thing it's waterproof!

Broken Wrist

My kids only have 6 days of school left. 6 days! We have been looking forward to the summer forever. We have a trip to AZ, and trip to CA and lots of swimming at the beaches here in WA. Last night, Whitley fell and broke her elbow! Landon and I just kept saying to each other, "please don't let it be broken". I took her this morning for x-rays, and it is. In fact, since it's her elbow we have to take her this evening to an orthopedic surgeon to see if she needs surgery to set it. I can only pray that she can get her cast off before we go to the beach for 2 weeks at the end of July!

Waiting to see the Dr. See how she's holding that left arm.

Getting ready for her X-Rays.

Putting the splint on.