Labor Day Ventures

The Lewis family took to the outdoors for the day off. First a stop at Apple Blossom Farm for their fun playground & petting zoo (too early for hay rack rides).

Chasing the loose billygoats
king of the monster truck
still following the goat
And his favorite: the train

Then to a hike they'd seen the start for on Grandview Drive and always wondered where it went.
Beautiful day to be outside on a hike
hiding behind the tree stump
A & B blazing the trail - they were so excited!
E getting her snacks from her perch
Heading back after a snack and fearing we still had to all make it back
A taking the shot - not bad
A showing off her balance beam skills - mom's so proud

high view! All the kids were such good sports. It wasn't until the very last minute that one of them actually said they were tired = perfect timing! They can't wait to go on another hike!

Easter

Easter time...ah, spring and new life! It was a busy day with company, General Conference and Easter. So busy that only E got her "picture" taken. A family picture was attempted, but not successful. Easter eggs with candy and "Jesus puzzle" pieceswere found indoors due to some rain. But it was a wonderful time to remember our Savior!

Year End

A little late as 2010 is already upon us. But here's the Lewis' year of 2009 things learned:

- A small strawberry patch can produce enough strawberries to make jam, only when chipmunks are kept out
- Furlough \`fer-lo`\ n 1: doing four weeks of work in three
- Possible to be employed for a complete year and not receive full salary
- Having your own swing set is a treasure for children and adults
- When insisting a child stay in bed through the night, make sure those cries aren't stomach flu related
- Investment in rain barrels a bit pointless in an extremely wet year
- Driving straight through from Illinois to Utah is possible (little friendly poker advice for Nebraska - if the welcome sign to the state has trumpeted, "Welcome to Nebraska, Home of Arbor Day," you might just want to take that pair of two's and fold them)
- Thinking all those girl clothes you have from your first girl will save you from buying them for the second girl only works if they're born the same time of year
- Yard sales can satisfy just about any kid. Plus, when toys come pre-broken, there is little chance of future disappointments
- The Saturday morning, family dog pile is one of life's finest pleasures
Family financial planning can weather many storms



As for bringing in the new year, the Lewis' were in St. George with the White's (see the travel page for more news). Fireworks were awed, sparkling cider toasted and pickled eggs sampled. Isn't that what everyone does on New Years?

Yes, even A partook of the eggs - a huge step for her!

Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving in Atlanta (Cumming) with Taylor's brother. Everyone enjoyed relaxing and spending time with family. Thank you Lewis' for having us! See Travel page for more details on the visit.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Lewis family was invited by the Morrison's for Thanksgiving dinner as well as the Decaires family & the Brigham family. Great food was shared and fun times had visiting and playing - playing was done by the children and visiting to the adults of course! Brittany Decaires made pilgrim hats for all the children (except the 2 babies), they had fun showing them off. Having shortened her nap for the day to make the dinner appointment, Abie was quite insistant to stay on the bike for the picture. The Lewis family left shortly after that picture.