Kayaking 101

There are some crazy moms living in Boise and they all happen to be friends of mine (thanks, Peyton, for being friends with their kids which has allowed me to get to know them). These ladies talked me into taking a kayaking class with them this past weekend. Now, when Jeff and I were first married I did what any new wife of a kayaker would do--I took a class to try and be kayaker, too. In that course it was apparent that I was not meant to be a kayaker. So for the past 11 years I have been content to be a kayak widow on the weekends (and some weeknights) while Jeff pursues his passion. When Melissa sent the email about taking this class, I figured it had been 10 years and maybe now that I'm older I'd be better (the irony is now apparent but when in the midst of peer pressure one overlooks such irony). So I forked out the money and signed up.

We started the course on the pond at 9:00am. We reviewed all the strokes and braces and practiced our "wet exits" with which we would later become very familiar. After lunch the demonic instructors thought it would be fun for us to fight for our lives on the Boise River. I can't say I cried like a baby (but I wanted to). After the first few eddy turns I was feeling pretty good, so I challenged myself on one of the rougher eddy lines--and let's just say we learn from our mistakes. Good thing I've learned how to swim through rapids after years of rafting.

I ended up swimming "by accident" twice. I'm still frustrated about it. However, it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. And our instructors were not demonic at all--I even wrote on the class survey that I liked the hands-on river experience! Can you believe it?! So, in my older age, I'm not a "better" kayaker, but I think I enjoy it more. I'm ready to go again! And I'm pretty sure Melissa, Carrie, and Carolyn will all join me -- the bunch of crazy women that they are!


(kudos to Mr. Scott Burnett for providing the photography for this post)

Rafting the Payette

We took the raft, the Burnetts, and 1/2 of the Freeman family to the Main Payette on Saturday. It was the first time on the river for Carrie, Matthew, Ty, and Jack. Ty and Peyton were trading spots in the front as our wave-blockers while Matthew, Jack, and Ashley hung back in the 2nd row. By the time we finished AMF all the kids were jumping in the river! Good thing we followed the Stingley's big purple boat so the kids had something to swim to. As always, Jeff was the ultimate guide in keeping us safe and out of the holes -- although not very dry!!!

Melissa, Carrie, & Jen = River Hotties / Jeffe = El Cap-i-tan / Peyton & Ty = Wave Blockers

(is Scott Burnett good on the camera, or what?)

Ashley the Photographer -- Self Portraits

Ashley is 5 Years Old!

Ashley's birthday was May 28th (I know, I'm a little behind). I can't believe she is 5 years old, now! She looks like she's 6 or 7, but she's still our "little" girl. She was excited to take cupcakes to school to share with her friends. Grandma Judy flew to Boise (on her way to Milwaukee) and we all went to PoJo's and dinner. PoJo's is one of those money-pits with lots of games where you win tickets and get to pick out useless prizes--a kid's dreamland. For dinner Ashley picked the restaurant "where they cook the food in front of you." We're lucky our daughter has good taste and didn't pick McDonald's or something!

Memorial Day 2009

Fun @ the Butler's house with the Butlers (duh), the Freemans, and the Burnetts. Yeah, the kids were there, but we have enough pictures of them! Ken and his girlfriend, Amber, were also in town that weekend and I think they had fun with us, too!

Last Day of School - Party in the Park!

Peyton's last day of school was June 4th - we celebrated with his friends by playing at Elm Grove Park and having a water fight (that's why the boys have their shirts off). Peyton missed out on the picture, but of course Ashley was there! She's a natural in front of the camera.

Girls' Weekend @ Redfish Lake

Although I miss my family when I'm gone, I sure love to get away and spend time with the girls! Thanks, Carrie, Teri, Jill, Amy, & Suzy for a wonderful weekend.

P.S. I hiked 8 1/2 miles in the grueling mountains and was pelted with hail and rain!

Ashley Graduates

Ashley graduated Preschool on Friday, June 5th. We are so proud of her! Ms. Francisca said Ashley was such a good helper in the Bees class and she will be missed by the younger kids. Some of her graduating classmates will join her at Summer Camp @ the YMCA and they are sure to have a blast. Ashley is ready for Kindergarten!

Why We're Yankees Fans

Peyton joined his first baseball team this spring through Little League and is enjoying learning the classic American pasttime. His rookie league is machine-pitch so the boys have time to focus on the fundamentals rather than worry about pitching. They get to switch positions on the field but every boy's favorite (including Peyton) seems to be the position of catcher (cool gear, I guess). Peyton does a great job at bat and in the field--you can see him proudly sporting the #12 which just happens to be his and his mom's favorite number (Jenny was #12 on the high school volleyball team and there's that certain Utah sportsman that made #12 famous).

Family - Part 2

Part 2: The Banks Family (Grandma & Grandpa Banks, Mom & Dad a.k.a. Deana & Larry, Aunt Bobbi & Aunt Rea -- OK, they're not Banks', they're Jones' -- and some brothers & sisters, too)



























James & Elsie Banks, Jeff's Grandpa & Grandma, just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, we weren't able to attend the celebration, but we are so thankful to be a part of their crazy wonderful family. Jeff's parents, Larry & Deana, are close to 35 years of marriage and amuse us with their funloving relationship. Aunt Rea, Deana's sister, recently passed away but we will always remember her with a smile on her face. Aunt Bobbi has one of the cutest blogs out there and I will definitely feature her in a future Family series.

Jeff's brothers and sisters each have cute families of their own--the picture in the red shirts is Brandi, Mike, & Justin after the Salt Lake 1/2 Marathon. Whew! Justin and his wife, Erika, are starting their family this month with their first baby boy. Isn't Erika sickeningly cute as a pregnant girl?