IDAHO - FEBRUARY 2011

Shoot! I did it again! These two top pictures go a lot further down. I deleted them when I became over confident in my editing and don't know how to get them where they belong. (Yes Tracy, I tried that.) When you get to that part, and you'll know it, just scroll up for a second.

Thank you!

I was really looking forward to this trip - it had been about 7 months since I had seen everyone - way way way too long!

I knew it would be a great trip when I was greeted with this sign in the room I stayed in.

First day out was a trip to the Boise Zoo. I was pretty surprised at how many animals were actually out. I thought I was going to freeze when Kelley told me that we might not see many animals because if might be too cold for them. Too cold for the animals??? What about the PEOPLE looking for those animals? As you can see though, it was warm enough that goat spit did not freeze on your hands. I don't see anyone being surprised at Eleni having the courage to let the goats eat out of her hand.

The best part of the zoo was watching Eleni watch the animals.
You will notice her color coordinated pink mittens, pink boots and pink lined jacket?

One would never know it because her parents aren't into pink and she doesn't wear it all that often, but she does pink really well!

Ilai can still get his butt kicked by dad!

(Yes, that is a pink cast that he is wearing.)

Upstairs with the X Box Knect dance program everyone starts to rock out.

Long long ponytails and basketball mix very well!

All of the action shots were quite blurred or waaaay too dark. Actually, the only action there was of Eden dribbling, guarding or shooting.

We won handily.

After the game we went to a candy shop that made your tooth ache by simply walking through the doorway. They had it all. Brought some bacon flavored bubble gum home to Dave.

Yes, it is gross.

It is a lot colder there in my head than it actually is outside. You can kind of tell that by the big, warm jacket that Anela is wearing...... She is wearing boots however!

When it comes to being sweet, kind, loving and helpful, there is no one that fits the bill better than Miss Hannah Beth does! No way that Eleni (or any other little person) will get hurt or in trouble if Hannah is around.

Hearing these ladies sing together just gives you the chills.

They harmonize beautifully.

It was truly delightful just listening.

And then the whole family gets into the act!

The clarinet, the clarinet goes doodley doodley doodley doodley det!

Everyone has their part and it's great!

Watch out Osmonds!

One of the things I like doing best is helping with homework

Hannah and Jack both had homework that needed to be done so we did it!!

(As you've probably guessed, Jack doing his homework picture goes here)

Ilai caught in the act of eating something purple - I'm sure it's good for you!

(Ilai eating purple stuff picture goes here.)

Did I tell you how beautifully these ladies sound together!?!

Saying goodbye is always so hard.

Don't cry 'cause it's over. Smile 'cause it happened.

~Dr. Seuss

Dust Collectors

Another fun and successful Dust Collectors!

Wendi Tesimale - wherever you are in the world - we love you for introducing Dust Collectors. Too bad you weren't able to patent it, you'd be a rich woman today.

It was at my house this time, and as you can see, there are lots and lots of leftovers. If you see anything you want, speak now or forever hold your peace.

So glad the D.I. bin was delivered to our parking lot just this week.

I did find something for most of you though, and I bet you can hardly wait to see what these treasures are and so, in no particular order here they are.

(And no fighting over what someone else got!!)

Mitsi - this is the cutest little shirt for William, but you have to iron it, so I won't take it personally if you say, "No thank you Auntie Faye."

Tracy - had you in mind on this one. It is one of those pillow things (complete with suction cups on the back) that you put in the bathtub so you can lean back and relax after a long, rough day with Ella. (Is she still as busy as ever?)

At first, this might look like a cross between a game of Jacks and Pick-Up-Sticks. Bit it isn't. Guess what they are before you read any further.

Wrong!

When I asked what in the world they were, I found out they were chopstick holders! Now, does one put both chopsticks on the same holder or does one need two holders for two chopsticks? Didn't ask that. Janet and Mitsi - you guys can arm wrestle for this one because I know that you both use chopsticks to cook with.

This is a tray of one gazillion beads (carefully Saran-wrapped so that no more beads would get on the former owners mom's floor) that I though maybe Kendall and Morgan would have fun with.

Don't worry Jody, I came to my senses the next morning.

Beth! Even the best teacher in the world must have those days when all doesn't go as planned.

So, if you ever have one of those days, here are two signs that will get the class back on task in no time! You could even let Tracy borrow them on weekends just in case her singing time in Primary ever gets out of hand.

I know you're all saying, "Now why didn't I think of that? Another million dollar idea taken!"

Janet has this beautiful new georgeous kitchen. She also has this box full of clever magnets that she can no longer put on her refrigerator because it is stainless steel and magnets won't stick.

Problem solved, but whatever you put on your fridge it better be good because there was only one of these.

On the back of this little thingy, it says, and I quote:

Happeez Clipper
Finally, a product that sticks to stainless steel refrigerators, mirrors, glass and more!

If you guys ever need a killer salad made that everyone will want the recipe for then Jody's the man!

So I figured her killer salads would need some killer tongs!

There was also a killer bowl that went with them that really was a killer.

Kelley - This is so you can teach Eleni how to play "Not Yet"! Unlike Legos, these don't hurt so much when you step on them (they're cardboard) and after you step on them enough times they won't be square anymore and you don't have to feel guilty about tossing them.

As usual, we can all hardly wait for the next dust collectors.

Question: What do you do when one lady takes a solid hour to show her stuff. (*Yawn*) We want to prevent this in future meetings!

Also, if you haven't collected your things by next FSAG, they too will be taken to the bin!