Sometimes I've learned it's possible to be TOO focused on the finish line...

Davis Family Reunion 2009, Part 2

Here are some more pictures of our time in Idaho at the Family Reunion.


From left to right, Russell Jr., Lose on the top, Grayson, Trey, Mason, and Uncle Russell

Eva...with an overly-filled non-swimmer diaper...Naki and I thought she looked like a duck.

Lose, with the one of the old-time candies that Grandmother was passing out.

From left to right, Eva, Abby, and Eli

Eli loving the sand.

And Lose, loving the c-c-c-cold water. Always knew she was a bit crazy.

Eva sitting on the shore.

Ane-boo was a much happier baby, OUT of the freezing water. Didn't even want to have a toe in.

More of Uncle Russell and his flock of followers.

Cousin Russell, enjoying the sand burying.

Line just love love loved holding all the babies. Here she's holding Liz's baby, Harley.


Gin and Abby.

Check out these cheeks...Cooper being held by his Mama, Cass.

I love Lose's real smile...some people can pull off the full-set-of-teeth-smile, and to me she's one of them. So cute here with her Aunt Ginny.

Wordless Wednesday

Pioneer Day Eve Campout

We started our Pioneer Day the night before by camping in our backyard. We seemed to be surviving our week okay without Line since she was at the 1st Annual Grandparent Retreat... But this night was really hard for Mom and Dad. We missed you, Line! We still managed to have a spectacular time. I know, Line, you're shocked that life went on without you!


It seems we usually do this sort of camping activity with a group, and so it felt different to be just us. Different but sweet. The girls had such fun swinging in the dark, playing in the tent, pigging out, playing card games, and being silly. If there was any doubt before, we now know for sure that Eli hasn't quite developed any sort of "quiet" voice. We kept trying to tell her that it was now dark and we needed to be respectful of our neighbors...she just kept forgetting.


The girls were doing the age-old trick on Mom and Dad while they were eating their hot dogs with ketchup, that they were "bleeding"...girls, we're on to you. We've already done all your tricks. Just remember that for your future teenage years...we know all the tricks so don't even bother trying to pull them over on us! By the way I have to add, for no other reason other than I think it's cute, that Malia is our one and only child who likes to eat hot dogs like her Mom and Dad...with the works. For her that means ketchup, mustard, and sweet relish. We'll have to introduce her to all the other possibilities soon...yummmy.



Eva seemed perfectly content to just sit with her Dad and be mesmerized by the flames of the campfire. What is it about sitting around a campfire that, for us, seems to bring peace, introspection and reflection? Naki and I really enjoyed sitting together by the fire and just visiting with each other. Who wouldn't like to sit and visit with this guy? I am the luckiest...


We of course had to have s'mores. I ate one, although I'm not sure what's wrong with me. These days they seem to be just a little too sweet for my tastebuds. What's happened to me that a s'more doesn't taste good anymore? If that is what getting old means, then I for sure now really don't want to get any older! Eva, however, didn't seem to have any problems with her s'mores. Well, no taste problems, at least. But a whole lot of sticky hand problems.




Somehow, I'm not sure how it happened, but Naki convinced me that he should be the one sleeping inside to listen for Ane, who slept in her crib, while I slept under the stars with the girlies. I love sleeping outdoors, especially the smell of the fresh air when I wake up in the morning. But I must say, this body isn't made for sleeping on the hard ground. It's time for me to invest in some sort of padding to put under my sleeping bag.

The girls had such a fun time, and are convinvced that we need to do this again, soon. Line most especially wants a repeat performance so she can be there this time. We'll see...we'll see.

Getting Fired

Mommy: Girls, this morning I really need your help. We have a lot to get done around the house before we can eat breakfast. Malia has dance this morning. Then tonight we are camping out in the backyard. Tomorrow we'll be celebrating Pioneer Day, and then Saturday morning is the Primary Activity Day that Mommy is in charge of. The only time I have to get it ready is this morning and this afternoon. So can you all please help me by being really good listeners and doing what I ask this morning?

Lose: Or what, Mom...you'll get fired?

Davis Family Reunion 2009, Part 1

So I realized that I have many many pictures from the Davis Family Reunion that I didn't post. As background, this was our very first reunion on the Davis side with my parents as the Matriarch and the Patriarch. Our Maile side did our first reunion with Naki's parents last summer when we camped out at Rockport. Cassie's husband's parents generously lent us their cabins that are side by side lakefront properties in Hayden, Idaho. This is the view looking out from the cabin we stayed in, the blue cabin.


And this is the view from the water, taken by Ginny, coming back in off the lake in Grandmother and Grandfather's boat. The Daines' cabins are the white one on the left, and the blue one right beside it.


There aren't long explanations behind most of these pictures, except that the kids had a great time creating good memories with their cousins, Aunties and Uncles, and Grandmother and Grandfather. So here's one of the first post installments of several.


Ane-boo, Abby, and Gin

Harley, Liz and Albert's munchie

Sammy enjoying some Doritos

Some of the kiddos eating lunch Sunday

The two Russells

Malia, Addison, and Line doing puzzles, with Jackson watching on

Sunday morning...Ginny doing puzzles with the Legg boys

Sadly, the only picture I have of these two together... Russell and Naki visiting

Russell and Lo...reunited, as if no time had passed since they'd seen each other last

Kami doing Bingo with all the kids
Grandmother, Liz, and Harley (I love that Harley's grinning in this picture.)
Ms. Eli Elizabeth and her Auntie Liz
Grandfather and Boo-Boo...nice face, Ane.
Jackie in the kitchen, fixing dinner.

Wordless Wednesday