Grandpa Leishman's 80th Birthday

I can't believe that my Harley riding grandpa is 80 years old!

When I was growing up, my grandpa would let us go out to his wood shop and let us build what we wanted out of the scrap wood. He would let us climb on top of his shop where we thought we were really cool sitting on the roof. Grandpa told great stories about his youth. He over-exaggerated and we hung on every word.

 Gramps was eager to show off his model-A
(newly restored)

 He gave all of the great-grand-kids a ride. This is Grace and Sierra in the rumble seat.

 Look, Cade was there too.

 Grandpa still enjoys road trips on either of his two Harleys. He even has a Harley wagon that Mark and the kids had fun with.

(Jacob, Libby, and Reese)

 Jacee, Libby, and Jacob trying to squeeze in.

 Alyssa pulling Mark (don't ask)

Another scout camp out---Anderson Cove

Scout Master Mark took his troop on an camp out to Anderson Cove by Pineview Reservoir. He intended to take them to Memorial Park near Causey Dam but got the run-around from the people renting campsites.

Mark left work around noon to reserve a campsite at Memorial Park. He went up early make sure that all the spots were not taken. When he got up there, they would only take cash or a check which he did not have with him. Mark proceeded to drive back down to a gas station near Pineview Reservoir to get cash out of the ATM. He then drove all the way back to Memorial Park and tried to pay for the spot. The people at the campground told him that he needed to leave something in the campsite (like a tent) to show that the site was taken. Since Mark went straight to the campground from work, all he had with him was a spare tire (FYI: this is not acceptable). When all was said and done, they camped at Anderson Cove.

  Mark was stressed out------ the boys had a great time.

 One of the boys turned 12 this week. He had planned a birthday party for the same day of the camp out. Since all of the boys he invited were in the troop, he moved his party to the camp out. His parents provided pizza and treats (they got off easy).

 Cade is a Sunbeam!!!

This is the birthday boy. His shoes got filled with water so he decided to fill them with sand so that they would dry faster-----Gotta love scouts!!!

Fathers and Sons (and Daughters)

Our stake has a Fathers and Sons Camp Out every year at the stake camp. Mark, being the insightful father that he is, decided that it would be a good idea to bring his only daughter along. (Of course I strongly objected). I used the quiet time at home to study for a Praxis test ( a test the state requires teachers to take). 

 This is not the best picture. If you can't make it out, Grace is eating a marshmallow.

 Cade was there. He was just too busy hanging out with friends to be part in the photo shoot.

 Grace always seems to make time for the photo shoots.

Grace helping set up the tent.

Give young boys an environment with sticks, rocks, and water and they are happy!

Padres VS. Angels

 Mark and Jason planned a baseball trip months ago when they found out that their teams were going to play each other in San Diego. Julie went with them and found other exciting things to do after experiencing the first of three games.

 Guess which team Jason and Mark cheer for.

 They are already wanting to plan the next trip.

Preschool Graduation

I can't believe that my baby is done with preschool and will be entering the "Big School."

Here is Grace with her cousin Libby. Cade said they looked like Amish girls without their hats. I"m not sure that that is what I would call it--I'm not sure what I would call it.

 The only up-close photo I got of her with the cap.

 If you look between the heads, Grace is on the bottom row with the long blonde hair. 

They sang some cute songs and demonstrates the alphabet in sign language.

 Grace and Miss Hillary.

Grace is sad about preschool ending. She is really attached to her teacher.

 The traditional diploma and giant pixie stick.

Grace told me that I got to do what I wanted to after my graduation so she should be able to eat her pixie stick before dinner. We thought that was a good deal since we thought she was going to suggest a restaurant.

 Grace and Jess eating graduation cookies. Jess is very popular with the ladies in preschool.

Baseball Season

 To Cade's delight, it is baseball season again.

 Go #21!!!!

Cade has become the king of stealing bases.

Grace's Field Trip to Dinosaur Park

Grace's field trip to Dinosaur Park began with a lesson on Dinosaurs. Did you know that some dinosaurs were insectivores? I didn't. This cute retired teacher was so good with these preschoolers. They hung on every word.

 They each got to color a dinosaur and make a dino craft.

 This is the class photo op. 

 Below is another class photo with Grace showing her true self-a leech.

 Grace and cousin Reese trying their hand at paleontology.

 I don't know what is better, going to the zoo where there are real animals that smell or going to the Dinosaur Park where there are mechanical dinosaurs that do not stink.

 Grace with friend Lydia. Lydia will be going to Kindergarten with Grace.

 It is not everyday that you get to ride a dinosaur.