Oh Dear....

Well, we have managed to inherit something that we have no clue about. That's right, we are now "boat people". Tony and Shelly graciously offered us this boat which they no longer want. Tonight we went out to Shelly's parents house and picked it up, towed it home, and stepped back to scratch our heads. We don't know the first thing about boats. I think it works, but I'm not even sure how to go about getting it tuned up or tested out.

That being said, the few times I've been boating I have absolutely enjoyed it and I've always had a secret wish to be a boat owner. So maybe something will come of this if we can get over the learning curve.

The boat is a Hydro Swift Mercruiser - with a big motor. That's about all I can tell about it. The interior is a mess and the seats are falling apart. There is no windsheild. But there are two sets of skis and some life vests, and the hull looks sound.

If you have any general boat knowledge, please feel free to leave it in the comments for us. We need to glean every little tidbit we can about our newly inherited hobby.

Barlow Beach Day

Every summer the Barlows get together for a little reunion sort of deal. Each time a different family member is in charge, and this year the lot fell to us. We really are not in a position to go camping in the uintas or anything of the sort, so instead of a big weekend event we threw a Barlow beach party down at Hyrum Dam. It turned out to be the typical Barlow event...psuedo organized, a little chaotic, but lots of fun and of course - lots of food!
I realy tried to organize things, but I guess my skills are a little rusty. We ended up only doing one of the planned activities, a hike along the shore. The rest of the time we spent lounging on the grassy area while the kids and me - yes I got into a bathing suit when no other adult in the party was brave enough except Daniel) swam in the lake and played in the sand. I had a great time and I think everyone else did too. I really enjoy spending time with the Barlows.

8 months

I'm in the home stretch, baby! If all goes like my other deliveries I should be having this little girl some time in early July. But you know what they say about "the best laid plans." I'm grateful that the weather has stayed so mild. I know it is a blessing for women in my state, yet I do have one little complaint - all my maternity clothes are light weight summer things. I've had the hardest time dressing with all this cold weather and only one pair of maternity jeans!

Memorial Day

This year I took the boys and went grave decorating with my Mom. We started out in the south end of Cache Valley where my Grandpa Shipley's people settled, and worked our way north to Preston. We stopped in Paradise for a visit to the DUP museum. The boys clanged the bell and had a good time looking at all the pioneer stuff. Ma bought some calenders as a charitable contribution to the museum only to discover a few hours later that they were calenders from 1999! Typical Paradise. Luckily, this year happens to follow the same date/day of the week pattern so we can still use them. In Preston we had luch at Big J's with Uncle Bob and Aunt Patsy. It was really nice to see them. We all had a good time reconnecting with family old and young.

Popcorn popping

I have a soft spot for beautiful flowering trees - I posted our weeping cherry last month, and here i sthe newest addition to the yard - the prarie fire crab apple. I'm not crazy about the look of the tree in gerneral, it's rather scraggly, but the two week period of hot pink blossoms makes it well worth the while. Oh, and the kids are pretty worthwhile too.

Master suite .... almost.

New master bedroom - complete with 4-year-old super model, Andrew.

Guest bedroom all set up and ready for you all to come visit!

Mike and I moved into our official master bedroom a couple days ago. It still needs some finishing touches - there is no closet rod or doors, and the bathroom is still a big project. But it is really nice to have some room freed up. We made a guest bedroom out of the room we were in, and in a few months it will become the baby's room.

I have to say that I am pretty proud of myself. In just a few short months I've managed (with alot of help of course) to make a very restful and spacious place for Mike and myself. New furniture is definitely not in the budget, but I'm very grateful just to have the space available before the "big day".

Ananzi and the Moss Covered Rock

Joshua's class put on a little musical for the end of the school year. They worked so hard and it turned out really well. Joshua was one of the bush deer who foil Ananzi the spider in her plot to steal all the animal's fruits while making them fall asleep at the magifc moss-covered rock.