A Day at the Fair

Yesterday we went to the Evergreen State Fair with some friends of ours, the Sisco family. It was a beautiful sunny day, which ended up getting pretty hot, but we had a lot of fun!The kids got to choose three rides to go on. Here they are flying in the Cliff Hanger, which looked a little like hang-gliding.

My friend Audrey and I thought it would be fun to go on a ride together. This one looked a little daring, since it went so fast and hung you upside-down. Right away we were both wondering what on earth we were thinking getting on it!! It was terrifying! Almost the entire ride was upside-down, spinning you in circles. We screamed the entire time!

Good memories! I was shaking for a good five minutes after that!

This ride was called the Viper. It was a little too intense for Ethan! After they got off Heidi told us that before the ride had even started he was saying, "This was a bad idea! What was I thinking?" Then "I just know I am going to die! I'm sorry for everything I've done to you!" It's too bad we didn't have that conversation recorded for future blackmail!!

Erica loved seeing all the animals at the Fair. Here she was talking chicken-talk to them, a little known dialect except for one-year olds!

My happy farmers!

A lovely family portrait. Don't we look sharp?

At the kids' petting zoo, they had fun activities for the little kids. Here Erica was hunting for eggs. She got very excited when she found them!

She loved petting this sweet baby calf.

But she adored this little chicken! She chased her all over the pen and kept trying to pick her up!

Then a pygmy goat started chasing her around, almost knocking her over!

All in all, it was a really fun day with the family!

Of course, the peace never lasts long!!

Sister of the Bride

On August 21st, we were happy to welcome Jordan Dzubak to the motley Stevens' crew! He and my youngest sister Diana were married in the Boise Idaho Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony!This is the happy couple coming out the temple doors, where family members waited to greet them following the ceremony.

My mom made Diana's dress. It was beautiful, with an empire waist and a gorgeous overlay of lace. Mom made all three of us girls' wedding dresses. Not many people can claim that!

Such a cute couple!

It was over 100 degrees outside, but that didn't slow down any of the festivities!

This is at the Family Luncheon, eating yummy lasagna and pie.

My parents with Diana at the reception that night.

The reception was held at Jordan's parents' house. They have a beautiful yard, full of trees and ponds. Jordan and his brother built the gazebo this summer.

The three sisters. Now a trio of old married ladies!

Awww, aren't they cute?
They were so well behaved, too! I must say I was shocked. I was expecting at least a little bit of flying cake!

The couple's getaway vehicle!

Jordan's sister Rebecca and I decorated the tandem bike with tulle, streamers, and aluminum cans.

The highlight of the evening:

When Diana hitched up her long skirt to reveal a pair of green and white bloomers underneath, complete with ruffles!

Off into the sunset!!

Back to the Time Machine

Eric was feeling left out from my time-travel adventures, so he hijacked the Time Machine and had some escapades of his own. Here is the evidence:

1952

He sang in a Doo Wop group during this year.

1960
Hello Mr. Pencil-Pusher!

1968

My personal favorite. He looks very professional here.
It reminds me of some of our old pictures of my dad. Ha ha

1974

Eric tried his hand in Hollywood this year.
He was fairly successful as a TV stunt-man.

1978
Still in California, now a surfer dude. Pretty impressive golden locks, there!

1988

This is probably a little too accurate as to what is currently sitting in his high school yearbook. They like to refer to this hairstyle as all business in front, and a party in the back!

Time Machine

I recently discovered this really amazing Time Machine which has allowed me to travel to different times over the last century. As proof, here are pictures of me in each period:1952
The year both my parents were born.

1960
Wow, amazing how much I looked like my mom back then! Same glasses and everything!

1964
I think this hairstyle is coming back. I know I've seen it on lots of girls around here!




1976
This was taken the year after I was officially born.

1984

Before I had felt like I really missed out by not being in high school in the 80's. So glad to see the fashion statements making a comeback, but I won't miss the huge hair!!

Our Adventures on Mt Baker

Last week we made a trip up to Mt. Baker with my parents and brother Mike. We rented a house together in a private resort. It was a huge three story, complete with a magnificent kitchen and surround-sound entertainment system. The only thing it was lacking was an air conditioner, which was unfortunate considering we were in the middle of a record-breaking heat-wave. Luckily, the resort also featured a community swimming pool. We pretty much lived in it during the most sweltering parts of the 100+ degree days! The kids had a blast!

A view of beautiful Mt Baker.

Eric and my dad took Heidi and Ethan on a few hikes in the morning when the temperature was a more manageable 80 degrees.


"The hills are alive....."

King of the Mountain

They built these towers on top of the mountain.

Even in 100 degrees, there is snow to be found! The kids really liked cooling off in this little cave.

Goofing off on the statue by the new ski lifts.

On Friday morning we all went on a hike together. The road to the top was quite windy, with a lot of hair-pin turns. Both the kids got car sick. Heidi threw up once and Ethan did twice. It was a fun drive.

My dad and Mike, with Baker in the background. Mike and Eric took turns carrying Elise up the hill.

Two kids in tote.

Family picture with Mt Shuksan in the background. It's such a gorgeous mountain!

At the top there was a beautiful pool of water. We rested a bit and let the girls stretch their legs.

My mom and dad, in one of the most beautiful places on earth! What a view!

Mike, Dad, and Mom

Ethan peering through a rock tower.

After our hike we had a picnic. A few birds decided they wanted to share in the morsels! The kids found they could hold a piece of meat or cheese in their hand, and the birds would take it from them.

Of course, they had to take it one step further. Each one had a piece of cheese balanced on their heads. Ethan was the chosen one this time!

Saturday morning my dad took me to see Nooksak Falls and take some pictures. They were beautiful! Here are a few of my favorite shots I got.

Overall we had a really wonderful time together, despite the inconvenient heat! We got to see some amazing sites, but best of all, spend some relaxing time just being together as a family.