Exploring

We've decided it's time we start exploring our area a little more. 

(We've only lived here 4.5 years)

We took advantage of a relatively cool morning and headed off on a trail near our house with the kids.

It's and old railroad track that has been converted into a trail.  We bumped into one of the volunteers who maintains the trail and he was fun to talk to.  Looking at how tall the trees along the tracks were, and how some of the large trees had literally grown over the rails, we figured the railroad hadn't been used in a hundred years. 

Wrong.

Closer to 40 years, give or take.  Apparently it's true, trees DO grow freakishly fast on the East coast.

It was fun to spend the morning together, away from the house (and all the crazy projects we get ourselves into).

We even feel a little more "local".

(I should probably apologize for my awesome phone-pics mixed in with Seth's real pictures...they are definitely not as pretty!)

HdG Carnival '12

We had so much fun at the carnival last year.

(some of my all-time favorite pictures of Hazel are in that post)

 This year she was tall enough to ride some of the rides solo - but why do that when you have your sweet friend Cora to hang out with!?

They went right to work checking out the rides, making sure they rode all the good ones.

Hmm, looks like tea cups, followed by cars, slides, dragons and of course, swiiiiiings!

Don't forget the helicopters...

(it kind of made me sad that they are big enough to ride the rides by themselves)

 NASCAR had better watch out, we've got two drivers in training.

Thankfully, Averett was pretty content to hang out with the parentals.

Thanks for a good time, HdG Carnival, until next year...

Ahoy, ahoy!

I was a pirate in another life.  

I am positive.  

According to this,

I was Captain Red Bess Roberts.

Who is ol' Red Bess?

Oh, well, you know...

Passion is a big part of your life, which makes sense for a pirate. Two things complete your pirate persona: style and swagger. Maybe a little too much swagger sometimes -- but who really cares? Arr!  

Style and swagger.  Word.

 Arrrgh, I think I got sidetracked.  

To celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 (kind of a big deal around here), a "fleet" of tall ships, from all around the world, made a stop at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.  

Seth and I really wanted to go...hello, tall ships = pirate ships.  

We were in Utah for most of the festivities, however, we landed on the East Coast with a little time to spare.  So, after two hours of sleep and a full day at work, Seth took his happy, pirate family down to the city to see the ships, before they set sail the next day.  

(Because he is awesome like that).  

 It. was. awesome.

Seth played with his camera, I searched for pirates and Hazel chased the sailors.  Oh Hazel. 

  

 

(I think this is an awesome picture Seth took, but honestly, I'm not sure which way it's supposed to go) :)

 (my life is complete)...

Arrrgh Mateys!

Utah: Family Reunion Documented

 2012 Gaufin Family Reunion

Bear Lake

(pics at Thanksgiving Point)

The Stats:

2 Grandparents

3 Daughters

1 Son

3 Sons-in-law

1 Daughter-in-law

4 Grandsons

2 Granddaughters

2 States

 Thank you, Fotofly, we love our pics!

And a quick phone pic for us...

Utah: Family Reunion Recap

2012 Gaufin Family Reunion

Bear Lake

It doesn't take much for my crazy family to have a good time.  But, just to be sure, Karen had planned several awesome activities for us.

----------

:Family Olympics:

(I was killing Seth in the crab-walk, until the kids decided to help out... at least, that's what I'm telling myself)

After several wild events, it all came down to the Indian Leg Wrestle.  (is that politically correct??)

(The Indian Leg Wrestle plays just as crucial a part in my family, as Sumo Wrestling plays in Seth's).

I got beat.  But, thankfully my team still pulled out the big W.

 ----------

:Mentos + Coke:

Lesson Learned: Don't mess with Uncle Ben - he'll get ya!

----------

:Beach-ing: 

Round 1

Oh, so windy, but we all know that won't keep Seth and Hazel out of the water.

----------

:Relaxing, Running & Viewing:

Or just enjoying the view off the deck.

Karen and I ran in the hills around the house (and nearly died), we took a picture on one of our runs, but I will spare you the sweaty details...and spare my dignity too.

 

 ----------

:Cousin Sleepovers:

Hazel tried a few nights, but kept ending up with either Seth or me.

Maybe next time!

----------

:Averett-ing:

He and G are a year apart, but easily the same weight...G liked to size Averett up.

----------

:Happy Birthday:

Mom celebrated a big birthday, so we threw her a surprise party, complete with some of her favorite (albeit questionable) games.

 Jolly Rancher Spitting, Chicken Dancing, Ping Pong Throwing, 

and a verrry interesting game, in which the point is to roll your orange to the finish line before your opponent. 

Oh mom.

 Happy Birthday, Mom - kind of crazy that I am officially older than you, but well, I guess we can't all be 29 :)

----------

:Beach-ing & Golfing:

Our second attempt at the beach was much more enjoyable (and warm).

----------

:Bubbles:

 

 ----------

:the Offspring:

(minus the two little boys)

----------

There were so many other fun activities Karen planned for the kids and us...yet, I somehow didn't get pics!!  Too busy having fun.

Thank you Karen, you planned an awesome reunion!

Thank you Fam, we had so much fun spending good ol' fashioned quality time with you. 

We miss you and can't wait for the next reunion!!!

(especially Hazel, goodbyes are not her strength)

(Mental Note: no more Cafe Rio in the airport...the kids were so excited to eat it that NEITHER one slept a wink the entire flight home. And considering we flew out of Utah at 7:30pm, that is impressive...or depressing.)