Spring has sprung... a leak!!

It seemed like winter was going to last forever. And it did. We guess mother nature has had some trouble deciding what she wants to do with spring this year. Maybe some snow, maybe some sun, maybe some rain. Who knows? We're in the rainy part right now. Hopefully things will let up a little so we dont end up down the river (which is embarrasing if you live in the desert).
Weather notwithstanding, we have been working on some home improvement the past few weeks. It started with painting the dining room during which we inadvertantly painted some of the carpet. This means we are now also working on some new floor covering as well. But both projects are giving birth to all kinds of home improvement activities and it looks like we will have plenty to keep us busy until the sun moves in for the summer.
Speaking of better weather, Luke started practices for the upcoming t-ball season and he looks good to be in the starting line up next week when games begin. He's got the rocket arm and precision throwing down but will need to work on his batting and not taking his shoes off in the middle of the game skills. Rylee continues with dance at school but is hoping for her Princess training to begin officially as soon as possible.
So we suppose things are pretty good in this part of the world. How about yours?

Happy Halloween!!

Hey there!! Just making some changes to blog and getting ready for Holdaway Christmas, also known as Halloween. We are still here, happy, and healthy and look forward to tricking seeing you this season!! So drop us a line and let us know what you're up to!!

How Else Would You Celebrate Pioneers?

SO, a few years ago we were sitting around with extended family discussing some plans we had for celebrating the 4th of July.  As the discussion grew longer we started throwing a few different ideas out trying to find some way to spice up the usual fireworks stand display of smoke bombs, flowers and fountains. The event that came out of that discussion was Tank Wars.

Here's the idea: Family members are divided into teams. Each team is required to assemble a battallion of sorts using the kind of vehicles you would find for sale at a fireworks stand. Each battallion must contain a certain number of those cardboard tanks you buy by the case. Outside of that, pretty much any thing goes.   

We've been doing this on and off for about 5 years and even though we did manage to scare off one potential family member we think it's a riot!  ONe word of warning, make sure at least one the participants is well versed in the art of band-aids, minor burns, and road rash.  

This year we actually had three teams competing for bragging rights and complaining about illegal trips to Evanston, but in the end we give a big shout out to Aunt Kim, who won this year's contest by decision!

Of course it's all in good fun and we round it out by following up with a traditional fireworks display Black Cat style, you know, for the kiddies...

So anways, what kind of weird family stuff do you guys do over the summer holidays?

 

 

Road Trip Chronicles: Vol II

Well, when we named the last post Road Trip Chronicles: Vol. I, we didn't think that vol. II would actually be a continuation of the first trip... but once again this summer we found ourselves adventure seeking in Moab (rough problem to have, we know..). We packed up the jeep and hit the road for the 4th of July weekend sans motorhome hoping to find some better weather and more comfortable fun!

Our first adventure? Dinner at the 5 Star in Gunnison. We hadn't been there before and it was the perfect drive in for a summer road trip.

In Moab we met up with Grandma & Grandpa for the annual 4th of July parade which is pretty much put on by citizens of  Moab. It's pretty small and unfortunately poorly attended. But of course that means we get all the taffy and tootsie rolls we can eat... until next 4th of July!

Then we spent the morning at the farmer's market at the city park where we tried some new foods, some authentic fry bread, and Jami & Scott competed in a watermelon eating contest (which will not be pictured here as we were both defeated by an 8 year old with a hole in the bottom of his foot!) The highlight of the morning had to be the chance for Rylee & Luke to ride a camel around the park!!

...And some more playtime...

...and some more...

This trip we were lucky enough to have all kinds of family hanging around and we met up with the Other Holdaways for some BBQing, swimming at the campground pool, and hanging out at Hole in the Rock.

We loved having both Grandma & Grandpa with us as well as having the cousins to play with and all in all it was a pretty great trip!

So, what have you guys been up to?