I still BELIEVE!!

We had scheduled to take family pictures on Sunday. We were praying the rain would stop or at least turn to snow so we could do it outside, but it didn't happen. We ended up doing it inside my house and then running outside in the backyard for a quick picture shoot in the rain. I think it actually turned out ok.

October

OK, so I'm a horrible mom, I didn't even take a picture of Kassidy when she was dressed up as a clown for Halloween. She wore mom's old clown costume and looked so cute. Kace was to old to dress up (sad). He went to a party with friends and then came back home to watch a movie when they were bored of the party. Duff and I had a great time hiding and scarring the Trick-or-Treators. I must be getting old, because I can't think of what else we did in October. Duff is still racing on and off. He placed 2nd in the 6 Hours of Frog Hollow in Hurricane. We are doing the 25 hours of Frog Hollow this weekend and then he's heading to Texas for a race on the 20th. Caution: Soapbox: I'm just going completely insane. I have no idea how my parents raised 8 13 yr olds and survived. They are moody, know-it-alls, emotional, and love to push buttons. How many more years do I have before it's over and their enjoyable again. Then 10 yr old girls and their friends. It sure is a love/hate, on/off relationship. What drama. I do love both my kids but man, I think I like the 2-3 yr old stage. Can't they just stay that age?

Duff's Point 2 Point Race

Duff did the Park City Point 2 Point race, which is a 80+ mile mountain bike race on Saturday. The race started at 7am and ended when you finished as long as you made the cut-off. Of course, I did support. It was a little crazy this year. It seemed like I was racing from place to place. Duff did a great job! He was a pretty worn when he got to Park City Mtn Resort, but took a couple minute break and then hit the trails again. The finish was as The Canyons Resort. He ended up finishing 15th overall and 12th in the Open Class Division! He didn't make it under the 8 hour mark like he'd hoped, but he finished in 8 hours 9 minutes. I think he would have been close to making it, but his bike was having issues, and then he lost his rear derailer and rear brakes at the top of mountain above Canyons! Brother-ion-law, Steve Hough, raced in a duo-team and did a great job! Great Job Guys!

August

Life seems to be crazy this year. I'm a little behind on the blog so I'm going to try to do a catch-up.

August started out with Fair Days and the Draper Family Reunion in Wallsburg (see previous blog)

I decided to take Kace and Kassidy and fly to New York to see my sister, Tracie & family, and see my brother Casey & family in Philadelphia where he was moving. It was kind-of a long trip for me (10 days). I'm kind of a home lover so I was a little stressed. We decided to fly the red-eye which left at 11:59pm and fly all night. My mom was flying by herself earlier that day which turned in to be an interesting ordeal. She had an allergic reaction and had to be put in the hospital in Chicago for 3 days.

When we arrived in NY I rented a car and drove to Connecticut to see Tracie & family. We spent Saturday to Thursday staying with them. Dave & Tracie entertained us with all sorts of fun things, frog catching, movie, shopping, swimming, etc. I loved just spending time with them since we don't get to see them often. On Tuesday, Kace, Kassidy, Grandma D, Taylor and I went on a tour of NYC. It was fun to see all the sights. Kassidy just happened to spot THE AMERICAN GIRL DOLL STORE and Kace spotted THE APPLE STORE. Needless to say the both HAD to go there before we left NYC. So we shopped at both and headed home. I was driving which was a little scary. GPS's don't work in downtown so we got a little lost trying to get out, but we did it.

Thursday, we headed for Casey's in Philadelphia. We arrived and had lunch with Casey and my dad. They had arrived the night before with the moving truck. We did a little sight seeing. Friday, we helped them move things in and did some swimming at their apartment. Saturday, we went and got tickets to Constitution Hall and did the tour. After that we toured the US MINT. That was a lot of fun, but you couldn't take any pics. We went back to Casey's and went swimming. Then we headed for the biggest mall. We ate dinner there and then went to THE APPLE STORE again.

Sunday, we drove back to NYC and flew home. The flight was so eventful it was crazy. The last half hour was so turbulant that I now know why you should always wear seat belt and just what the barf bags for. Luckily not for me or kids, but quite a few people on the plane. Found out later, hurricane force winds in SLC was to blame. I honestly thought we were landed and started sliding sideways. SCARY!!


Kassidy also played her first Competition soccer game at Bonneville Jr. High. They won 9-0! She did a great job!

Kassidy also did cheerleading for the 5th grade. This is so out of my element, but she had fun and is now having fun cheering for the 5th grade football teams.


School started-YEA!! and PTA made me a little crazy at the end of the month. I'm glad to be back on a schedule. Forgot to take picture of Kace! Sorry Kace!

2010 Draper Reunion-Wallsburg

So Dave's buggin everyone for pictures since they weren't there so here's a quick blurb for ya!

We had a great time. Thursday everyone arrived, had dinner and played a crazy game that Drake new. I can't remember the name, but it was like cops & robbers. Its was dark and they took everyone (robbers) to the top of the field (1/2 mileish) and dropped them off. 2 people (cops) stayed on the 4-wheelers with spot lights. The goal was to be able to make it down to the house without getting caught by the cops.
Shane was the first to hit the house without being caught. He came walking in covered with burs from head to toe. He said he had to roll all the way down so he didn't get caught (crazy). Kace and Drake did run into a barbed wire fence. It bounced off Drake's teeth, but went through Kace's lip inside his mouth. It was gouged pretty good, but inside heals quick, so we didn't take him for stitches. Anyway, I think that game was one of the highlights of the reunion. It's funny how the weirdest things are.

Friday, we played in the water, some golfed, and just hung out. I think we did the relay race too on Friday. We put on our Cowboy & Cowgirl crubs and went to the RODEO Friday night.

Saturday, poor Steve Staheli had to tend all the kids. Lesa & Steve had to leave to a wedding, Mom, Dad & Carrie went to a different wedding and Duff and I had to hit the last race at the Canyons (He took 7th in the race and 2nd overall for the year-Great Job Stud!). Steve did survive. We went to Heber for the parade which Kassidy was in (Cheerleader). Then back to Wallsburg for dutch oven cookoff. Carrie & Shane and Duff & I WON!!! Even though some of ours wasn't cooked all the way. It was delicious! Brady & Angie and Steve & Nikki's turned out...well....not good:) Cody & Natalie and Casey & Lindsay's turned out perfect, but we still WON!

We missed Dave, Tracie & the kids tons! Lucky for me I get to see them soon!

Thanks to Grandma Helen and Grandpa Draper for such a fun place to spend time with the family. It was actually their anniversary the Thursday we got there-Luv them and miss them.

Thanks to Brady & Angie for putting it together and to the family for a great time.
Its FAMILY that is important and I love you all!

July Happenings

July was a very busy month.
On the 3rd, Duff raced in a race at Snowbird and then Kace was able to be in the Stadium of Fire for a special Eagle Presentation! That was a neat experience for him.

We had a BBQ and fireworks at our house on the 4th. It started with just us and our friends, the Hermansons and then a few invites to the family (if 1 comes they might as well all come). We loved it! The lighting of fireworks was a little crazy though. Brady, of course, was getting everyone with firecrackers.

Kace went to Scout camp the first week in July up by Mount Pleasant. He had a great time. Duff took the varsity scouts to Flaming Gorge fishing that week too. I think he had a great time even though they didn't catch a lot of fish and he ended up with poison oak (I'll get into that later). Duff got home in time to race at Solitude on Saturday. Kassidy kept busy that week too at BYU Soccer camp.

The 2nd week, I went to YW camp and left the kids with Duff. Duff had some emergencies at work and ended up spending quite a lot of time gone, but thankfully all was fine at home with the kids taking care of each other. We had a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Angie that Saturday!

The next week was not too busy. The kids got to go stay at Aunt Gina and Uncle Kurt's for a couple of days. They had a great time hanging out with their cousins.
We went to Gr & Gr D's for a BBQ and fireworks for the 24th. I think we all had a great time. My cute niece, Kelly didn't like the fireworks too much though.

Race on the 31st was at Snowbasin. It was a very long race. Kace & Kassidy raced this one after not racing for over a month. Kace took 1st and loved the race (8.8 miles). Kassidy took 2nd (5.5 miles). Duff finished 7th and went 33 miles (ouch). It was a long, hot, dusty race, but he liked it.
The Demolition Derby was a great end to the crazy month of July. It was fun to see that craziness of people dressing up like Joe Dirt, etc. The kids each took a friend and those friend were bro & sis which was fun.

With Soccer Practices, scrimmage games and cheerleading Kassidy stays very busy.
Kace not as busy, but sure likes to hang out with his friend Andrew Ivie in Midway.
Duff stays busy training, working and doing YM. He spent most of the month suffering from Poison Oak that he got behind his knee. Doctor put him on Pred. for a week, but as soon as he went off it came back with a vengeance and spread all over his entire body. He was covered in hives for about 3 weeks before it pretty much disappeared. The main contact spot still itches a little and is discolored, but so much better. ????
I'm staying busy with softball, PTA, Achievement days and home.

Next month seems just as full as July. I'm thinking I'm looking forward to school starting to get on a schedule and settle down (I hope).

Jackson Hole

We got to go to Jackson, WY for a race and decided to make a week of it. We had a great time. We stayed at Teton Village where the race was. It was beautiful. We drove and did some hiking in Grand Teton Nat. Park, Shopped in Jackson, Biked, Swam every day and got to ride the Tram up to the top of Teton Village Ski Resort. We tried to talk the kids into paragliding. Of course, Kassidy wanted to, but there was no talking Kace into it even with some bribing, so we decided to hold off since it was $245-Ouch!
On Friday, we went hiking, and I gave Kassidy some Allergy medicine, since I couldn't tell if she had allergies or a cold. Anyway, she was a zombie all day. I've never seen her so quiet. She probably said 10 works the whole hike (2 hours) and then when we hit the car she was out like a light. We stopped in Jackson for lunch and she fell asleep on the table waiting for food. It was crazy. She was out of it. Never seen that happen before.

The kids ended up not racing. Kassidy was still coughing and stuffy and Kace was a little stuffy too, so we just decided to let Duff race. Duff placed 5th in pros'. Great Job!

Oh No a Teenager!!!

Kace turned 13 this month! It's kind-of scary to think I have a kid that old. He's a great kid and I can't complain, at least not to much. We love him and enjoy him in our family. He actually had to spend the day at a race in Sherwood Hills, up by Logan. We decided to spend the night the night before since the race was going to be an all-day thing. It was a little crazy. We took him to Dinner in Ogden at some steakhouse place where the table's were covered wagons after the race. He was so excited to get an electric guitar for his b-day. Now, we just have to learn to play it.

Kassidy's 10th Birthday

Kassidy actually got to spend her birthday in school this year because of the late start due to new High School. I checked her out of school to take her to lunch at her favorite place, Subway! She's quite the sandwich maker. It never fails to have the person making the sandwich double check her on what she wants on her sandwich-Turkey, cheese, lots of pickles, lots of jalapenos, lots of banana peppers, lettuce and a little mayo. Gr & Gr D met up with us there and had lunch and wished her Happy Birthday! Then back to school where she served cupcakes to her friends and played some games. They played some water games in PE and she said "everyone was getting me wet because it was my birthday" She loved it!

She asked for a BMX bike for her birthday! Her Dad set her up and she loves it. I think she wants to show-up the boys in the neighborhood.

After school, we took her to Dinner at Tepanyaki (her choice) and then to see the movie "The Prince of Persia" After we got home we put candles on the cake and sang Happy Birthday to her.

Thanks for all the Family and Friends that made her feel special!

Some of the special things that describe her:
Kind
Friendly to everyone
Engergetic
Loud
Tough
Athletic
Sweet
Giving
Daring
Smart
and I'm sure lots more that I can't think of.

Carrie's Baby Shower

Here are some pics from Carrie's Baby Shower! Can't wait for baby to get here! We
had a great time and missed those who couldn't come.

Kassidy's 4th grade program

Kassidy had her 4th grade program last week. They sang some songs about utah and did the square dance and a line dance to "Boot Scootin Boogie" Then Duff and I got to learn the line dance too. Grandma & Grandpa came to watch too!

Kace's Eagle Ceremony

Kace had his Eagle Ceremony on Sunday night. Tracy Aviary brought an eagle up and did a presentation. 4 Boys from our ward were awarded their Eagle, Braedon Cook, Cade Cloward, Kasey Stevens and Kace. We are so proud of Kace and the work he has done in scouts! He's also will be participating in a Special Eagle Ceremony at the Stadium of Fire on July 3rd.

Thanks to all those who came to support Kace and to the families that wish they could have been there. We love you!

Spring Break-San Diego

For spring break this year we went to San Diego! We left early on Tuesday morning and arrived at 9:30 in San Diego. We got our rental car and headed to find our hotel, "The Dana, at Mission Bay". We unloaded our bags and headed to Sea World which was right next door. We spent the remainder of the day there.


We enjoyed watching the shows, seeing the animals and last getting soaking wet on 2 rides. It was only around 65 degrees so being wet was very cold. We headed back to the hotel to change.
On Wednesday, we headed north to see Universal Studios. It was a long drive, but worth it. We spent the day there and had a great time. There were no lines and we could just jump on the rides. Kassidy decided she was to old to stand next to Dora without being forced and Kace was determined not to go in the House of Horrors, but he was forced. (Bad parents) We got to see some of the animal actors which of course, Kassidy loved. We were able to feed the rays which was fun, especially for the sneaky bird that kept flying and taking the food out of hands before we could see it coming. Then headed back to the hotel. (Traffic is horrible in downtown L.A., glad I don't live there) We stopped at Mission beach and had dinner and walked around.


Thursday, we headed to the Wild Animal Park. We were able to see lots of animals, then we headed back. We stopped at an Aquarium and then at the La Jolla Beach. Duff and the kids had fun hunting for and catching sea creatures.



Friday, we went to the USS Midway Museum, which was cool and full of history. Then we went to Coronado, and decided to go back to Mission Beach. So we headed back and the kids and Duff rented wet suits (it was cold) and buggy boards and a surf board and we hung out at the beach for a couple hours.

Saturday, we went to the Science Museam at Balboa Park. It was a great hands-on, fun thing. Then headed back to the beach for more buggy boarding.

Sunday, we packed up and headed home. We had a great time!

Race #2 Cholla Challenge

Race # 2, Cholla Challenge was the first Saturday in April. It just so happened to fall on Easter Weekend, so we got to spend Easter in the sun in St. George instead of in the snow in Heber! No Easter egg hunts for the first time in 12 years. Easter Bunny did leave some candy at the hotel.

Friday, we all got to go pre-ride the race course.

Kassidy raced first in the 10-12 class (she's still 9). She did 3 short laps and finished 2nd in the girls. Great job!

Kace raced second in the 13-15 class (he's still 12). He did 1 big loop. He had a crazy over-the-handlebar crash right at the first, but he was up and back on his bike quick. He finished 3rd and did a great job! He achieved his goal of getting on the podium.

Duff raced last in the 30-39 Expert class. He jumped out front quick and held it the whole race, finishing 1st.

Everyone did a great job! It was a fun weekend in the sun and with the family.

Red Rock Desert Rampage Race

Last weekend we were in St. George for the 1st Mountain Bike race of the season. Everyone did great! Kassidy & Kace both had to bump up this year. Kassidy is still 9 but raced with the 10-12 yr olds and Kace is still 12 and race the Beginner 13-15 yr old.

Kassidy did a great job. She had a little trouble off the start line getting in the right gear-something she needs to work on. She redeemed herself and put the hammer down. She finished 2nd in girls and 9th overall with the boys. Great job!

Kace was pretty nervous to be racing in the older class, but he did a great job. He even got sunburned on our ride on Friday. He ended up 5th and didn't get to stand by the podium because he was too busy hiking the mtn to take pics of Duff, but we grabbed his ribbon for him. He did a great job.

Duff finished 3rd in his class. The top 3 were actually ahead of some of the pro guys so awesome job!

One last picture of Kassidy and her friend Mandy finding a mud puddle. Mandy got stuck in it and Kassidy HAD to help her get out. What a mess!

Kace's Eagle

Kace has finished his Eagle and has passed his board of review. Wow-I had no idea that he'd be interviewed for about 1 hour. Good Job Kace! He passed with flying colors. They told Duff that he was the youngest scout they'd ever put through and he new the Scout Law, Moto, etc better than most. We're so proud of him. Now, we wait for the paper work to go through and then plan the ceremony!

Warm Weather!!!

We headed to St. George last weekend for some fun and sun! It was so nice there. It as in the 60's. We biked and swam every day and did a little shopping. It was so fun just to hang-out with the family. We went to visit Nikki's family on Sunday. Nikki ended up keeping the kids and bringing them to St. George on Monday. We were sad we had to head back home to the cold, snowy weather. Couple more weeks and we'll be back down there again for a race. I'm praying for beautiful weather again. No pictures-I'm horrible and remembering.

New York!!

Me, and my sisters, Nikki, Lesa, Carrie & my Mom & Dad headed to New York to surprise my sister Tracie. She moved out there in October and had been living in an apartment and had just bought a house. So we decided to go out and help her. Dave new we were all coming, but Tracie only thought my mom & dad were coming. She did wonder a few times during the week before and then figured it out the night we were showing up because a cousin on Facebook asked her if we were there yet. Opps. Anyway, it was fun. We got there Thursday night to her apartment in White Plains, NY. Friday, we packed up the apartment, and loaded 3 cars,(there was not one inch not filled. We headed for their new house in New Milford, CT. The house was left pretty dirty so we started the cleaning while they signed the papers. Friday night was spent cleaning so the moving company could move it all in on Saturday. Friday night we stayed in a bed and breakfast close to their new home. Saturday we spent the day unboxing, cleaning some more and putting things away. Then we headed to Dinner and shopping at the mall.
Sunday, we headed to their church, about 20 mins away. We skipped out after sacrament meeting back to the house. We changed and headed to see NYC. Nikki, Lesa, Carrie & Dad rode the train and subway into the city from White Plains. Me, Mom, Dave, Tracie, the twins and Taylor drove in the van. We made our first stop at the Statue of Liberty were we waiting for the girls & dad who had a little trouble-subway style. We say the "Bull" by Wall Street, then Lesa, Nikki, Carrie & I rode the subway to Cannal Street, or as Carrie would call it, Channel street. There we did some major "Knock-off" shopping. The others, drove to Times Square, went and drove my the temple, while taking care of the kidos. After shopping, Carrie, Nikki, Lesa and I hopped on the subway to Times Square. They we headed back to White Plains on the subway and train. Monday, we hung out at the house before leaving for home. Thanks to Dave, Tracie, Taylor and the twins for putting up with us. Hopefully, we were more a help, than a hinder.

These are the only pics I took. Hopefully my sisters and parents will post so I can steal some of their pics.

Cyclocross Awards Night

Cyclocross Awards night was Jan. 2nd. Duff ended up 3rd overall. Great Job!

Christmas & Christmas Vacation 2009

Christmas Eve was spend as usual at Gr & Gr D's house. We went up to the cemetary to light a candle and Grandpa Lee's grave. Then we had dinner, played games and hung out.
Santa did show up to our house! We spent the morning opening gifts and going to Gr. & Gr's for breakfast. Then back home to have a nap and play with what we got.
On Sunday, we took off to St. George to warmer weather and biking. We went with some friends for Brigham City. It was great to be in warmer weather, even though it was cloudy. Duff and the kids and Daren and his 2 older kids biked on Monday morning and then Duff, Kace, Darren & Caden went again after lunch and swimming. Tuesday, we went for a 2 1/2 hour ride. It was a lot of fun and a great ride. Then we loaded up and headed back home. The ride home was crazy scary because of snow from Cedar to Heber. Roads were slick and I had a dead grip on the handle the entire way. Duff was a great driver of course even with me yelling at him.
When we got home Nikki and her kids were here. So, on Wed, we spent the day playing in the snow. Grandpa driving the kids around with sleighs hooked to the four wheeler, and then heading up to the park to sled down the hill, then back to Grandpa's for more 4-wheeler sleigh rides. Thursday, Duff, Kace, & Drake went to the Canyons to ski & snowboard. The rest of us went to Midway to ice skate and more 4-wheeler sleighing.
New Year's Eve we partied at my house. We had a little food, played games, played Wii Band Hero, played pool and had a great time.
New Year's Day-The Boys went Bunny busting, Kassidy and I stayed home for a little break. Kassidy played with MaKayla, her best friend, and then is going to her cousin's house, Josie, in Lehi, for a sleep-over.
I think I'll be glad for a quiet say on Sunday.(hopefully)