The Thomas Gang

"The Who"

2011-01-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

The boys spent hours choreographing a dance to "Nothin' on You" by B.O.B. They called themselves "The Who" and even had strobe lights rigged up in the bedroom for their performance. They recruited Brinley to be their group manager and announcer. Once the final details were complete, Brinley took our tickets (pretend tickets) and we got ready for the show. I must say that we were quite impressed ... if the lighting was better, I would have loved to get it on video. Maybe next time! It was an AWESOME performance! We finished the night off with a little "Just Dance 2".

The Three Amigos!

2011-01-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

Sam, Hayden and Kai ... off on a snowy adventure!

Christmas Eve Tradition: Jammies and a Movie

2011-01-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas Eve the kids open a gift (always jammies) and watch a movie before laying out their stockings for SANTA.

Christmas Tradition: Puzzle

2011-01-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

Our puzzle this year was a LAS VEGAS Night Lights puzzle ... looks cool, but harder than we thought it would be. We didn't finish until Christmas day, just before we set the table for Christmas dinner. Down to the wire!

Christmas Eve Tradition: Sledding and a Yummy Feast!

2011-01-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

Chris took the kids sledding while I got the house tidied up for our evening feast ... crab legs, shrimp, hot wings, potato skins, veggie platter and much more. We gorged like gluttons! The kids worked on our christmas puzzle and drank hot chocolate while we waited for everything to cook. We had several sledding injuries, but the worst was Tiffany's snow/ice rash on her face ... sledding on your face is just NO FUN at all!

Christmas Eve Tradition: Gingerbread House

2011-01-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

The kids made their gingerbread house again this year ... we decided next year that each of them will make a small one. Everyone wants to decorate the front and well, let's just say next year we're switching things up a bit!

Tiffany makes the Performance Team!

2011-01-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Tiffany tried out for the High School Performance Team and made it! Congrats, Tiffy!

Snow and Frost

2011-01-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

Chris took this picture one morning when he went out at 6AM to snow blow the driveway ... so pretty!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Scout Camp Out in October

2010-11-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Kai and Chris went camping with the scouts in our ward ... they camp once a month. And yes, even in the winter ... bbrrrr! This particular camp required they canoe with all our their gear to an island for camping. I was a little nervous when they headed out from the dock just at dusk ... when they got to Boy Scout Island, they quickly got their tents up before it was too dark and started dinner (spagettios).

Pictures from Grand Cayman

2010-11-19T22:43:00.001-08:00

Went snorkeling and swam with the stingrays ... supposedly, kissing a stingray brings seven years of good luck. So, of course we kissed one!

Grand Cayman 2010

2010-11-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

Chris and I had a great vacation in the Cayman Islands ... it was more beautiful than we expected it to be! We would definitely go back again.

Winter Ball 2010

2010-11-19T22:34:00.001-08:00

Tiffany and Arielle went to the Winter Ball on Saturday ... it only took them 2 1/2 hours to get ready! And, they looked beautiful!

Summer Time Crafts!

2010-07-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Kai and Sam made some cute paper puppets ... very creative boys!

Sandpoint Beach and Diamond Lake

2010-07-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Corey and Lora stopped in on their way back from Seattle and we headed to the Sandpoint Beach ... the weather couldn't have been more perfect! After we went jet-skiing and had a BBQ at the Moody's on Diamond Lake. Fun day!

Sage's Memorial Race - White Rose Run

2010-07-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

We raced in the White Rose Run on the weekend ... it was a great experience. My good friend Cindy was the race coordinator and put on a great event. 160 racers in this race. Here is how we placed: Chris placed 2nd in his age category and 21st overall at 26:37, Kai place 3rd in his age category and 19th overall at 26:35, Sam placed 2nd in his age category and 18th overall at 26:34, Sarah came in 34th overall at 27:55, and Tiffany came in 64th overall at 35:33. Everyone did their best and had great time ... next race is in September.

Bailey's Birthday Party

2010-07-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

We went to Bailey's birthday party last week ... he had a pirate party at his grandma's house on Diamond Lake. The kids had a blast digging in the sand for treasures!

Hangin' at the Lake

2010-07-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

We hung out at the lake with the Moody's ... food, water, sunshine, and good company!

Tiffany turns 15!

2010-07-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Tiffany turned 15 and celebrated her birthday with some friends with a sleepover.

More time with COUSINS!

2010-07-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

We were really lucky when we were in Canada - some of the Russell cousins were visiting grandma and grandpa Russell and we got to spend some time with them. The kids love spending time with family, especially their cousins!

Grams and Gramps 65th Anniversary

2010-07-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

We drove to Canada to Grams and Gramps 65th Anniversary Party at the Boat Club ... we got to see lots of family and the kids had a blast playing with their cousins. We love family!

Lake time with the Moody's

2010-07-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

We spent weekend with the Moody's on the lake ... BBQ, sand, water, s'mores, and some fireworks! Good times!

Weekend Dirt Biking!

2010-07-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

We took the kids out dirt biking on the weekend ... we wanted to teach Tiffany how to use the clutch so she could learn how to drive the bug. She did great and so did the boys; Chris on the other hand took a major wipeout and is pretty sure he broke his tailbone. He rode home in the bed of the truck ... ouch!

4th of July Breakfast

2010-07-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

We attended our annual ward 4th of July Breakfast ... Sam and Kai participated in the flag ceremony for cubs.

Fudge's First Birthday

2010-07-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Fudge celebrated his first birthday today ... the kids gave him soft dog food for the first time tonight, he thought it was delish! The kids also made him birthday cards and wrote them in dog language ... bark, bark, bark!

Newport Parade

2010-06-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

It was Newport Fair and Rodeo Days this weekend ... we went to the parade on Saturday. Tiffany helped our neighbor throw candy for her campaign float ... the boys got a LOAD of candy - just what they needed!

Cub Day Camp 2010: Part ONE

2010-06-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Day Camp was awesome this year ... we planned it on our own and spent the day with our 7 boys. We did an obstacle course, mosiac american indian art, and made scooters. We packed a load of fun into one amazing day!

Cub Day Camp 2010: Part TWO

2010-06-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

It was an action packed day with swimming, buffalo viewing, caving, and archery ... we have the most amazing group of boys!

BYU Here Comes Courtney!

2010-06-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

Well, the girls and I made the long trip to Utah to take Courtney to BYU. She is starting summer semester and is living Helaman Hall. It was hard to say good-bye, even if it is only for two months before we see her again. It will take some getting used to, not having her at home every day ... we're missing her like crazy!

Kai's Awards Ceremony

2010-06-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Kai had his 5th grade awards ceremony a couple of days before school was out. He got Honor Roll (3.94 GPA), Perfect Attendance, PE Award ... it was a great last quarter! Congrats, Kai!

Sam and Chuck E. Cheese

2010-06-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sam went on his last field trip of the year to Chuck E. Cheese ... their group was the only one there, it was nice and quiet. We had the whole place to ourselves.

Kai and the "Karate Kid"

2010-06-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Kai celebrated his 11th birthday with a few of his good friends by going to the new Karate Kid movie ... it was awesome!

Kai is "bridged" into Scouting

2010-06-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a big night for Kai ... he was bridged into Scouting. He is hanging up his cub scout uniform and heading into 11 year old scouts. It was neat to see the older boys welcome them into the fold. Kai gets to go to his first scout camp on Saturday ... he's pretty excited! He gets to take a compass, matches and a pocket knife! YIKES! I hope he's supervised!

Sam earns his Wolf Badge

2010-06-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

Sam earned his Wolf Badge at Pack Meeting tonight ... he is now officially a Bear in cub scouts. Congratulations, Sam!

Kai's Track Meet

2010-06-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

Kai had his first track meet this week .... he did awesome! 2nd place in relay, 3rd in long jump, 4th in high jump and the 800m run. Kai really loves competing.

Graduation Baccelauraette

2010-06-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

We attended Baccelauraette for Courtney's graduation on Friday ... it was a really nice ceremony.

Graduation Day!

2010-06-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Well, Courtney graduated from high school on Saturday ... it was an exciting day filled with laughter, tears, friends, family, parties, and some really great FOOD! Congratulations, Court!

Scholarship Awards Night

2010-05-26T06:59:00.001-07:00

Courtney had her Scholarship Awards Night at the high school last night where they present all the local scholarships. Courtney received the Rotary Club Scholarship. Yay, Courtney!

Courtney's Seminary Graduation

2010-05-26T06:54:00.001-07:00

Courtney graduated from seminary on Sunday. Her graduation was as the Sandpoint Stake Center ... congratulations, Courtney!

Mash Unit Race 5K

2010-05-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Our family ran in the MASH Unit Race 5K today. Everyone did great ... Courtney and Max ran together, Tiffany volunteered to earn money for Girls Camp, Chris and the boys took off and ran their hearts out, and I kept it at a steady pace. It was a beautiful day ... sunny and little bit crisp. Can't wait until our next race ... I think everyone caught the FEVER! There were almost 90 racers and this is how we place: Chris - 3rd in age category (male) and fifth overall, Sarah - 3rd in age category (female), Courtney - 1st in age category (female), Max - 2nd in age category (male), Kai - 1st in age category and 9th overall (WOW!), Sam - 3rd in age category and 12th overall (DOUBLE WOW!)

Academic Awards Night

2010-05-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tiffany got an Excellence in Art Award, Honors Award, and Lettered in Academics. Courtney got the Honors Award for the fourth year in a row and received her Honors Cords for graduation. Great job, girls! I was lame and only took one picture ... of course, it was after the fact.

Senior Day at Doubleheader

2010-05-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

It was Senior Day at Courtney's softball doubleheader ... there are 7 senior girls on her softball team. We presented the girls with flowers and gifts and then had a family BBQ. Beautiful weather 83 degrees out ... great day for a ball game!

Windermere Half Marathon

2010-05-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

I ran the Windermere Half Marathon today with Cindy and Kristal ... we had a strong, steady run and it felt great!

Sam's First Pack Meeting

2010-05-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

Sam turned 8 in January and got to participate in his first pack meeting ... he was pretty excited!

Mexico Trip 2010

2010-05-09T23:58:00.000-07:00

Traveled to Mexico with my sisters; Becky and Kathy and my parents. Beautiful weather the whole week - mid 90's.

Earth Day Race 2010

2010-05-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

Cindy, Lora and I ran the Earth Day Race a few weeks back and had a great time!

Arrow of Light Ceremony

2010-05-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

Kai earned his Arrow of Light as a Webelos and is getting ready to be bridged into scouting. The big day is June 8th!

Senior Prom 2010

2010-05-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

Courtney, Max, Heather, Bryant, Nancy, and Beau headed to their Senior Prom on Saturday. They have all been super great friends all through high school and had a great night together.

Rick's HARLEY

2010-01-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve 2009 - Take TWO

2009-12-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

We did all our regular Christmas Eve festivities ... cookies for Santa, dipped chocolates, made gingerbread houses, went to a movie, sprinkled oats for the reindeer, made our hot wings and finger food feast, opened our Christmas Eve gift (always pj's), and watched a Christmas movie before laying out the stockings for Santa. This year, Chris and I snuck away after the kids fell asleep to pick up our new little puppy from the "Bed and Biscuit".

Chrismas Puzzles

2009-12-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

These are the puzzles we made this year ... the shoe one is a 2000 piece puzzle and Sam convinced us to get another one, so we got a 750 piece puzzle. We had puzzle burnout by the time we were done!

Christmas "Fudge"

2009-12-27T16:51:00.000-08:00

The kids were pleasantly surprised to find a new puppy on Christmas morning ... there were tears of joy! Our little "Fudge" is a chocolate brown miniature schnauzer.

Citizenship Award

2009-11-26T12:41:00.001-08:00

Sam received two Citizenship Awards from his teacher and from his PE teacher. Way to go, Sam!

Florida: Take THREE

2009-11-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

Florida: Take TWO

2009-11-26T12:30:00.001-08:00

Florida: Take ONE

2009-11-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Soroptomist "Girl of the Month" of September

2009-11-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

Courtney applied for the Soroptomist Scholarship and received the scholarship for the month of September. Yay, Courtney!

District Playoffs!

2009-11-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Courtney's high school soccer team is playing in the District Playoffs. They won their first game against Freeman (2-0), but they lost to Lakeside last night (1-2). This is the same team they lost to last year, the score was tied until the last 2 minutes when Lakeside got a breakaway and scored. Courtney was pretty bummed, last chance to make it to State. They had a great year!

Seniors Night!

2009-11-06T07:47:00.001-08:00

Newport High School had Seniors Night during the District Playoffs game last week. The only Seniors on the soccer team are Courtney, Heather and Christina.

JENGA Challenge!

2009-11-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

The kids wanted to see how high they could get in JENGA ... they figured there was only one more move they could make, but of course that move would bring their JENGA crashing down! We took the picture first!

Last boating trip!

2009-09-16T08:58:00.001-07:00

This was our last boating trip for the season ... back into hybernation!

Our Ward Family Temple Day

2009-09-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

We had our Ward Family Temple Day at the end of August ... it was sweet to see how excited all the primary kids were to go in the temple and have the temple president and his wife speak to them. They were so reverent!

Water Fun!

2009-09-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

The kids had loads of fun cooling off in the Bauer's pool this summer. They got their pool up and running pretty late in the season this year, but once the kids knew it was ready that's all they wanted to do!

Tiffany's First Stake Dance

2009-09-16T08:45:00.001-07:00

Tiffany went to her first stake dance ... she had a blast!

Spencer's Baptism

2009-08-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

We decided last minute to drive up to Calgary for Spencer's Baptism. Courtney got off work on Saturday night at 9:30 ... we jumped in the truck and headed for Calgary. We were a little tired, but were glad we could spend Spencer's special day with him. Sam got a little too relaxed during the closing prayer and fell asleep!

Motorbiking!

2009-08-18T15:45:00.001-07:00

Trevor and Whitney took the motorbikes out ... the kids followed on their peddle bikes - cute!

Stunt Truck

2009-08-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Drag Race 2009

2009-08-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Friday Night Drags!

2009-08-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

We brought Trevor and Whitney with us to the Friday Night Drags at Spokane Raceway Park ... it was pretty cool! It was very loud and a little chilly, but we had fun.

Kayak Tour 2009

2009-08-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

We went on our annual Kayak Tour up in Metaline with Boundary Tours ... another great year! The weather cooperated and was beautiful!

Build a Bear

2009-07-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Kai and Sam went to Build A Bear this week and made some pretty cool animals ... Kai made an owl and Sam made a dog. It's pretty cute watching them stuff them, put the heart in, wash them off and then try clothes on in the dressing room. They had so much fun and have been playing with them ever since ... a great BIG thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Russell - it was the perfect gift!

Three teeth and a black eye

2009-07-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sam lost three teeth in just over a week and finished it off with a black eye ... we really do fit in here in Pend Oreille County!

First Time

2009-07-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

The boat finally entered the water last weekend ... it was long awaited and I still can't believe we waited until the end of July to break it out! Not too many people out, which is the way we like it. Beautiful day!

The Car Show

2009-07-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

The boys headed out the Car Show put on for Timber Days in Priest River ... they go every year and love looking at the "cool" cars! They were pretty excited when they got home - they saw a Shelby (sorry, I don't know all the specifics on the car, but Chris said it was a signature edition).

S'mores Please!

2009-07-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

Enjoying one of the best parts of summer ... S'MORES!

Cooling off in the water!

2009-07-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

We headed out to the water for awhile to cool down ... the water was freezing! I guess that's the point isn't it!?

The Lavender Festival

2009-07-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the Lavender Festival with Cam and his family ... the Fairy Time pictures were so cute! Courtney, Tiffany and Kathryn did some volunteer work at the festival ... we couldn't find Court for the picture - she was keeping a low profile!

Racing Uncle Cam!

2009-07-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

The boys couldn't wait to race Uncle Cam on the waterslide ... Cam went down so fast, we had a hard time getting the picture in time! He also shot right out the end of the slide ... Yay, Cam!!

Babysitting Konnor

2009-07-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

We got to babysit Konnor while Cam and Joanna went into the city for the day ... the kids played with him all day and took him for a walk. He was quite a trooper having the kids in his face all day! Just so much love to give!!!

The Water Slide

2009-07-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, we finally got the water slide out ... the heat was just too much! Chris and the kids had a blast cooling off!

Workin' with Dad!

2009-07-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Chris has been working on his truck early every morning ... Sam started getting up and working with him. It's pretty cute to watch him, safety goggles and all!

Quilt Camp 2009

2009-07-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

Tiffany went to Quilt Camp again this summer and this is her project ... she is having it quilted right now so she can enter it in the fair. We'll post the finished project later!

Hangin' with the Russell Cousins PART 1

2009-07-21T13:33:00.001-07:00

Another beautiful summer day ... love hangin' out with family.

Hangin' with the Russell Cousins PART 2

2009-07-21T13:27:00.001-07:00

We got to spend a day playing with our Russell cousins ... the kids had a blast playing in the water, floating down the creek and eating some GOOD food! As always, grandma!

More Birthday Cake!

2009-07-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

We were spoiled and got more birthday cake at Cam and Joanna's house ... yummy cheesecake! Delicious!

Hangin' with the Thomas Cousins

2009-07-21T13:21:00.001-07:00

We hung out with the Thomas clan and celebrated Tiffany's 14th birthday ... lots of food and fun!

Trevor and Whitney's Wedding

2009-07-21T13:17:00.001-07:00

Trevor and Whitney were married on July 18th ... they are an adorable couple!

Another stray cat!

2009-06-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well, another stray cat sauntered into our yard this weekend ... the boys want a pet so badly that they are quick to adopt. They've been feeding and caring for this little guy for a couple of days now. I actually think he lives a few doors away and went there last night to sleep in his cozy bed and then came back this morning for some affection and whatever the boys can scrounge from the kitchen. The boys have fed him almost half a gallon milk ... they may be eating toast for breakfast tomorrow.

The Thomas Clan

2009-06-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

Corey and Lora dropped in for a quick visit this weekend ... we enjoyed hanging out! Thanks guys ... hope your toe is feeling better, Lora! HAPPY BIRTHDAY too!

The story of the Hummingbird

2009-06-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

We usually open our front and back door in the morning ... fresh air! A few days ago a hummingbird flew into our den and was frantic to get out. He kept flying into the front window thinking he could escape, so Chris closed the curtains ... then he hovered close the ceiling. We thought we could guide him out but he kept darting at our heads, so I put a bowl of sugar water down on the floor by the door in hopes that he would go straight out the front door. This lasted about an hour and a half, when finally he flew down to the sugar water and straight into the kitchen window ... drats!! I waited until he was exhausted and put a big bowl over him and scooped cardboard under and carried him outside thinking he would just fly away ... well, he didn't. Tiffany and I shaded him and tried to feed him some sugar water ... we thought he might be dehydrated from flying for 2 hours. We sat with him for some time and then he tried flying, but would only get about 2 feet away. Eventually he made it over to the grass in the shade. Tiffany needed to get to her camp, so we went inside to get ready. We were keeping our eye on the hummingbird in the grass when we noticed a big bird (looked like a giant robin) pouncing around by the hummingbird. Tiffany and I ran out to check the hummingbird and found him dead ... the big bird had killed him! Tiffany burst into tears and we found a nice resting place for the poor little guy. And that's the story of the hummingbird!

Cub Scout Day Camp

2009-06-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Kai had his cub scout day camp at Camp Stidwell. The theme this year was "Around the World". Sam and I went to volunteer for one day ... we had lots of fun, but were worn out by the end of the day! Kai was beat when got home each night ... it took him maybe 2 minutes to fall asleep at bedtime.

Spokane Soccer Classic 2009

2009-06-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Courtney played in the Spokane Soccer Classic last weekend for the NEWPORT AVALANCHE and they took "first place". YAY! They played some amazing games and all in 90 degree weather with no subs, they had just enough girls to compete. Some of the teams were from Canada. As you're probably going to notice, most of these posts are not in chronological order ... I just posted as I found pictures. Sorry, I just needed to update!

Tiffany's Eighth Grade Promotions

2009-06-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that Tiffany is finished middle school ... she is onto HIGH SCHOOL next year, she'll be a freshman. She had a lot of fun at her Promotions dance. She will also be finished with Junior Honors Society and won't be able to apply for National Honors Society until Sophomore year. Way to go, Tiffy!

Spring Soccer Season

2009-06-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

The boys played in the spring soccer league ... Chris coached Kai's team, which kept him busy. I was lame and hardly took any pictures. I'm really going to try and do better.

Silverwood Theme Park

2009-06-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

We took Brittni to Silverwood while she was visiting. We had beautiful weather!

Foosball Tournament

2009-06-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

We paired up for a foosball tournament: Courtney and Tiffany, Dad and Sam, Mom and Kai. The "foosinators" (aka: Dad and Sam) won the tournament. Tiffany took it pretty seriously and dressed up in her athletic gear!

Middle School Seattle Trip

2009-06-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Tiffany's middle school took a group of students to Seattle ... I was a chaperone. We went to a Mariners/Red Sox game, the Aquarium, Cruise, Space Needle, Science Center, Imax, Jet City Improv, Laser Show, Pike Street (saw Taylor Swift shopping at Pike Street), Music Theater. We had a great time, but we were happy to be home in our beds.

Family Pictures PART 2

2009-06-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

More pictures!

Family Pictures

2009-06-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

We woke up this morning and got ready for church, only to received a phone call that church was cancelled (no water in the building). It's not very often that everyone is dressed up and we have time to take pictures before we leave for church ... so we took advantage of this opportunity and got the kids outside for some pictures.