Gymnastics

A tribute to another fantastic year of gymnastics. To Josiah for overcoming the "small fish syndrome" of the big girl class, all the while learning handstand rolls, back rolls, and opposite side cartwheels. To Adalie for braving her very own "big girl" class" and beginning her cartwheels and head stands. To both girls who love to perform. And to their teachers who make this sport too much fun!!

See ya in the Fall....

Monterey

Look out world because the Waltner Clan is on the move headed towards an all family vacation!! Monterrey the destination and fun times the goal! We hit the beaches, flew kites, dug in the sand, searched for seashells, ran from the waves, ordered in pizza, toured the aquarium, oohed and aahed at the sea horses, touched sting rays, held star fish, ate in sweet shops, rode bikes, read books, slumber partied, played ping pong, jacuzzied and BBQed. But best of all of these things, was the time, the laughter, the memories!

I tell you, there is something about cousins that is so fun. They run and squeal to meet one another and then embrace in a jumping-around-all-smiles hug. They love to play together, whether it is the one closest to there own age, or holding the babies. Could it be that they share some of the same DNA?? Whatever it is, we are grateful....

Thank you Amma and Grandpa!!

(Josiah 7yrs, Piper 6yrs, Ashlyn 5yrs, Adalie 4yrs, Elias 3yrs, Freney and Sage 1yr)

A New Sport??

Well, as everyone knows, both Daddy and Uncle Jon are crazy. But put the 2 of them together and you never know what might happen......

Are they on the verge of creating a whole new sport?? Or has Uncle Jon just lost his snowboard down the hill while his back was turned so that he could gather enough snowball ammunition to pummel his unsuspecting wife, sister and nieces??

Like I said.... you never know with these 2 crazies!!

Mountain Girls

Seth and I were running along our normal route when we came across a set of tracks we didn't recognize. When we returned home, we told the girls of the mysterious tracks we had encountered. So, we all jumped on our bikes and rode the dirt roads back to the spot where the heavy rains and wet mud had trapped a site to see. We took pictures of the tracks and the scat (I spared you in that picture). Then raced home to identify our visitor. Best guess... a mountain lion!
So Mommy made a few executive decisions. First, do not go running alone (an easy rule to follow since I need my running partner to practically drag me along). And second keep the chicks inside a few weeks longer to hopefully let Miss Mountain Lion pass through.
For the most part we were successful. No one got eaten by a mountain lion, no more sightings were made. We realized how lucky we are to live in an area where we can discover nature around us, even in our own backyard!!
Unfortunately, we did lose 1 chick to your a common house cat. Worse the girls witnessed the hunt. Somehow lessons on the cycles of life are easier if they are not your beloved Fluffy! A sad day for all ... farewell dear Fluffy!

Chicks

After much discussion (or maybe it was begging, pestering, pleading), Seth finally relented and let us girls have another shot at chicks (remember out last set were eaten by a mama bear and her cub boo hoo!)!!

So one morning, I loaded the girls in the car on a surprise mission. Once we arrived at the feed store, they knew exactly why we were there. And they each picked out their little girls. Adalie picked the tiniest chick and named her "Cutie" and Josiah picked the fluffiest chick and named her "Fluffy". And so 2 little sister chicks came home with us, one blond and one brunette! And I have to admit..... they are awful cute!!

He is Risen

He is Risen indeed!!

Turning 7

Turning 7. How did it happen so fast? We are so grateful to have been given this little ray of sunshine.
We had a great weekend of celebration for Josiah's birthday. After a party at school with the most adorable bunny cupcakes ever, we celebrated with a Waltner family dinner (no April Fools!). Then the preparations for the Badger Pass Spring Fest began. Our ski bunny lost best ski dummy by just a few votes to RTD2. Josiah and Adalie both raced in the obstacle course and the slalom races. Even Daddy participated in the Old Man's Race. We watched the pond skimming, ate cake, sang happy birthday and enjoyed our families.
Thank you to everyone who travelled far and wide to celebrate with us. We are grateful for you.
(Josiah 7yrs, Piper 6yrs, Ashlyn 5yrs, Adalie 4yrs, Elias 2yrs, Freney 1yr)