no trees were harmed

What a beautiful too warm of a day to go snowshoeing.  There wasn't EVEN ANY WIND!!!!!!!

But with the warm weather the snow was soft and we tended to sink, as you can see from the pictures. 
Bridger and I both fell.  Bridger didn't seem to mind if he got snow on his face though.

We had fun and that is all that matters.  Bridger never whined and actually tried racing Darin through the snow.  We were supposed to stay off the groomed trail, but I didn't and Darin did.

We had lunch with Jami at the house, Jampa wasn't hungry yet, before we took off up the mountain.  After we got back the Meline's came over for dinner.  Shawn and Bridger played Halo in Bridger's room.  We chuckled about that most of the evening.  We eventually told Bridger he had to let Shawn hang out with the adults for a little while.  We watched a movie and then they went home.  There is our Saturday.

it's the weekend

Wish there was something interesting to report.  I am supposed to keep this about Bridger, so no one probably wants to hear about my week.  Ha-Ha!!

Bridger ended his power skating lessons on Wed.  He would like to continue, but I think we will take a break from that.  I know he will still keep track of Wednesday and want to go to Taco Johns.

Bridger got eight out of 10 on his spelling words this week.  We worked hard on "great" and "know".  But, when it came down to crunch time, he just didn't remember.  One day he was talking about 2 of his friends and how they pick each other to partner with during classroom stuff.  I asked him who he likes to partner with and he said, "Buck".  I asked why?  He said, "because Buck remember the directions better than I do and he helps me out."  At least he knows who to partner with.

I picked up Bridger's travel jersey for our hockey tournament in Gillette in a couple of weeks.  He will be no. 18.  Just what we got. I got to watch them practice for a little while Thursday night.  They have been letting some teenagers practice with them.  One of the teenagers KO'd one of the smaller kids.  Not literally, by the way.  So now there won't be any more teenagers practicing with them.  One of the moms told me it was nice that Darin is out there and can check the kids out during things like that.  I always think it is so great that when the kids get back up the sticks start slapping on the ice in recognition of their fallen player.

Rollie and Judi are in town and at Walmart.  Guess they need to stock up after being gone close to 3 months.  We will eventually see them.  It is especially nice here today, aside from how it was yesterday in Nebraska.  Perfect weather for cleaning up after Shasta........

quiet Sunday

Bridger went bowling yesterday with a group of boys for a birthday party for Nate and Malachi in his 2nd grade class.  The parents went together on the party.  Nate kept inviting Bridger for a sleepover this weekend, but his parents never called.  We let it go thinking if it happens, it happens.  At the end of the party, Nate's dad invited several boys over.  We took Bridger home and packed him a bag.  They came and got him. 

We had a late dinner at FireRock as adults.  We had wine and dessert.  Our waiter was quite a character.  He was not afraid to tell us exactly how the evening had gone for him.  He eventually apologized for his comments.  It was a nice dinner.

We picked up Bridger from Nate's and then drove to Douglas, WY for his hockey scrimmage.  They played full ice and actually kept score.  Bridger kept getting put on offense during the line changes.  I don't know if the coach was doing it on purpose or not.  The more aggressive kids kept getting put on defense and weren't able to as easily score as they usually do.  Bridger still didn't score, but he kept trying.  Some of his own team mates stole the puck from him and the more zealous ones wouldn't pass.  They consequently didn't score on their big drive down the ice.  If they would have passed to Bridger it might have turned out better.  Casper did win 7-4.

The ice arena was located in a non-heated pole barn on the State Fairgrounds.  It was miserable to sit as a parent and watch.  During one of Bridger's sit-outs I went around to the player's bench and stood talking to him.  He was happy and said he was having fun.  He still didn't want to go to the practice back in Casper after the scrimmage.

He has been playing with Darin and Shasta.  I had to tackle my work "desktop" from last week.  Anyone know how big a spleen is supposed to be?  I took a break from researching to blog.  Darin cooked dinner and smells like it is done.  That means it smells good. 

Science Fair Update

Bridger had his science fair today.  The projects were suppose to be set up last night but we had hockey practice at the same time and did not make it.  The alternative was to set it up before school.  I got a call during my first period class from daycare.  They said Bridger was very upset because he said he had to be to school early and they did not believe him.  I thought, it's Bridger, he doesn't make stuff like that up.  I told them that had to set up his project before school.  They did get him there in time and he got everything set up all by himself.

He was so excited to tell me he got a red ribbon (the green one is a participation ribbon).  His teacher told me he did a great job and then we ran into his kindergarten teacher and she said the same thing.  He would not let me carry the project home, he had to carry it.

We are heading into another busy weekend.  Bridger has a birthday party with a possible sleep over on Saturday and then a hockey game in Douglas on Sunday.  With all of this snow we need to get out skiing.  We will probably head to Pinedale when the snowbirds get back and ski White Pine and maybe Jackson.

I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying winter.  Give someone you love a hug and a kiss today.

"Hey kid. Why do you wear sunglasses at night?
Because when you're cool, the sun shine on you 24 hours a day."

a flower

It was suggested that I post this flower and offer someone else, besides Roger identify it.  Roger has already seen it and knows.

We have had a wonderful visit with Bridger's Mattern Grandparents, AKA-Ginni's parents.  It was a good thing to have them here at the house with the lost ID situation, since resolved.  FYI-you can fly to and from Las Vegas with a Sam's Club Card (pic on the back) and a copy of your "lost" driver's license.  Thanks, again, for the copying and faxing-Mom.

Bridger had a good weekend while we were gone.  He was more excited to see Darin than me when we were picked up at the airport.  We had a nice dinner out at Olive Garden when we got back.  I was glad I didn't have to start cooking right away.  Actually, the person who taught me how to cook is perfectly capable and excellent cook as well.  When a mother and daughter have a rhythm in the kitchen it is  nice. 

My parents head to Billings for another family visit today.  They should be home by the weekend sometime. 

Bridger informed me the blog is HIS and should be about him after he saw the Vegas blog.  Here is the Bridger update.  His science project is complete and will be going to school today.  He has had snack week this week and likes the attention.  He was able to take a homemade pudding with cookies on the top that everyone loved.  He has been able to forego daycare for most of the week.  He had a powerskate lesson yesterday and managed to race another skater (older teenage girl) and beat her.  He didn't have to do exactly what she did, though.  He got to have Taco John's for breakfast after power skate. 

He might go to a hockey scrimmage in Douglas on Sunday.  When I mentioned it this morning he announced that he hated scrimmages.  He also announced he hated PE Club when I told him he had that today.  I hope this is not trend for him today.

LVN yesterday

 Sunrise from our window.   It would have been pretty bright, were it not for the building.  We didn't stay up until the sun came up by the way.  I think this was sometime before 7:30am.

 The other King posing.  We visited Seigfred and Roy's Wildlife Habitat yesterday.  There were 3 beautiful lions that were actually special white lions.  The dolphins were fun to watch and played with catch with themselves.

 Treasure Island ship that has a show several times a night.  Not really Bridger appropriate.

 Bridger went to get a haircut yesterday.  He is always wanting to have a mohawk.  It is only shaped with gel.

I took the first picture of Darin eating.  It wasn't very flattering.  Then he kept trying to catch me with an unflattering pose.  He didn't think this one was too bad and added it to the blog pictures as he downloaded pictures.  He did the pictures and I got to type the words. 

Take a Soak at 5 Below

The temp gauge is wrong in the second picture, it is 5 below zero.  Bridger wanted to go out for a soak during our cold snap.  It does feel good but getting to the tub in sub zero temps is not fun.  It obviously does not bother him as you can see he got out to lay in the snow.

Bridger had a friend over after school today.  They played his new game and came to tell me that they had made it through 3 levels.  He does not make it that far with me since he has to take my control to get me caught up with him.

The ND grandparents will be arriving tomorrow.  They are coming down to stay with Bridger while we take a trip to Vegas for the weekend.  This is the first time we are going on a trip without Bridger since he was born, only seven years.  He is excited to get to spend more time with Grammy and Grandpa Roger.

I hope everyone is in good health and enjoying the start to 2011.

"Good morning, I've been looking for you all night."

Sub Zero Weather Benefits

The one thing that Bridger has really been enjoying about our cold snap is that Shasta gets to be inside a lot more.  He spends hours wrestling and tormenting his dog.  Sometimes I have to remind him not to get Shasta too riled up.  Being a Blue Heeler and having herding instincts he doesn't nip at the heels but bites the pants at the heel.  One time he got hold of Bridger's pants and basically pulled his pants off.  We have also had ripped pants due to this horse play.

School is back into full swing.  Bridger asked if he could take his DSi to school to play during indoor recess due to the cold weather.  We reluctantly let him and it did make it home safe.  He said he and the other boys that had DSi's all played together.  I guess they can communicate their games with each other.  We are trying to keep up with all of this technology.

I hope everyone is staying warm during this January cold spell.

"Don't tread water! Grab onto the ice! You'll freeze to death slower than drowning! "

science project a success

iron filings on right side tip of magnet/bag

black specks are the iron

diligently stirring-10 minutes worth

We did the actual experiment that Bridger is turning in for his science project.  Bridger was able to prove that you can separate out iron from breakfast cereal.  It was touch and go and actually we had to improvise from the original instructions.  We stirred 20 minutes and kept adding water.  I didn't think we had accomplished our goal, but once I got the magnifying glass and looked at the end of the magnetic I could see the filings.

At first they were spiculated and looked awesome.  Then the liquid mixed back in and we got the black smudges.  I think Darin and I were more impressed than Bridger.  He did glue the papers listing the required detailed information onto colored paper.  We will be practicing the words and the process this week.  He has to hand this in on Friday.

It started snowing around 4am today and didn't let up until late this afternoon.  It is now in the single digits and supposed to be until late Tuesday.  What joy to send Bridger back to school with coat, boots, gloves, hat and backpack.  It is always a process in the morning when we need that much. 

He and Darin went off to hockey practice and he got a couple of comments about his new stuff.  I asked if it made him skate better.  He laughed at me. 

almost back to school

This picture was taken last Feb-2010.  3 of the 4 grandparents were here.  We were at Angela's Chinese restaurant.  We just called it Angela's after the owner.  I don't remember now what she did call it.  We have tried a new Chinese place since she closed.  It is a little swankier, but the portions are such that you usually get leftovers.  Bridger is wanting to go there when Grammy and Grandpa Roger get here this coming week.

On Monday, Bridger returns to 2nd grade.  He had a nice 3 week holiday.  He got to go to Denver and see two professional sport teams play.  He also got to fly to North Dakota.  I would say it was a busy 3 weeks for him.  He starts back hockey practice tonight.  He will start basketball towards the end of the month (Jan).  We will be having more grandparents visit sometime in the next couple of weeks.

We didn't do much yesterday.  We did some errands and went to lunch at On the Border.  It made us all so full that when dinner came around, everyone did their own thing.  Bridger wanted to watch a movie and we watched Iron Man 2.  It was a movie we saw numerous times on the cruise, but each time I see it I get a little more out of the storyline I didn't comprehend before.  No, it isn't that deep of a movie, but Bridger can never keep still and I get distracted.  Bridger loves to share the storyline or an upcoming line if he has seen the movie previously.  We have talked about NOT doing this when he is with someone other than us. 

On a funny note, during the movie I remembered some laundry and got up to get it.  When I was coming downstairs I slipped somehow and ended up landing on my backside at the bottom.  I whacked my head on the door, bruised the bum and scraped one elbow.  On the way down I know I gave a startled gasp.  I sat at the bottom for a moment and got back up thinking someone in the movie room would come check on me.  No such luck.  Darin said he heard me call out, but couldn't imagine I would fall down the stairs.  I lived it up just a little. 

We still need to get the science project done.  We bought poster board and paper, but didn't get to the grocery store for the other supplies we need.  Over lunch Bridger wavered back and forth on whether he was going to go through the effort of a science project.  The plan is to show that iron is in cereal via a magnet.  I think we are moving forward with completion this afternoon.  The experiment will take about 20 min, but all the documenting will take forever if he isn't motivated.

We are home

Bridger and I arrived home right on time yesterday.  Our flying was uneventful, which is always a blessing.  I did spill soda onto Bridger's lap tray, but he managed to somehow get out of the seat with the tray down and avoid the soda running over.  The Fargo airport was by far the friendliest I have ever experienced.  The security people were nice and helpful.  Who knew they could be that way-guess that is North Dakotans for you.  Darin read in our paper this morning that Delta is pulling out of Casper.  We will be down to United and Allegiant Air(only goes to Vegas).  I know from having a patient that worked at the airport that the employees are employed by the airport, not the airlines. 

We had a wonderful visit to ND.  Bridger should feel like a prince for all the attention and special things that were done for his benefit.  Bridger did make it to the water park and arcade.  He was able to get yet another NERF gun as a prize.  Grandpa Roger was very instrumental in obtaining points on the arcade games.   After we got home Bridger treated Darin to a show of  his new hockey apparel.  While we were in the land of hockey, Bridger got to get new breezers (shorts) and gloves.  He picked maroon.  He was going for a helmet that was also maroon, but Darin had told me the prices he could get at our hockey store, so I said no.  Bridger also got a new Sioux Hockey jersey.  The days of the indian on the jersey are numbered since the battle was lost to UND in keeping the mascot name, "Fighting Sioux".  Darin asked Bridger if he picked maroon for AVS colors.  Bridger hadn't even thought of that.

Darin cooked us a wonderful dinner last night, steak and baked potatoes.  Anytime Bridger could get a "tease" going or some sort of body slug in on Darin last night he did.  After a less than soothing soak in the tub I asked Darin if he had still missed us.  Roger relayed an experience with Bridger while they were waiting to be picked up from the movie-Some elderly women (older than Grammy according to Bridger) commented on his red hair and blue eyes as they walked past him.  Bridger looked up at Grandpa Roger and said, "that happens to me in Casper, too."  By the way---that is Grandpa Roger giving Bridger a hug in the above picture. 

from the frozen tundra

I could think of a few titles for this blog such as, Wyoming Woosies (us), "back by special request" or "Here is Roger"-just for Nate Maas.  I settled for the frozen tundra one.  There is so much snow here compared to Casper.  It is also much colder here or so it seems.  Bridger and I were huddled in the back seat of the car shivering recalling the warm temps of Wyoming-ya' know the balmy 20 degree stuff-compared to the hovering of 0 to single digits.

Mattern tradition takes a different spin

more popcorn squares

science experiment

Step 2-Science Experiment

Step 3 success-static electricty proven

another Xmas celebrated

Bridger and I arrived to the frozen tundra on Tuesday evening in Fargo, ND by plane.  Bridger got to accompany Grandpa Roger to Chuck E Cheese.  They played games while I HAD to go shopping with my Mom.  Just kidding on the HAD.  We made our way back to them and then went out to eat.  If in Fargo, ND-don't bother with the "Hooters".  We all agreed it wasn't so good.  After we got back to Grand Forks we got a tour of the new house, which is very nice!  We settled in to watch Bridger open some presents.  He did very well with getting shirt after shirt, but then Grandpa Roger surprised him with another remote control helicopter.  This will make Bridger's third one in less than two weeks.  So far the Menard's $4 helicopter has lasted one day in Bridger's hands.  Bridger also got a NERF gun which with grandparent permission he has been target shooting at the window.  It actually has become a game between he and the adults.  There have been contests to see who can cluster them together(nerf darts have suction cup on end).  Bridger made a crude circle and managed to hit the bull's eye one time.

Today Grandpa Roger treated Bridger to Wednesday Taco John's burritos (special price on Wed).  We learned something new that we didn't even know-they come regular or grilled.  Who knew!  Late this morning Grandpa Roger set about making popcorn balls.  At the last minute Grammy came up with a brilliant idea to leave them in the pan and cut them into squares.  It was a brilliant idea because she saved us all from burning our hands shaping the popcorn into balls after the hot syrup(250 degrees) was poured over the popcorn.  The popcorn balls have been a Mattern tradition since Roger's son, Paul, was Bridger's age, or maybe back further.  To put in perspective-I am the oldest of the blended family of kids and Paul is one year younger than me.  And if you are wondering-yes, the proper attire for this event is striped shirt with plaid PJ bottoms.

This evening Bridger and I were treated to Japanese cuisine.  Bridger went all out and had Dino-shaped chicken nuggests but added the Japanese version of crab rangoon.  Grandpa Roger really likes sushi and order some different types.  Bridger didn't know what to think when he discovered there was seaweed within the wrapping.  The one he tried had a mango piece, cucumber piece and a shrimp piece.  I managed to get the cucumber out and he went ahead and tried it.  He loved it and wanted the remaining piece of the same type after he ate his dino nuggets.

During the popcorn adventure, Bridger and I conducted a science experiment.  Bridger says he wants to do a project for this year's Science Fair.  We bought a book of experiments when we were in Denver.  I brought it along because I know how much Grandpa Roger would love blowing up stuff.  But, today we experimented with salt, pepper and static electricity.  The picture with Bridger holding his hands up to this head is him generating the static onto the plastic utensil from his hair.  Then we held the utensil over the salt/pepper and watched the pepper cling to the utensil.  I think you can figure out the other two utensil pictures. 

For tomorrow Bridger has been promised he will get to go to the indoor waterpark.  We had fun at his expense telling him as we drove by the building tonight that it was outside.  Since we are such wooses from Wyoming-those hardy North Dakotans could handle the frigid outside waterpark.  Ha-Ha!!!

January 2, 2011

warm-up meal-getting ready for the fun

the grand parade in PJ's

Happy New Year 2011

We had a nice time New Year's Eve at the C'mon Inn.  We had our friends the Willis', the Meline's and Sophie Hood with Elijah(4 months) join us.  We had a hot tub right outside the room we had.  The adults held court in it for quite some time.  The kids loved swimming, running, playing and tubbing.  The Meline girls crashed before midnight, but not Bridger or the Willis girls.  It was a good time and now onto the new year.

Happy Anniversary to Rollie and Judi today on January 2nd!!!!!