Too much time on their hands!

Today was just an average summer day. The boys are gone at camp. Marissa went to work. I went to a friend's house to scrapbook. That left Jacquie and Andrea home where they were supposed to do a few chores. After they finished their chores they were bored. Bored Wagners do 'interesting' things.

Enjoy a little Wagner craziness-- if you dare!!

And yes, there are more videos if you can't get enough with just one! I just need to figure a way to load some of them... they're a little too big for the blog, but definately worth seeing.

Girl's Camp 2009!

Jim, Marissa, Jacquie, Andrea, and I all enjoyed an incredible week at the Bakersfield Stake's Young Women's camp at Big Meadow. There was a Wagner on each of the 4 hikes this year. No one was more excited for camp than Andrea who was so happy to not have to stay home with the boys this year. Jim and I had the awesome opportunity to lead the 2nd year hike. This picture was taken from the rocks we climbed on our descent and looks out over Big Meadow. We hiked 9.4 miles with 25 2nd year girls! We had an amazing time.

Here is the family on Friday when Marissa returned from her hike. And yes, we all need a shower!

Jacquie was a youth leader for the 3rd year hike this year. They spend one night in the wilderness and also get to repel. Along with her leaders, Jacquie helped provide opporunities for the 3rd year girls to learn to hold to the rod. She had a great time.

Marissa was a youth leader for the 4th year hike. They spend two nights in the wilderness and have some amazing experiences. Along with the other leaders she helped the 4th year girls accomplish hard things and make a promise to themselves. Although Marissa had been suffering from a hurt back, she made it and did all that she had planned to do.

Here are the three Wagner girls together at Big Meadow.
Here are some adorable 1st year girls having fun at their 'dreaded' assignment!

Andrea was so happy to go to girl's camp she wasn't going to let ANYTHING dampen her spirit! It is a tradition at Big Meadow that the 1st year girls have latrine duty. "Fear not!", said Andrea. She smartly brought her dad's gas mask and even volunteered to be the stirrer!! What a great way to start off your years at Big Meadow :)

Another Salsa Making Day...

So...today we made salsa. I'm thinking that this will be our Salsa Summer! Jim's tomato crop has been awesome. Marissa, Jacquie, Riley and I went to the gym and then started up our salsa. (Jim and Andrea were at a swim meet, so they unfortunately didn't get to help.)

Marissa had bell peppers today. She opened up her final pepper and saw these faces. Pretty scary!
Here's Jacquie's interpretation of the pepper face. (Don't worry, she's not really crying...it's just the onions!)

Here's my impression of the pepper face. Or is it because I just licked the jalapenos?? Scary either way.

Here's Riley impression of the pepper face! Pretty scary indeed.

Napa + Ella = LOVE!

Our sweet Ella loves nothing more than coming to Grandpa & Grandma's house in Napa. 5 gorgeous acres to roam and run! She can chase all sorts of critters, she gets lots of yummy leftovers from barbeques, and lots of love from everyone. There is only a couple of negatives with vacationing in Napa.... she gets super sore feet and really, really tired!! (as shown above)
Can't you see her super big smile?

Ella is too tired for pictures...

way too tired

This is probably the worst thing... being tied up while everyone else is eating. Poor, poor Ella.

Swinging in Napa!

Andrea is the photographer...
Riley & Jim working on the rope swing. Do you think they are having fun? I think they really are, they just don't look like it in this picture.

Okay, the swing is up. Here's Jim 'making sure it is safe.' I'm sure he's not having any fun though.

Here's Jim again, 'making sure it is safe.' We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt.

And finally.... Riley gets a turn! :) (Lucky for him it was deemed 'safe'.)

Beauty & The Beast

The beehive class activity called for 'dressing-up'. These two decided that they would go as a couple-- not just two lame, lonely princesses. Beauty was a little scared to stand next to the beast, but she finally got brave enough.
I had to laugh after I took this picture when Andrea exclaimed, "Okay mom, now blog it!!" (maybe I need to get another hobby?)

SALSA!!

This is our beautiful tomato garden! This is Jim's baby. He takes very good of his tomatoes. He has done a great job, we have quite the crop of tomatoes.

Today was Salsa Day!! Everyone at home participates. (Too bad Jim & Marissa had to work) Jacquie was the photographer today. She helped a ton but didn't get in a picture. Sorry JQ. Here Riley and Andrea are chopping the jalapenos!
(Doesn't Riley look great?)

I got the fun job of peeling and chopping the tomatoes. Check out my awesome apron. Can you guess when I made it? Well, I made it in my home economics class in the 8th grade!! That was in 1981!! It really doesn't seem like very long ago :). On a side note, today my hygienist thought I was about 25 years old. She freaked out when I told her my oldest child was almost 20!!! She's my favorite hygienist. ;)

We told Riley to wash his hands after cutting the jalapenos. Under no circumstance should you put your fingers in your mouth. (or your eye!) Riley didn't listen. He had one burning tongue after licking his fingers!!

Here is the first batch!! Canning always gives you such a sense of achievement. Even though I HATED when my mom made us help her can (I'm now sorry I complained so much) I am grateful to know how to do it. My kids don't complain when making salsa because this salsa is THE BOMB!! (Thanks Lynne for the great recipe!) :)