Chad and Kaysie Guymon and Family

Summer Fun

2010-08-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

We have had a great summer so far and we have participated in many activities. The latest was the Kiddie Parade in conjunction with our county fair. Katelynn dressed as "Miss Jr. Rodeo Montana" and rode her bike decorated like a horse. Logan was a farmer on his John Deere trike, pulling a wagon load of hay, with his horse following. The pair of them won a first place trophy and after the parade, Logan won a new bike in a drawing!!
Chad and I have competed in a few sprint triathlons this summer. It was a good motivator to get both of us into shape. Here's Chad running in Dillon.

Of course we have ridden motorcycles too. Chad and his brother-in-law Nate participated in another race in June and we have gone on a few other rides with family.

Logan participated in T-ball again this year. Chad worked with he and Katelynn a lot on hitting and catching the ball this summer. Logan had a lot of fun and did very well. Look at that concentration!!

Katelynn and Logan took six weeks of swim lessons at Carroll College this summer. By the end, they were both swimming like fish! They really love the water.

The latest news is that Niko has arrived in Mexico City!!! We received a call from him last Friday, July 30th, as he was waiting for his flight in Salt Lake City. He was so excited to get to Mexico finally and sounded so happy. We will keep you posted on his happenings in Mexico!!!!

Taking Niko to the MTC

2010-05-03T13:14:00.001-07:00

Niko was set apart as a full-time missionary Monday, April 26 at 7:30 a.m. by President Lee Holmes. Chad and Grandpa Lewis were privileged to stand in the circle.

Niko posing one last time outside our house before making the long trek to the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah.

When we got to the MTC on Wednesday, April 28th, Niko was all business. He didn't want to get emotional and was soooo excited to be there. Here he is with Chad before they whisked him away.

Niko and his "host". They seriously give you just enough time to unload, give a last hug and they are on their way.... No long drawn out goodbyes there for sure!!! Good luck, Niko. We are so proud of you and know you will be a wonderful missionary. Watch out Mexico City.....

Enduro Motorcycle Race

2010-05-03T12:29:00.001-07:00

This has become a fun family event over the years...my sister Sarah and her husband introduced us all to it. An enduro is a long race in the mountains with a few "special tests" that are timed along the way. Some of the obstacles include water crossings, large rocks, and maneuvering over downed logs. This year me, and my sisters Amy and Sarah did it together. It was grueling but a blast!

Amy, me and Sarah after the race....we're a little tired and very dirty!!

Here's chad hustling through one of the special tests. It was a grass track with a few obstacles.

One new obstacle this year was to drive up and over a car! We girls didn't try that but the boys did great!! Here's Nate (Sarah's husband) trying it out!

Chad and I safely at the finish. We had a great time and the weather actually wasn't too bad.

Easter in Powell, WY

2010-05-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

On our way to Powell, we stopped off in Billings for the night. We all played in the water park and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! The following day, we attended the temple and shopped for a bit. Then we drove the remainder of the way to Sarah's house in Powell.

Our tradition is to head out to the bentonite pits and ride motorcycles and 4-wheelers. It was a bit chilly but it didn't stop us from having fun!! Here is Kelsey on the 4-wheeler.

We were able to borrow 2 small 4-wheelers from Sarah and Nate's neighbors so Katelynn and Logan could have their own 4-wheelers to ride. They had a blast and cruised around all day. Their bravery was a bit scary!! Here's Logan atop his machine.

On Easter we had an easter egg hunt at Sarah's house. This was one of our last outings with Niko before his mission.

Katelynn and Logan participated in an Easter hunt at the local fire department. It was a chilly day but they got lots of goodies!!!

Annual Sister's Trip

2010-05-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Every year my 4 sisters, my mom and I get together for a "sister's trip". (Unfortunately Sarah couldn't make it).This year we gathered in Seattle, Washington. My sister Angie lives there so she showed us the sights....Here we are at the ever famous (and disgusting) gum wall. We did have to make our own contribution, though. Debbie liked it so much she brought some home on her shoe! Ugh!

Here we are posing with the troll under the bridge. We also visited the Locks (where the ships go from salt water to fresh water and vice versa), and we did a lot of shopping! It was fun. Next year we are planning our trip for Cleveland, OH, where Amy currently resides. We hope to get to see some church history sites!!

Birthdays, Birthdays and more Birthdays

2010-02-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

We have had a whole slew of birthdays....it happens every year at this time....First was Logan's 4th birthday on Dec. 11th. We had a family party at the Carousel and then had a friend party the following day. This was his first party with friends and he really loved it. Here he is showing off all his loot.

Next was Niko's 19th birthday on January 14th. He loves donut cakes from the Donut Hole and since this was the first time in four years that he wasn't on a "diet" for wrestling, he actually was able to eat it on his birthday. (We'd usually wait until after wrestling season was over to indulge)! Here he is with Brae, Katelynn and Logan

Then just over a week later was Katelynn's 7th birthday. We also had her family party at the carousel and then she invited a few friends to the ice skating rink for her friend party the next day. They had a blast skating and I could hardly even get them to stop long enough to eat cake and open gifts!!! (Love the toothless smile!!!)

February 1st was Chad's birthday and we celebrated with a steak dinner and pie (we were all caked out)!

But wait...it's not over...Kelsey will be having her 17th birthday in March......does it ever end???

Niko's Mission call arrived today, January 7, 2010!!!!

2010-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Here is Niko eagerly reading his mission call letter to us....Unfortunately Chad was out of town but we had him on speaker phone. We also had Niko's mother, Laura and my parents on the other end of the line...isn't technology great?? So where is he going, you ask? Somewhere warm, highly populated and Spanish speaking.....(everything he was hoping for)

He has been called to the Mexico Mexico City West Mission!!! He is sooooo excited! And here's the proof.....
He is supposed to report to the Provo MTC on April 28th. I can't tell you how proud Chad and I are. It is crazy to be at this stage of life, watching your teenager so excited to serve a mission for the Lord. He is a wonderful young man and has great things in store for him. Thank you all for your love and support. HOORAY NIKO!!!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T18:17:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful, wintery, snow white Montana Christmas!!! Most of my family was in town at my parent's house so we spent many (late night) hours at the card table and eating yummy food. Christmas morning we spent at our house. Here is Kelsey showing off her new ihome from Santa!!

Katelynn has been asking for a Nintendo DS for 2 years and good 'ol Santa finally delivered! If it was up to her she would eat, drink and sleep nintendo ds games. Thankfully it's not up to her!

Logan and Niko set up Logan's hot wheels race car track. It is way sweet!!!

Christmas Eve night at my parent's house we have a spiritual program and then the kids get to open their "special presents" and their p.j.'s. Here they are posing in their jammies.

The Sunday before Christmas Eve we pass out "special presents". This is a tradition from Chad's family that represents the special gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the Wise Men. Tied on the top of their jammies is something they have really wanted. They can look at it and see what it is but they aren't able to use it or play with it until Christmas Eve. Katelynn and Logan are admiring their Littlest Pet Shop Animals, Kelsey got a pair of shoes and Niko scored an Xbox 360 game.

Katelynn's school Christmas program was centered around the beach, but she wanted to wear her Christmas dress, so we compromised. Her sun hat, styling sunglasses and seashell necklace just scream "fun in the sun" don't they?

Making Gingerbread Houses for Family Home Evening

2009-12-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

Every year we make "gingerbread" houses (this year we used graham crackers....yesssss!) and use the left over Halloween candy to decorate them. I think we ended up wearing more frosting than the houses did!!!

Logan...what a ham!! He LOVES his creation!

Katelynn posing with her house. I love her toothless grin!!!

Awaiting a mission call...

2009-12-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

Well, we sent Niko's mission papers in on December 1st and he had his last interview with the Stake President on the 2nd! (The Stake President said he will send his papers to Utah on Sunday the 6th). Crazy!! We can hardly believe that mission time is almost here. We will be sure to keep you all posted when he receives his call. Any guesses as to where you think he'll be going???

Kaysie's Birthday

2009-12-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful birthday!!! So many of my family and friends called or serenaded me and I felt so loved. My friends Danette, Rhonda and Susan took me out to lunch (thanks guys, you're the best!) My dad took Logan for the day so I could shop and have a quiet day to myself. Then our family and my parents got together for the evening. Here we are posing in Home Depot (doesn't everyone go there for pictures???) after picking out our Christmas trees. It was FREEZING so buying the perfect one from the store wasn't so hard. In this photo we are missing Chad and my dad but added Niko's friend, Brae on the right.

After warming up in Home Depot, we ventured to IHOP for dinner and opening gifts. Then we drove to our church stake center for the community display of nativities...where they display nativities from all over the world. It is really neat to see all of the different ones.

I arrived home to find a yummy cheesecake on my doorstep from my visiting teachers! What a perfect end to the night!!! It truly was a wonderful day. It was so nice to have my whole family together. That doesn't happen much anymore with two teenagers that have jobs and are busy all of the time. Thanks mom, dad and Chad for spoiling me and for all of you that called me. Love you guys.

Thanksgiving weekend in Utah

2009-11-30T20:38:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving Holiday with Chad's family in West Valley, Utah! We ate a ton and played several games. We also braved the "Black Friday" shopping and were very successful. Chad's brother, Karl, slept the entire night at R.C. Willey and Chad and his nephews, Brendon and Nate, camped out in Wal Mart. I did happen to get a few hours of sleep, but not many! It was fun!!

Of course Katelynn and Logan had a great time with their cousins Makayla and Ethan. They played lots of games!!

We took the kids to a place with several blow up bouncers. It was fun to watch them run around and it was a great way to get rid of some of their pent up energy! Here's Logan in the dragon's mouth.

Katelynn enjoyed the princess bouncer (of course) and is seen here riding the dragon. The kids started to jump on the dragon while someone else was sitting on it and it would launch them off. It was pretty funny!

Thanks everyone for an enjoyable time. We love and miss you all.

Chad's Trip to Mazatlan, Mexico

2009-11-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

Chad just returned home from his 4th annual MDM trip to Mazatlan, Mexico. Chad is a salesman for MDM Supply, a wholesale plumbing supply company here in Helena. The salesmen and several of their clients are treated to a marlin fishing trip by MDM every year. (Too bad the wives aren't invited!!!) The fishing was slow this year but Chad's boat did manage to catch a couple of nice durado. (Chad is on the bottom right)

Here's Chad posing with some clients in a Mexican taxi cab. Aren't they funny looking? The cab, that is!

Here's a view of the bay from the resort they stayed at. No fair that I was home freezing in 50 degree weather!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T21:42:00.001-08:00

We had a great Halloween here in Montana. The weather was above average (50's) and so it made for a nice trick-or-treating night. Katelynn dressed up as Cinderella and Logan was a blue and green dragon. We hit the ward trunk-or-treat and then went up a few streets for some extra fun.

Earlier that day we carved pumpkins as a family. We grew some massive pumpkins in our garden this year and it was so much fun to carve them. Katelynn did her own for the first time! Chad helped Logan and Niko and Brae (Niko's friend) free-handed their cute jack-o-lanterns! They created an adorable pac-man one that turned out awesome!

I was in charge of making pumpkin seeds (YUM!) and Kelsey was at work unfortunately. So I am including a picture of her "clowning around" a couple of weeks ago! :)

Kaysie's trip to Seattle

2009-10-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

Most people go on vacation and sightsee...not me! I was lucky enough to be able to go to Seattle and visit my sister, Angie, who just gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Another one of our sisters, Amy, and her 6 month old baby Brooke were there too, visiting from Ohio. We had a great time together and I had the best job...taking care of the babies until they were cranky and hungry!!

Amy, Angie, Baby Gage, and Kaysie

A beautiful picture of Gage (2 weeks old) taken by Amy (she does a GREAT job).

Amy's baby, Brooklynn, playing in the fall leaves

October 19, 2009

2009-10-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on our family: Chad has tapered off on bow hunting lately. We have been busy and the weather hasn't been real conducive. He is preparing for a trip to Mazatlan, Mexico in Early November with his work. He enjoys playing basketball and working on his motorcycles. He is pretty well recovered from a motorcycle accident he had while on his way to go hunting.

Our son, Niko, is working while preparing to go on a mission for the L.D.S. Church in January. We had a great multi-family gathering for his graduation in June and it is a joy to have him around!! We are really going to miss watching him wrestle this year...he was an animal!

Kelsey is a junior this year and is working hard in school and at the local A&W. She is very busy with school, work, social life, church, etc. She went to the Homecoming dance 2 weeks ago with her friend, Joey. She looked beautiful!

Katelynn is in the first grade and is so smart! She is reading on a 3rd grade level and reads everything! So much for spelling out words in front of her now. She and Logan participated in T-ball and swimming lessons this summer. they are great friends! Logan is home with me during the day and will turn 4 in December. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with him! He just finished playing YMCA soccer and is excited for the next adventure.

As for me, I love being a wife and mother. I am grateful for my wonderful husband who works so hard and makes it possible for me to be there whenever our kids need me. Now that the kids are getting a bit older, it has allowed me to do a few things I have wanted to. One of those things was to participate in my first sprint triathlon. I trained all summer and raced in August. It was a great accomplishment and I hope to do more next spring! I also rode in my first motorcycle race last April. It was a 52 mile enduro and it was difficult but rewarding. I also tried to spend more time with my horses this summer. They bring me so much joy.

Our Blogging Beginning - October 15th, 2009

2009-10-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

So, I have given in and joined the blogging world. It is so fun for me and my family to WATCH your families grow and develop right in front of our eyes. I forget that I am not doing the same and so I write boring emails. Well, even though we still have dial-up (ugh!), it is time to try something new. Hope this brings you closer to THE MONTANA GUYMON FAMILY!!