Uncle Greg's Wedding

This weekend I traveled to Montana for my Uncle Greg's Wedding. He got divorced over 15 years ago and we didn't think anyone could tame him again- but Cheryl Macarthur succeeded. Welcome to the family Cheryl. The whole family made the trek, except LJ who was stuck in Boise attending summer school. :( My cousin Mat and I travled together and made the the 9 hour drive in 7.5! WOW!! It was a hot day, but a great day. It was fun to be with the family. Mat and I could only stay for the weekend, but everyone else is going to the cabin until Tuesday. I am so jealous! Enjoy the pics- more once I get copies of Kori's pictures (Luke took twice as many as I did!) Congratulations Greg and Cheryl!!!

Kody
Josh & Kade
Mat, Ryan, Kris, Luke, & Kody
Dad, Uncle Myron,
Grandpa & Grandma

Kris, Jason, Luke
Mom, Katie, Max
All the grandkids- Jeff, Kade, Max, Jack, Mckenzie
Kiley, Jamie, Jeff, Katie, Max
Aunt Lynn, Drew, Mom, Mat

Kris and Kody in the news

Columbia players Kody Ulmer, left, and brother Kris share a laugh in between innings at Simplot Stadium during a game with the Caldwell Silver Streaks.
Ulmers develop together
Tate Castletontcastleton@idahopress.com
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
NAMPA — Kris and Kody Ulmer each play very different roles on a Columbia Mud Cats team that is still working hard to find its stride. But make no mistake, both are vital components to what this youthful team does. Kris, a talented infielder recently named this year’s 4A Southern Idaho Conference player of the year with the Columbia Wildcats, considers playing alongside his younger brother Kody, a potent pitcher, a privilege, but admits it’s not always easy.“It’s a lot of fun ... but, I’m not going to lie, he ticks me off sometimes,” the older Ulmer said. “He sometimes commits those little mistakes that younger guys do, and I did it too, but, he’s been a stud for us this year. He really has.” Just a sophomore this past season, Kody burst on to the scene earlier this spring and continues to command the hill with the ease of a senior.“(Kody) has been phenomenal in my opinion this season,” Kris said. “He’s far surpassed what I expected from him.” His older brother isn’t the only one Kody has managed to impress. For the Wildcats, the young ace collected the team’s second best record among pitchers, finishing 5-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 51 innings pitched. He’s not been as fortunate with the 1-12 Mud Cats, but he’s one of the best pitchers Columbia’s got to choose from.“He’s terrific,” Columbia head coach Phil Diplock said. “Kody has done well for us all year with both teams (Mud Cats and Wildcats). He pitches with a lot of maturity and throws with a lot of confidence.” But, Kody said his success has not developed over night, and he owes a lot to Kris. “Playing with (Kris) and growing up with him has been interesting,” Kody said. “It’s definitely made me a better baseball player, because if I screw up I hear about it.”Kris has led the Mud Cats this season, much like he led the Wildcats in the spring.“I’m the outspoken one,” Kris said. “Kody is more quiet and reserved. That’s OK though, because when it’s time for him to pitch, he takes care of business.” For the Wildcats, Kris hit .402 and drove in 26 RBIs last season, and also led Columbia to the 4A state championship in 2007 in the team’s inaugural season. As Kody continues to blossom on the mound, Kris remains dominant in the infield. “They are both so talented and contribute so much,” teammate Juan Hernandez said. “Each of them are really different, but we couldn’t do what we do without them.” (http://www.idahopress.com/sections/treasurevalleysports/page.php?cat=313&articleid=11188&action=article)

This article ran in the Idaho Press Tribune on Tuesday. Kris thought it was cheesy, but I am a proud sister! You rock Kris and Kody! Way to go!!

More pictures from the game= Kody pitching and Kris sliding into 2nd.

McKenzie's B-day

Kori's daughter McKenzie turns 1 Monday, June 23, but we partied on Sunday. We all went to Kori's house in Mountain Home for pizza and cake. It was a great time. The cake was good, the company entertaining, and the drive pleasant. Mckenzie doesn't really know it was her birthday, but it is always fun to hang out with everyone anyway! She was not as entertaining as her brother was with his cake, but she was still cute. Happy Birthday Mckenzie!!

Mckenzie before she ate cake
Mckenzie putting her face in the cake
Jack showing some attitude (he does that frequently these days)
Kori helping Mckenzie open presents while Jack and Kade assist.
Jack and Kade show Mckenzie how to eat her cake!

Surprise!

I completed my Master's Degree Paper back in February, but I did not officially graduate until May. My diploma came in the mail last Monday and LJ decided to surprise me. He took my diploma and had it professionally framed. Then he planned a surprise party for me with his family to celebrate! I was shocked! No one has ever thrown me a surprise party before. It was so neat. Jayson and Anita got me an awesome book, Matt and AJ got me a really cool coffee mug that reads, "Dangerously Educated," Jake and Kim got me a massage, and Rick and Kellie got me the picture I have wanted forever of George Washington at Valley Forge. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful night and a great surprise!! :)

My Diploma!!

Such a great picture!!

Sawtooth Relay!!

Last weekend I participated in the Sawtooth Relay for the first time!! It is a race from Stanley to Ketchum, Idaho. Teams have 6 members who run successive legs of the race that average between 10-12 miles. It was such an adventure. Our group started at 2:30am and I was supposed to run the first leg. LJ and I camped at Easley Campground near Ketchum along with our friends Kacey and Mario. Mario drove us up to Stanley @ 1:00 in the morning and ended up driving 30 miles past it while the rest of us slept, so by the time we got back, I missed my first leg of the race! I was sad, but it didn't dampen the day too much. My second leg was leg 7, down Galena Summit, a loss of over 1400 feet over 6.02 miles. It was so fun! I ran less than 9 minute miles and felt great. The race is so fun. Teams are creative and everyone cheers for everyone along the entire route. It was great to cheer on teammates and follow the course. Plus if you have never been up there, the scenery is some of the most beautiful in the world. The Sawtooth, Pioneer, and Boulder-WhiteCloud Mountains are heaven! The course also follows the Salmon River! Everyone must see it for themselves!! I cannot wait to do it again next year. More importantly, I accomplished another goal I set for myself since I started losing weight and it feels great. I feel like I could do anything now!! Maybe I will even think about running Robie Creek next year???

"South Stride"- Sue, Kari, Marcy, Kacey, Karen, Jennette
Crossing the finish line!!
LJ and I along the Big Wood River in Ketchum
View from Galena Summit
Another view from Galena Summit

For LJ

This post is just for LJ. His family likes shooting guns, so up at Elk City they shot a mushroom and recorded it, so I thought I would post it so you gun lovers can see how much fun shooting can be. LJ also thinks this blog is all about me, so now there is something on it that he likes!!!

End of the Year

Another school year has come to a close! This marks the end of my fourth year teaching and one of my favorite groups of students. It was a great year and I finally felt like I knew what I was doing and felt confident with my abilities. This year is even more sentimental than others because it signals the end of my teaching at the current South Junior High. South will be torn down in the next few weeks and replaced with a brand new building, standing where our field used to be. While I am excited for new facilities, it is sad to say goodbye to my first classroom, even with its moldy ceiling tiles, marked up desks, cracked walls, and outside cafeteria. Thanks for the great memories South Junior High and here's to years of new ones to come!!!

Braddock's B-day

Braddock turned one on Thursday, June 5th. LJ's family got together for dinner, cake, and presents. It was a windy, but fun evening. Braddock was covered in cake by the end! It was a fun night!!!

Brenton, Jake, Kellie, Anita, Jayson
Jake and Kellie
Braddock the Birthday Boy
Face full of cake!
Rick and Braddock before the damage

Building the fort

The fort and swingset
Kids playing
Grandpa, Dave, Mat, and Kody
Kiley, Ryan, Josh, and Jeff
Mat and Jason (cousins)

Kris Graduation

My brother Kris graduated from Columbia High School last Friday night. The whole family was in town to celebrate. We had a barbecue on Saturday afternoon and tons of fun. My parents bought a new swing set & fort for the grandkids, so the boys spent the afternoon starting to put it together. Sunday we all attended my parents ward and Clint's family was in town to bless Max. It was a very full but fun weekend. Way to go Kris- we are proud of you!!

Kristopher Clinton Ulmer

Columbia High School

Class of 2008

Grandma, Dad, Mom, Grandma

Mat, Kody, Jack, Jason

Kris and his friend Tayson

Kiley and Kori