Weekend at the Cabin

After the baptism, we made a quick stop at my grandparents' house where we filled up water jugs and I took some quick snapshots of the flowers in my grandparents' front yard. They were all so pretty I couldn't resist posting them. Then with our friends, The Buddecke's we traveled up to my grandparents cabin. We only spent one night and one day, but we managed to roast marshmallows and play games. We also, took a tour of the Flaming Gorge Dam where we learned how the Dam works and we also got to see and feed the fish at the bottom. The kids were a little board, but they liked the fish. We then went to Red Canyon Overlook so our friends could see the spectacular view. We saw deer, yellow bellied marmots, and Adam and I got to see a mother moose and her calf run across the meadow. It was amazing although my friend's husband was jealous because he had never seen a moose before and wished he could have seen them. I guess I should have woke him up. Anyway, we had a good weekend with our friends and wished it could have been longer.

Makayla's Baptism

On June 19th, Makayla was baptized. It was such a beautiful experience! Not to mention she was beautiful. Thanks to all the family and friends who came to support Makayla and who made this day possible. Also, to all provided food for the lunch afterward. I don't think I have ever felt the Spirit so strong as the moment Makayla received the Holy Ghost. I have been to many baptisms, but it is totally different when the one becoming the newest member of the Church is your own daughter. Both Adam and I are very proud of her decision to follow Christ. She is such a special little girl and we are so happy to have her as our daughter. We hope that she will continue to choose the right and be a good example to those around her. We love you Makayla!

Boys Playing in Water

While their sisters were spending a week at Grandma's house the boys had fun playing in the water. I got out the Slip n' Slide and swimming pool and the boys had fun! I was surprised that Jaxton even wanted to play in the water. They were so cute watching taking turns sliding and slipping. Even if the water was very COLD.

Family Trip to Arches 5-27-2010

Last Thursday, we got up early and headed to Arches National Monument which is only about a two hour drive for us. We first hiked the upper viewpoint to Delicate Arch. We wanted to hike to the arch, but we weren't sure how the kids would do. This is really our first hiking trip as a family. The kids did pretty well hiking the half-mile up trail to see the arch. I on the other hand fell behind partly because I am packing some extra 'baby weight' literally and partly because I would stop and take pictures. It also was about 95 degrees and the wind was blowing pretty hard. We all made it though and enjoyed taking in the beautiful view.

After lunch, the next hike we went on was around The Windows. We took the long route which was just over a mile around. There were loads of other hikers and a few were amazed to see Jaxton climbing and hiking like the other kids. He hiked the whole way we didn't have to carry him at all. At one point along the trail Adam got out a tool he uses at work to measure wind speed, humidity, and temperature. The wind speed was 35mph. Crazy! Nearly enough to knock both he and I off our feet. Needless to say it was difficult wearing our hats.

Adam and the older kids also hiked around Balanced Rock which only took about 15 min. I was wiped out and Jaxton was also getting sleepy so we stayed in the van where it was nice and cool.

By this time I think we had all had enough hiking for the day. We decided we would have to explore the rest of the park another time. My friend Kim works at Dead Horse Point so we drove up there to find her. She ended up not working up there that day so we went and found her preparing for a lecture she was giving at the Info Center in Moab. She gave us a quick run through of her slide show and we learned a little about Dead Horse Point. It was good to see Kim and will have to visit her another time when she can go hiking with us. All in all it was a fun trip.

Surprisingly, none of the kids slept on the way home, but all went right to bed and slept in Friday. Not bad for the first day of summer vacation!

Another slideshow by Smilebox

Last Week of School Activities

After, school the girls and I were stranded at the school because Adam had taken the van to get an oil change. Of course, while they were doing that they had to replace a couple minor things, but it took forever for them to finish. Thankfully, the boys were at a babysitter. The girls played on the playground and I took pictures. No real surprise there. They are both doing so well at crossing the monkey bars. Too bad they are going to have to wait until next year to play on the school playground again.




Right after Kelseanja got her certificate, I rushed over to Makayla's classroom because I had brought them cookies and drinks to celebrate Makayla's birthday. I also brought her balloons which I know she was excited to get. I was even able to get a picture of Makayla and her teacher, Mrs. Orehek. Happy Birthday Makayla!



The day after the b-day party, Kelseanja's Kindergarten class had a little Graduation Ceremony. The kids sang probably twenty songs or more. They all did such a good job! Then Mrs. Bainter presented them all with certificates for passing Kindergarten and also awards for things the kids improved and excelled in during the year. Kelseanja was so nervous, but she did well. One of the awards that she got was for her neat writing. Congrats Kelseanja! After the awards were handed out, we watched a slide show of pictures from the year. All the kids did so well and all of them had someone there supporting them for graduation.




Kelseanja's friend Ana's b-day party. Ana had a big party and invited the whole kindergarten class, including teachers, parents, and siblings. At the party, they served dinner, cupcakes, cotton candy, and had a bump n' jump. The kids all had a blast! Some of them were a little goofy. It was so fun to see all the kids playing so well together. Ana opened her presents and really loved the slip n' slide that Kelseanja gave her. Yay! for birthday parties!