New Beginnings

We had our New Beginnings several months ago.  Our YW President did an amazing job planning and preparing for the evening.  The decorations were fabulous!  She made a make shift mine shaft that looked very real.  The evening turned out fantastic.  The girls learned about the YW theme for the year which is "Embark in the Service of God".  There were treats at the end which is a great way to finish off a great evening!

Forever Dancing

Kenzie is always dancing or posing or stretching or jumping or or or.....

We were visiting some friends and she wanted to try and balance on this teeny tiny mantle.  We had to snap a very quick picture, but she did it!

HOBY

Kenzie got chosen to go to HOBY Leadership Camp and represent the high school.  The spent a few days there learning leadership skills, the importance of service, and having fun.  On the last night the parents were invited up to see what they had been doing.  It looks like they learned a lot and were taught how to be a positive influence to those they come in contact with.  I'm so glad Kenz got chosen to go and am so proud that she is taking on a leadership role.  She is an amazing girl!

Brides Room Tour

The Young Women and their moms got a special invitation to tour the brides room at the temple.  The room was not part of the regular tour so it was a really special thing to be able to go.  Like the rest of the temple, the brides room was beautiful, celestial!  As we were in the brides room I couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before I would be in there when one of my girls would be getting ready for their own marriage.  I love the temples!

Vote 4 Kenz

Kenzie had so much fun on student council this year that she decided to run again this year.  Her cute friends helped her with her posters and t-shirts for her campaign.  I thought everything turned out super cute.

I was really surprised when I got the call that she didn't make it.  She seemed to be ok with it though.  I'm sure she was disappointed, but she didn't show it.  She just said she'd try again next year.

It was a hard student council year for us.  Kenz, Spencer, and Jo all ran and none of them made it.  I'm glad they all had good attitudes about it and didn't let it get to them too much.

Payson Temple Open House

We got to tour the Payson Temple during the open house, and it is beautiful!  We will be in the Payson Temple district.  I feel so blessed to have so many temples so close to us.  Even though we don't have to go very far, sometimes it's hard to get to the temple.  We are going to get there more often, not just for us but for the kids too.  What an amazing blessing it is to be able to do the work of the Lord in such a beautiful building!

Sleepover Play

Jo took drama this year and had her end of year performance. 

The play was about a sleepover, hence the name.

Jo played the role of the sassy-boy crazed girl.

The play was really cute and they all did a great job.

Crazy that I've now been to 4 drama class performances,which means no more 7th graders for me.

Spencer turns 14

I sure love this crazy boy of mine. 

 He wanted No Bake Cookies for his birthday treat, so that's what he got!

14 things about my Bubba:

~he's very tender-hearted

~gives great hugs

~has started lifting weights and playing football

~likes to dance around the house

~very smart

~fun to be around

~is very particular about his hair

~loves basketball

~honors his priesthood

~is wearing his 2nd set of braces

~gets along with people of all ages

~is a hard worker when he wants to be

~has a great smile

~and best of all, he's mine!

Dance with Me

Tanner got his sling off just in time for his very first prom.  I can't believe my boy is heading to prom.  For their day date they went to the aquarium and I think they had a really good time there.  Then it was back home to get ready, then to promenade, Tucanos for dinner, and finally to prom!

They went with this cute couple and they all had a great time together!

Tanner & Holly

Had to get a picture with my son all grown up!

Beach Day 2

We had to do another beach day while we were there.  

Ry & Tanner having something father/son bonding time.  What a good view!

Jo & Spencer could've spent the whole day out in the water.  They had a blast trying to catch some waves.  They wanted me to go out with them, but the water was a little too cold for my liking.

A little bit of catch on the shore.

An all time favorite, getting buried in the sand!

Kenzie loves mermaids!

She thinks they are the coolest thing, even though they aren't real.  However if you said that to her she would be very upset with you and would argue with you that actually they are real.  Crazy girl!

I love when the kids get along and enjoy each other.  It's kind of a rare occasion as of late, so I had to capture the moment while it lasted:)

This time they didn't just cover her with sand.  They actually dug a hole and had her get in it and then buried her.  Towards the end I think she got a little claustrophobic because she kind of started to panic and wanted to get the heck out of there, and fast!

Just a head!

Our spring break was a lot of fun.  We all enjoyed it. After the surgery and school and the busy life that we lead it came at a much needed time.  It was relaxing and nice to get away, do some fun things, visit family, and just enjoy.  It was hard to go back to work and school and life.

Mormon Battalion Museum

We went to the Mormon Battalion Museum and it was super fun.  It's a interactive museum and they did a great job.  The pictures on the wall "come to life" and take you on a journey.  It was a lot of fun and everyone really enjoyed it, even the teenagers!

Joneaux sporting some gear that the soldiers were outfitted in!

Panning for gold. 

Spencer & Joneaux snuggles!!

Old Town San Diego

Anna took us to visit Old Town San Diego.  It's cool to walk around and see all the old original buildings.  Of course we had to make a stop at the candy store.  Anna treated everyone to a candy of their choice.  Afterwards we and ate some yummy authentic Mexican food!

Loved spending some time with my 2 cute nephews!

San Diego Temple

We took the kids to do baptisms one morning.  I feel so blessed to be able to have all my kids in the temple with us.  It's such a peaceful feeling.  I pray that we will always be able to go together often.  What an amazing thing the promise of eternal families is.  I'm grateful everyday to know that I get to be with my husband and kids for eternity if we follow the commandments!

Beach Day 1

I love the beach!  The sound of the waves rolling in, the ocean mist, the warmth of the sun, building sandcastles, burying the kids in the sand, letting my toes sink in as the waves come in and out, the peaceful atmosphere.  I love it!

Spencer wanted to buried and then Joneaux joined right in!

Two cute beach boys!

Love my sister and am so glad we were able to spend a few days with her,
Ama, and the boys.  In a perfect world I would live by all my siblings!

Tanner & Kenzie hard at work getting ready to ask Holly to prom.

I thought this turned out SO cute!  

She responded by doing the same thing and writing "Yes" in the heart.  

Hodad's

We love watching "Diners Drive-ins & Dives".  One day that went to Hodad's and Ry has wanted to try it out ever since.  So, when we were in San Diego it was only fitting that we go!

It's a teeny place with hardly any room to walk.  It's decorated mostly with different license plates.  It's a very fun place and everyone should make sure to stop there.

We ordered our food to go because it was SO packed in there.  

I'm betting it's always that way.

The burgers were delicious!  Probably one of the best I've had.  Now, I'm not a super picky eater and am pretty happy with most everything I eat, but these burgers were fabulous!  I'll definitely be sure to go there next time we are in San Diego!

As you can tell we all really enjoyed our food.

Jo would've liked it but she wasn't feeling very well, so she missed out on the deliciousness:(

San Diego Zoo

We met up at the zoo with our friends who were also enjoying Cali for their spring break.

I thought this tiny green bird was so pretty.

His colors were so brilliant, I had to get a picture.

I wanted a picture of the pretty green bird, and Tanner wanted a picture of the polar bear because he was pooping and that of course is super hilarious and picture worthy! 

One day I'd like to go to the Caribbean and swim with turtles.

Maybe that means I need to go on another cruise.

Not sure if they were supposed to climb on the camel's back, but they did anyways!

We also watched Rio in 4D which was super cute and super fun! 

I'll mark it down as a successful day at the San Diego Zoo!

U.S. Borax Museum

In a small town of about 2.253 people there is a teeny tiny museum called the U.S. Borax Museum.  We took a short tour of the museum.  Ry's dad retired from U.S. Borax after working there for 40+ years.  The site is huge and they produce all the Borax for the U.S.  So, we decided to take a peek at what it's all about.  The kids are standing in front of a display where everything

 there is made from Borax.  

A huge tire from one of the trucks that is used in the "pit".

It was a quick stop, but gave us a much needed break.

Ronald Reagan Library

We went to California for Spring Break!  It was so nice to get away.  After sitting on the couch for 2 weeks, Tanner really needed to get out and do something fun.  I was nervous for him to be in the car for a long time, but he did really well.  We stayed at my FIL's house for a few days and then went to San Diego.  The whole trip was a blast and I wish we were still there.

We went to the Ronald Reagan Library one of the days.  I wasn't too sure how fun it would be, but we all really enjoyed it.  It's huge and there is a lot to see.  We got to tour the inside of Air Force One.  It's a huge plane and it isn't even as big as the one that is now in use.  There was a  piece of the Berlin wall there, cars, photos, clothing, movies, and tons more.  Downstairs they were having a special "car show". There were cars from movies, old time classic cars, some of the first cars ever.  I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun we all had there.  Afterwards we went to eat at a yummy BBQ restaurant.  

Fun Times

We went to play games with some friends one night and the kids decided they wanted to roast marshmallows.  So, they went to work making a fire, got some blankets and buckets to sit on, and had a great time out there.

Jo ran for student council and wanted this on her poster.  Unfortunately she didn't make it, but she had a good attitude about it and said she would try again.  

Spencer lovin' on Marshall!

These are the things that make life good.  The everyday stuff.  Love visiting with friends and family and making memories that will last!  I feel grateful to have the life I have!