Ryanne's Birthday Party

I have to admit that I am having trouble keeping up on life lately. I would like to blame pregnancy. Ryanne turned 12 on July 27th. She is such an amazing young lady. We FINALLY had a party for her. Tim put together some "Minute to Win it" games and we had pizza and junk food.

I love Ryanne's friends! They are all such great kids.

Don't get me wrong, it sucked but we loved it.....

Let me start by saying, "I love my girls!" 

We made Hanna and Morgan go on Trek. This is an object lesson on walking across the plains as the pioneers did. They took buses to Wyoming and then walked about 40 miles as if they were pioneers. They were split into families and pulled handcarts and even dressed as the pioneers did (Morgan was the most upset by the clothing). They left at 4:30 am on a Tuesday and returned Friday at 6 pm. I went to meet the buses with hesitation. I was afraid they would both hate me when they returned.

Once the buses stopped it was mayhem. Pioneers everywhere. I walked into the crowd honestly fearing the wrath I was about to receive.

It seemed like I walked around forever. Finally, I felt my girls on either side of me. BOTH of them were smiling. 

I started to cry. I was so happy that they were home and had smiles on their faces.

They were stinky and dirty and look at Hanna's hair. 

Morgan had her pioneer clothes off before her second foot was off of the bus.

BUT, let me say it again. They were BOTH happy!!

They both had cute friends that went with them.

They were welcomed home by a sign made by Emmie and Haidyn.

I took the girls to dinner that night. They both told stories that made me laugh and cry. In the end they both loved Trek. They said, "Don't get me wrong, it sucked and was so hard, but we loved it."

 To which my wise friend and neighbor replied, "Doesn't everything worth having/doing suck sometimes?"

I realized that I sent my daughters on Trek not as much for the experience, but mostly because we made our son go 4 years ago and I did not want to deal with his wrath for not making the girls go. (Remember pregnant and taking the path of least resistance) What they came home with was an experience that they will never forget and a respect for hard ships faced by many of their ancestors. Not to mention friendships that I am sure they will treasure.

On Sunday Hanna spoke in church of her experience on Trek. I would never be able to do justice to the wonderful talk she gave, so I won't even try. I will simply leave it at this.....
"Oh the things I learn from my children...."

Happy Birthday Ryanne!!!

Ryanne is 12 today!!!

I can't believe it.

Ryanne is beautiful on the inside and out!

Happy Birthday Ryanne! We love you!

4th of July

We spent the 4th of July at the Lloyd's house. Great friends, great food and great games!!!

Good times!

Steel Days 2011

Tim and I took the "littles" to American Fork Steel Days. I remember days of taking 5 little kids to the carnival. I would do it again in a heartbeat. For now, this is how the carnival goes.....

 Morgan ditched us to hang with her friends (As was totally expected).

 Ryanne talked Emmie into this ride. Emmie almost peed her pants. She ended up loving it and went again by herself.

 Tim joined the fun.

 Slide races....

 Happy Em

 Not my best side. But, I wanted proof that I participated. I was pooped just walking around.

Emmie Lu!

We ended the day with HUGE ice cream cones from Maceys. No pictures. I was worn out!

As were leaving, I saw a lady that I had worked with at Ross before I was married. I usually refrain from saying hi to old acquaintances. I mean, what if they don't remember me? I swallowed my pride and said, "hi." She remembered me and told me I was so much fun. It is weird. She is the one who referred me to our Doctor (the same one that is about to deliver our 6th baby.) It made me realize that people we only know for a short time have such a big impact on our lives. 

I am so grateful!

Party On!

it seemed only appropriate to celebrate jaxson's graduation. i love this kid! we had a great day with family and friends. as i think about all of the amazing people who came to celebrate, i am touched at the influence each of you have had on jaxson's life. jaxson is a great young man. i firmly believe that it is due, in part, to all of you! many thanks to all......

I mean look how cute he is. how can you not love him to death?

look at that old man go!

happy graduation son!!!

Class of 2011

Our High School Graduate

 It was a great day. We had dinner at Outback with friends and family. We are so proud of Jaxson. Honored to have such an amazing son!