Youth Temple Trip

At the close of yet another school year, we are sticking to the tradition we've had for the past few years we have taken the youth that same weekend up to the Cardston Temple to do baptisms for the dead.  This happened to be Kenzie's first time going to the temple for youth baptisms.  She was beyond excited as this was something she has been looking forward to doing.  Mckay, Payton, Kenzie, and I drove up with the youth to participate in this neat experience.  She was pretty tiny in there.  We had a great time being in the house of the Lord with our kids that are able to attend the temple with us.  The Spirit is so strong and the temple is purely beautiful.  It is a wonderful time to focus on the things that matter most!

Beautiful McKenzie's first time to do baptisms at the temple.

Kenzie age 11 and eager to go to the temple.

Oh they look so good (love these youth of mine).

I love to see the temple!

It sure is a blessing being surrounded by youth and their personalities.

Not living closer to the temple makes it a bit of a sacrifice to get a large group able to go.  It was a wonderful way to kick off our summer after a day at the temple together!

So blessed to be able to do this together.

I couldn't think of a better tradition to jump start our Summer Vacation...making memories and focusing on things that matter most!

Last Day of School 2019

It's the last day of school and it always feels like a holiday and time to celebrate!  Summer time is always magical and we love soaking up as much fun as we can cram in during those few months without a regular schedule.  It is the perfect time to take a break from stresses and worries and just be together while letting the kids be kids.  They each worked hard this school year pushed to do their best.  Well done with another school year!

Getting various awards.

Taylor is a good student and makes his reading goals.

Brielle is kind and works hard on her school work as well.

Way to be McKenzie.  She puts a lot of time and effort into her school work and it shows.

Brielle is playing a friendly game of tug of war. (She is in the floral shirt).

Pull hard!

Gavin has done well in preschool with me.  He was enjoying watching the kids do an obstacle coarse.

Cute Brielle!  On the last day of school I like to sneak down there to watch the award ceremony, then we stayed for part of track and field day, followed by a picnic lunch, and an EARLY out!

Taylor is thrilled to be getting a break for this summer, he is my sentimental kid and loves spending time as a family!

Payton does well in school and he enjoys shooting hoops with his friends.

Kenzie is all smiles and ready for the break too!

My 5 rascals!  School is out for the summer!!!  We plan to make it count!!

Jr High Dance (Payton & McKenzie)

Payton and Kenzie are both able to go to the 8th Grade Dance this year.  Payton is a 7th grader and Kenzie is a 6th grader (both with leadership positions).  They came to the graduation and following that they both were looking forward to the school dance.  The 6th graders only stay for part of the time and then the older grades stay for a little while longer.

Payton and McKenzie are both looking good!

My, how they grow up so extremely fast!

I am so happy I get to call them mine!

Payton was asked to help the 8th grade class on and off the stage.

Excited to go to the dance!

Sure love them!

Kenzie and Kamree (these girls are such good buddies).

So pretty!

Payton loves Stake Dances too and honestly I love that he enjoys doing these things with friends.  McKenzie can't wait until she is old enough to attend the Stake Dances as well.  It amazes me how my kids are changing and growing up before my eyes.

Spring Has Sprung

I love all seasons, but spring to me signifies that we are heading out of tax season, Mckay will be around more, and catching up on some much needed family time, flowers in full bloom, more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, etc.  Here are a few recent things we've been up to.

Gavin was at the school with me and decided to hide in someone's locker.

Kenzie had a cute Fashion show with the Young Women and Brielle happened to be there that night with the makeshift Dress Mckay and I brought the girls home from Mexico.  My cute little island girls!

Gavin on the tractor helping Grandpa with some spring work around the house.

Nothing like piling on a tractor with a grandpa...so many memories!

Brielle and Gavin on with Grandpa.

Fun times!

This may have been Mother's Day when Grandpa wanted to drive the kids to and from church on the new golf cart.  They all pile on!  I'm still trying to figure out who enjoys this more...Grandpa or all of the grandkids!

Warms my heart!

After church on Mother's Day we headed to the mountains with some family and friends.  The husbands were taking over the meal and made some delicious dutch oven dishes to share with the group.

It was wonderful to spend some time outside again!

Taylor was ready to eat and explore.

Brielle loves being outside and this made for the perfect day!

Kenzie enjoys spending time with friends and family.

My handsome, caring chef/husband.  Thanks for the meal babe!

I am so blessed to have married my best friend!

The day was perfect, all except for the tiny and very annoying ticks that always seem to accompany our spring trips to the mountains.

Nice weather also means I get to get back out on the lawn mower.  Let me tell you it is an easy way for Gavin to snag a power nap and sometimes it never fails that I feel him starting to get heavier on my lap as he begins dozing off.  I cherish moments like these!

Taylor was begging and begging for us to put the trampoline up and after school he was delighted to see I had surprised him with that request!

At the end of the school year, some young classes at the school go on walking field trips to the public library here in town.  Gavin and I decided to join in the fun but he didn't last long before he started to doze off.  The classmates all thought he was cute.

We are so excited for SUMMER VACATION just around the corner!

Gavin enjoys story time and learning, and having cousins around is a perk he loves too.  He is a great kid!

One thing I love about Kenzie is her cooking talent.  She will get hankering for something yummy and we all benefit from her in this area.  It's sure nice to have more cooks in the kitchen!

Making chocolate cookies with her cookie press.