Lake Powell June 2014

Lake Powell was an adventure that we will never forget! We were so excited to go to Lake Powell again with Bill Nordgren and his new wife Shauna. Bill's two kids Cassidy and Cameron and Shauna's daughter Mia and her friend Carly. We arrived a day before Bill and his family. We were so surprised of how low the lake was. We searched for a really like time before we found an okay camping spot. It lake was so low that there were several weeds with stickers in them and not a very nice sandy beach. The water was murky and dirty and we didn't really want to swim right off shore because of how gross the water looked. However, we made the best of it and were still able to have a wonderful time. Mia was hilarious and great with the kids and so much fun. I had to leave a day early (I took Jared with me) to go to my niece Jessica's High School graduation. Chad stayed with the other three boys and Bill's family. That night Bill got really sick and had to go to the nearest hospital. Chad worried about them all night and and had a rough night of extreme wind blowing. By the time he heard from Bill the next day he decided to start packing up, because the wind was so bad. Bill spent the night in the hospital and was on his way back to camp. On the way back, Bill's boat broke down. Poor Chad ended up having to pack out our family, and then go back and tear down Bill's camp and take all of his stuff to the marina. He had to go back and fourth at least four times and it was about a 45 minute boat ride. He then had to drive the long 6 hour drive home. They didn't get home until after 2:00 in the morning.

Jared's Graduates from 6th Grade

Jared was so ready to be done with Elementary School. He loved his sixth grade teacher Mr. Kowallis and had a great year, but was so ready to be all done with Elementary School and move on to Jr. High. Some of Jared's good friends in 6th grade were, Logan Carter, Bailey Capt, Dusty Golling, Westin Erekson and Zeke Harris.

Strawberry Days June 2014

We love Strawberry Days. Pleasant Grove celebrates our city each year and June and has tons of activities each year to celebrate! We always go to the carnival on Wednesday evening because it is family night and the rides are cheaper, and we love the parade on Saturday morning. Our whole family volunteered one day and cut up strawberries for the most delicious strawberries and cream ever! We love it and always have a great time!

Spencer Turn's 9

Where has the time gone, and how is Spencer already 9 years old? It is so crazy. I am so thankful for my sweet Spencer in our family. He is so funny, sweet, smart, messy, silly, loveable, kind, and snuggly. Spencer is a little mini Kyle. He is daring and loves to be outside riding bikes and scooters. He is social and wants to be playing with a friend every second of every day. He is keeps his room a complete mess and loves little trinkets. If he has any money he wants to spend it! He still loves to snuggle with me and I am so thankful for that! We have a tradition on birthdays to get giant size donut for your bday breakfast. Spencer chose to have his birthday part at Nickle City. It was actually pretty fun and low key. I just bought all of the kids $5 worth of nickle's and let them loose. They had a great time winning tickets and spending them at the end. Spencer got a bow and arrow for his birthday this year. I think he had a pretty happy birthday. I love my Spencer and I am so thankful for my sweet "baby cakes."

My Preschool Retirement

I have LOVED teaching preschool in my home for the last 10 years. This year I had a very interesting class. I had a mix of super cute lovely kids and a few high maintenance kids, that kept me on my toes. I loved it because I had my sweet nephew Jace with me and my sister in law Cathryn came to help everyday. I don't know what I would have done without Cathryn's help. I think I told her everyday, that I don't know how I had taught for the last 9 years with out help. I don't really know why, but I decided that this would be my last year teaching. I have had a strong feeling that I need to get my teaching certificate up to date and see where life takes me. So, I packed up all of my preschool belongings, sent a whole truck load to DI and retired. I am still having reservations about it and really hope that I made the right decision. Below are some pictures of my class as well as my Favorite Santa Claus. He was the father of my dear friend, Josie Platts who has 7 children and I had all of them but the baby in my preschool classes. I will miss them dearly. Santa Claus is pictured with my nephew Jace as well as a picture of Cathryn, Jace and I at our preschool graduation.

Jared's Canyoneering Trip

I am so proud of Jared. He worked so hard in 6th grade. He turned all of his homework in on time and had a great attitude all year long about school. At the beginning of the school year, he had heard that his teacher picks a few kids out of the class and takes them to hike and go canyoneering at the end of the school year. He set a goal that he wanted to be picked and he got it! He was one of five kids (2 boys and 3 girls). His teacher Mr. Kory Kowallis and another teacher drove them down on their own time and spent all day with the kids. Jared said that it was a really hard hike and most of the canyoneering was quite scary for most of the kids, especially the girls. I guess Jared was a trooper and Mr. K said he did awesome. Mr. K also said that he probably won't do that again. It was just too hard. So, luckily he Jared got to go! He is heading into Jr. High. I think he is excited and a little nervous about the unknown. I have a feeling he is going to do great!

Dinner with the Family

We had a lovely night out with Chad's parents and his aunt Lori. The boys have been wanting to go back to UVU culinary arts restraunt where Julie used to work. The cuisine was French the night we went. The boys were very brave and tried scallops, muscles, and frog legs. 

Proof that they are the frog legs and enjoyed them

Dessert was the best part. Chocolate mousse, Creme Brûlée and a pear torte.