UTAH & EFY

After trek, Asher had a little food and the next day we drove to Utah.

The whole reason for the trip was for these two.  Asher and Simon were going to their first EFY!  They had a great week and maybe I can convince Asher to write about the experience.

Austin, Reagan, Kyler and I took them to their room to drop their luggage and then escorted them to the Activity Room.  Asher didn't seem sad to see us go....imagine that!  

Kyler and I spent the week with my cousin Andrew and his family.  I LOVE MY COUSINS and every minute I get to spend with them!  Andrew and Michelle are so wonderful and I'll take any excuse to visit and stay with them.  Kyler had me take about 100 photos of him on this swing.  I'd like to say this is one of the crazy ones, but it's just Ky in his normal state.

Andrew and Michelle have two adorable boys and a little girl on the way.  Drew loved to play with Kyler and it was fun to see my baby be the big kid.  I wish I could find a way to bottle Drew's energy and use it for myself.  He's non-stop!

Could you just die from the cuteness?!?  Braeden is so sweet and of course thinks he's just as grown up as his big brother.  It was really fun to watch him copy Drew all week.

I loved using my new camera and thankfully the boys would sit still long enough for me to get a shot.

Love these boys!

During the week we met up with Austin and Reagan a couple of times.  First, we had lunch with them on Monday before we took the boys to EFY.  Then Austin had a class in Salt Lake during the week and we played with Reagan at Temple Square while he was in class.  She took us to this window seat at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building where she and Austin took some wedding photos.  Kyler didn't appreciate her mentioning that they had kissed right where he was sitting.  He can tolerate many things......kissing is not one of them!

It is a beautiful view!

Since I only had Kyler with me, he was the one I had to pose in the photos.  He was mildly cooperative.

Yes....this was the best shot.  At least he didn't put his hand over his face like Asher and Jean-Jacques would.

We even took Kyler to see the Tabernacle.  My childhood view of General Conference!

I loved the field of white flowers......

in miniature!  

Remember back in 2008 when we visited Nauvoo.  The boys would pose like the statues for me.  This was my all-time favorite!

Fast forward 5 years and this is what you get!  Reagan was trying, but Kyler....not so much.

I was also able to visit with Jean-Jacques and Sherrily during the week.  Most of our outings involved food.....eating or shopping for it.  I was able to buy Postum again!!!!  Happy Day!  He and Sherrily also took us to Tucano's Brazillian Buffet.  It was so delicious!!!  The waiter asked Kyler what he thought of the meal and he replied. "It's not as good as Golden Corral"  Jean-Jacques had no words.  Gotta love a 9 year-old and his palette!  Jean-Jacques and I were able to get away for lunch alone (thanks, Michelle for taking Kyler!) and have sushi.  It was so good!  Jean-Jacques doesn't like to have his photo taken a lot....especially by himself.  Since I didn't get a photo of him, I thought I would share one from his wedding. 

He's so good-looking, right?

Before we knew it, it was Saturday and time to pick up Asher.  Thankfully, Austin and Reagan volunteered to get him and even took him to Kneaders for breakfast.  We met up a little later and enjoyed some play time at Trafalga in Lehi, UT.  They played mini golf....

 and fish-your-ball-out-of-the-water...

and racing!

 

We ended with video games before we went to eat at the boys favorite restaurant....CHUCK-A-RAMA!  Jean-Jacques and Sherrily even joined us.

 Competitive boys!

 After lunch, we went to the mall to see Audra one last time.  She was able to come over one night earlier in the week to chat.  Wish we could have spent more time together, but she's busy working two jobs and Relief Society President in her ward!  We were fortunate to catch her at the very beginning of her lunch break.  It gave us plenty of time to chat and to even get a photo.  She's now even busier with adding graduate school to her schedule!

 Sunday morning (Father's Day) we packed up and said goodbye to Andrew and his family.  We headed down to Provo to hear Austin speak in church. Austin gave a great talk and after sacrament, they invited us back to their apartment to have breakfast.  It was so yummy!  We even played yahtzee and talked with Dad and Connie on Skype. 

 I'm so thankful for all the time I could spend with three of my siblings!!!  (Wish Catherine was closer - Alaska's too far away!)

Great week.....Great memories!

TREK

Asher!

  Colton!

Little boys never grow up.  He's James Bond in this photo......isn't it an uncanny resemblance?!?

This is the only activity that I completely disagree with.  I can only imagine my ancestors, who actually walked to Zion with a handcart, looking down on this and saying, "REALLY?!?  That was our trial.  Could you please teach these kids how to navigate through THEIR trials!"  I even told my children that they didn't have to go on trek.  Only one stipulation: you have to stick together.  They could both go on trek or they could both stay home.  Sorry, Asher....Colton chose to go.  Once they chose to go, I supported them.  Tony took them shopping to gather all their supplies and the day came to send them on their way.

 Somewhere on the Trek.

Back Home.....finally!

(yes.....they didn't change their clothes at all!)

 The boys were asked to write letters to their parents one night.  Asher wrote a very short note that included, "...I like the back-breaking work." (can you detect the sarcasm)

 Colton had much to say in his letter.  I will spare you its entirety, but leave you with his summation: "I still am convinced on my many negative theories of trek, that it was the enaction of the graveyard of bad church activity ideas, the return of slavery to America, but this time with young Mormon children, and a way for members to get rid of their food storage by feeding us their rations along the trail."

Colton has informed me that when he's an adult and leader in the church, this will be the first thing to go!  I support him 100%!!!!! 

(So, do you think in 8 years that a 17 year-old Kyler will choose to go on trek?  Time will tell.)



8TH GRADE PROMOTION

Well, 8th Grade Graduation and School Awards Ceremony.  All the school awards were at the beginning and it ended with the 8th Grade Promotion. Sadly, it was also a night to say goodbye to some of the teachers that wouldn't be returning next year.  Dr. Parry was one of the boys favorite teachers and will be sorely missed.  We wish her well in her new job and are happy that she'll have more time for her family.

 Colton received awards for the clubs he was in and his grades.  He even earned a gold bar pin for his school letter.

There was lots of waiting during the two hour ceremony.

It's a good thing Asher's so tall and easy to find in a crowd.

Like here.

 There's my baby!

 Finally, his name was called.

 He picked up his certificate.

 And then celebrated his victory!

 CONGRATULATIONS, ASHER!!!!!

We so proud of you and can't believe you are going to be in High School!

Love you!

KYLER TURNS 9!

I love how Kyler takes charge in planning his birthday parties.  He decides the day, theme and activities and all I am required to do is keep up with his plans.  This year he chose Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  (I think everyone of my boys has had this birthday party!)  We made turtle shells and eye masks (that just turned into headbands) for the kids.

Their best ninja poses!

 Don't you love their shells?!?

I do!

(they are disposable roasting pans from the dollar store.  I spray painted them the darker green and hand painted the sections with the brighter green)

 

Here's a detail to show what awesome and prepared parents we are.....I again, didn't make the cupcakes for the party.  Tony picked up some cupcakes and I found a candle from his 3rd birthday.  Yeah....I told you we were pretty awesome.

 No worries....he still made a wish and blew out the candle.

 Actually, the cupcakes and candle ended up working together....Tony picked up Graduation cupcakes....and Kyler was going to "graduate" from 3rd grade......is it too much of a stretch?!?  That's how we do things at the House of Steve!

Then it was present time, TMNT toys, gift cards and $$$. 

Man, I love this boy!

Everyone had a great time and Kyler such felt special.  I was so proud for reigning in the "gift bags".  I chose green cups and filled them with a little candy and TMNT swim goggles.



 

EVC

This was Asher's second year participating in shot put and discus.  He was even chosen to help represent his school at the East Valley Conference. (why do we live in the desert........it's so hot!!!!!)We were so proud of Asher and my mom and I went to cheer him on. 

 Getting ready to throw the shot put.

 I loved having my new camera.  I put it sports mode and have lots of great shots.

 Asher, we're proud of you!!!

This picture doesn't allow you to fully appreciate how tall this kid is......

 this one does....

 and this one.....

 and this one.

This is what 6' 2 1/2" looks like in 8th grade.

Now, if I can remember to buy a big umbrella before we start up with soccer in a couple of weeks.  I will need one throughout the whole year....



 and it would be nice to stop mooching off other peoples shade ;-)

 Currently, Colton and Asher are practicing soccer and their games should start soon.  Can't wait to cheer them both on!!!!  Since they don't have football at their school, their homecoming game is a soccer game.  Mita and Papa would have loved that!  Good Luck, Knights!!!!!

THAT WAS QUICK!

Last year I was serving as a nursery leader at church.  I really loved being with all my little friends, but 1 year is my limit.  After 16 months, I was released at the end of December 2012.  I was ready for the new year and excited for a new calling.  My guess would have been cub scouts since Kyler was in there and I was right!  I was put in as a den leader with Deanna.  I knew she would be moving and leaving our group in May and I figured I was in for the long haul.  Imagine my surprise when I was released in Mid-May to serve in Young Women's!!!  This was the last day of scouts for us.

 Love my boy!

He was so thrilled when he heard my new calling over the pulpit.  He quickly asked me if that meant I wouldn't be at scouts with him.  After I answered yes, he raised his hands in the air, silently rejoicing and his good fortune.  Isn't it wonderful that we sit in the 2nd row and EVERYONE could see his display?!?

 Some of the standard craziness that occurs at scouts.

 The big shocker......the huge hug this boy gave me after learning I wouldn't be his scout leader anymore!  So Sweet!

I'm happy I was able to be in scouts, especially to serve with my friend, Deanna!  Now it's time to move on to Young Women's.  Oh how I missed my girls!!!!!

24

We're almost done with the 5th week of school and I haven't even blogged about our summer!  Too much to catch up on, so today I'm getting back in the groove of things with our anniversary post. 

24 YEARS!

 That doesn't even seem real.  I mean, next year is our 25th.....you know, THE SILVER ANNIVERSARY!!!  (Old people have silver anniversaries.  People with grandchildren have silver anniversaries.  How can we be this close to our silver anniversary?!?)

   Actually, after freaking out a bit, it's pretty awesome!  (and I think we should have a huge party next year....right?)  So.....what can I say about 24 years, my marriage, our life......that's a tough one.

  This is what I've said with past anniversaries:

 

19th Anniversary

 

21st Anniversary

 

22nd Anniversary

(Wedding Photos...caution - it was the 80's)

 

So what more could be said?  I'm thankful.  I'm thankful I met Tony March 4th, 1989.  I'm thankful we were engaged and chose to be married in the temple.  I'm thankful that we were married in the Mesa AZ Temple for time and all eternity.  I'm thankful we have eternity to keep working on our marriage.  I'm thankful we still laugh together.  I'm thankful we love spending time with one another. 

I'm thankful we had a Colton.

 I'm thankful we had an Asher.

I'm thankful we had a Kyler.

 I'm thankful they have each other.

 I'm thankful that we are a forever family.  I'm thankful that Tony honors his priesthood.  I'm thankful that Colton and Asher follow in their father's footsteps and are worthy priesthood holders too.  I'm thankful for family vacations.

 Even though we face a huge challenge next year......COLTON LEAVING OUR HOME.....I'm thankful we have this year together.  I'm thankful that we all lean on each other.  I'm thankful that at the center of this family is our marriage.

Thank you, Tony!

(now starting saving your $$$$, next year's going to be BIG!)