"Called to Serve"

My sweet nephew Jordan left on his mission today to Alaska. I have always loved Jordan. Though quiet at times he has always made me smile and most the time laugh. I have been impressed how he has always stayed on the straight and narrow and lead others with a quiet strength. I know he will have an amazing mission and will be able to bring many souls unto Christ. Love you!!

"Till we meet again. . ."

I had the great honor of being reunited with a childhood friend the other day. I can't even tell you how great it feels to be able to "continue where you left off" after 11 years! Jill Peterson was my bestest of friends as a kid and I have nothing but the bestest of memories with her. I feel so grateful that paths cross as we go through life. And I am so grateful she found me. . .

My little stud!!

Parker participated in a tri-athalon at the YMCA! We had a long talk before hand about doing your best and having fun. Although, I was secretly wanting him to finish first by a long shot. (I'm a little competetive.) Parker is also very competetive and I knew that he didn't need any pressure from his parents. He started the race swimming 2 laps in the pool, biking a mile, and running a half mile. He finished a strong 2nd out of 22 kids! Needless to say that I am beeming with pride that he tried SO hard. And that he did SO well. Parker before the race. He was number 10!
Here he is biking 1 mile on a stationary bike. It was a tough task putting shoes on wet feet.
Placing 2nd. So awesome!!

Summertime! (warning - this is long)

We just got back from our family vacation in Utah. We go to Utah for the Fourth of July because it is SO fun. This year was especially fun with all the activities my big bro planned. We got in late Tuesday and on Wednesday we hit the ground running. I visited with my sister in Spanish Fork and we took the kids to Jumping Jacks (a bounce house). We had a great time and even wrestled a spider. :( Well, she actually wrestled the spider I watched from the top of a bounce slide. After our exciting morning we went back to her house and watched the kids play in the water. They loved it. On Thursday Geret took time off from work and took us up to Timp Cave. It was our first time there and we really enjoyed it. We hiked 1 and 1/2 miles up hill to the cave. Inside the cave it was dark and very cold. Ellie had a hard time with the darkness, but was quick to tell us how much fun she had AFTER we were out of the cave. After our 3 hour adventure in the caves Brandon took us all to Tango house, Argentine Cuisine. It was AWESOME!!! The empanadas were great and the Sausage sandwich kicked booty. :) I'm sure it was called something more impressive than just sausage. Doesn't really matter. It was great!!! We hustled back home and headed to the water park for some water fun. There were more single wards than I can count (which was a scary thought). We had the whole park to ourselves, pretty cool, and crowded. We were all very tired. On the fourth we went to go see the balloons launch and then back to the house for some sleepy time. The rest of the sibs arrived by dinner time and we ate some great food. Over the next couple of days we ate, layed out on the back lawn, and played lots of soccer.

My brothers Jabe and Buck came from Washington to visit as well. It was nice having them around. Jabe is leaving for Iraq in the next couple of months. He serves with the Army National Guard. I am grateful to him. Buck is turning in his papers for his mission. To say the least it was a nice time to meet and say adios for a while. In addition, my adorable (sorry it's an aunt thing) nephew Jordan is also leaving on his mission to Alaska this month. We were able to go with him to take out his endowments. We love you Jordan.

It was a great trip. We created memories I will always remember. Love you all . .