Cali here we come!

Normally we take our annual trip to Idaho to see my family however, with our high expenses with Jay's medical bills we decided to go to San Diego for 3 days. The cool weather was so wonderful that it was very difficult to come home! We didn't do the theme parks this time around instead we just saw some of our favorite spots to enjoy and get as much beach/ocean as we could for the two days! Here are some pictures of our trip... just click on the picture to get a full view.

 Checking out the USS Middway Aircraft Career Museum.

All I can say is that these men had to be as tall as 5'9 to work on this ship otherwise life would be a nightmare!

 Drake and Madie in the captains chair in the tower to let the planes land on the ship.

 La Jolla Cove beach baby! This is a real fun area to explore and known to be "Romantic" but with kids that can never happen...

 Catching some sun rays and also getting his feet wet in the cool ocean.

Where Brock is at on the right hand side is this cove that Drake and I went into. Don't want to get stuck in here on the high tide.

Feeling the cool breeze!

 He killed three of these guys by wanting a picture with them!

 The Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove... Basking in the sun on the big rock.

 We went up to Torrey Pines State Park and  hiked... Holy mother was it a steep hike! I can now see how Californians are so fit! All I can say is I am way fat and out of shape!

Jay getting frisky with this big mama...

 Our favorite place to eat in Old Town San Diego... Fred's

 The castle right off of the freeway! Gorgeous Temple!

 My forever family!

TREK 2012

On June 6th I sent my sons off on Trek at 4:00 am. As a parent I was nervous and excited for them, hoping that they would have a memorable experience as well as a spiritual. On Saturday when we arrived to pick them up at the camp site we were able to welcome them into the "Salt Lake Valley". I can not express in words how my heart is full! Pictures do not describe my feelings... However I did take some and to see smiles, some crying when we cheered them in was very heart felt. Having my big boys come running to me and giving me big hugs meant the world to me! I can see a change in them and I hope it stays like that for longer than two weeks.

 Coming into "Salt Lake Valley" We as parents were suppose to sing "Come, Come Ye Saints" but we couldn't do it. We were so excited to see them that we hooped and hollered them in!

 Brock pulling the hardest part of the handcart... Drake did as well all day everyday!

 After it was said and done.

 The sisters they had in their families and enjoyed.

 Friends from the ward.

 Drake and his "new" brother from Trek.

 More friends from our Waddell ward.

From what I have heard it was the most strenuous physical labor job many people have ever done before. The women's pull was awful. Brock stepped in to help and he got yelled at. It was hard for him to see them struggle. As I asked them what was their favorite part they said Testimony meeting and the Hoedown dance. 



Coming up for air...

Well the last few weeks have been hectic in my life. With the year end "stuff" with school, my church calling, and seeing to the kids one thing has been released... that is school is out! Phew, 2 years down in teaching and one full year with 7th grade resource kids. It was a successful year as long as a challenge. So for us to relax and enjoy school out we decided to go to Sedona, AZ for the Memorial Day weekend. Here are some highlights of what we did... First picture kids "getting used to the cold water" Madie is usually the biggest wimp on this until today. She showed us and was the first to dip into the cool pond just by Castle Rock.
2nd picture Drake showing off his muscles that he is proud of and working on...
3rd picture "the pose" trying to get a facebook status picture.
4th The boys lifting their little sister and she is loving it!
5th Jay and I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere...

The boys.. They are like best friends and have a close relationship! It is one that as a parent I cherish because I know things will change in the next couple of years when they leave the nest and go on missions/college/ and live on their own and start their own family...

Spring Break

Well I don't have much time but I thought I would post some fun things we did over Spring Break...

Madie's school gave us a discount to go to a spring baseball game held at the Goodyear Ballpark. The Diamondbacks were playing against the Cleveland Indians. Needless to say the D-backs lost 2 to 3 :(

It was a gorgeous day! 80 degrees and I was working on my tan.

Milking up the weather and went for a hike just behind our house. Our dog continued to get thistles in her paws and legs from the cacti, grrr.

Past Brock is our lovely desert scenery (gag) further out is Phoenix and the smog around it.

Our little devil dog who chewed apart our drip system that we got to fix. Thanks a million Hank! I couldn't have done it without you!!!

We did go swimming as well as catch a few shows that were playing at the movie theatre. It was a productive week, I just wished we could have gotten out of the valley.

Madie's Baptism

You guessed it! Madie turned 8 2 months ago but with all of the crazy stuff we delayed it for March. Here are some pictures to enjoy! It was a neat day! The boys and I spent the morning at the Mesa temple to do Baptisms for the dead and in the afternoon Brock got to baptize Madie. No turning back about how the spirit witnesses to us that what we do is the right thing... and that is to be baptized.

 Getting ready to go to the church to perform the baptism

Our family

 Instead of a dinner I served Ice cream Sandwhiches that were really messy...

Couldn't ask for a better day. Well done Brock and Congratulations Madie! WE LOVE YOU!

January events...

We are in the 3rd week of January and life just keeps rolling!  I have my new camera to take pictures so now I'm snap happy all the time... Here is what we have been up too....

 Madie's 8th Birthday! She got her ears pierced and received an electric scooter that she has been begging for 3 years!

 Her pink cake she wanted...

 Rides her scooter like a pro.... Ooooh, it has sparks too!

 On to recovery from his surgery... Getting some Vitamin D and enjoying the nice weather.

Proof of officially belonging to the "Zipper Club"...

 Brock's 17th birthday! Looking pretty good!

 Is this the same Madie? Ears pierced and now make up? Trying on her lip gloss as mom helped her with her eyes... A little too much.

 2nd helping of Meatballs and Rice.... Teenagers can eat sooo much!

 Drake showing us his beautiful smile with braces....

Oh ya! No more braces and looking very sweet with the smile! Congratulations son!

With the stress... Jay gets thinner and I gain the weight for him. The makers of these marvelous kids...

(This was a good day... Jay heard good news from the doc that his INR is right in the range for his blood to be thin enough, phew!)