Stewert Falls Hike July 2010

Hiking to Stewert Falls was really kind of hard, I don't know if this is because I am out of shape or because it was really hard. Dick, Robin, Kristi, Curt, Jared, myself, Kole, Afton, Jason, and Kristen (7+ month's pregnant) all made the trek to the beautiful waterfall.

The waterfall definitely made the trip worth it, it was beautiful! Jared, while living in the moment, got under the waterfall; he said that it was so cold that he got an instant headache.

I took lots of pictures and I hope that next time I go I am in a little better shape.

July 4th 2010

Keeping with tradition, we went to Dace and Jaclyn's for the annual 4th of July Party. The Stadium of Fire firework show was good but Dace's was better, as usual. Samantha, being the oldest kid got to help Dace light the fireworks this year which resulted in Samantha getting sprayed by a faulty firework. Fortunately she wasn't injured, I don't think it really even scared her which really scares me.

George and Inazelle made the trip again this year even though George hasn't been at his best lately. I was glad that they got to come and spend some time. Unfortunately George didn't feel well and they ended up leaving before the fireworks. The next night everyone gathered the remaining fireworks and headed to George and Ine's for an encore. I think it made everyone's day for George and Ine to get to see the fireworks and it made for a really special Independence Day.

For me, the highlight this year was that everyone reacted to George and Ine missing the fireworks in the same way. Someone mentioned going over to give them a fireworks show and everyone chimed in that they were thinking the same thing. It's awesome to be part of a family that cares so much about each other.

Afton's Blessing

Afton was blessed by her Dad on April 11th 2010. She looked so beautiful in her white dress and it was awesome to watch the men in her life surround her to give her a name and a blessing. The blessing was short and to the point, in true Jared fashion. I love that he blessed her with just what she needed to make it through this world. Afterward family and friends gathered at Dick and Robin's for a luncheon.

It was so nice to have family and friends get together to celebrate Afton. We are so blessed to have her in our lives. She is such a sweet addition to our family.

In the prayer circle:

Jared

Dick

George

Kenny

Dace

Rob Heywood

Jason

Curt

Thomas Low

Jason

Samantha Finally Gets Braces

Samantha's teeth have always been an issue, her mouth is way too small for all of her teeth. Today she got her braces. She chose purple and lime green for her colors and I think she looks kind of cute. She says that she hates them and she looks ugly but I am sure that she will get used to them soon. They will definitely be worth it in the end. Hopefully she will let me take pictures to post soon. Samantha you are beautiful no matter what!

Jared's 31st Birthday

Today is Jared's birthday. Unfortunately he had to work late but we were still able to drive to a winery in Castle Dale to have dinner. The drive next to the Colorado River was beautiful and it was nice to visit with each other for a while. Thank you to Samantha for watching after the kids while we went.

We came back home to Kole in nothing but his underwear and a party hat blowing on a party horn. I didn't make a cake this year so Jared picked out a bunt cake from the store that didn't resemble a birthday cake at all. I couldn't find any candles so we used match sticks instead. As tacky as it was, it was also a very tender moment for me to have just the five of us singing happy birthday to Jared. This is his first birthday, except for his mission, that he has been away from his family. After we ate the cake Kole asked, "so are we going to play party games or what?" so we did and improvisation of pin the tail on the donkey except Jared was the donkey. It turned out to be hilarious and fun. Kole knows just how to throw a party.

Once again I am struck by how lucky I feel to be a part of this family. I am so grateful for Jared and for all he does for this family. My birthday wish for him is that this year be the best yet. He deserves it.

Our First Visitors

The family came down to visit us in Moab; these were are first house guests. Dick and Robin, Kristi and Kurt, and Dace, Jaclyn, and Gracee all made the 3.5 hour trip. We were so excited to have familiar people here and to share Moab with the people close to us.

First we took everyone to Corona Arch; this was about a 3 mile hike up to some beautiful arches. Everyone did really well, including Jaclyn who is about 7 months pregnant.

Day two: we hung out in the morning and also took everyone to the Power Dam which is a local water hole. I think we will have to take them back to the dam next time and have our suits ready to go. In the afternoon everyone but Jaclyn, the kids, and myself went to the Firery Furnace to do a 3 hour guided hike. Unfortunately 1/2 way through Robin injured her calf while maneuvering through the trail and everyone had to go back early. Dace, Jaclyn, and Gracee stayed an extra day which was really nice. We went to one of my favorite spots in Moab. The short walk next to a stream opens up to a nice pond with 300 ft. cliffs all around. It is awesome. We also took them on a drive on Cane Creek Rd. to see more awesome cliffs and petroglyphs.

I think that the weekend was a success. I hope everyone had a good time; I know that I did. We are so lucky to have people in our lives that will drive 3.5 hours, spend too much money on hotels, and sleep on air mattresses just to hang out with us. Jason is right; "we are so blessed".

Kole Goes to Preschool

Kole started preschool last week! On the way to the first day he said, "Mom, I am a little apprehensive because I don't like to sing". The kid is amazing. He is so smart. Some days I feel like he could teach preschool.

I was so excited for him to get to socialize with kids his age and to be active. A lot of the time I am so busy taking care of the house, Afton, Samantha, etc. that he ends up watching a lot of TV which makes me feel so guilty. Now he goes to Preschool three days a week.

In the morning they do music and centers, in the afternoon they take the bus to lunch, and after lunch they have water play at the park.

We are so lucky to have this opportunity for Kole to grow.