Raineer 2009

Garrett just completed a climb up Raineer this last month with some friends of his. He is always looking for someone and something to climb and he got invited to do this climb in June. He has done it before and each time is a new experience. He had a great time and I am so proud of him and his dedication and hard work. I love his adventurous side and his passion for the outdoors. Thank you Ben for keeping my hubby warm on the mountain.

Garrett and Ben chillin'.

Look at that view!!!!!

Family Reuinion in Idaho Falls

We recently just returned home from a wonderful getaway to Idaho with Garrett's family. I know what you are thinking when I say Idaho but now let me tell you it was a kids Heaven. This house that was rented out thought of EVERYTHING!!!!!!! There was so much to do right at the house that we rarely left unless we needed more food or supplies. If you did get a little ansty there was the sand dunes 10 min. away, river rafting 30 min. and Jackson Hole an hour and a half away. We were also close to Yellow Stone but we needed nothing more than the house it self to stay completely entertained. Garrett's immediate family was there along with his mom's siblings and their kids. It was such a wonderful week filled with relaxing books, great conversation, INCREDIBLE food, and wonderful memories. This home had it all, it could comfortable sleep 40-50 people, they had converted the garage into a sports court and supplied the room with oodles of bikes, scooters, cones, balls, rackets, and more. There was a slide that went from the living room upstairs to the sports court down stairs as well. They also had fussball pingball, Tennis courts (outside) fire pit, horse shoe games, volleyball, a blue pool, playground, pond for canoeing, etc... I am sure I am leaving something out but it was just amazing. The kids room alone kept the kids entertained. They all slept together on bunks filled with HUGE stacking blocks, magnetic toys, foam balls, slides and more.

Great Grandma Nancy and Peggy playing "Go Fish" with the grandkids.


Nate, Kirk and Gavin in an intense game of Fussball. By intense just look at the concentration of Gavin's face!!!

Late night winding down only to get their second wind before we could put them all to bed.

This room was the Kids Bunk room. It has a blue twisty slide that went from the upstairs down into their room. Then they had these awesome stacking blocks that the kids went wild for. Grandma Sydney, Kenedy and Gavin after the "Igloo" had been built.

Always eating such wonderful food!!!!

Uncle Kirk and Gavin taking a spin on the obstacle course.

When the kiddos go down it was time for the "BIG KIDS" to play. There was some Nascar racing, plently of wipeouts, lots of takeouts, and many more giggles and good memories.

Kenedy and her cousins just posing for a pic. before they head down the slide to their room.

Gavin played lots of tennis, even after stubbing both toes he refused to give in.

Kenedy, Ali, and Gavin cruising on bikes around the yard.

Our bathing beauties catching some rays. This attire became pretty customary as the week went on.

Waterballoon launching that quickly turned into water balloon wars.

Lots of swing time was had during this vacation, and everyone was always willing to push these little tikes on the swings and gliders.

Volleyball.

Late night block wars... Can you see who is doing all the instigating?

Dad and Gavin roasting smores before dad headed out to climb raineer the next morning.

It wouldn't be a family reunion without a horse shoe tournament.

All Good things must come to an end...

All good things have to come to an end... at least for NOW!!

This past week was full of Finales with Kenedy's Joy school Graduation and her Final dance performance that she performed up at the University Of Utah.

The night before the actual performance the kids had a dress rehearsal and as I was talking with Garrett and making arrangements to get kids here and there and as we were talking he mentioned the possibility of Kenedy not knowing what to do when on stage and under the spotlight with all of these strange people watching. I think he was trying to warn me that "hey, even if practice goes well, don't be surprised if she freezes or completely forgets what she is doing on the actual night". But as she got on stage she had her game face on, and she CAME ALIVE!!!! I had tears rolling down my eyes during rehearsal because I was laughing so hard. She would shuffle her tap shoes with such enthusiasm that I thought she was going to sweep her feet right out from under her. As she came off stage she said to me " I love being on stage, when can we do the Enchilada"? (Kenedy's word for Finale).

Kenedy with her good friends Addison and Ella after their performance! We are so proud of you girls and all your hard work. She has loved getting together with the girls and just doing what girls do best... Dancing, giggling, dressing up, and being silly!

Kenedy with her Grandma Jo before her dance. She insisted on staying with Grandma until it was time for her to perform and she was so thrilled to have Grandpa, Sadie and Rylee come support her on her big night.

Walking into The Dance building to get ready.

The Joy school Graduation BBQ at Addison's house. It has been really fun to see these special children grow up before our eyes. Even though this year has come to an end we look forward to starting Kindergarten Prep. in the fall and working hard on new and exciting activities. Throughout this whole experience Kenedy has made priceless friendships and learned so many wonderful things from the mothers/teachers of everyone in the group. I wanted to Thank all the moms for putting so much time and effort into the program. I know your lives are busy, crazy, chaotic and at times we are just trying to stay afloat but I know that Kenedy couldn't have had better teachers to guide her through these important times.

The last day of Joy school the children were able to do lots of their favorite activities that they experienced throughout the year. The melting of crayon shavings to make beautiful designs.

Miss Sherrie had the kids mesmerized by a recap of all their favorite song and stories throughout the units.

A day with Thomas and a weekend with Family!!

Talk about the ultimate MOM, Tenille planned a birthday outing with Thomas the train for Nash's second Birthday. We looked forward to this all day and when we arrived in Heber the kids were not disappointed. They eagerly stood and watched the passing cows and homes and listened to the music as they rode. Garrett was out of town this weekend and when Kenedy had the chance to talk to him she said "Dad, we rode Thomas and it was the BEST!! It was so cool". They also got to groom some animals, listen to story hour and play with huge bubble wands. Not to mention the dinner of choice for Gavin was Cheetos, and Kenedy picked Cotton candy!!!! We will try to catch up on the veggies sometime this week.

Kenedy was in her own little world. she was simply mesmerized by the ride. Thanks to Tenille for lending us her jacket. I didn't even think that it might be a little chilly. (DUH).
Gavin, Jake, Kenedy and Torrah had a blast with the bubble wands. ( Don't let the kids fool you, Jake and Torrah were over there long before my kiddos arrived).

Our attempt to hike up to Mt. Timpanogoes was short lived when about a 1/2 mile up a park ranger stopped us and told us we were not allowed to have strollers on the trail, I had completely disregarded the HUGE sign informing us of this and let Gavin sleep while I pushed him up. The ranger then continued to tell us that all tickets to the cave were sold out for the day.

"oh well, we tried right"?

So instead we headed up to Tibble Fork to throw rocks in the lake. Hundreds of others had the same idea.

And last but definitely not least we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Welch's for a BBQ. Lots of good food was consumed this weekend and great family company. The holidays are the best, I think we need more of them.

Thank You!!!!

"It is good to kneel as a family and to hear daily expressions of gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the blessings we enjoy. The Lord intended His children to enjoy the good things of life. With all that we have, we must also have grateful hearts. We must teach our children not to take all that they have for granted. Thank you is a wonderful phrase. Use it. It will add stature to your soul. Never let a day go by without saying thank you to someone for something- and especially to your Heavenly Father". Small and Simple Things by: Marjorie Pay Hinkley.

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I couldn't say it any better so I will only elaborate slightly and say Thank you today for my sweet husband and two incredible kiddos. Last weekend we spent the weekend in Park City for Mother's Day and it was exactly what this mama ordered. We didn't plan much, we said "NO" to very little and enjoyed the most wonderful joys in my life.... My priceless family.

I was given lots of smooches from my little bug. She told me funny stories about "baby Samantha" in her tummy and that she was doing somersaults. We watched lots of movies, and Gavin and I shared a breakfast of kit kats and Mountain Dew... OOPS!!!!

We enjoyed lunch at the City park, where dogs almost outnumbered people and my kids were in Heaven.


We were joined by some more great company for the weekend with Andy, Jessica, and Logan.

Did I mention we did A LOT of swimming. After hitting the outlets and park all day with zero naps we headed back for another round of water games with my little fish.

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My little beach babe!!!!!

Testing out the furniture of our suite the moment we checked in. Look at the mischief they are conjuring up as I am taking this pic.

Garrett I just wanted to tell you how much I love you, and how grateful I am to all that you do. You are the Perfect Father, and most wonderful husband. You are the MOST selfless person I know and your passion for your family is endless!! I strive to be a bit more like you in all I do. I love you and I wanted to Thank you for such a Grand Mother's Day weekend!!!!!

And I will try to tell you thank you Everyday for every little thing you do that blesses our lives.

The Fun never ends!

If we didn't have enough candy stored up from the Easter holiday leave it to Marilynn and her HUGE Easter egg hunt to quadruple that amount. It was originally postponed due to rainy weather and as we pulled up to her home on Saturday is was starting to rain once again. But it did not dampen any ones spirits, we came prepared and Ecstatic for a wonderful morning of food, family and egg picking. I love this event because as a parent there is no stress. Your kids are guaranteed so many egg that we usually end up stopping because we cant put anymore in our baskets, not because the eggs are gone. Marilynn goes to so much work and preparation for this and I want her to know how much we love her and all she does for us. For thinking of our kiddos and going to all the work and effort to make such wonderful memories and traditions for my family. She is wonderful and we love every second of this anticipated event. We rarely hit any other city egg hunt because we know this one is by far the greatest!!!!!!!

Garrett and the kiddos just getting started

Where to put more eggs? You cant see behind Kenedy but there behind her are oodles and oddles of eggs still needing a basket.

Gavin making a haul of all the eggs surrounding him.

Kenedy getting instructions before hand with all the excited kids.

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This past weekend my brother Andy graduated from UVU in Construction management and his cute wife Jessica threw him a party at Draper park. The drizzling rain didn't stop a thing and the kiddos played and ate ice cream like it was a 100 degrees. Andy we are so proud of all your hard work and we hope you will now have a tiny bit more free time to spend with your family and doing the things you love to do most.

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Jessica, her Grandmother and son Logan.

Gavin and Logan just Chillin' . These two boys get to hang out every Monday and I cant even begin to tell you how much my kids look forward to playing with him. When that door bell rings Kenedy is the first to open it and Gavin all along the way is saying "baby Ogo" over and over. We love him and love every moment we get to spend with him.

WATER + DIRT= ENDLESS FUN!!!

The pot on the right used to contain two flowers...

Mmmm tastes pretty good!!!!

Kenedy and Gavin stirring up some Porridge for Bolt.

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Who knew that you give your kids some water and let them dump into sand and that they would be happy FOREVER!!! (duh). Well after we returned home from the library I let Kenedy and Gavin out back so sis could plant a few of her flowers. She mentioned she needed some water to feed the flowers and the next thing I know they are making porridge for Bolt.
I should have remembered that this kind of activity is sheer Joy to all children. I have numerous memories of all of us in the backyard with the hose in hand and we are letting it run streams and rivers through the sand box. I too, vividly remember how much we loved it. We couldn't get enough of making mud. So on a much smaller scale an activity that brings endless fun and a nice dirty tub to my two wonderful kiddos. We will have to try this again

(when its a little warmer and I can hose you off outside)!!!