Missouri Vacation

Just got back from our Missouri vacation. Dang, it went so fast, it seems like a dream (ha, family joke). We had a lot of fun and enjoyed seeing family. We stayed at my sister, Deb's, house most of the time. Here's the top ten highlights of the trip in no specific order:
10) Saw turtles, frogs, bunnies, fish, armadillos (true story), and lightening bugs;
9) got to visit Mike, Jammie, and family in KC on our way home;
8) attended 20th class reunion and enjoyed seeing old friends;
7) got to eat lunch with my former boss and co-workers who I love and miss;
6) ate dinner at brother, Brad's, house and had a great evening playing with his family;
5) watched Curt's BMX race and Jake got to race in the half-time Big Wheel show. Jake took first place!;
4) got to visit mom and dad's grave, help clean it, and show respect. Love and miss them!;
3) ate at every yummy restaurant in Springfield including Mexican Villa, Andy's, Steak and Shake, Mexican Villa, Five Spice, Cielito Lindo, Rib Crib, oh...and did I mention Mexican Villa? Wonder why my scale showed 6 pounds extra when I got home?;
2) rented bicycles at Dogwood Canyon near Branson and rode through the most beautiful scenery;
1) best day of all was spent at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson with Debby and Curt. Our best friends, Mike, Susie and Annie, also joined in for the fun. We rented a boat for 8 hours and played, played, played. I even got up on skis at my ripe old age! Ended the day with a great dinner outside at one of the lodge's restaurants with a beautiful sunset in the background. Perfect day, perfect vacation.

20th Class Reunion

Wow, why am I evening admitting that it's my 20th reunion? Guess cause it's not your age that matters, it's how old you act...which makes me about 20, right?

July 24th was my 20th reunion for Willard H.S. Go TIGERS! It was great seeing old pals and trying to catch up with limited time. I felt like I was on a speed date all night. Five minutes, then "Next!" Anyway, I had a fabulous time and am glad to have associated with such great people in my youth. They helped make me what I am today. (scary thought)

It's Great to Be Eight!

On July 13th, our little Jake turned 8! Jake had a fun day beginning with a sleep over with Austin, getting energy out at Kangaroo Zoo, swimming at AF swimming pool and ending with pizza for dinner. Still can't believe my little guy is getting this old. Is there anything I can do to prevent that? Love you Jake!

Family Camp Out

Well, 3 years have flown by and it was officially time to take the kids camping. We figure if we go at least once every 3 years maybe they'll remember camping as a child.

Joe and I told the kids on Wednesday that we would go camping on Thursday. We woke up Thursday morning and decided we just didn't have the time or energy. Well, Jake woke up later that morning and promptly got his luggage out and started packing. He came in to tell me he was getting ready and when I broke the news that we had decided not to go, his face said it all. It was SO sad that there was no way I could break his heart. So... a few hours later after grocery shopping and packing up, we were on our way to the Weight Ranch in Spanish Fork Canyon.

The weather cooperated with only a couple sprinkles here and there. Jake was running around the camp singing, "I love camping, yes I do! I love camping, yes it's true!" It was really priceless. Moral of the story: Do what's necessary to love your children and make happy memories. It was totally worth the sleepless night on the hard ground and the headache the next morning. :)

Day of Fun!

Our family took full advantage of the Lehi Roundup Rodeo week.

On Saturday I ran the 5k (thought I'd die). Joe surprised me and showed up to take pics. I didn't realize he was there until after the race was over.

Then...on to the city parade. Kelsey helped carry the banner for the ward float. The theme was "If I could I would..." and our float was "... have a pet dinosaur." The kids were cute!

Then...on to a picnic with the Holdsworth family. Yummy fish fried by Grandpa Holdsworth!

Finally...on to the rodeo to finish the evening. We all had a good time and as usual, Susie and I were acting like kids. ;) We just sat and took pics of ourselves and giggled like school girls. When will we grow up? Hopefully never!

Help!

It's true, Morgan officially turned thirTEEN while we were in Yellowstone. She even got to see a bear on her birthday to add a little joy.

We sure love Morgan and even though the teenage years are a roller coaster ride and frightening, we are looking forward to the ride. Love you Morgan!