Matt, Marilyn, and Gang

Another Mash-Up Catch-Up Post! (not necessarily in order)

2011-09-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

For Addi's last dance recital they did a dance to Ghostbusters. Addi loved it!

Addi invited her best friend Sydney to go with us.

We were also watching Maxon and Scout so they also got to go watch. Maxon wasn't very impressed but he was very good. He did fall asleep during some of it. I didn't get any pictures of Scout during the recital but she actually loved watching all the dances.

Addi with her fans, Sydney, Scout, Addi, Oakley, and Maxon.

Addi had been so impatient to lose her first tooth and she finally did in March. She was so excited! She actually ended up losing it while I was gone on choir tour with Kolton. I told her she had to put it back in until I got home because she couldn't lose her first tooth without me but she wouldn't agree to that. ;)

Not too long after she lost her first tooth she lost her second so she had a big hole in her smile. So cute! :)

Addi also graduated from Kindergarten this year. It was a hard day for me because it was Kolton's last day of High School and Addi's last day of kindergarten. Talk about feeling old and seeing life fly by!

Addi with her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Davis

For our anniversary/V-day this year I asked Matt for a sewing machine. This is what I got. I also got a Bubba Keg.

Here's the first project I made with my new machine.

Here's a cute rag quilt I made for Stacy's first baby.

Catch Up Post (Warning: LONG!)

2011-09-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

Uncle Josh (mom's brother) returned from his mission in Feb.

The nieces and nephews are so excited to welcome him home!

Everyone wanted to give him a big hug!

Welcome home Joshy Squashy!

Addi's Valentine's Day hairdo.

Addi at her class Valentine's party

Crazy hair day!

Ninja Jensen

Addi was in dance again this year. She was put in a company this year so she got to dance in the Fireside production. It was beautiful!

Addi with Jensen after the fireside.

Addi lost one of her books. I found signs like this all over the house. So cute! :)

Kolton and Lexi were both part of Drumline this year.

Lexi on the cymbals.

Kolton on snare.

Addi, Oakley, and Jensen coloring Easter eggs.

For Addi's second dance recital they did Disney songs. Her class did Snow White and the 7 Dwarves. Doesn't Addi make a cute dwarf?!

Grandma Clessa

2011-07-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

My Grandma Clessa died this year on Feb. 7, 2011. She got pneumonia and went really fast. None of us were ready for it. I seriously miss her so much. I was so blessed to have her as my grandma. I was blessed to be raised just down the street from her and have her be a huge part of my life. She was such an incredible example of what we should strive to be like. She cared about everyone around her and would do anything she could to help anyone. I always knew I could talk to her and she would listen and not judge. Her family was her #1 priority. She was a super hard worker and hated having anything go to waste. She was incredible at sewing and I wish I would have taken the time while she was around to have her teach me.

This picture is Lexi, Grandma, Jensen, Camryn, Addi, Oakley, and Emily wearing bonnets that Grandma made for them. I'm not sure why Oakley has one but it's a darn cute picture!

I love you Grandma and am so grateful that I know that I will see you again!

Audrey II

2011-07-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Kolton was in the Payson High School musical this past spring. They did The Shop of Little Horrors. He was the voice of Audrey II. He was amazing! Seriously, if you've ever heard him sing you know he has an awesome voice but we had no idea he could sound like he did for this. I have a video I was hoping to upload but it won't so this picture will have to do.

Will I ever get caught up?!

2011-04-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad there are people who are further behind on their blogs than me! :)

Birthdays, birthdays, and more birthdays!

2011-02-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

As soon as Christmas is over we start celebrating birthdays at our house.

Addi's is first on Jan. 14. She turned 6 this year. We got up early to open presents before dad had to go to work.

Later that day she had a Princess birthday party. First the girl's got to decorate Princess crowns.

After decorating their crowns we turned on a Princess movie and they took turns getting glitter toes. I didn't get any pictures because I was trying to make sure we got all those toes done.

Then they played "Kiss the Frog."

Then on to the presents!

Instead of a birthday cake Addi wanted each of the girls to decorate their own cupcake. I was thrilled with that idea because all I had to do was bake the cupcakes.

Jensen's birthday was next on Jan. 24. She turned 13 this year which means I now have three teenagers. Scary! She chose to invite her friend Emily to go with us to the new Provo Beach Resort. Lexi, Emily, and Jensen chose to go on the Ropes Course first. Oakley and Addi decided it looked too high and scary so we decided to bowl.

After the girls had spent some time on the ropes course they decided they wanted to bowl also so we all bowled a game together.

Jensen bowling, look at that form!

Emily

Lexi

Oakley

Addi

When we were done bowling we all went to Wingers for dinner.

We let our kids get their first cell phone when they turn 13 so Jensen got to go with her dad a few days before her birthday (because he was going to be gone on her birthday) to pick one out.

She wanted to have crepes for her birthday dessert and since Matt was going to be gone on her birthday we had them the night before her birthday. Since her birthday was on a Monday I got some cupcakes for Family Home Evening treat and we put a candle in hers and sang to her.

She also got to open one other present on her birthday. See how excited she is!

It's turkey bacon! Yeah, I know, who knew turkey bacon was so exciting?

Lexi's birthday was after Jensen's on Feb. 11 and she turned 15. She wanted me to check her and a friend out of school and take them to lunch and shopping at the mall (does that sound like a 15 year old or what?!). She wanted Better Than Pokemon Cake (or Robert Redford or whatever you call it ;) for her birthday dessert. I made two and we took one of them to drumline and surprised her with it and sang happy birthday to her. I think I got a couple of pictures but I can't figure out how to get them off of the camera and onto the computer so I'll have to add them later.

And later this week on Feb. 17 is Matt's birthday. Thankfully after that we are done with birthdays at our house until June.

Christmas 2010

2011-02-15T10:14:00.001-08:00

Does anyone else feel like they blog about Christmas every few weeks? I can't believe how fast it comes around but we had another wonderful Christmas. Matt was the Activities Chairperson for our ward so he was in charge of the ward Christmas party.

Here's our cute primary kids acting out the Nativity and singing a song.

Matt asked the Payson High Chamber singers to sing for the Christmas party.

I only got a good picture of the guys, the rest were all blurry but the girls were there too.

Santa even made a visit.

We headed down to Blanding again this year. On the 23rd we had a Christmas party with my dad's side of the family. Of course we had good food, singing, and lots of laughter.

Kolton and I sang again this year.

And we played the present game.

This ended up being our last Christmas with Grandma Clessa. Of course none of us knew it would be but now I'm so grateful we decided to spend Christmas in Blanding.

Christmas Eve morning we went to the Stake Center and had a Zumba class with family and friends.

A blurry picture of me teaching.

After Zumba Matt, Jensen, Oakley, Addi, Jeremy, Kristi, Camryn, Carter, Logan, and my dad went hiking at Natural Bridges.

Kristi, Carter, Logan, Oakley, Addi, Jensen, Camryn, and Jeremy.

Addi, Jensen, and Oakley

Dad, Camryn, Logan, Jeremy, Carter, Jensen, Addi, and Oakley

Addi

Oakley

Addi

That night we had a party with my mom's family. More good food, singing, and laughter.

Kolton opened a pair of Batman underwear during the present game and figured the best way to keep them from getting stolen was to put them on immediately. Luckily he put them on over his pants. Logan thought it was pretty cool and wanted to be an Underwear Superhero too.

Christmas morning started off with everyone meeting in Grandma and Grandpa's room to read the Christmas story out of the scriptures. We say we do this to remember the true meaning of Christmas but really we just do it to torture the kids. ;) J/K It's one of my favorite traditions of Christmas and helps us get in the right spirit for the day.

Jensen, Addi, Mom, Oakley, Lexi, and Kolton waiting "patiently" for everyone to get to G & G's room.

Getting their first look at the loot.

After we were done opening presents Grandma and Grandpa had another present for the kids to open. It had Mickey and Minnie ears for all the kids. G & G are taking us all to Disneyland in April!

We had another fantastic Christmas.

I wanted to add a couple of stories of Grandma Clessa so that I don't forget them. One of Matt's favorite Grandma treats is Honey Candy. She always makes sure she sets some aside for him. This year at Christmas she asked if he and the kids could come and help her make it because she wasn't strong enough to pull it anymore. Matt took the kids down on Christmas Eve afternoon and helped her make it. He is really grateful that he had the opportunity to spend that time with her and learn how to make it.
Grandma had been in the hospital in Nov. with pneumonia and had been having a hard time recovering fully. She always makes Christmas dinner for everyone but my mom told us that she wasn't up to it this year so we would just have dinner at my mom's house. Apparently someone forgot to tell Grandma though and she still made dinner for everyone.

Cruise to Paradise (or at least Mexico)

2011-02-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

The Sunday after Thanksgiving Matt and I and our friends Jason and Monica left on a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Mexican Riviera.

Matt, Jason, and Monica enjoying our first meal on the ship.

Matt and I dressed up for one of the formal nights.

Our first stop was Cabo San Lucas.

The excursion we went on was to a resort in Cabo. It was a beautiful hot day and a beautiful resort. We got a buffet lunch and chocolate covered bananas, YUMMY! We spent the day playing in the warm ocean and in the swimming pool and hot tub at the resort. It was Heaven!

The ship was beautiful too. It was decorated for Christmas.
The next stop was Mazatlan. We went to a show with Mexican singers and dances and the Papantla Flyers.
The Papantla Flyers started at the top of this super high pole (I think it was 75 feet).

They unwound upside down to the ground. It was pretty cool.

Then we went to a resort in Mazatlan. It wasn't as nice as the one in Cabo and the water was freezing but we still had a good time soaking up some rays and relaxing on the beach.

Our final stop was Puerto Vallarta. We did an amazing excursion here. We went on a zip line and canopy tour. We rode a speed boat through the ocean to where we met our guides.

We rode yellow trucks up the mountain to begin our adventure.

Getting ready for the excursion.

We each got our own mule to ride to the trail head.

Our first zip line

Rappelling down a waterfall

A free fall rappel

COLD WATER!!!

A race on the final zip line, the Roberts are victorious!

We rode back to the beach to get on the speed boat back to our cruise ship.

Marilyn, Monica, and Jason waiting on the beach for our speed boat.

A beautiful sunset over the ocean.

I ended up teaching Zumba a couple of times on the ship. It was so much fun!

The spa ladies doing Zumba. They gave me a free hot oil treatment, head massage, and wash and blow-dry for teaching the class. It was awesome!

The ship was so much fun! There was so much to do.
There was an ice skating rink on the ship. I know, right?! Who ice skates in the middle of the ocean. They also had an ice show that was amazing! I didn't get any pictures of it but it was our favorite show of the week.

There was a dodge ball game, guests against the crew. Matt and Jason played.
Matt

Jason

Matt

There was also a rock climbing wall on the ship. I didn't get any pictures of Matt and I doing it but we did.
Monica

Jason

And of course there were shows and games that we went to most nights.

We also found our favorite waiters and requested them every night.
Our asst. waiter, Rufino, Monica, Marilyn, and our head waiter Rudolfo.

A few times during the week we came back to our room to find towel animals. So cute!
Here I am with our favorite one, a monkey.

And here's our cute bunny (maybe a dog?) wearing my sunglasses.
We had an amazing time!

Fall Happenings

2011-01-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pics of some of our fall activities.

Not really an activity just a cute picture of Addi and Oakley.

Another cute picture of Addi, Jensen, and Oakley.

Addi and Oakley played soccer this year.

Addi playing goalie

Oakley

Kolton is on drumline again this year which meant he also had to be in Marching Band. He also got Lexi to try out so she was in Marching Band also and is now in drumline.
Kolton

Lexi

Addi

Oakley

We headed down to Blanding for Thanksgiving this year. As usual we had tons of yummy food!

And if you're a Lyman you know the most important part is DESSERT! We had 8 different kinds of pie, pumpkin pie creme brulee, and pumpkin poke cake. I think I figured out we had 14 pans of dessert plus several individual creme brulee for 27 people. Just about perfect if you're a Lyman!

Annual Labor Day Trek

2011-01-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

We made our annual trek to Colorado for Labor Day again this year. Our time there wouldn't be complete without . . .

Lots of good food! (Matt making homemade fries)

Crazy, chaotic mealtimes,

Watching the BYU game on a sheet,

Playing with cousins, (Oakley, Addi, and Livvy)

Catching crawdads, (BFFs Addi, and Livvy)

Geocaching,

Matt and Dad

Swimming, (Logan, Carter, Taylor, and Stacy)

Boating, and of course capsizing a couple of times, (Jensen, Addi, Livvy, Oakley, and Carter)

(Addi, Oakley, and Livvy)

Fishing, (Oakley)

Riding horses, (Addi, Jensen, and Oakley)

And fireworks!

It was another weekend of great memories! Can't wait for next year!

School!

2011-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Another summer came to a close. :( I've got to admit this year made me feel old! Kolton started his senior year and Addison, my baby, started kindergarten. Double whammy! Lexi is in 9th grade, Jensen is in 7th grade, and Oakley is in 2nd grade.

Oakley outside his 2nd grade classroom.

Addi waiting for the bus with her friend Sydney. Addi was so excited to finally be able to ride the bus like the big kids that she wouldn't let me take her to her first day of school. :( It made me really sad because she's getting so big and independent.

Home from her first day of school and she loved it!

Missing the boat

2010-11-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just realized I totally missed Sept. and Oct. on my blog. I don't just mean posts, I didn't even change my background. I guess I better get with the program.

Grandpa

2010-08-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

My Grandpa Fred Halliday died on Aug, 14, 2010. I'm going to miss him so much but I know he's happy to be reunited with Grandma Audrey now. He is one of the best examples I know of someone who lived his life how the Savior would want. He was always serving others. Some of my favorite memories of him are:
The little red pickup
Homemade rootbeer
His super sweet punch
When he and Grandma took us to Disneyland
I always knew he loved me, even if I did something to disappoint him.

More summer fun!

2010-08-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

The last month of summer was busy! So this will be one long post trying to get all caught up. Jensen made it to the Gold county swim meet this year. She wasn't very happy because it meant she would be swimming against the fastest swimmers. I told her she better just swim slower next year. She competed in freestyle and breaststroke and swam in two relays. She beat her best time in both events.

For Family Home Evening one evening we took the kids up Payson Canyon to hike the Grotto. It's a short easy hike that ends at a waterfall.

Addi and mom

Oakley

Jensen and mom at the top of the waterfall

Jensen cooling off

After we were done hiking we went to McDonald's for ice cream and then went to the park to play for awhile.

Lexi

Jensen & Oakley

Addi

Matt and I have wanted to hike Timp for the last few years but every time we plan it something comes up and we never make it. We planned a Saturday again this summer and it actually finally worked out. We invited my dad and Jason and Monica Bergstrom to go with us.

Jed, Matt, and Marilyn

Jed, Jason, Monica, and Marilyn

Marilyn cooling off under a waterfall

One of the many mountain goats we saw.

We made it all the way to the saddle. Not quite to the peak but close. The views were amazing.

Marilyn and Matt

Marilyn, Matt, and Jed

It was an awesome but exhausting hike. My feet were killing me for the last 3 or 4 miles down the mountain. I do want to do it again sometime though.

Bergstroms took us out several times on their boat. We loved it!

Matt wake boarding

Addi and Oakley jumping in

Addi and dad chilling at the front of the boat

Oakley trying knee boarding

Addi with Monica wake surfing in the background

Oakley and Zane

Eli driving the boat

Addi and Oakley

Oakley and Zane

Marilyn

I even tried wake surfing, but I never got up :(

Jason and Matt tubing

And to finish the summer off Kolton got his wisdom teeth out. I know this picture is kind of gross but I had to show them because they were huge! Even the dentist couldn't believe how big they were. Luckily he healed up pretty fast and didn't have any problems.

Swimming!

2010-07-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

It has been hot! But I'm not complaining, I love the heat!!! So the kids and I have been going swimming. They love swimming. This past couple of weeks Oakley and Addi have been taking swim lessons. They love it and both did great. They're getting to be good little swimmers.

Independence Day

2010-07-16T14:55:00.001-07:00

We headed down to Blanding for the 4th of July again this year. The night we got there we had a 1st birthday party for Aleyah. I forgot to get my camera out and didn't get any pictures of it :(
The next night we went down to the Bluff Fort for a Kumen Jones (my great-great grandpa) reunion.

Matt made yummy BBQ chicken for us.

The 4th of July (really it was the 3rd of July since the 4th was on Sunday) started early with our traditional 5K run. Our numbers were small this year as some of the runners from the past wimped out (Kristi and Noelle!). We didn't ever get a picture of all of us but my dad, Stacy, Taylor, and I all ran.

Notice mom's black eye? She rolled her 4-wheeler down a mountain the week before just so she wouldn't have to run with us. Okay, probably not really for that reason but she was really sore and bruised up so she didn't get to run with us this year.

After the 5K and some showers we headed down to the South Chapel lawn to watch the parade. To start the parade off four F-16's did a fly over. It was awesome but of course I didn't think to try to get a picture.

Everyone waiting for the parade to start.

My cousins, Justin, Shawn, and Tyler were in the parade dressed up as cowboys. Wait, they are cowboys, so I guess they weren't really dressed up. But they looked awesome.

Lexi helping Addi and Oakley get some candy.

Jensen got to ride in the parade again this year.

After the parade we went down to the carnival. They had more stuff than usual this year. The kids loved it.

Addi riding an airplane ride.

Oakley in the airplane ride.

Jensen and Lexi jousting.

After the carnival Jensen got to go to the horse games with Camryn. The girl was in 7th Heaven. She loves horses.

And the day ended back down at the park watching a band and waiting for fireworks.

Oakley playing with glow necklaces.

It was another great year in Blanding for the 4th. You should try it next year ;)

Kolton's an Eagle Scout!

2010-06-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

Kolton had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor last week. Finally! I'm so glad we're done and I'm so proud of him for all of his hard work.

I requested that he and some of his friends sing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." They did awesome and didn't even practice once.

He had so many friends and family show up to support him. We love all of the great friends he has and how they all support each other.

The Eagle's Nest

You can't have an event without lots of goodies. Thanks everyone for your love and support!

Summer Fun!

2010-06-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we're a month into summer already. Where in the world did it go?!!! It's flying by and before you know it school's going to start again. :(
Anyways, here's some pics of what we've been up to so far this summer.

Oakley's playing t-ball.

Jensen had her hair braided into tons of braids right before school got out. She was hoping it would last through the summer but it didn't. It was starting to come out so she took it out the last day of girl's camp.

Addi had her end of the year dance recital. They did a dance to "Splish Splash I was Taking a Bath."

Addi with her fans, Lexi, Oakley, Becca, Jensen, Anna, and Landon.

Here's some cute cupcakes that Lexi made for our neighbors.

June also means birthdays at our house. Kolton turned 17 (YIKES! I'm not old enough to have a 17 year old!).

He got new scriptures, an IHome for his IPod, and midnight showing tickets for Eclipse.

Then 2 days after Kolton's birthday Oakley turned 7.

We had a family dinner up Am. Fork canyon with everyone.

We saved Oakley's cupcakes to share since we didn't have a party this year and didn't want to have to eat them all ourselves.

Yesterday we went boating with Trent and Noelle.

Lexi and Jensen loved the tube.

Everyone (except wimpy mom) jumped in the lake for a little swimming.

Then Oakley tried a little Wake Surfing with Trent.

He loved it and can't wait to try it again. He wants to try to do it by himself next time.

Then it was Addi's turn to give it a try.

She loved it too!

Jensen got up all on her own!

And finally, jumping on the tramp with friends with the sprinklers on to cool off.

Can't wait for more summer fun!

Bring on the 4th of July in Blanding!!!

P.S. Here's a little clip of Addi's Splish Splash dance.

Lake Powell

2010-06-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Our friends, the Bergstroms, invited us to go to Lake Powell for Memorial Day weekend. So we loaded up Trent and Noelle's trailer and headed down to page. The first day, Friday, was really windy so we didn't stay out on the lake for very long. Luckily the campground we were staying at had an indoor pool and hot tub so we went swimming for 3 hours. Saturday was a beautiful day and we spent the whole day on the lake.

All the kids hanging out in the trailer.

Addi seeing what the world looks like upside down.

Mom and her "bandanna girls".

Addi and Kolton

Matt and Jason

Jensen, Kolton, Lexi, and Ethan

Lexi, Addi, Mom, and Oakley

Addi, Mom, Jensen, Oakley, and Monica

Lexi and Jensen

Tyler, Lexi, Jensen, and Kolton's hairy legs

Matt and Jensen

Kolton

Oakley and Jason

Kolton wake boarding

Addi loved sitting in the front of the boat when we were flying across the water.

Mom and Oakley

Kolton, Lexi, and Jensen

We found a beach where we had lunch. Then Monica and I and some of the kids stayed there to play in the sand while the boys and Lexi did some more boating.

Oakley

Monica wake surfing

Sleepy Addi

Jason and Ethan wake surfing (show offs!)

Kolton wake surfing

Got up on his first try!

Matt giving it a go.

He did it!

On Sunday we went to the Glen Canyon Dam and walked across the bridge. Zane, Ethan, Monica, Eli, and Tyler

Jensen and Kolton

Sunday afternoon we went on a short hike. It ended at an awesome overlook.

The fam minus Kolton, he wanted to sleep instead of hike.

Oakley, Jensen, Lexi, and Addi

Addi

Oakley

Zane, Tyler, Lexi, Marilyn, Monica, and Oakley

After the hike we went back to our campground and swam.

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's SUPER OAKLEY!

Addi, Matt, and Tyler

Jensen and Lexi

Kolton even came with us for awhile.

This hill was right next to our campground. Those dots on the top of it are Jensen, Ethan, and Kolton. One of the kids favorite things about the trip was a ride in a limo that I didn't get a picture of. Matt asked about the best pizza in town and found a place that would pick you up and take you back home in a limo. It was a Cadillac Escalade limo, really nice and the kids loved it!

School's out!!!

2010-06-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of pics from the last week of school.

The choir presenting Mrs. Henderson with a quilt of pictures of last five years teaching at Payson High School. She's not coming back next year and it's been hard for the kids to say good-bye.
She's an awesome choir teacher.

Oakley's end of the year program.

MORP, again

2010-06-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

Kolton got asked to Salem's MORP, luckily by only one girl this time.

This is what he looked like when he got home. They had a paint war. Fun huh?!

Another cute Addiism

2010-04-23T10:29:00.001-07:00

Addi sneaks into Lexi's room and climbs into bed with her every night. Last night when I was telling her good night I told her to stay in her own bed. Her reply was, "I don't want to go to Lexi's bed, my legs do. They just get up and take me in there. You need to tell my legs to stay in bed and not go in Lexi's room." Well I told them but they didn't listen, darn those legs, I guess they're grounded.

Out of the mouth of babes

2010-04-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Awhile back in primary Addi learned about the war in heaven. She came home and told me that we chose Jesus and we know that because we're here on earth and have a body. But some people chose Satan and they don't get to come to earth and get a body. For some reason it really stuck with her and she's talked about it a lot since then. The other day we had a conversation that just melted my heart. Addi said "I'm sad that some people chose Satan." I asked her why. She said, "because maybe I was friends with some of those people and because they chose Satan they don't get to come to earth so I never get to be friends with them here." I thought it was pretty deep thinking for a 5-year-old. It certainly got me thinking.

MORP

2010-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Kolton was asked to MORP last night, twice.
Around 9:00 the doorbell rang and we found this plate with banana bread on it.

About 20 minutes later the doorbell rang again and we found this bag full of Clemetine oranges.

Yup, it was two different girls. Someone's heart's going to get broken :( Okay, maybe not so much broken but it's still sad.

Prepardness and pixies

2010-04-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I hosted another food storage Saturday. We canned 300 lbs. of steel cut oats and made homemade liquid laundry soap.

Here's my studly husband helping with the canner.

Stacy, Noelle, and Kristi all came.

We ended up with 60 cans of oats.

Filling our empty laundry soap containers with homemade laundry soap.
We got done so fast we went to a girl's lunch at Olive Garden.

That night Addi had a dance recital. Her class were pixies. She was so adorable. She really loves dance. She did such a good job, she knew the dance really well.

Easter and Spring Break

2010-04-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

The Sunday before Easter we had a family dinner and colored Easter eggs at our house.

Then the next weekend we headed down to Blanding for Easter and spring break.

Grandma was babysitting some calves that were being bottle fed so the kids got to help.

The kids had a lot of fun playing with cousins.
On Saturday we headed out to Recapture Pockets for our traditional Easter picnic.

Addi and Scout were the best little friends. Addi took Scout everywhere and really watched out for her. They were so cute together. Addi loves Scout.

One of the kids favorite things is climbing all the rocks.

Two of my most favorite people in the world, Grandma Black and Grandpa Halliday.

After eating a yummy Easter picnic the kids got to do an Easter egg hunt.

And they're off!

We had around 400 eggs and only 12 kids so they each ended up with a pretty full basket.

Addi checking out her loot.

We played some volleyball. The goal was to get from A-Z without the ball touching the ground. It took us right up until we left but we did it.

After the fun and games at Recapture Pockets we went to Bluff to see the Bluff Fort. This is where the Hole-in-the-Rock pioneers settled. Some of the families of the pioneers are recreating the fort and building cabins. They're super cute but tiny. I can't imagine how they lived there with several kids.

Kumen Jones is my Great Great Grandpa. This is what's left of his original house.

These two pictures (above and below) are of the meeting house where they held church, school, meetings, dances, etc.

Addi in front of a Ute teepee.

Oakley and Addi in front of a Navajo Hogan.

A huge pot, it was super heavy. I don't know how they would move it if it had anything in it.

Jensen, Oakley, Addi, and I spent the week after Easter in Blanding for Spring Break. Kolton couldn't because he had drumline competitions on the Saturdays before and after Easter. Alexi is turning into a teenager and didn't want to stay for the whole week so she went home with Matt on Easter afternoon. The next Friday Matt came back down to pick us up. Taylor's parents also came down to visit him and Stacy for the weekend so on Saturday we took a little road trip to see the sights. We stopped again at the Bluff Fort. More of the cabins were open this time so we were able to see them. Then we went to the Goosenecks overlook.

Then it was on to Muley Point.

Matt and Taylor

It was an awesome view, you could see all the way to Monument Valley.

Matt on the top of Salvation Knoll.
We had a great week!

All I want for Christmas is . . .

2010-04-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Lexi's new business

2010-04-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

One of Lexi's young women leaders had her make a cake for her son's birthday. Lexi made him a cupcake cake. He loves John Deere tractors so that was the theme she used. It turned out so cute! She's hoping to turn it into a little side business and start making cakes for people.

Playing catch up

2010-03-11T16:21:00.001-08:00

So, here I am again, way behind on my blog so this is a catch up post.

Last week I gave a friend of mine a surprise baby shower. She is pregnant with her 6th (yeah, I know she's nuts!). I figured she could use some help.

It was a "Dinner and diapers" baby shower. I asked the guests to bring a frozen meal and/or diapers and wipes.

Last month I did a Turbo Kick instructor training with my friend Monica. So now I'm now a certified Turbo Kick instructor. Maybe it's an early mid-life crisis thing?

Last month was also Lexi's birthday. She decided to go to Jump On It for her party.

After Jump On It we came home and had chips and sandwiches for dinner.

Lexi picked "Better than... (pokemon, Robert Redford) cake", whatever you happen to call it. All I can say is YUMMY!

One night I got a call from our neighbors inviting us over to see a special guest who was at their house. I was out for a "girl's night" so I had them call Matt to take the kids over.

Yup, it's a baby kangaroo. Wish I could have seen it.

Kolton's been doing fundraisers for Choir and Drumline. He sold tickets to two different Flash games as a fundraiser for each one. For the one the choir sold tickets to they sang "The Star Spangled Banner" before the game started. Somehow this got lost in translation when he asked if I wanted to buy tickets to this game. I told him I would rather just give them the money for the tickets so they could keep 100% of it instead of 1/2 of it. Then some friends invited us to go to the game with them and after they invited us I found out the choir was singing at the game. In other words it all worked out and we got to see them sing:) They even had seats right on the floor, front row! So much fun! Then the drumline sold tickets a few weeks later for a different game. This time we did buy tickets so we could see the drumline perform a pregame show.

Front row seats, on the floor, even jumped a few times when a ball or player almost landed in our laps.

Luke, Amy, Marilyn, and Matt (thanks Mathew's for the invite!)

Jensen, Lexi, Addi, Matt, Oakley, Cohen, Jeremy J, and Grandpa at the drumline fundraiser Flash game.

President Monson Announces New Temple in Payson, Utah!!!

2010-02-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

So rumors have been swirlin' the last few months about men in "dark suits" being seen in Payson in the field next to our church. Some have sworn they actually saw the first presidency of the church. We've all been hoping it meant we were getting a temple but thought we'd have to wait until April conference to find out if it could possibly be true. But two weeks ago on Monday, January 25, President Monson announced that there will be a temple built in Payson. It's going to be built in the field directly North of our church building so only a block from our house! I am so excited for my kids to be this close to a temple and to have the opportunity to watch it being built. What an awesome experience. Jensen is already planning on walking to the temple when she gets married. Now the rumors are that they are hoping to have it finished in 18 months to 2 years. Oh I hope these rumors are also true!

Jensen turns 12!!!

2010-01-27T15:08:00.000-08:00

Jensen turned 12 on Sunday. She wanted to go ice skating so on Saturday she invited 4 friends and we all went to the 7 peaks ice rink. Everyone had a lot of fun.

Makadie, Jensen, Emily, Ashley, and Jessica

Lexi and Hope

Oakley and Matt (Oakley isn't looking too happy here because this is his first time around and he was pretty unstable. He got pretty good by the end, was skating around by himself, and he loved it.)

Addi and mom

After skating for a couple of hours we headed home for presents and cake.

Jensen got to go to Young Women on Sunday. She's been so excited to be in Young Women. Happy birthday Jensen, we love you!

New Calling

2010-01-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

So you know when you get that call from the Executive Secretary that the bishop would like to meet with you and your husband after church? Oh great, a new calling. You start wondering, am I going to like it? Hate it? How hard is it going to be, how much time will it take? You start imagining the callings you think you would love (anything in Young Women, Enrich committee [I know it's not called Enrichment any more so what would it be, Relief Society meeting committee? That 's going to take some getting used to]). You start imagining the callings you dread getting (scouts, Adult Sunday school teacher). Then as you sit in church they release one of the Relief Society teachers and don't call a new one so you start thinking, "I don't want to be a Relief Society teacher. I mean it is only once a month which would be nice but I can't stand up in front of all those women who are so much more spiritual and knowledgeable than me and try to teach them, I'll feel like a fool." So you go to meet the bishop. He calls your husband in first and asks if he'll support you in a calling. "What is the calling," your husband asks. "I'm not going to say, I just want to know if you'll support her," replies the bishop. This goes back and forth for a minute and then finally your husband says, "yeah, I'll support her." Out comes your husband and the bishop has you go in. "So," he says, "do you have a lot of extra time in your life." "A yeah bishop, I've only got five kids a husband and two dogs, plenty of extra time on my hands." Okay that wasn't really my response. I actually said something like, "Not a whole lot of extra time with five kids but why do you ask?" Again he wouldn't give me an answer just yet. I assured the bishop he was making me really nervous. He called my husband in and proceeded to ask me if I would accept a calling as the Relief Society President. Yeah, I know, my jaw hit the floor too. I believe my first response after almost bursting into tears while laughing hysterically and barfing all over the bishop's desk was "Are you serious?" I was sure he must be making an early April Fools joke. Apparently he wasn't because today I was set apart as the Relief Society president. And to think I was afraid I was going to be called to be a R.S. teacher, HAHAHAHA! That'll teach me to think that I don't want what now seems like a piece of cake calling. Anyways, I'm still not sure how this'll all pan out but I guess I'll give it my best and hopefully it'll be a great adventure. I'm very humbled and will admit I've definitely felt the spirit as I've prayed about which women to call to serve with me in the presidency. I guess the Lord knows something I don't and we'll just have to wait to see what it is.

Girls night!

2010-01-18T19:36:00.001-08:00

My awesome sister Noelle invited all the girls over for a girls night and a sleepover. Everyone made it except for Kristi, Kera, and Aleyah. Noelle made all of the nieces "Girls Night 2010" shirts. What an awesome aunt!!!

We had soup in bread bowls for dinner, YUM!

Then Noelle pampered all of the girls with pedi's and mani's.

Heather helped the girls make a bracelet or necklace.

Jensen showing off her bracelet.

Addi showing off her glitter nails.

Addi and Livvy hard at work on their "best friends" necklaces.

Jensen getting her nails painted.

Addi showing off her necklace.

Lexi, Livvy, Noelle, Scout, Camryn, Jensen, and Addi in their "Girls Night" shirts and "Girls Rule" sleep masks.

After everyone was ready for bed we watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, one of my all time favorite movies! We all had such a great time. Thanks Noelle!

Addi's birthday!

2010-01-18T19:17:00.001-08:00

My baby turned 5! I have to say I'm really sad. She'll start kindergarten next year and I'm going to be so lonely. She's growing up so fast and she is such a sweet heart. She wanted a castle cake and a friend of mine made this. Addi loved it! All day long she kept saying, "I love my cake!"

Because it was an odd birthday instead of an even birthday she got to pick something fun to do with the family and a friend instead of a birthday party. She chose Chuck E Cheese and invited her cousin Livvy.

After Chuck E Cheese we headed home to open presents and eat cake.

Guess who I met last week!!!

2010-01-09T21:25:00.000-08:00

Chalene Johnson, the creator of Turbo Jam, was in Park City for the week of New Years. A friend of mine is an exercise class instructor and works for Chalene's company doing trainings. Chalene called her and said she wanted to do a class in Park City while she was in town so they set up a Turbo Kick/Hip Hop Hustle class and I was invited. I was so excited!!! I invited my friend Monica and my sister Noelle to go with me. We had so much fun!!!

Christmas fun!

2010-01-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

We headed down to Blanding for Christmas this year (okay, it's actually last year but since it was just two weeks ago that's too weird to say). The fun started on Christmas Eve with a party at my mom's and dad's house with the Halliday clan. Getting together with this group is never boring and never quiet but oh so much fun!

We had a yummy dinner.

Then the kids acted out the nativity in the garage. These are all the chilly spectators.

Lexi as Mary, McCoy as baby Jesus, Carter as Joseph, Maxon and Jake as sheep, Oakley as a shepherd, and Addi and Livvy as angels. Cohen was going to be a sheep with Maxon but ended up in the hospital because he got really sick, poor little guy :(

Jensen, Logan, and Camryn as wise "people."

I bet you haven't seen a cuter nativity than this:)

And here's the entire cast, with a live donkey. The donkey was our Christmas present to our parents. My mom had already seen him so he wasn't much of a surprise to her, my dad had heard enough slip ups that I'm sure he was expecting a donkey but not on Christmas Eve;)

Paco

Grandpa meeting Paco. My parents love him! Of course we were all sure my mom would but the husbands were all sure my dad didn't really want a donkey and we (the wives) were nuts to get him. But he was a hit!

After the nativity we went back into the house and Addi and Livvy sang "I'm the Angel in the Christmas Play." They were so adorable and did such a good job.

Then it was time for the gift game.

Lexi and Kolton both stole what they wanted, a soft blanket and bath gel, yes, my 16-year-old son stole bath gel from somebody and was thrilled with it.

Camryn and Jensen also stole soft blankets which they love. I even ended up with one so our family made out pretty good in the soft blanket department.

After the party the grand kids all got to open their customary new p.j.'s from Grandma and Grandpa.

Livvy and Addi showing off their matching p.j.'s.

Christmas morning started off early with all of us meeting in Grandpa and Grandma's room for a reading of the nativity story and a family prayer. I love that we do this because it gives us all a few minutes to remember what the day is really about. But, I also remember how hard it was as a kid. That story was 10 times as long as it is now;) I thought it would never end! But of course it did, and then on to the presents. There were presents for 28 people so the family room was pretty packed. And can you say chaos?! But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love spending Christmas with my family!

What could it possibly be?

I think everyone made out pretty well.

One of the best parts of the day was a phone call from Josh in France. Everyone had a chance to talk to him and it was so much fun hearing how great he is doing. He is such an awesome missionary and such a great example to all the grand kids.

After the phone call we all went visiting down to Grandma Black's house. I love that Christmas in Blanding means not only seeing my immediate family but so much extended family too.

Grandma Black and Addi.

The Lyman clan.

Saturday morning we all got dressed in our winter wear and went sledding.

Addi and Oakley preferred sliding down the hill on their bums. Not so fast and scary!

Matt and Lexi

Kristi, Oakley, and Jensen

Matt, Addi, and Lexi (that's Addi's pink boot sticking out:)

After everyone had had their fill of sledding we warmed up with some hot chocolate.

Saturday night we had a Christmas party with the Lyman Clan. My dad rented a huge cabin up on the mountain. It was amazing and so much fun.

We had yummy soup and bread bowls for dinner.

Kolton and I prepared a song that we sang together at both parties. The kids acted out the nativity again, without the live donkey this time. We played the gift game again and everyone had a great time. I love Christmas in Blanding!

Where did December go?!

2010-01-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

So somehow December came and went and I feel like I missed it. And of course I didn't keep up on my blog so here is a post of the month leading up to Christmas. The week after Thanksgiving we got some stuff together to send to Josh. The kids decorated this shirt for him. I think it turned out really fun.

Then we went to the ward Christmas party where we had a visit from Santa. Oakley however is convinced that it wasn't really Santa but Alviso (our neighbor). Smart boy ;)

Addi talked me into buying a gingerbread house kit at Walmart that the kids did together.

The Sunday before Christmas we let the kids open their draw name presents to each other. I wanted them to know which ones they got from each other.

Addi got a Littlest Pet Shop pack from Jensen.

Oakley got a Lego set from Addi.

Jensen got the BYU hoodie that she really wanted from Kolton.

Lexi's was the best because Oakley was going to give her an electric blanket but she figured out what it was so Oakley and I carefully opened the present, took the blanket out of the box, replaced it with pajamas and rewrapped it. I even had her convinced for a minute that I had gotten the box from my mom and didn't actully buy the blanket. She got the blanket from Matt and I on Christmas.

Kolton got some Areopostale sweats from Lexi.

Matt even got to open a present from the kids.

Bread pans!

The 6th graders did a Christmas play. Jensen was in the choir.

Can you guess what song they're singing?

Thanksgiving in St. George (okay, actually La Verkin)

2009-11-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Matt's mom and step dad, Shirl bought a house in St. George (actually La Verkin) and invited everyone down for Thanksgiving this year.

Thanksgiving day was beautiful and we were able to eat outside.

Later that afternoon we took Jensen, Oakley, and Trinity (a cousin) and went to do some geocaching.

1st cache

Found it! 2nd cache

The 3rd cache was missing but it was supposed to be at this park so the kids had fun playing.

4th cache

The next day we went to Zion's and did a couple of hikes.

Pay it Forward

2009-11-29T20:40:00.001-08:00

Awhile back I commented on a Pay It Forward post on Noelle's blog. The first three people who commented got a homemade project from her. This is what she made for me. Isn't it awesome!!! I love it!

Young Women's in Excellence

2009-11-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

For Young Women's in Excellence each of the young women were supposed to show something they had done toward their personal progress. Lexi did the cake decorating class for her value project in Individual Worth so she made these cute Christmas tree cupcakes and this cute cake. They turned out so awesome!

Time Out For Mom

2009-11-29T20:20:00.000-08:00

My mom came up to help me with some projects I'd been wanting to do but couldn't get the motivation to do on my own. We spent the first day canning beans.

We did pinto and black beans.

While we were working on the beans she helped me make an apron. I haven't done much sewing and wasn't sure how to use the pattern and how to put it all together.

I think it turned out pretty cute.

The next day we headed up to Noelle's house to do some more beans and make freezer jam.

Noelle and Stacy stirring the jam.

We made strawberry/peach, peach/mango/strawberry, and peach/strawberry.

The next day my mom, Kristi, Stacy, Noelle, and I headed to Salt Lake for a women's conference called Time Out For Women. It was Friday evening and most the day Saturday. It was so fabulous. The speakers were outstanding, inspirational, and even really funny. Jenny Oaks Baker, a violinist, performed on Friday evening and Hillary Weeks, a singer, performed on Saturday. They were both so amazing. Their music was beautiful and the spirit was so strong. It really was a Time Out and I really enjoyed spending time with my mom and sisters. I'm so blessed to have such an awesome family. We missed Heather and Kera but hopefully we can do it again some time and they'll be able to come.

Me, mom, Noelle, Stacy, & Kristi

Field Trip to Clark Planetarium

2009-11-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

At the first of Nov. I went with Jensen's class to the Clark Planetarium. It was fun to be with Jensen and her friends.

Me, Jensen, and her friend Emily.

The kids favorite activity of the day was riding the huge elevator.

I'm gonna email Santa!!!

2009-11-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

Payson, Utah,
United States
Eeew! Who licked the screen!!

Dear Santa Claus,

My name is Oakley. I am a boy and I am already 6 years old!! I live in the great city of Payson. Of course, that's in Utah, United States, but I'll bet you knew that!! This year I've been so good that I should be the angel on top of the tree!

Santa Claus, some things I might like for Christmas this year are:
- Creepy Crawler maker;
- bike; and,
- leapster game.

Santa Claus, I almost forgot to say... Make sure you remember I'll be at my grandpa and grandma's house in Blanding, UT this year for Christmas. I can't wait until you come on Christmas Eve.

Love, Oakley

		#1, Rudolph Way North Pole, Canada HO HO HO
Payson, Utah United States	Monday, November 09, 2009

Hello Oakley!!

Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Payson! Did you know that Payson is one of Mrs. Claus' favourite places? The other thing she really likes is to read all your wonderful emails. As a matter of fact, she was just asking if I had heard from you lately!

Well call me the King of Jing-a-Ling, Oakley! I can't believe you are 6 years old already! Are you getting excited about Christmas? Everyone at the North Pole sure is! Are you looking forward to Santa Claus visiting your home? Rudolph said he's really excited about visiting your home! I also hear you've been a REALLY REALLY good boy. (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! Ho!! ho!!).

Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. creepy crawler maker; 2. bike and; 3. leapster game. HO!! Ho!! ho!! I see there's a bike on your list. That's a great present! Of course, you'll have to promise me you'll always wear a helmet and follow all the safety rules. Now one thing about a bike is that its very hard to fit a lot of them into the sleigh. So, I hope you won't be too disappointed if we can't fit enough of them in for everyone this Christmas.

Oh yes, before I forget Oakley, the elves really want you to visit my new blog! It is called Santa Claus' Christmas Blog. My blog is all about Christmas, life at the North Pole, and me, Santa Claus ! You can even write messages to me and see what others have written. I can hardly wait to see what you write!

Well, it's time for Santa Claus to go do his chimney exercises. Up! Down! Up! Down! Have to be in tip-top shape for the big night! Take care Oakley and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!! And remember... only 46 more sleeps until Christmas!!

Love You Forever and Always,

P.S. The reindeer say "Thank You!" for the nice treats! I hope you don't mind, but I had a bit of carrot and celery too. After all, even Santa eats his veggies!

Payson, Utah,
United States

Eeew! Who licked the screen!!

Dear Santa Claus,

My name is Addison. I am a girl and I am already 4 years old!! I live in the great city of Payson. Of course, that's in Utah, United States, but I'll bet you knew that!! This year I've been so good that my halo is just a teensy weensy bit crooked!

Santa Claus, some things I might like for Christmas this year are:
- Littlest Pet Shop;
- scooter; and,
- two babies.

Santa Claus, I almost forgot to say... I'm so excited for Christmas! I can't wait for you to visit. Don't forget, I'll be in Blanding, UT this year at my grandpa and grandma's house for Christmas.

Love, Addison

Rudolph licked this stamp personally! Of course, he made a mess of the screen! Silly Rudolph!

#1, Rudolph Way
North Pole, Canada
HO HO HO

Payson, Utah
United States

Monday, November 09, 2009

Dear Addison,

Thank you for sending me your email all the way from Payson! The Net sure is wonderful because now I never feel lonely all the way up at the North Pole. I can get those wonderful Christmas emails any time of the year now, but it's always special when I get one from you, Addison.

Here's a picture of Santa just for you Addison!Well tickle my whiskers, Addison! Are you really and truly 4 years old already?!? I'll bet you're really excited about Christmas! Everyone at the North Pole sure is! Are you looking forward to Santa Claus visiting your home? Rudolph said he's really excited about visiting your home! I also hear you've been a really good girl. (Of course, you won't mind if I do a little checking, will you? HO!! Ho!! ho!!).

Let's see what you put in your letter for Christmas wishes: 1. littlest pet shop; 2. scooter and; 3. two babies. May all your Christmas wishes come true!HO!! Ho!! ho!! I see there's a scooter on your list. That's a great present! Of course, you'll have to promise me you'll always wear a helmet and follow all the safety rules. Now one thing about a scooter is that its very hard to fit a lot of them into the sleigh. So, I hope you won't be too disappointed if we can't fit enough of them in for everyone this Christmas.

Oh yes, before I forget Addison, the elves really want you to visit my new blog! It is called Santa Claus' Christmas Blog. My blog is all about Christmas, life at the North Pole, and me, Santa Claus ! You can even write messages to me and see what others have written. I can hardly wait to see what you write!

Oh no! Rudolph just sneezed and now there's Nose Wax everywhere. I'll see you soon but now I have to go clean off my computer because it's glowing like Rudolph's nose! Take care Addison and don't forget to come back and visit me here at EmailSanta.com on Christmas Eve!! And remember... only 46 more sleeps until Christmas!!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,
Santa Claus

Thank you Addison for thinking of me!

P.S. YUM! Those sure were some tasty goodies you sent me in your letter Addison! I hope its okay that I shared them with everyone here. You should see how fast they disappeared! Oh, wait! You CAN! HO!! Ho!! ho!!

Have a holly jolly Christmas Addison!

Halloween

2009-11-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

Halloween came and went again this year and as usual we ended up with way too much candy. Of course I ate way more than I should have.

Lion Addi with her preschool teachers

Addi playing the computer at preschool

Oakley decorating a Halloween cookie at his class party

Shaggy Dog Oakley playing hoops

Hippie Jensen at her class party

Shaggy Dog Oakley and Lion Addi

My cute kids Addi, Lexi, Jensen, and Oakley

Crazy Hair Day

2009-11-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Oakley and Jensen on Crazy Hair Day

Goblin Valley

2009-10-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

WARNING: If you continue reading this post you will be subjected to miles and miles of pictures, you have been forewarned and proceed at you own risk.

Last weekend was Fall Break and some friends invited us to go camping with them to Goblin Valley. We'd never been there and thought it sounded like a lot of fun so off we went.

Where we camped there were tons of fun rocks to climb on. The kids had a blast.
Lexi, Jensen, Oakley, Addi, and our friend's son, Tyler.

Oakley and Lexi

Addi and Tyler

Addi

Lexi riding one of our friend's small motorcycles.

Oakley, Addi, Jensen, and Lexi

Matt

Matt and Oakley

Jensen and Addi

Jason and Matt

Oakley and Addi

Addi

We had a goblin right in the middle of our campsite. Noelle and Trent let us borrow their trailer. It was so awesome! Thanks so much Noelle and Trent!!!

Oakley

Oakley's favorite rock. Any guesses as to what he named it?

Addi hanging out in the trailer.

On the second day we went on a hike in a slot canyon.
Addi, Monica, Tyler, and Oakley.

We found out after we planned the camping trip that the scouts in our ward were going camping at Goblin Valley the same weekend. We were able to meet up with them and go partway on the hike with them. Kolton had chosen to go camping with them over us. Teenagers! At least we got to see him and spend a little time with him. Here's Jensen and Lexi with Kolton and one of the other scouts in our ward.

The canyon was amazing and one of the coolest hikes I've ever been on. The kids loved it. The hike is an 8 mile loop but we didn't do the whole thing. We probably hiked about 2 miles in and then back out. We were all pretty tired by the time we got out.

Mom, Jensen, and Addi

Mom and Oakley

Lexi and Jensen

Addi and Oakley

Jensen

Jensen, Oakley, and Addi

Jensen and Lexi

Matt and Addi

Jensen

Addi and Lexi

Monica, Zane, Matt, and Jason

Everyone took a little break before we turned around and went back.

After we finished the hike we went into Goblin Valley. It was a lot of fun and a great place for hide-n-seek.

Lexi

Jensen

Oakley

Mom, Dad, Oakley, Addi, Jensen, and Lexi

We decided to play a game of sardines. If you haven't played it before it's hide-n-seek in reverse. One person hides then everyone else tries to find them. When you find them you hide with them.

Here is everyone hiding from Tyler and Oakley, the last seekers.

By the last day everyone was pretty worn out. But "everyone" (the dads) really wanted to go on one last four-wheeler ride.

Addi and Jensen were sleeping by the end of the ride.

So was Zane.

But it was a great weekend!!!

Allstate Choir

2009-10-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Kolton's choir teacher picked him as one of the kid's from Payson to be in the Allstate choir this year. It was an awesome experience for him. The concert was amazing and we were really proud of his hard work.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins

2009-10-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Addi's preschool went to the Pumpkin Patch for a field trip and I got to go with her.

She walked around looking for the perfect pumpkin.

She found it!

Of course she had to get a picture as a ghost. Then we got to go eat yummy doughnuts!

The next week we invited Noelle and her kids down to go with us to the Pumpkin Patch so the rest of the kids could pick out a pumpkin.

Camryn, Lexi, Jensen, and Maxon

Addi, Oakley, Lexi, Jensen, and Camryn

Oakley with his pumpkin

Oakley, Addi, and Scout as cute little pumpkins.
After the pumpkin patch we came back to our house and had soup, carved our pumpkins, and decorated cookies. Unfortunately, I forgot to get my camera out :(

"Look at me Mom, no training wheels!"

2009-10-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Kolton and Jensen were both wanting to find ways to earn some extra money so I offered them some money if they could teach Oakley and Addi to ride their bikes without training wheels. Well... They did it!!! I love having older kids!

Kolton's first formal

2009-10-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Kolton was really excited this year to go to the homecoming dance. He asked Kristen Miller to go with him by painting her car and filling it with balloons.

She answered by wrapping our car with saran wrap and filling it with balloons. Her answer was in one of the balloons.

They both looked so great!

Labor Day weekend

2009-09-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Wednesday before Labor Day we headed down to Blanding. We have a family tradition of going out to the Colorado Cabin over Labor Day weekend. Deco and Kera were ready to be sealed to each other and Aleyah so they scheduled it the Thursday before Labor Day at the Monticello temple.

Everyone at the Monticello temple after the sealing.

After the sealing we went back to my mom's and dad's house for Aleyah to be blessed. Isn't she beautiful?

That evening we had a party with friends and family. Of course there was tons of good food. The whole day was a perfect way to start off our family Labor Day weekend. This picture was taken just before it started pouring rain! We ended up taking the party inside. It was a little crowded but so much fun to visit with everyone.

The next morning we headed out to Colorado. By Friday night everyone in the family except for Josh (mission in France, excused) and Kolton (teenager, not excused) were there. There were 27 of us total. I think everyone had a great time.

Oakley, Maxon, and Addi

Jensen, Logan, Carter, and Addi

Addi, Livvy, and Oakley

What do you get when you have 27 people and wet, rainy, muddy, weather?

A huge pile of wet, muddy, shoes. Luckily it didn't rain as much this year as it has in the past.

On Saturday morning we got up and headed to Ouray to go swimming.

Stacy, Taylor, and Grandpa

Livvy, Matt, Addi, and Jensen

Addi and Marilyn

Lexi

After we got out we had to check out the big fish outside of the swimming pool.

Then we had a picnic lunch at the park by the swimming pool.

After we were done with lunch we headed back to the cabin so we'd be there in time to watch the BYU/Oklahoma game. Jeremy Redd brought a dish out to the cabin so we wouldn't miss it.

Just in case you didn't hear yet, BYU WON!!! And can I just say that having 27 people in one cabin watching a BYU game is NOT a quiet activity, but it was fun!

I spent a lot of time reading. I finally actually had time to finish a book.

Oakley holding a horny toad Jeremy got for Livvy. It was a big one!

Carter, Oakley, and Matt four-wheeling

Playing at the fish pond

Heather, Maxon, Trent, and Grandpa

Jensen loves riding horses. This is her trotting on Panda across the dam.

Matt helping Addi fish while Maxon watches

You can't really see it but Oakley caught a tiny craw-dad.

Addi fishing

On Sunday Grandma and Grandpa did a treasure hunt for the grand kids.

The little kids and Kristi

The little kids followed some twine to find their treasure.

There was a separate, harder treasure hunt for the older kids.

They had clues to follow to find their treasure.

Still looking

Jensen and Stacy riding Panda

Lexi spent a lot of the weekend holding baby Aleyah and McCoy.

Here she is holding McCoy.

Lexi and Cam on the four-wheeler.

Jensen helping Cam and Lexi push off

We all had a great weekend and are looking forward to next year!

Tri, tri, again

2009-08-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

Jensen and I competed in our second triathlon this weekend. Jensen did a kid's triathlon and Noelle and I did a sprint triathlon.

Noelle, Jensen, and I waiting for the triathlon to start.

Jensen trying to stay warm.

Jensen passed all of the other swimmer and was the first one out of the water.

Jensen finishing the triathlon.

Jensen took first in the kids tri, even beating out the boys. That's my girl!

Me climbing out of the pool. They wouldn't let the spectators inside the fence by the pool so it was kind of hard to get decent pics.

Finishing the bike portion.

Hopefully some Powerade will help me make it through the run.

I finished!

Jensen

They were giving free massages for the competitors after the race. HEAVEN!

So happy to be done.

School starts and a ward pool party!

2009-08-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and it's back to school. I love the summer and am so sad when it's over. Even though it's still hot out it's not the same. I think I'm one of the few moms who doesn't look forward to school starting. I hate having to worry about bedtime and homework. I think it's a bigger pain for moms than kids. The kids were excited to start school (okay, maybe not Kolton so much but everyone else was).Jensen waiting for the school bus. She was so excited to not go to C.S. Lewis Academy this year and go back to Spring Lake. She's in 6th grade this year in Mrs. Poulson's class.

Oakley waiting for the school bus. He's in 1st grade, in Ms Montgomery's class.

The Friday after school started we had a ward party at the swimming pool. It was a lot of fun but the air was freezing cold. Luckily the water was warm so as long as you stayed in the water it wasn't too bad.

Oakley and Matt

Makadie and Jensen

Matt and Addi

Bro. Alviso, our neighbor and ward activities committee person who planned the ward party. Someone smashed a cupcake in his face.

Jensen and Lexi swam all the way around the lazy river backwards. It was a really good workout.