Blue Skies and Wide Open Spaces

Trent had some work to do up in Wyoming this last week, so being that it is still summer and there is no school yet, the kids and I decided to hit the road with him. I had no idea there were so many beautiful places to see in Wyoming. I hadn't ever seen any other part of Wyoming except what you can see driving along I-80. We headed up to Riverton first.
We were in the car most of the day, but I did manage to get a fairly descent picture of the sunset.

Oh, and Preston checking himself out in the mirror at the hotel. He was pretty into himself.

On our way to Lander the next day we came across this.
Too bad it wasn't open yet. I'd like to know what "The World's Finest Food" tastes like. Bummer.

While in Lander, we visited a place that is known as "The Sinks".


This river flows down into a cave into the side of the mountain (the sink), and about a 1/2 mile to a mile down the road, it comes back up out of the mountain (the rise) on the other side of the road. Apparently, dye tests have been done, and it takes 2 hours for the water to get from the sink to the rise.
Where the river comes back out at the rise, there are tons of trout just hanging out in the pool of water. Too bad there's no fishing aloud. :(
The rise.

While there, we also hiked up to a waterfall. Trenton was scared for the first mile or so that he might get eaten by a bear. Ever since the lovely tornado we had a couple of months ago, he finds something to be worried and scared of wherever we go. Stinking tornado. It made him aware of all sorts of dangers that he never thought twice about before. He got past it though and started to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
He even made up a game where he and Trent started counting the rocks that they stepped on (it was a rocky trail) and whoever stepped on the most, won. I think they got up to the 700s. And that was only on the way back down the trail.

The kids were good sports. It was a 3 mile hike to the waterfall and back.
We kept Preston in the backpack most of the time. He wanted to walk, but there were some pretty steep cliffs. Knowing Preston, I don't think him and cliffs would go so well together.
Poor little Viv. She took a couple of pretty good diggers.
Let me put it this way. Her shirt started off pink, and by the time our hike was over, the whole front of it was brown. Yes, twice she fell and slid a couple of feet, face first on the dusty trail. What a little trooper though. After a few tears, she kept on going.

Oh, BTW, if you to to The Sinks...
Beware of the sheep. Apparently there is one sheep in particular who likes to ram it's head in to cars. Crazy sheep.
We had a picnic lunch at the funnest park after our hike. We got to watch some horses munch on some grass while we were there. It totally made Preston's day. That kid loves horsies.
What a fun park. I have never seen anything like it. It was like the Wild West meets Park. It had a little town, a train, a covered wagon...
And a tepee.
Preston kept doing "no hands" on the swing. He loves to scare himself a bit.
The kids loved playing on the tire swing...
Even Trent. We had a blast being able to go to "work" with Trent. (He really did work while we were gone:) Who knew there would be so many fun things to do? And it sure beat being home by myself with all the kids. ;)

Epiphany

I had the opportunity to teach in Relief Society a few weeks ago. I stressed over that lesson so much. I have never taught in Relief Society before, so I was a nervous wreck. I spent many hours in prayer and study while preparing for this lesson. Every spare second I had I was praying and studying. A few days after it was all over, I got thinking about how weak I was, that I couldn't even prepare a lesson without leaning so heavily on my Heavenly Father. Then it hit me... I am weak, and I can't do anything without the help of my Heavenly Father. But instead of continuing to feel weak, I felt strengthened because I know that with my Heavenly Father helping me along the way, I can do anything, I can be anything. It is when I don't rely on Him that I am weak, that things are harder. I am grateful to know that without my Heavenly Father, I am nothing, I have nothing. These are things that I already knew, but it struck me so hard that day, that I believe it will be harder for me to forget in the future.

Crashed!

Proof that Preston still desperately needs a nap. He will drop off to sleep in the most random places and positions.
The swing would probably put me to sleep too. I'll give him that one, but c'mon, the stairs? The floor in the middle of the room? Underneath Vivi's bed? You'd think it would be way more comfortable to fall asleep all cozied up in bed. Whatever. Preston is one of those that is always having to do things his own way, even napping. Cute little stink.

Poor Babies

I looked out our sliding glass door the other day to find that two little baby birds had fallen out of their nest. Aren't they so tiny?!

They must not have been out of their nest for too long because they were still alive when we found them. Poor little things. Trent, the wonderful man that he is, put on some gloves and put them right back in their nest.

Their poor mommy must have been sick with worry. Can you imagine coming home to find your babies missing? I haven't seen them out of their nest again, (I look several times a day) so hopefully that means they are in growing healthy and strong.

Happy Independence Day!

I have many memories of the 4th of July from when I was growing up. They mostly consist of my dad and uncle Mike doing very dangerous things with fireworks. Oh, and the trips across the border to Wyoming to get the "good stuff". I remember always being excited about it being the 4th of July, and waiting in anticipation for the fireworks to begin, but I also remember always feeling a little terrified at the same time. You see, my dad and his younger brother, Mike, just couldn't seem to follow any of the guidelines when it came to lighting fireworks. They always had to come up with their own, very unsafe ways of igniting them. Instead of setting the firework on the ground, away from anything that's flammable, they would proceed to light it while holding it, then once it was lit, they would randomly throw it, and you never knew where it might land (or if one of them was going to lose any fingers, or limbs for that matter). I'm sure our neighbors were just thrilled to live near us on the 4th of July. (Especially the one who's lawn caught on fire do to said unsafe lighting and handling.) The first 4th of July after Trenton was born, my uncle Mike and his family came over from Utah for a visit. The night of the 4th, we got our lawn chairs all set up and ready to watch the fireworks "display". I think I ended up in the house with Trenton not too long after it started. The fireworks rushing through the air right past my head were enough to freak me out. I didn't want my little two month old losing an eye or anything. Well, our home firework shows are a little more tame now, but still a lot of fun. We celebrated a little early last night and set off some fireworks in the street in front of our house. The kids get so excited. This was the first year that Preston really got into the fun of fireworks. He loved being able to wave the sparklers around, which, BTW, Trent was freaking out about the whole time. He proceeded to inform me this morning that he had heard on the radio that sparklers can get up to 1000 degrees, and that it is not recommended that you give them to your children. He said, "That's hotter than a curling iron, and I know you wouldn't hand the kids a hot curling iron to play with." Okay honey, you rest your case. But I'm still going to let my kids have sparklers on the 4th of July. What is a 4th of July without sparklers for Heaven's sake!
We had an opportunity to talk to our kids, over a breakfast of red, white, and blue, this morning about the many freedoms we enjoy. We told them a little bit of the history of why we celebrate Independence Day. While Trent and I were discussing with them some of our freedoms and how blessed we are to live in this country, I almost felt ashamed for how much I take for granted. I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I have. I am so grateful to live in a country where we have the opportunities of education. Reading is one of my favorite past times, and I can't imagine going through my life without being able to read. I am grateful for the freedom to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Where would I be without the knowledge I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It scares me to even think about it. I am grateful that I don't have to live in fear for my life at every moment. I am very grateful for all of those, both now and who have gone before, that have fought for our freedom and our safety. I am proud to be able to call myself an American, and I love this land in which I live. Happy Independence Day!

MoTab Concert

We were very fortunate to be able to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform last night. Everything was just beautiful, from the awe-inspiring music, to the amazing scenery of Red Rocks. I had tears come to my eyes a time or two listening to that beautiful music. Very moving.We could see Downtown Denver and the town of Golden from inside Red Rocks. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Nothing like a night spent sitting next to my Honey, holding hands, listening to magnificent music, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

Fairy Camp

My mom and mother-in-law did the cutest thing this last week. They and some of their friends all got together and put on a fairy camp for all of their granddaughters. Each girl got their own fairy camp T-shirt and a wreath of flowers for their hair. They started the day off with portraits.

Here's our little "Fairy in Training".

After pictures, they went in to learn a fairy dance. I can't remember both of the songs they danced to, but I know one of them was "Fireflies" by Faith Hill. Such a cute song. Then they got to go on a nature walk to find things to put in their Fairy houses for later. They learned the Fairy Law, which is: "Look for magic in everything. Be kind to others and yourself. Take care of the world." After learning the Fairy Law they got to choose their own fairy names (after weeks of deliberation, Vivi chose Bella) and were deemed fairies, and even received their own special fairy wands. They spent the rest of the day eating snacks, such as marshmallows dipped in chocolate, made crafts, such as lady bug wings, listened to stories about fairies, and played water games.
Each of the girls (I mean fairies) got to fill their own fairy house (complete with fairy) with the things they found on their nature walk. Vivi had so much fun spending the day with her grandmas and doing all things girlie. I am grateful to have two such wonderful mothers that take time to plan things like Fairy Camp and enjoy being with their grandkids so much. They are already talking about the fun things they can do next year at fairy camp. Thanks mom and Janet! And to you dear friends, when our kids are grown and we have granddaughters of our own, anyone up for planning and putting together a fairy camp?

Happy Birthday Trent!

It was Trent's birthday last Saturday. He turned 34! We started the celebrations a week early with all of the family.
Can you believe this is the only picture that I got? There must have been something wrong with me that day!

On his real birthday, he got to go shooting with the guys, which he does not get to do nearly often enough. He loves it!
Having a birthday nap with Little Buds. Naps are rare at our house, as I have mentioned before. We had a few friends over that night to celebrate the big day with us. We did it up right with Cafe Rio pork (which I had never had before, but is now one of my faves).

And of course we had to have the birthday balloon launch.
Don't worry, I won't repeat the birthday wish Trent wrote on his balloon. We don't want anything "X" rated on this blog;)
A little cheesecake, and a rousing game of "Truth or Dare" later, and we had ourselves a hopping party! Happy birthday babe! I love you so much!

Midnight Bubbles

My little Preston, the darling boy, has turned into an insomniac of late. Alas, my champion napper is no more. Shoot a pickle (as my mom would say). Not only does he no longer nap, he just won't go to bed at all. After getting all the kids to bed, we'll be down in the family room watching TV, only to hear the pitter patter of little feet running back and forth in the hallway upstairs. Or, my personal favorite (er... not so much) is to hear the bathtub water start running of a sudden. Well, the other night I just couldn't take it anymore. After hearing him start to make his way down the stairs for the umpteenth time that night, I asked him if he wanted to go outside and blow some bubbles. Oh the joy on that little boy's face! So we blew bubbles hours after the other kiddos had gone to bed, just Preston and I. We had so much fun.

After bubbles, we went inside for some ice cream.
You've never seen a happier kid. By the time we were through with our midnight bubbles, he was actually happy to get into his bed. All in all, a success. (It wasn't really midnight, but pretty darn close!)

Wahooooo!!!!

Hooray! School is out! I am so excited to have my kids home with me all day. We have already started partying it up. Since yesterday afternoon we have been to the pool, had two huge water balloon fights, made a ginormous double batch of chocolate chip cookies, blown hundreds (maybe even thousands) of bubbles, had a pizza party, and watched a movie. While I am thrilled to have my little darlings home, the kids are a bit sad to leave their teachers. We have been so blessed this year to have had such wonderful teachers for them. They really learned a lot, and I am grateful for the ways their teachers have pushed them to do their best this year.
This is Mr Kennedy. Trenton had Mr. K for a teacher when he was in 3rd grade and just loved him, so when we found out at the beginning of the year that Colson was going to have him as a teacher in 2nd grade, we were thrilled. After having a kid in his class for two years in a row, it will be sad to not have him as a teacher for one of our kids next year. He is truly an amazing teacher. My boys learned so much from him, and not just things like reading, writing, and math, but he taught them about altruism, and to have goals and dreams. He has been such a positive influence for my boys, and they have just loved having him as a teacher. Even though they won't get to have him as a teacher next year (we were hoping he would move back up to teach 3rd grade, no such luck) at least they'll still get to see him weekly for their piano lessons.

These are the teachers Trenton had this last year in 4th grade:

Mrs. Puckett
Ms. Schafer
and Mr. Vick.

Trenton had a really great year with them. I love when my kids get teachers with a sense of humor, and these three definitely have a sense of humor. Ms. Schafer was always telling me crazy things Trenton would do in class that would just have her rolling. Mrs. Puckett was forever getting my two boys mixed up with eachother on the playground. The boys had the same jackets this last year, so she was always mixing Colson up with Trenton. Mr Vick apparently had a loud voice. One day, towards the beginning of the year Trenton and I were talking after school about how his day had gone. He said, "It was great, but Mr Vick sure yells a lot." A little alarmed, I asked Trenton what he would yell about. Trenton said, "Well, when we're working on math problems up at the board, if we get the answer right, Mr Vick will yell 'NAILED IT!', 'BINGO!', or 'BOOYAH!' " I just burst out laughing. That kind of yelling I can handle.

I'm so grateful for the wonderful year my boys had, but am looking forward to being able to spend lots of time with them during the summer.