Labor Day '16

We woke up Labor Day and wanted a fun adventure to somewhere new. Marshall had a great idea to go to Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was chilly there. We had a picnic lunch when we first got there.

There is a boardwalk around most of the lake.  It is very kid friendly walking around the lake.

The back side of the lake is a trail through the woods. The kids had fun playing on the logs, rocks, and trees.

Sienna cried so hard when Marshall climbed up this slab.

I have the worst memory but I do know that my brother Kasey and I were really close when I was younger. I don't remember everything but I do remember tagging along with him a few times. When I see James and Sienna I think of me and Kasey. James loves Sienna so much and likes spending time with her. These are genuine smiles right here!

We drove up to Guardsman Pass after.

On the way back down we stopped at Hidden Falls. It isn't too far off the road so it was easy for the kids to hike to. They had fun playing near the waterfall.

Marshall said in the spring the waterfall is really big. It was pretty small as you can see.

We finished off the day with eating pizza at a park for family night. The day couldn't have been better. I love holidays!

Cousins

Marshall found a little snake in the grass and Kaden took it on as his pet. It lasted for about an hour and then the snake was set free.

It was so fun having cousins in town for James's baptism! We were very entertained by their dress ups!

James's Baptism

I love baptisms. The spirit is so strong there. James's baptism day was so special! I love him so much and his desire to make right choices. It's even sweeter having Marshall baptize him. I'm so glad Marshall is a worthy priesthood holder and has the same goals I do to raise our children in the gospel. It is such a crazy, crazy world. All I can hope is that the things we are teaching our children now, stick with them because I know it will bring them lasting happiness.

Marshall got a black eye playing soccer :)

James and his cousin Gavin.

Thanks to all those who came to support James on his special day!

First Day of School '16

We were sad to miss the first day of school but my mom took good care of everyone. 

Lynnlee is in first grade and her teacher is Miss Adams.

James is in third grade and his teacher is Mrs. Terry.

My mom even took them to the bus stop and got a picture.

She kept up our tradition of getting ice cream and talking about the first day.

Kaden had his first day of preschool about two weeks later.

His teacher is Miss Penny. She lives in our stake and I met her while playing women's basketball. I was really excited when she told me she has a preschool because she is so great and good with kids.

James's Soccer and August birthdays

James played his first soccer game of the fall season on the field at JR Smith. This is the same field I grew up playing soccer on so it was really cool to be there with. He played great, unfortunately his team lost but he loved playing.

After the game we went to Andrea's parent's house to celebrate August birthdays. It was the perfect weather and we sat in the shade and ate and visited. Kasey made rockets with the kids. The kids got to hit a pinata. We played a pick up game of soccer with the kids and some adults. Lily gave rides on the golf cart. It was just such a great night and it went by way too fast.

These three have August birthdays and they have been anticipating this party for weeks. I think it lived up to their expectations. It was a fun night!

Sayu got these cute shirts for my kids. So I wanted to include it in a post. They were all so excited to wear them. We have been watching the cartoons of each character on YouTube.

Lagoon '16

We were really grateful for the two times we got to go to Lagoon this summer for free! We were planning on going to the school carnival on the Friday after we got back from Japan. Ali called me at 4:00 and asked if we wanted to go to Lagoon right then. It was NuSkin night and she was taking her kids. She explained that Steve's coworker had seven tickets he wasn't using. Steve passed them to Ali to give to us. We appreciated it so much and it was fun to go with Ali, Drew, and Katelyn.

It was the minis first time and I loved watching them take it all in. I didn't even care to go on any big rides because I just wanted to watch them on each ride.

The lines were so short so everyone got to go on all the rides they wanted. When we go to Frightmares we normally don't ride Tidal Wave and Swings so it was fun to do it this time.

NuSkin had the whole place to themselves and provided dinner. I told my kids we could stay as long as they were happy so we stayed until it closed because they were all so happy the whole time.

Two weeks later Betsy's work had Lagoon night. She had extra tickets for us. We had fun going with her and loved the short lines and free dinner.

James told me he dreams about Lagoon every night so he was really happy to go a second time. He can't get enough of all the big rides.

Thanks Betsy and Ali for the great nights at Lagoon!