Diego Garcia

Jamie left September 5th for Diego Garcia. He was supposed to be home on the 1st of October, but ended up staying a little longer than expected because of some of the delays in the work. He got to see the Gardens By the Bay in Singapore, went deep sea fishing once, and lots more land fishing, hooked himself with a barbed hook and got to spend an hour or two with the doctors trying to get it out, and did a lot of work for the government. We missed him like crazy and was so glad to have him back home.

Devil’s Bridge

Emmy wanted to get away for the day so we left for Sedona a little after 5. We hiked Devils Bridge and then the birthing cave. Devils Bridge was about 4 miles and the birthing cave was 2. I liked Devils Bridge a lot better but they were both good. It was nice to get out.

Subway Cave

The juniors were taking the ACT test today so the seniors didn’t have to show up until almost noon and then their classes were really short so Emmy played hookie and we drove to Sedona to hike Subway Cave. It was a pretty easy hike and the weather was good. The cave is beautiful. There were also some Indian ruins across from the cave. It was a fun day with my favorite oldest daughter.

Rooks 12

Rook has been so excited to turn 12. Most of his friends are older than him. Evie planned a birthday party for him. She made the invitations and planned the activities. We started at the church and played chair soccer and dodge ball and then went back to our house for pizza and slip in slide and water games. I think he had a fun time!

Fat Man’s Pass

Wyatt’s family came down to spend a few days with us over spring break. We met them at the resort they were staying to go to the water park, we went to Freestone and climbed the rock wall and played wallyball, played laser tag, found marching wedding dresses at Goodwill and hiked Fat Man’s Pass. It was a fun couple days.

Rook’s first temple trip

It’s  been a busy week for Rook. Sunday before church he was ordained a deacon. Nana and Poppy and Grammy and Papa were there along with all of his family and some of his friends. TJ and Emmett got to stand in the circle with him as he was ordained a deacon. He has been so ready to join the deacons quorum. He got to pass the sacrament for the first time Sunday and did an amazing job!

Then today we took him to do baptisms for the dead. The older kids had school so it was me and Jamie and him and Evie. The temple wasn’t busy and it was fun to be there with them. We stopped at Kneaders for breakfast before getting them home and getting them to school, although it was a little late.

She's Legal!

Addy has been so excited to get her permit. She has been saving her money for a car and is just super excited to drive. So I pulled her out of school on the 9th and we went and got it. She drove all the way back to school which was about 6 miles. It was the first time she had driven besides just to the church and back in our neighborhood and she did great!

18!!!

Her birthday wasn't super exciting. We started the day with opening presents. She got tickets to see Wicked at Gammage. I think she was pretty excited about that. She also got the duck cake from Bluey that she wanted. It's head fell off during school so we had to do some fixing. But it turned out okay. Then she went to school. I took her lunch at school. She had band tonight but Matthew took her to dinner and then came over for cake. I think it was a pretty good day for her. I'm sure this year is going to bring lots of changes for her. I can't wait to see what life has in store for her.

Tom's Thumb

Emmy and I hiked Tom's Thumb over break. It's a neat little hike. It's not horribly long but it has quite a bit of elevation gain. It was good to be hiking and good to be with Emmy. Love that girl.

Bishops Dinner

The young women and young men had a challenge from the beginning of July to the end of October to see who could do the most baptisms for the dead. Bishop agreed to make the winner a steak dinner. It was a lively competition and came down to the last day with multiple young women going more than once that last day, but we pulled it off. Bishop went all out with the dinner and the young men were great sports about serving. It was a super fun night.