Memorable MondayResorts

Going down the lazy river at Mesa High reminds me of when we went to resorts in AZ.   We loved going to the resorts.  We would go swimming, go out to eat, and just hang together.  The travel time can't be beat.   There were two resorts that we really liked as a family.  

1. Pointe Squaw Peak Resort‎

Here is the water park

Danni and Josh ready to go play at the water park

Angela and I going down the lazy river

There was a place to golf too

Emily hanging out near the western town

2. Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

Danni going down the lazy river - check out the rapids

Emily hanging out in the pool

My kids and I

Jim and Emily napping

New Job & New Calling

Josh has a job working at Pizza Hut making pizzas.  It's great to see him in the work force.  Josh also received a new church responsibility.  He makes sure that all the doors around the church building are locked tight.  He is becoming a responsible adult.  

Throw Back ThursdayJosh and Zach

Zach is the little brother Josh never had. They've both grew up a bit, but they are still boys at heart.

Memorable MondayMy Dad

The Mormon Channel had a Father's Day Photo Challenge to honor our fathers.  I wanted to reflect on my dad today and how much he has done for me.

1. Favorite Place to go together.  My dad loves to be with his family.  Here is a picture of him with his family at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building during one of our family reunions.

2. Favorite Thing to do with him - I love to go camping with my dad.  When we were younger, we camped up Big Cottonwood Canyon in SLC.   A few years ago, we had a few camping family reunions. Here is a picture of my dad  with Josh on one of those camping trips.

3. Your dad at your age -  Here is a picture of my dad when he was in his 40's.  We just moved in AZ when this photo was taken.  I was about 19-20 years old.

4. Something he does to be a Christlike example - My dad takes care of my mom and he loves doing it.  Nothing is more Christlike that serving those you love.  He is such a great example of that.

5. Favorite Photo of your dad and why  I love this photo.  He loves his grandchildren  and watching him read to his grandchildren was priceless.

My dad is an amazing and it was fun looking through pictures of him.  

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my dad, my father-in-law, and my husband.  The three of them are amazing fathers and I'm so lucky that I have them in my life.  Here are some pics of the m interacting with my kiddos.

My Dad

My Father-in-Law

Jim

AZ Magic of Music and Dance

Danni spent the week as Renee's buddy at the AZ Magic of Music and Dance.  She was with Renee the whole week and was interacting with her.  It was such a sweet experience for Danni and others involved in the program.  The kids put on a play on Friday and I went to go see it.  It loved watching the theatrical kids at MHS who are so used to being in the spotlight, help others be in the spotlight.  I loved the performance and I watched Danni devoted all of her time to Renee.  Danni has a way with special kids and it was so fun to see it this week.

Danni and Renee

The theme this year is "All You Need Is Love"

Throw Back ThursdayCooling Off

 It's been hot this week so I looked back to see how we cooled off when my kids were younger.  Here they are at Jon and Mindy's house playing in the water.  The water balloons were a huge hit and got pretty big.  I miss those days, but I love my presents days too.

Playing in the water

Memorable MondayIce Cream in Backpack

When Josh was in kindergarten, he was asked to bring some ice cream to school for a school party.  I bought 1 pint of ice cream in a sturdy container and told him to give it to his teacher.  After school was over, I asked him if he gave the ice cream to his teacher.  Josh realized at that point that the ice cream was still in his backpack.  It had melted, but because it was in a sturdy container it didn't get over everything.  Josh's kindergarten teacher just laughed.  We put it in the freezer and everything turned out well.  Thanks goodness he was in 1/2 day kindergarten or we could've had a mess on our hands  I just love this story.

Spotlight Trip 2015

On Wednesday, Danni and her Spotlight group flew to LA to visit Universal Studios and Disneyland.  They had a VIP tour of Universal Studios and saw some stuff behind scenes.  They saw the prop,c costume, and sound room.  They saw movie and TV sets, where they certain shows like Castle, Jurrasic Park, Nacho Libre, Big Fat Liar, Pirates of the Caribbean.  They had a Who-ville village, NY city plane crash, small town city, plus a lot more.  They saw how they make earthquakes, rain, flash floods, shark attacks.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Behind the Scenes

Danni and Finch at Universal Studios

On Thursday and Friday, Spotlight spent time in Disneyland.  They did a workshop while they were there.  Danni said that she had a total blast at Disneyland.

Danni and Finch at Disneyland

Spotlight Group

On Saturday, they went to the beach.  Danni said that the water was so cold.  It looks like she had a lot of fun.

Danni and Jamie at the beach

Danni in her hotel room

Throw Back ThursdayKids's First Trip to CA

Here is a picture of Jim, Josh and Danni at the beach in 1999. The Pace family stayed at the Beach House in San Diego. Danni is currently in LA on a school drama trip. I'm thinking about her today and hoping she is having a blast.

Memorable MondayHorseback Riding

Angela, Danni, and I rode horses at camp this past week.  I remember when I was in YW, I rode a horse.  I remember that time when I climbed on to ride Tip.  I remember that I enjoyed going horseback riding and wanted to try again.  I'm so glad that I did.  I wanted to look back and remember the times that my kids rode horses.

We went camping just on the rim and ran across some campers who had their horses with them.  They offered our kids some rides around the campsite. Josh and Danni rode with the riders and Angela just sat on the horse.   It was so super fun for the kids and I loved the photo op.

Jon and Mindy had a horse at one of Riley's birthday party, so Josh and Danni had another chance to ride a horse.  This time they rode alone with guide helping them around their backyard.  Again, Angela just sat on the horse for a photo op.

 There was a camp fundraiser where the kids could pet farm animals and ride ponies.  Angela, Emily were thrilled to watch Pepperoni.  Miranda and Danni rode a horse together.

 On Easter Weekend, there was a Christian church holding an Easter celebration complete with Horseback Riding.  Angela and Emily rode a horse.  The trail hands guided the girls around the parking lot.

Angela

Emily

 Danni, Kaylynn, and Bree went horseback riding with one of Bree's friends.

Girl's Camp 2015Be Brave

Be Brave 

This year's camp theme was "Be Brave".  I was called to be a 4th leader and it was a total blast.  

4th years - ready to go

We left Tuesday morning for Green's Peak.  I was really worried about driving the girls to camp.  I got a little nervous when the dirt road got steep and there was a cliff on the side of the road.  The girls in my car sang the camp song and it helped me to be brave.  We didn't even get to camp yet and I had a spiritual experience.  I learned that we should help each other and support each other.  When we got to camp, we started that huge task of setting up.  The girls worked hard to set up 2 large tents and a canopy.  Afterwards, we drove to Show Low to go horseback riding.  Angela rode a horse named Ace, and I rode Tip.  I was a little scared at first, but after awhile I felt that I had better control of the horse.  My knee was killing me though because the stirrup was too high.  After we returned to camp just in time for dinner and a stargazing lesson.  It was an awesome first day.

Our campsite - see the large canopy and tents

Angela on Ace

Cowgirl helped Angela

Here I am riding Tip - he was a tall horse

Day 2 of girl's camp started off with a hike.  We drove up to the very top of Green's Peak.  Green's Peak is a little over 10,000 ft.   I heard that the drive to the peak was more narrow and steep than the road to the campsite.  I learned that it is brave to admit our weaknesses and ask for help.  One of the leaders that didn't drive was willing to take my vehicle up the peak.  I'm so glad that she did too.  It's okay to ask for help from our leaders and our Savior when we need it.   I'm having some amazing spiritual experiences and insights at girl's camp.  It was really windy up on top of Green's peak.  We took pictures and then we hiked down the mountain.  Some leaders returned vehicles to the campsite while others hiked down with the girls.  We had a trail guide going down the mountain with us..  We were told if we got lost, just follow the power lines down the mountain.  A group of us did fall behind and we lost sight of our trail guide.  We didn't see any power lines, so we just followed the trail down the mountain.  Finally we saw the power lines and I was relieved.  Our priesthood leader was with our group felt that we should follow a road that went another direction.  It was a main road and he felt it would lead us to the campsite.  We followed his direction and 5 minutes later, we arrived at our cars.  I learned how important it is to follow our priesthood leaders.  If we didn't, our hike would have been much longer.  Another lesson for me.

There is Green's Peak - you can see the road.
My dad wouldn't love to see those towers 

4th years girls and leaders on top of Green's Peak

Angela and I on top of Green's Peak 

Angela hiking down 

Angela and I on the hike

After the hike and lunch, we went canoeing.  The lake was half swamp , and half water.  Getting into the lake was a muddy mess.  Half of the girls were able to get far enough to enjoy canoeing and the other half got bogged down in the mud.  After our failed canoeing experience, we headed to one of our leader's homesteads for a much needed shower.  It was a fun packed day.

Angela and I standing in the muck, before our canoe trip 

Check out all the muddy shoes

We really need a shower

Day 3 - We went rappelling, did crafts, and did some fun COPE activities.  I don't know what COPE stands for, but it' was a lot of fun.  The girls had to learn to work as a team.  I didn't go rappelling.  I know that I should have, but I didn't every thing else until then, so I chickened out.    We spent a lot of time making yummy food and sitting by the fire.  We were so lucky not to have fire restrictions this year.

Brave leaders who rappelled down the mountain

Spider Web 

Angela going through the spider web

Dutch Oven Pizza

Dutch Oven Chicken

FIRE - What a special treat to have

 Day 4 - We packed up our stuff early because it was going to rain.  It rained at night, so when it stopped, we packed up our stuff and headed back to the homestead.  All activities planned that day were cancelled, so we hung out making dog tags.  The girls had a blast.  We arrived at main camp and did our 4th year welcome home skit.  Afterwards, we spent time with our wards.  Our ward had a surprise trip to Sonic planned.  That was a lot of fun to sit and hear about the experiences the other girls were having at girl's camp while eating ice cream.  That evening was Bishop's night.  I love our Bishop and he loves to go to girl's camp and feel the spirit.  He just had surgery 4 days before and still came.  You can tell he really loves the girls.

My girls and I - I couldn't wait to see Danni

Sonic Trip

Pic with the Biship

Danni went to Girl's Camp as a YCL 2 leader.  I wanted to share some of the pics that she took.

Danni, Brittany, and Jocelyn

They napped a little too much

Danni - Flo
Britt - Baby Flo
I wish I could have seen it

Horseback Riding - Britt and Danni
What a great hat Britt!!!!!

These two stick together

The theme was for camp this year is "Be Brave".  The leaders wanted the girls to learn to be brave in their everyday life and every decision they make.  

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Phillipians 4:13

Wednesday June 3rd - Be Believing -  “And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.”  Moroni 7:33

Thursday June 4th - Be Obedient - “…[they] were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.”  3 Nephi 6: 14

Friday June 5th - Be Virtuous - “…let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God”   D&C 121:45  

The camp song is "Brave" by Hillary Weeks

" There are moments when you feel it, and you know

Something amazing is happening within your soul

And nothing can hold back what's inside you

Let it move you, let it lead your heart

Don't be afraid to let yourself believe in who you are

Cause today you're gonna be

Brave, you are brave

Let your brave come through

Let it define you

You are meant to be brave

Get your shoes, grab your courage. open the door

You're about to see a you you've never seen before

And heaven will be there, beside you.

In the moments when the walls seem way too high

Trust your instincts, breathe, and start to climb

Cause you have always been

Brave, you are brave

Let your brave come through

Let it define you

Cause you are meant to be brave

When you think you can't 

Strong when you have fallen

Bold enough to stand and be

Brave, brave

Brave, you are brave

Let you brave come through

Let it define you

Cause you are meant to be brave

You are brace 

Let your brave come through

Let it define you

Cause you are meant to be brave

There are moments when you feel it, and you know

Something amazing is happening within your soul

and nothing can hold back what's inside you."

I loved Girl's Camp this year.  I loved being apart of this amazing program this year.  I learned a lot about myself and how I can be brave in the decisions that I make.  I learned a lot from the girls that I was with this past week.  They were kind, helpful, and just great to be with.