A Day on the Rim

On Friday, we went up to the beautiful rim country to hang out with Jim's parents. Jim's parents were camping just north of Pine and Strawberry on top of the rim. It's always fun to enjoy the cooler weather, pine trees, and great company. Josh was still at scout camp and we missed him while we were there.

A bull came near the campsite and we watched in awe as he walked on by. Grandma's dog was ready to put up a good fight with the bull, which wouldn't have been a pretty sight. There was a herd of cows and their calves nearby. We walked just a little ways and ran into them. It was fun to watch them, until Jim scared them all away. We did his cow imitation and the cows took off and we didn't see them again the rest of the day. Jim did enjoy that!Grandma and Grandpa had a fire going in the morning when we arrived. It's awesome that they had a fire in the middle of June and there were no fire restrictions. That's a first in a really long time. Emily collected rocks and sticks and created her own fire pit. When she was finished, she found a long stick and pretended to roast marshmallows. She is such a cutie with a great imagination.Grandma always comes prepared for many activities for the kids to do. She brought flavored bubbles. Who knew they made flavored bubbles. Angela had a blast blowing bubbles and took her time learning how to make bigger bubbles.
Grandma and Grandpa had a lot of hammocks sent up. It was nice just to kick up your feet and relax. Everyone took a chance to relax in the hammock. It was chilly enough for me to find my jacket and put it on. I could stay in his hammock all day long.

I think Dani explored every inch surrounding the campsite. I rarely saw her because she was on the hunt for the cows and the bulls. It was fun to see her interact with her sisters when she returned from her adventures.

Danni in Dance

Watching Dani dance in her recital reminded me of the first time Dani attended dance. I enrolled her in a summer dance class at Campbell's. After that class, I enrolled Dani in a dance class through the city for the fall season. A year later, she took dance through Campbell's again and have been there ever since. She loves dance and it's so fun to see her throughout the years.

Here is Dani and her dance teacher from the Mesa Arts Center. She attended the dance class with a friend and had a great time. They put on a cute show after the class was over. She did a really great job and wanted to take dance again.

The next year, Dani went to Campbell's and took a tap, ballet, and tumbling class with another friend. She really enjoyed the classes and especially the costumes. She took ballet and gym another year and realized that she likes tap and jazz better. She really enjoys taking dance with her friends and making new friends at dance. It's so fun to watch Dani grow up and reminisce on the times she was younger.

Wedding Ushers

My children were asked to be ushers at a family wedding. They were so cute that I had to show off their pictures.

Josh looked so handsome in his white shirt and tie. Jim and Josh stayed for awhile and then headed off to Camp Geronimo.

Dani was able to walk down the aisle as well as usher in the guests. Her cousin was a bridesmaid and had a beautiful dress made especially for the occasion. They had to switch in the end - I think it was Dani's idea.

Angela is such a cutie. She loved hanging out with Kenzie, dancing with Joey, and eating apples. If you know Angela, you know that she eats apples a lot.

Emily was such a cutie, especially on the dance floor with her cousin. He was such a great dancer and danced the night away.

Dance Recital

Dani had her Dance recital on Saturday. Dani has taken tap dance for several years. It's so fun to watch her dance and watch her expressions. She loves to dance and puts on numerous shows at home and gets her sisters involved. She plans to try Jazz next year and may continue tap dancing. She did such an amazing job and we are so proud of her.

Dani just before the show. She had to wear makeup so her face doesn't wash out. This is the only time of the year she gets to wear makeup. She is a natural beauty and doesn't need makeup except for when she is on the stage.

Memorable MondayWedding Party

My kids have been asked by a family member to be ushers in her wedding. It's been fun to see the excitement in their faces as the wedding date approaches. I have been asked to take some pictures of the wedding events. Taking pictures is so much fun and I'm so excited to do just. It should be a great day.

When my brother was married a few years ago, he asked if Josh and Dani could be apart of their wedding party. Josh was asked to be the ring bearer and stood next to his uncle for the whole ceremony. It was so cute to see Jeff and Josh interact during the ceremony. Josh looked so handsome with his new suit.

Dani was asked to be a flower girl. Dani's cousin Britt was also asked to be a flower girl. They walked down the aisle together and it was so cute to see them.

Angela had a matching dresses as the flower girls and bridesmaids, but stayed close to me for the wedding and reception.

Josh's canoe trip

Josh went with the scouts down the Colorado River. This was Josh's first canoe trip and his dad wasn't able to go with him. Jim has made this trip 3 times before when he was scoutmaster. I was so excited that Josh would have such a great opportunity, but I was very nervous too. Jim has mentioned how tough the journey can be and sometimes canoes capsize. The scouts would begin their journey just south of Blythe and canoe about 60 miles to Martinez Lake. Jim, myself, and another person went with the scouts to Blythe and then took all the vehicles to Martinez Lake. When the scouts finished the trip, they could load up at the lake and head on home. Since I went with them to Blythe, I was able to take some good pictures before they headed out into the water. Once they entered the water, they quickly took off once they were in the current. I watched Josh's canoe until it was out of sight. I was nervous for the three days he was in the water. Did his canoe capsize? Is he having fun? Did he put sunscreen on? I was so glad to see Josh after his 3 day canoe trip. I heard from his leaders and his Bishop what a great job Josh did on the canoe trip. It was a comfort to me to hear about this canoe trip. Josh did have a great time and can't wait until next year when they go again.

While Josh was on this trip, I thought about what it would be like when Josh goes on his mission. Josh's canoe partner was 18 years old while Josh is 12 years old. This is very similar to missionary companions - an older missionary paired with a younger one. Parents are unable to check on their missionaries and worry about them while they are away. They have faith in the leaders and their missionary that they will be protected while on their journey. It was on my mind the whole time and thought it was a great lesson for me. It's so neat to see how the scouting program teaches the boy and parents some great lessons.

The Colorado River just south of Blythe

Jim used his muscles to help unload all the canoes and stuff. The boys did most of the work, but he's so cute I had to take his picture.

Jim was a great help to Josh and the other scouts. I was very nervous about Josh getting sunburned so we found a great long sleeve rash guard for him to wear all the time. Jim had a great waterproof bag for Joshto protect his stuff that Jim used in the past.

Josh and his canoe partner just before they set off.

Jim and I at Martinez Lake after dropping the vehicles off. It was fun to spend some time with Jim and see the boys off on their canoe trip.

Memorable MondayTransitioning to Jr. High

Josh is participating in a two week program called "Jump Start" which is designed to help students transition to Jr. High. It's such a great program that gives students a heads up before the first day of school. Josh is getting more excited to start school.

This reminded me of the time I needed to take summer school just before I entered Middle School. I was struggling in reading and needed the extra help. I was so excited to take the class at Mt. Jordan which was going to be my new school. My elementary school was really far away and took 10 minutes to get there. Most of the people I knew there would go to a different school, except my best friend Stephanie. It was a great opportunity to meet knew people, become familiar with the school, and catch up with my peers all at the same time.

Sprucewood Elementary

Mt. Jordan Middle School