Homecoming Dance 2010

Natalie had a fabulous time at homecoming. She loves getting dressed up and feeling like a princess and she loved going with a cute boy she likes. :)

For this dance I told her she needed to be ready on time. In the past her poor dates are always waiting about 5 minutes for her to come out. Well, she was right on schedule and putting her make up on in her sweats and listening to music when I glanced out the window and noticed her date driving up 15 minutes early. She screamed and frantically tried to finish her make up and get dressed. I guess they had a miscommunication about the time. Porter, her date had to sit in the living room for a long time as she rushed to finish getting ready. I think I might leave a nintendo ds in there for future dates to pass the time, since Natalie never is on time!!!

Also, her boutonniere was so thick that both Natalie and I could not get the pin through it. We finally got John to put it on after breaking a couple of pins in the process. I don't think Porter felt too comfortable with John putting the boutonniere on him. Ha-ha -- I should of got a picture of that!!!

Happy Birthday Johnny!!!

22!!!
Johnny came home for his birthday along with his roommates and friends for dinner. We had a big oriental buffet and it was fun to meet his new roommates and catch up with his friends who also just returned from their missions. It is very weird for me to think that I was Johnny's age when I gave birth to him.

We are so proud of Johnny and the great young man he is. He is very self driven and always trying new things. He is in the chemical engineering program at BYU. He has a great part time job doing research for one of his professors. He is a great example to the rest of his siblings and they all look forward to the times when he is home. He is just an all around nice guy!!! We love you Johnny--Happy Birthday!!!!

Camping Staycation

Josh carrying his sled down because he fell off the alpine slide--he didn't believe in using his brake.


This summer was so busy we were not able to go on a long camping trip, so the weekend before school started we took the family an hour away to camp in Little Cottonwood Canyon. It was absolutely beautiful. I loved all the beautiful wild flowers in bloom. We spent one day at Snowbird ski resort and bought an all inclusive pass to all of their activities. The kids loved the alpine slide, bungee trampoline, and the rock wall. John and I loved riding the ski lifts up the mountain and back--I think we did this 3 different times that day. We also took the tram to the top of the mountain and went on a hike through meadows of wild flowers. The next day we went on another beautiful hike to secret lake. At the top of the hike, Johnny cut open his leg on a jagged rock. Jake sacrificed his shirt for a make shift bandage. We all helped supporting him as he went back down the mountain. Luckily Doug lives close to this canyon and he stitched him up with 3 stitches. We went back up to snowbird for their Octoberfest with Oma, Opa, Doug and his 3 boys. We ate bratwurst and listen to some yodeling. ha ha. We camped in a beautiful campsite, steps away from a beautiful mountain stream. Of course we had a great time around the campfire and playing games. It was wonderful to get away even if it was only for a couple of days.

Joshua starts school---BYU Idaho!!

Kids in front of Josh's apartment

On Labor day we took Josh to Rexburg, Idaho to get checked in and ready for college. He is living in a 6 man apartment. He knows one of the boys from our home town and the other boys seem really nice. We bought Josh the meal plan so he will not have to worry about cooking and will be able to focus on studying. He bought his books, got his ID card, and signed up for his freshman orientation. We are very proud of Josh. Josh was very excited and eager to get started. I shed a few tears as I hug him good-bye. I can't believe he is old enough to be on his own. :( I think it was harder for me to send Josh to college because he is 6 hours away compared to Johnny who is only 20 minutes away at BYU.

BYUI is a great campus, it reminds me of a mini BYU. Everyone was friendly and there were a lot of sharp students there. I know this is going to be a great experience for Josh. Our house feels very empty with just the four children left at home and my heart very heavy as I realize that now it will be rare to have all my children under the same roof together for long periods of time. Missing my 2 boys already!!!

The art of asking a girl to a dance. :)

Natalie came home to find chocolate kisses all over the floor of her room and roses with a note on her bed. She was so excited. She turned the kisses over to find the ones with letters on them to discover who her date was. She was extra happy because it was the boy she likes a lot, needless to say, she was all smiles the rest of the night. Now she is trying to figure out a cute way to answer. Any ideas?

First Day of School!!!

Because we had such fun and busy summer that I have not blogged in a long time. Hopefully I can post some of the highlights in the next few weeks.

The house is getting quieter. Johnny moved into his apartment last week and Josh goes up to BYUI this weekend. The remaining children are excited to all have their own rooms now. ha ha Joseph started 2nd grade, Caroline started 7th grade and now attending the junior high. Jake and Natalie are in High School in 10th and 11th grade. Jake and Natalie even have Chemistry together which will be nice for studying.