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.

Cooling off in the Summer--Locks of Love!

Caroline decided to donate 10 1/2 inches of her hair to Locks of love, and organizations that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical reasons. I am very proud of her and thinks she looks all grown up with her new hairdo. Good Job Caroline!!!

Family Reunion

We celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary during our family reunion over 4th of July weekend. I loved seeing all my siblings and their families and watch everyone have such a good time together. I am sure my parents did not realize that 50 years later there would be 104 people in their family. I feel very blessed to part of this amazing family.

Happy 50th anniversary MOM and DAD!!!!
Everyone danced at the party!!! It was the best party--being in a room celebrating with all the people you are comfortable around and love. :)

Saturday everyone wore their reunion T-shirts and enjoyed carnival games, crafts,ice blocking, soccer game, and pizza at the park!!!

Opa and Oma with all the grand kids. It was a very memorable weekend.

Pioneer trek

AUGGGG!!! I couldn't get the movie to download-- to see a short video of this awesome trek I put it on my boys blog.

Last week I went on a pioneer trek with Josh, Natalie and Jake. It was a wonderful experience. It help us all gain a greater understanding of the faith and courage the pioneers had. I feel it helped my teenagers realize that they could do hard things too and that even though they do not have to pull handcarts across the country, that they have strength and courage to face their own challenges and trials. Before going, we read stories about a couple of our own pioneers ancestors-William Lobark Skidmore and Leopold Wirthlin.

Me trying a black powder rifle. :)
Natalie helping push
All dressed and ready to go----Natalie did not like the "grandma" clothes she had to wear.

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho off to Topaz Mountain we Go!!!

On Memorial Day we went on a day trip to Topaz Mountain. Everyone had a great time searching for topaz. Joseph loved using his hammer and tools to break the rocks. We all came home with topaz. Josh broke open one large rock and found some really nice ones. This is a great family activity--better in the spring and fall when it is not so hot.

Girl's Camp--Moab

I helped with our wards girls camp last week. Natalie was a "kool-aid" and helped prepare and plan the camp. She did a great job!!! This was Carolines first time at camp--it was so fun to be with both my girls in this beautiful place. We went to Arches and camped for 3 nights right on the Colorado river. We went on hikes, played games, sang songs, waded in the river and had a fabulous time. The theme was "Born to be a queen...be strong"---the scripture was Joshua 1:9. The theme was inspired by President Utchdof's talk and Sister Dalton's talk given at Young Womens conference. Caroline favorite thing was the fiery furnace hike and Natalie's was the glow stick war she had with the other "kool-aids". Next month I will take 27 4th year girls from our stake on a hike through the Narrows at Zions National Park.

Joshua's Graduation

Picture of Joshua after graduating. We are so PROUD of him. He is heading to BYU Idaho in the fall and will be majoring in biology. He received a 4,000 scholarship. Way to go Josh!!!