I'm Five

Happy Birthday Weston!

Weston woke up this morning with the biggest smile on his face and the first thing he said was, "I'm five! " He has been looking so forward to this day and I think he had a lot of fun. This morning we just hung around the house and of course had to open the presents before Matt left for work. So the new toys occupied them for the morning. And then after lunch we made our way down to Jump 'n Jammin for his birthday party. He invited 7 friends that were all able to come. They had a good time all playing together and then we went outside to a table and had cake and opened his presents. He got a lot of fun toys and games, which will be helpful to make it through the last few weeks of summer. Then we went back to the house and hung out until dinner. Of course we decided to go to Ruby's. It was another great meal. I love that place. Happy Birthday Weston. We love you and it's been so fun to watch you grown these past five years and time sure has gone by fast.

Happy Day, All is Well

Our pioneer family, which we loved.

Ten people's stuff had to fit in this for the week.

And should we die before our journeys through, happy day all is well. I would not have lived long as a pioneer. I thought I was tough but I've been humbled. To sum up the trip... 22 bug bites, 4 days without a shower, 170 teenagers, beenies and weenies for dinner, sleeping under the stars, all of this equals one priceless experience. Everyone should get a chance to do this at some point in their life. It's truly amazing that any pioneer ever lived through the trials they faced. This was the hardest physical thing I have ever done in my life, but totally incredible at the same time. Pulling a handcart is much harder than I ever thought it would be but I will miss the rise and fall of the handcart as it goes over the constant rocks and bumps. I will miss the squeeky wheels and the dust in your face because all of this helped me realize how grateful I am for my heritage, my comforts of life and of course the Gospel.

3 Cheers for Sara

I just wanted to tell Sara that we are way proud of her for being accepted into the BYU Accounting Program. We are so excited for her. I think that she is such a great girl and I also love that she doesn't mind hanging out with all of her older, married siblings. The grandkids think she is awesome and I am grateful for her good example to them. Weston is going to have to fight off many boys as he still says that he wants to marry Sara. Way to go Sara and great job on all of your hard work.

Getting to Know You

I need some help. Wednesday morning when I meet my Pioneer Trek family I should have a short getting to know you game. I don't want it to be too cheesy. Does anyone have any good ideas? Help me please.

PS. This child needs help. We told him to go find a shirt to put on and he picked out an old, long sleeved shirt in the middle of the summer. And if you can tell, he didn't quite get it on the right way either. The Spiderman underwear are quite attractive as well.

Good night Sara

HAIRSPRAY

I took the kids this afternoon to see the movie Hairspray. And we all loved it. It's a must see. I could picture all of us dancing in the family room with Dennis, doing the mashed potato of course.

Summer Time Fun

Any one missing some toilet paper?

Two weeks ago we took family pictures with the whole Call family. It was Henry's birthday and so everyone was in town for the big 70th birthday party. For how many little kids that we had, the picture session actually went really well. Now we just hope there were some good pictures taken. Next week Matt and I go on the Pioneer Trek. That is me in my pioneer outfit. The last couple of weeks I have spent reading books about the Willie and Martin Handcart companies and I think I have some great stories to share on the trek. I certainly am more aware and grateful for the great sacrifices that pioneers made and I am so grateful to them. They certainly had amazing faith.

Beach House

Tanner is in a time out between Grandpa and Matt. Moded.

Haylie on her 10th birthday. Girls won the overall baseball tournament!

Weston, Tanner & Grandpa on one of the many donut runs.

Nothing is better than a week at the beach. We were looking forward to relaxing on the beach and we had a great time with our family. The kids love eating candy, chips, and soda all day, staying up late, and playing in the ocean all day. This was the easiest beach house for us because we didn't have any babies that needed their diapers changed or who needed to go back for a nap. We were just out at the beach all day. All the kids loved boogie boarding, especially Weston who got pretty good at riding the waves this trip. Tanner's highlight was for sure hitting the baseball.