The Calls in San Francisco

My mom thinks I'm too cute to be in prison. We had a really fun 5 days in San Francisco. We saw the whole city and we loved it. We ate a lot of great food including chocolate from Ghiradelli Square. We loved the cable cars and we used all of the public transportation to get around. We stayed in Union Square which is right in the middle of downtown and the center of the shopping district. We had a really fun hotel and a nice sized room where we slept in three beds.

We walked across Golden Gate Bridge. Even Weston did it who is totally afraid of heights.

We rode the cable cars all over the place. This was everyone's favorite way of getting around.

On the way to San Francisco we drove up the coast. We stopped for a short walk which led us to a waterfall that ended up at the ocean. It was beautiful.


We also saw the Hearst Castle. The kids were amazed by the size of it and we loved the views from the top of the hill.

Family Tradition

When the kids turn 5 we get a handprint done for them. Weston just got his back yesterday and he is pretty proud of it. I think his hand is just a little bit bigger than Cade's at the same age.

Perks of Serving in Young Women's

This is the third time this has happened this summer. This last time we found out was from some of the Young Men. It was the worst one yet. All of these pieces were individually torn up and yes that is shredded paper in the backyard. It took an hour and a half to clean up. And we don't even have teenagers yet. We surrender!

I, along with another leader purchased these high-heeled jelly shoes for one of the girls birthday. They were obviously a joke, but Sunday morning rolled around and the young women showed up on our door step with a matching set. They told us we had to wear them to church that day. We obeyed and now most of the young women also have a matching set. They are available for purchase at Wal-Mart for $7.97 and the brand - Oh no you might mistake them for a similar pair made by "Nine West" but this brand is "White Stag." It doesn't get any better than that.

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