California Fun!!

I think we just had the best family vacation! We went to southern California for a week, mostly for my brother Wes' wedding. I think what made this trip so different is that Bryan didn't have to work while traveling. We left Monday afternoon, traveled 5 hours and stayed in Las Vegas. We went swimming that night and then on to CA the next day. We got to have dinner and hang out with my longest known friend Kristy Pilawski and her husband Jason in Long Beach. They loved watching our girls do their thing and we loved hearing about their adventures in aeronautic engineering.

Wednesday morning we slept in and then cruised over to the beach. We saw lots of dolphins swimming and sand crabs while we made our sand castle. Ashley got over her dirty hands issues fairly quickly and the only downer was my sunburned back (currently in the itchy, peely phase).
Thursday we went to Knotts Berry Farm- Maegan, Bryan, Emily, Ashley, Grammy Holly and Garrett. We spent probably 8 hours there and had a great day. We took turns staying with the girls and the other adults went on rides too. Garrett made us all go on some crazy rides for which we were all grateful we didn't lose any lunch. Emily said her favorites were the balloon and airplane rides and Ashley loved the merry-go-round horses. In this picture they are on the balloon ride with Grammy; while mom, dad and Gar were on the Supreme Scream- 252 foot drop straight down.

Pioneer Trek

So we made it! We went on our stake's pioneer trek on June 30- July 3rd. We were part of the support staff and ended up being bus chaperones, Bryan was in charge of microphone set up, I conducted the group singing and we were actors one day. We had a great time. We slept on the ground, walked a total of 24.5 miles and endured hot and cold temperatures. Because were in the staff area we did get a tent and all kinds of good food whereas the other trekkers did not. The first day we walked 13 miles, including a women's pull and we finally stopped around midnight. The last full day we had some solo time where we had two hours to ourselves and got to reflect on life and important things. I think that was the best part for Bryan and I. The kids' testimony meeting was held that night and it was so wonderful to hear all the kidsfeelings and to know that they are such good kids with awesome potential. It was a great trip. Thanks to my mother-in-law watched the girls for us. I took away an amazing appreciation for the pioneers who did not have anything but their faith. I also love modern technology- liquid soap! shampoo! A/C!

Summer Games

Swimming in our new inflatable pool in the backyard. The girls were in heaven

Chalk Art Festival

We went to the Gateway's sidewalk chalk art festival sponsered by Utah Foster Care. In this photo Emily is attempting to hook her two straws together. It didn't work so well, but what's impressive is that she just thought of that on her own.

This drawing is one of 50+ entries- all of them really good! Some artists spend 8+ hours on their square.


The kids got their hair spray painted green and blue. I thought it was funny, but they didn't seem to care too much.

The girls definitely did not love the water feature at the Gateway. It's the kind where there are little holes on the ground where water shoots upward at unexpected times. Emily lasted 3 minutes, Ashley 3 seconds.


Happy Father's Day Bryan! The kids sang to him in sacrament, he got lots of treats and yummy breakfast and dinner. He also got tickets to John Mayer concert in July. Best presents were no diaper changes all day and a long afternoon nap. With those perks I think I'm ready for another Mother's Day.
Here they are opening a new book from the girls, "Daddy's Toolbox." There are tool shaped pieces that you can take out and use. Each page has something that is 'broken' you get to fix. Genius idea for a cute yet manly book!

Fun Farm Day

Old Austinites met up and went to Utah's Wheeler Farm. The weather was good and the kids had a great time. We all enjoyed feeding the numerous ducks and geese, taking a hay ride and eating lots of snacks. We went out to lunch afterwards and loved catching up with friends. From left to right: Maegan, Emily 3, Ashley 2; Ocean 3, Jaime, Eden 15mons; Caleb 3, Julie, Taylor 11 months. The 3 year olds were all born in the same hospital within 4 months of each other.

Joyschool Graduation

Carolyn's house Wednesday, May 28th. "They Wanted Me" is another cheesy Joyschool song but the message is a good one. I think Emily is singing as she twirls and she has a grand finish.

Carlie Got Married

My little sister Carlie got married to her high school sweetheart Kade Rapier on Saturday May 24th. They got married in the Mesa Arizona Temple and they were so in love! That was the first time Bryan and I had been back to there, the same place we got married 6 years ago. We were definitely enjoying the feelings of love all weekend.

We drove down on Thursday and stayed with my cousin Celeste. Friday we went to the temple with Carlie for her first time and afterwards attended a family dinner.

Saturday morning it rained just enough to cool things off and they had perfect weather for the day.
The reception was in Tucson at a country club and was a nice evening. The Rapier family put on a play telling the love story of Carlie and Kade at the reception which made for an entertaining night.


Monday we safely drove home 14 hours and took my mom Holly back home to Utah with us. She gets to stay with us for two weeks and play!