Vacation in the Wild Wild West

We were supposed to leave on Friday around noon. But the power went out here and at work for KC so he had to stay and take care of problems. We ended up leaving at 3:45. We were finally on our way and then cars are just completly stopped. It took us over an hour to get through. We really don't know what was the problem but it looked like them might have closed the road for a little while because of construction. We made it to Evanston and then we ate dinner. We wanted KFC but we missed the exit so we went to the next exit turned around and went back. We found the KFC sign but that was all. It had been demolished. Just our luck of the day! So we ate at Wendy's. We were finally on our way from Evanston at about 7:30 and we still had a long way to go. G does not like being in the car at night so we were a little worried. We made it to Cheyenne at 12:30. Safe and Sound.

Saturday morning we slept in. KC, G and I stayed at P&K house across the street cause Brownstown was full. We went on a tour of T&J house that is beeing built and then on a tour of C&R house. S had lost one of her contacts so we had to go and get her new ones at Walmart. We did some shopping for clothes for pictures the next day. That night we went to dinner at Guadalajaras. It is always adventurous when you go with so many people.



















Sunday we went to church, had dinner, and then it was time for Family Pictures. We were scheduled to do it at the Botanical Gardens but it was raining really hard. We waited and we were still able to take them there just not sitting on the grass.

Monday July 30 we drove up to the Passage Resort where Tron is the chef. It was about a 5 hour drive. We at lunch in Sheridan at a Pizza place and visited with Grandma's brother Dennis. Then we went up the mountain. We had two really nice cabins waiting for us. The adults and G stayed in one and the kids in the other. T had a nice dinner planned for us. Lots of steak. We ate outside and then we had a campfire where we roasted marshmellows.

Tuesday we had a very nice and big breakfast made by T and then we went to see the Medicine Wheel. It was a short drive but once there you had to walk 1 1/2 miles up to the place. We just did not plan on that walk and did not put sunblock on. A few of the kids got sunburned, including G a little on her arms. It was a very nice, quiet place where American Indians do ceremonies. In the afternoon the kids went fishing for a few hours. Then KC, J, T, Grandpa and I went four wheeling. It was fun. Its so nice to be out in nature like that. We came back and the kids were still fishing. They caught a few fish for dinner that night. We had fish and chips for dinner. We ate at about 9:30pm. It was so good to see T and be with everyone.

Wednesday we left for Cody to see a museum there. It was an awesome museum of WY history. We had lunch at a restaurant and then we needed to drive to Thermopolis where there are hot springs. We drove down and saw them but it was to late to swim so it would have to wait until the next day. We stayed in a cabin (Dawn's family). It was very nice of them to let us stay there.

Thursday we had breakfast at their house and then went swimming at the hot springs pools. It was a nice relaxing time in that medicinal water. We were there until about 1:00. We then had lunch at Taco John's. After that we drove back to UT. G was really good, she slept on and off for about 4 hours until we got to Rock Springs. I drove in a major rain storm while KC slept. It was kind of scary. We made it home that night at 9:30. We had a wonderful time with KC's family. The kids just love playing with their cousins from Miami.

We had to hurry home cause K was going on a river run with the Laurels from the ward early the next morning.

Last few weeks in July

From July 16 to 20.
K and C went to Girl's camp in Heber. We went up on Thursday night for dinner and their testimony meeting. We drove up with the Judkins. We took G with us. We left CR and S home alone. They were fine until it was time to go to bed and they got a little worried. They called aunt Z and she helped them be more at peace.

Cr had his tennis lessons for two weeks again. He loves to play tennis.

G had her 6 month dr's appointment. She is now 15.8 lbs and 27 in. long. She is really tall for some odd reason. She is in the 90% for height. She is such a cutie.

We had eye appointments, pack meeting and a few miscelaneous tasks.

July 22.
Dinner and Birthday celebrations. We celebrated J and Lele and my Bdays. My mom made Jocon for dinner. It was very yummy. The kids rode the Hess' horses because J loves them.

July 24.
Pioneer Day. We went hiking (if you can call it that) up Cottonwood Canyon. We first met with Z +kids and my mom. We finally figured out lunch and then drove up. The first hike took like 5 minutes and it took us up to a pretty waterfall. Then we went on another hike on this paved road. That was a little longer. We ate lunch up there. Jasmine had to go potty. It was a nice time together. My dad was gone to Mexico for work. In the afternoon we went and saw the Harry Potter Movie as a family at the IMAX in SL. The screen was huge. Afterwards we got some street Mexican tacos and then went over to my parents to say hi since my dad had just come back from Mexico.

Birthday Week

Sunday July 8.

Church with everybody. J flies out back to Texas. Sad to see him go. I love my little brother. Not so little and much smarter than I am. I didn't even get an adjustment! Time flew by. We went to dinner at Z house. Picked a few buckets of apricots. Z has a huge tree. We celebrated C bday. We had a fun time. Said sad goodbyes to R and kids. We tried to delay everything to get her to stay longer. Eventually we had to let her go.

Monday July 9.

B's went back to Cheyenne. We went to a few stores. Met my parents for dinner at this Latin Grocery Store. Very authentic. The older kids (K, A, and C) went to Lagoon. D was trying to fly out tonight because they had way too much luggage to try and fit in their little red rental car. The chances of getting on were not good but D still wanted to try. We went to my parents house and just hung out. We left D to try and get on, the rest of us came home. The BSU got on once again! Z came to spend the night.

Tuesday July 10.

Canning of Apricots with my sisters. Hard work but worth it! Cat and I learned how to can together when we were just newlyweds.

Wednesday July 11.

Harry Potter Movie and more canning.

Thursday July 12.

Cat had to leave.... After having her here for a few weeks I remembered how much fun it was to be together and it was hard to see them go. They had to drive back to Las Vegas and return their car. They left at about noon. Oh, how I miss having them close by.

Friday July 13.

My BDay. KC made me a yummy breakfast. The kids are always so nice to me. I had to pass out the visiting teaching changes to the district supervisors. Casey got home early from work. We went out to eat as a family to Wingers. I love their wings. Openned presents. I got a new digital camera so I can take more pictures for my blog.

Saturday July 14.

Who knows what we did during the day. Probably rest. I did make cookies in the afternoon. We had a get together with ward members to get to know new people in our ward but only one family showed up besides all of the leaders. Kind of funny!

Fourth of July Week

July 1.

Fast Sunday. Dinner at our house. Alex flying stand by from Boston. Stress. Stress. Will he make it? He was traveling alone. The flight from New York to SLC did not look very good. We were all on the phone trying to figure it out. We were worried that he would be stranded in the NY airport all by himself. I don't think he was worried. Just the moms! And then the son of BSU gets on!!!! Cat picks him up at midnight or so. What a relief. Did we even eat dinner that night?

Monday July 2.

Cousins Camp in SLC. We drove down to Liberty Park so the kids could get free summer lunch. We were stressing cause we were cutting it short on time that when I got out the stroller from the trunk I set down my purse (with my keys in it) and after I had everything out including my purse I closed the trunk and then I relized that my keys fell out and they were still sitting there in the trunk. JOY. We had lunch. Played in the water. KC had to drive down and save me. I love him so much for being so willing. Even though he drove down in 100 degree temperature and no air conditioning.
Then we went to Z house to have water games and decorate matching t-shirts for all of the cousins. It took us a little longer than planned. We were there until 9:30pm. We took a break and went to eat at Del Taco. What would we do without Z planning these fun things for us.

Tuesday July 3.

I don't remember. I think we went shopping for picture clothes. We had a BBQ and fireworks with our neighbors from the cul-de-sac.

Wednesday July 4th.

Independence Day. "And I am pround to live in America, where at least I know I'm free...." We were almost all together. We went to the Kaysville parade thinking it was at 10:00 but it was at 11:00 so we came back home. KC and the kids went back but I stayed home with G. Cat and A did not want to go to begin with. We were waiting for the Texas F's to show up. My parents came also. We were only missing the BSU. After deciding to go get chicken at Smith's (typical F picnic meal). Some decide to get Subway. We went to a park across the street. We ate in the shade but still over 100 deegrees. We talked, took pictures of the cousins in their matching t-shirts, ate, and played some games. It was a fun relaxing time. We did stress about D getting on the flight but of course he is BSU so we knew he would get on.
Afterwards the girls (C, Z, R, K and I, and baby J) went shopping. Why not? We needed to bond. The clothes for the pictures have been driving us batty for the past few months.
We went to a BBQ at the Foutz. They were wondeful to have us all over! We ate and then we went to fireworks at the park. We have been celebrating the 4th of July with the Foutz for a long time now and I am glad my family was willing to go so we could keep up with tradition.

For more information on the events of the week read my SIL's blog at http://ihaveagoodlife.blogspot.com/2007/07/trip-day-5-july-4-pickup-dh-picnic.html . She is much better at blogging than I am.

Thursday July 5.

Family Pictures. First of all D made it in at about 1:00am. So we are all together!!! We drove to SL for the well anticipated event. It was extremely hot but it was worth it. We took a million pictures. I had to feed G at the very last second to make her happy. Afterwards we went to lunch at a Chinease Buffet. We had our own room, thank goodness since there were so many of us. Then we went to Temple Square for a while and saw the Joseph Smith movie. We came home and made tacos for dinner. KC's parents and brother and family were here for the baptisms on Saturday so now we truly had a full house.

Friday July 6.

We went to Park City and did some shopping. J&R went to Provo. B's went to SLC. When we came home we all met up together and the adults went out to dinner. We went to Cafe Rio. Then we found out that the pictures did not turn out that great because the sun was too bright and if we wanted a nice picture we should do them again. What??? Shower, dress, and get ready all over again?? This caused some problems but we had to do it, when else would we all be together? So that was the main topic of conversation that night. C, R, J and I stayed up getting food ready for the luncheon and KC and D stayed up getting the slideshow ready for the baptism. We laughted as we worked and told the kids sleeping in the family room to be quiet! How fun.

Saturday July 7.

The Baptism Day. What a wonderful day it turned out to be. We had been discussing doing this for over a year and it finally happened. We had 24 people staying at our house and we all had to be ready before 11:00am. We did it! The baptism was wonderful and so memorable. We took place in the Sunset Stake Center. Out previous stake. Afterwards we all drove down to our ward building and had a luncheon there with many friends and family. Then we had to get ready for pictures again. This time we went to Temple Square and the setting was just beautiful and the pictures turned out much better. Then out to ice cream at Ben and Jerries at the Gateway. Ice cream not too great. Company was awesome. Our time together was coming to an end and we were becoming sad.

The last 2 weeks of June

June 20th.

S got contacts and cut her hair. I am impressed at how fast she was able to get the contancts in. When she makes up her mind about something she just goes for it!

June 21st.

We fed the missionaries and we had a long discussion on hoodies. Cast your vote... do hoodies have zippers or not?

June 22nd.

KC and I went to the temple for the first time since G was born. I finally felt confident in leaving her for 3 hours with the kids. We have been working hard on getting her to take a bottle and now she is doing great. We all survived!

June 25th.

CR went to Cub Scout Camp. I can't believe he is 8! I met with the RS President to discuss VT. We need to figure out new companionships etc.

June 26th.

CR had a dentist appointment with a pediatric dentist because he would not let our regular dentist do the work. He needed two crowns. He did great at this place. I think we will switch. In the evening was our Ward Pool Party. We had dinner at the park and then we had the Farmington Pool reserved for our ward. We were expecting Cat to come in tonight from Las Vegas. D called me about 8 wondering where she was. She was lost and I met her at Lagoon. She came over to the pool and B got in the water. E did also but the water was really cold. It was great to see Cat after such a long time.

June 27th.

My VT came. We kind of just hung out at home. Z came up and the 3 of us went to get pedicures. It was a fun bonding time. At night I got set apart for my calling as VT Coordinator and K as a choir pianist. Today was G 6th month birthday and she got to celebrate with her aunts feeding her cereal for the first time ever.

June 28th.

We went and saw a premire of Transformers. KC got off early and went to get tickets and get in line. The rest of us followed. Awesome movie!!

June 29th.

Did some shopping. S and C had sleepovers with Jill and Crystal.

June 30th.

Got a haircut. Our neighbors were putting in sod and KC offered to come over and help. So KC, Cat and all the kids went over to help them lay sod. I stayed behind to watch G and E. Our neighbors were very grateful for people to come all the way from Boston to help. It was a good service for them. Later on we went swimming with Z and family to the Kerns Aquatic Center. It was an awesome place. At night we left the kids at Z house and the 5 adults went and saw a comedy show and then out to dinner.

Father's Day

C and S made crepes for KC for Father's Day when he got home from his meetings. That evening we celebrated with Papi and Jonas also. We had fun being together and having all of the brothers call. It was a typical day of Papi wanting to leave but still having to open presents and have dessert and then someone would call so we had to wait again. It is funny.

I have an awesome father that I love very much. He is a wonderful example to me. He is is dedicated to his job, callings, family and everything. I am blessed to live close to him.

I have a wonderful husband also that takes good care of me and his children. He is so caring and giving all of the time. He also is a great example to me. He would sacrifice anything for us and really anybody.

My brothers and brother's in law are great too. I admire so many things that you all do. I have a wonderful family.

I love the hymn "Oh My Father" because I feel such a connection with the words of that hymn and my longing to return and live with him when my earthly mission is complete.

Lagoon

We went to the family Lagoon day with Z and family. We got there about noon, we were a little later than we wanted to be but K did not have a swimsuit and we had to get her one and KC was out planting grass. We went to Lagoon a Beach first and then went around to all of the rides. We took turns watching the little ones. We had a fun time. It's great to go when it's really cheap. CR was the daredevil of the day going on many fast and scary rides. He's growing up so much. It was great to spend a day as a family since we haven't done that for a while.

Ballet Recital

On June 11-12 the girls had their Ballet Recital. On Monday they have a class rehersal on stage and they need to be there for an hour each. C and S were chaperones for younger classes and so they had to be there an hour each for their class. At night it is a full dress rehersal so they are there all night. We left at 9:30 and came home at 3:00 with K. I left C and S there to chaperone. CR went to work with KC for a while and then went to his tennis class while we did this. G just came along and smiled, ate, and cried. I went back to pick up C and S at 5:30 but there was so much traffic that I did not get there till 6:00 and they had to be back in an hour so we decided to just stay and have dinner around there and KC came to meet us there. KC video taped the show but after one performace he realized he did not have enough room for all of the girls so he left and went to Smith's to buy and extra tape so he could video all of it. CR and I watched but I left half way with G. It was a crazy night!!

For the accual recital KC stayed home with G and I went and watched it with my parents. Children under 5 are not supposed to come. The girls did a wonderful job. They look so beautiful. Wether they go on and continue with dancing I am grateful that we have provided them with this opportunity. It really teaches them discipline and dedication.

The theme this year was holidays. K was white and danced to "Stars and Stripes Forever". S danced to a Valentines song, and C danced to a Christmas song. K and S were 4th of July for Jazz.

The first 2 weeks of Summer

I know I am behind! Just as I was starting to stay caught up, the kids get out of school and it all goes wacko!

CR took a tennis class for two weeks and he loved it. He wants to take it again but we need to find the time. I think he loves it cause he gets to run around and he has a hard time staying still that it gave him a way to get out some energy.

On Friday the 8th we went to Lagoon for our Stake Day. We only went at night with my parents and we had dinner there and saw a few shows. The park was so crowded that we could barely walk. But it was fun to go and spend some time with my parents. K and C had gone in the afternoon since they have passes and can go on all of the rides.

On Saturday the 9th we went to SLC for Jake's baptism. It was nice to see Cary and Ruth again since we had not seen them since the wedding. The had a nice lunch at the park afterwards. CR and Jake became good friends at the wedding and at Disneyland.

I got released from the Enrichment Committee and now I get to be the VT Coordinator. It will be a change for me but I hope that I can do a good job and encourage the sister to visit each other and help one another.

CR 8th Birthday

CR was my baby for the longest time and it's hard to see him getting older! He's such an awesome boy. At the end of the school year they had an AR store. CR had 245 points! So he bought this eagle clock. He accumulated so many points this term by reading all of the Harry Potter Books. They read the first one as a class and he got interested that he could not stop. He is such a fast reader. I know he reads faster than I do!

After reading all of the books, he decided he wanted to have a Harry Potter Birthday Party. We were late in starting the preparations and so last Thursday we finally drove around and passed out the invitations. K worked on these, and they were a letter from Howarts. Friday was the last day of school and I spent my time researching what we would do and finalizing all of the plans.

So that is what I have been up to since last week. This was a big family project. KC was Professor Dumbledore, I was McGonnigal, the girls were Prefects, and G was a house elf. We sewed 12 HP cloaks and hats, made 12 wands, made a cake, found all kinds of fun candy, decorated, made signs, made a sorting hat, came up with fun games, divided galleons, prepared potions, etc. etc.

The party was last night and we had 12 eighth year old boys!! I had never had a boy party and it was loud and crazy. The kids came in and they had to give us a password to get in. I was at Gringotts and gave them their money to buy their cloaks, hats, and wands. C was selling the clothes and S the wands. K was escorting the kids. KC was popping poppers when the wand chose the kid then he would make a popping sound. Then the kids got sorted into houses. We had a walkie talkie in the hat and KC was in the pantry talking. Then they made a slug slime in potions class. Afterwards they went to Care of Magical Creatures Class where they played Hoo's Headwig.

Then it was time for cake with butter beer to drink. Then they played Levitation with balloons. Once they got tired of that CR opened presents. Then it was time for the treasure hunt to find the Sorcerer's Stone. At the end they got to go to Honeydukes to get candy and to Zonkos to get joke toys.

All in all. It was a great party. I could not have done it without the help of the girls and KC.