Christmas Videos (playlist)

Ward Campout

 Our ward had a camp out this past weekend. The weather was perfect, and the kids had a blast! We had forgotten how much we love to camp. It has been way to long. 

 Mara getting her bed ready.

Our camp site. We had a great spot right by the lake. It was not that crowded, and it was fun to spend some time with other ward members. We only stayed one night, but it was super fun!

In other news, I have been called to serve as the primary president. I have been doing it now for about 2 months. It has been a learning experience for sure! I really have not served in primary that much, so it came as quite a shock. The children are great, and it is fun to see them learn, and feel their sweet testimonies.  Lee is serving as the primary music leader, so we see each other most Sundays. It has been fun. Primary Program will be finished soon, and then maybe we can focus on other things!

Jog a Thon

 At the elementary school, their big fundraiser is called the Jog-a-thon. The kids get sponsors, and then they run laps for 25 minutes. They earn money for how many laps they run, or a lump sum donation. The kids love it! Kale is wearing his class shirt that they made at school. 

 Running around the track!

 Just getting started.

 Mara making another lap.

Mara and 2 of her good friends. Madeline and Ashka.

Fun hiking!

 We had a quick hike around the lake, and snapped a few pictures.

Sometimes they actually like each other!

First Day of School 2012-2013

 These kids were so excited to start school this year. Kale started 1st grade and loves it! His teacher is super nice, and he still loves recess best.

 Mara started 4th grade this year, and really likes her class, and teacher. She loves art, and music!

Carson is the big 6th grader this year. He is now out of elementary school. :( He goes to the 6th/7th grade center, and really likes switching classes, and has taken up learning the cello.

Mesa Verde

We had a great vacation in Mesa Verde. Co! We actually went back in June, but I am behind in my blogging! We met Lee's brother and family first at the largest sand dunes in North America. The kids had great fun sliding down the dunes with the sleds. We all got pretty dirty. Next, we met Lee's entire family in Mesa Verde for his family reunion. We was so fun to see everyone. The cliff dwelling were amazing! We are so happy we went and had a great time.

This video is of Lee and Kale going down the sand dunes on the sled!

Happy Birthday Carson!

 Carson turned 11 years old on June 1st. He spent the day doing what he loves best. Looking at cars! His Dad and he went wandering for a few hours and had a blast. 

He even had Lego candles on his cake. He wanted homemade pumpkin cake this year. Happy Birthday Carson! We love you, and we are so glad you are in our family.

Memorial Day Weekend

 We spent Saturday at Redbud Nature Preserve. They had a great hike with some great cliff faces.

 They had some great caves, but endangered bats live there so we decided to not enter. :)

 On Monday we visited Woolaroc. It is a museum and wildlife preserve. Unfortunately all my pictures of the wild animal were deleted off my camera. So I have the kids with the domesticated animals in the petting zoo. This baby goat really liked Mara and Kale

 This rather large goat took a liking to Carson. Maybe it was his hat.

 Riding in a wagon like the early settlers.

 Throwing some hatchets in our spare time.

 You better not make our kids mad!

Aiming at the wood pile.

Priesthood Campout

 The boys had a great Priesthood Commemorative camp out a couple of weeks ago. The weather was great for them, and area was very pretty. They camped at the LDS ranch owned property.

 They found an oil pumper up there.

What a pretty view!

Arrow of light

 Carson earned his Arrow of light! It it is the highest award in Cub scouts. The ceremony was pretty neat, and Carson is now ready to move on to be a Boy Scout.

Way to go Carson!

Goodbye Naomi

 Our longtime cat, Naomi, died this past weekend. She was almost 15 years old. We have had her for almost 13 of those years. She had some major health issues, and was not feeling well at all. She did love sitting in the sun!

We buried her in the backyard after taking her to the vet, and planted some flowers over her, and had a little memorial service for her.

She was a good cat and will be missed!

Webelos Badge & Cake Decorating

 Carson earned his Webelos badge back in April. He worked very hard to earn this. Way to go Carson!

 That same night was a Father/Son Cake decorating contest.

 They worked very hard to have a fun cake!

 If you can't tell, it is Jeeps and Land cruisers four wheeling in the sand dunes.

 Carson won 3rd place!