Tyler Graduates . . . Again.

Since we've moved, Tyler got to graduate before going to high school again. The schools here in Surprise run from Kingergarten to 8th grade.

 It was a little different than graduating from Kahuku Elementary . . . a little more subdued ; )

Tyler did awesome this past school year, especially considering we moved schools mid-semester. He made the principal's list during his time here at Canyon Ridge. He also played on their flag football team.

Tyler made a lot of new friends and played catch up with his friends from before.

We all stood up at the end to cheer on their class as they walked out.

We of course had to have the lei's on hand.

Jace wanted to put one on Tyler.

 Some of Tyler's friends from this past year. Most of these kids go on to Willow Canyon High School, which is where Tyler will be going to.

These are Tyler's teachers that he had. They were great and seemed to enjoy learning from them.

We are so proud of Tyler and all that he's accomplished!

We picked up Leigh and headed over to Pei Wei to celebrate, Tyler's choice.

Congratulations again Tyler!!

Ward Camp in the Mountains

 So this year, we tried out camping in the mountains. Our ward had camp up in the north country, on a ward member's family property. It was quite an adventure getting up there. We drove 11 miles from the main road that some parts were just cliff, going at about 10 miles an hour. When we finally got to the property, we had to walk in about a mile to the camp site, because the road was too treacherous for our mini van. 

When we finally reached our destination and set up camp. 

The evening was quite an adventure. Between being scared by a rat in the outhouse, and freezing through the night, I was on the verge of never camping again.

After getting through the night, we were greeted by warm sunshine and an awesome breakfast!

 The kids explored the property and played with each other, having a great time.

 So while we were there, the kids, particularly Tyler informed me that they did find a diamond back rattle snake. He explained that they tried to poke it with long stick. You can bet that the kids were getting an earful about how dangerous that is.

It was a fun trip, the kids seemed to enjoy it. Me on the other hand, ummmm, we'll see if time will heal wounds.

Mother's Day: A Day of Traditions

There are traditions that we try to keep around this house, especially when it comes to the holidays. Mother's Day is no exception.

There are 3 big ones that we usually try to observe.

TRADITION #1 - BREAKFAST IN BED.

My children usually make me breakfast and give me cards.

Jace is trying to start a new tradition which is to eat mom's breakfast.

TRADITION #2 - TAKE A PICTURE WITH MY KIDS EVERY YEAR.

I love taking pictures with my kids and seeing how big they've grown.

 TRADITION #3 - GET MOM A LEI FOR MOTHER'S DAY.

This is probably my favorite tradition. This year, however, I didn't get one. I was ok with that, since we aren't in Hawaii. I did find out though, that the florist shops around here will make you a lei if you ask. We found this out after Mother's Day. 

It was a great Mother's Day! I feel loved by my husband and children every day, and that's all I need on Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day!

Right now in Tonga and NZ it is Mother's Day and in Hawaii, my in-laws are out for our annual Mother's Day Night Out. 

MISS YOU ALL!!!

He's 14

 It's his birthday today!!! 

He's 14, but I feel like he's been 14 for a while. We are so proud of Tyler and all the things he's accomplished. He's a great student, a good athlete, a super brother, a worthy priesthood holder, a dutiful scout, and a wonderful son!

Tyler chose to eat out at Pei Wei. The kids had never gone, so we were excited for them to try it out.

The kids LOVED the food. We enjoyed ourselves eating outside on the patio in the warm evening. 

The next stop was the movies to go watch Iron Man 3. Because of the long wait, we tried to entertain ourselves.

Jace was excited for the movies. This was probably the first time going to the movies where he was aware of what's going on. 

We came home so late from the movies, that we didn't have cake and ice-cream till the next night. Tyler's birthday seems to always last a couple days.

Happy Birthday Tyler!!

Celebrating 17 Years in the Making

I can't believe we have hit 17years!! My how time flies. I look at this picture and realize how young I was, which makes me feel old. LOL!

Here we are . . . 17 years later . . . and loving each other 17 x's more than we did in the beginning.

 Usually for our anniversary, Randy and I just go out to dinner. This time, we decided to take our family out to celebrate.

We went out to eat at Red Lobster and it was a fun experience eating new foods for the kids. 

Jace found the crab legs fun.

"What?! You're supposed to eat it?!"

 My girls.

 My teenage boy, trying not to look at the camera.

 The claw was fascinating for the boys.

It was fun evening just being with our family. 

Here's to 17 more years!!

Life Scout

Tonight, Tyler accomplished another great step towards getting his Eagle. Tonight he received his Life Scout award. He's been working hard in scouts, getting closer and closer to his Eagle.

As the proud mama, I wore my mama badge for all to see.