Pioneer Trek 2011

Chris and I got called to be a Ma and Pa for the stake trek this year. For one I did not know it was a calling...I just figured people volunteered to go. I wasn't really sure if it was going to work out and if we would be able to go, but I really hoped that it would, and it did! Neither one of us had ever gone on a church trek before so we really didn't know what exactly to expect. A few people shared their experiences with us and they all varied quite a bit but one thing was constant--everybody said it was an amazing experience. Chris' parents came down to watch our kids (THANKYOU!) for the four days we would be gone. The first day we trekked 10 miles, the 2nd day we trekked 5.5 miles. The rest of day two we spent playing pioneer games (soap making, rifle shooting, tug of war, toy making, hair washing (my favorite part) scone making and eating! Seriously the hair washing felt so great---we were so filthy from hiking. I thought I was getting tan until I washed myself off--it was disgusting! That night we had a mini concert and ice-cream and cake. The next day was our mock Sunday. Sunday was an amazing day. All of the speakers were wonderful and you could feel the Spirit so strongly---it was truly amazing! We had 8 kids in all, four boys and four girls. Their ages ranged from 14-18 and they were all awesome kids! I haven't had much time with the youth, as I have been in primary for the last few years, but I was so impressed with most of the youth I met there. Our family members all got along really well. We were able to talk, work, and play together happily. The only part I did not like was getting eaten by the bugs. We stayed pretty bug free until the third day then we all got bitten up--it was horrible. Our last day was our hardest. We trekked 7 miles and it was pretty much up hill the whole way-except for the home stretch that was downhill. The funniest things was when we passed some campers and they started taking pictures of us. I am wondering if they were LDS or just thought we were a crazy sight to see. The trek was truly an amazing experience and I am so grateful that Chris and I got to be a part of it.

Golfing with Dad

Chris took Jaxon out golfing just the two of them for the first time. It was a warm, well hot day, but Jaxon really had a great time. I wish golf didn't cost so much---because I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of money on it someday!

The kid's graduations

I can't believe Jaxon graduated from Kindergarten and next year he will be at school all day long. He really had a great kindergarten year. He had the BEST kindergarten teachers! I had the priviledge of helping out in the class room a few times and I was always so impressed with what I saw. Jaxon loves his school and his friends. I hope next year will be just as good as this one was!












Kenli graduated from her first (well half year) of preschool. She absolutely loved Mrs. Lisa and going to preschool.

Girls weekend and Glee live

For Chris' mom's birthday her sister organized a huge girls weekend getaway to Vegas to see Glee live. I haven't really ever watched that show, but I was so excited to go. It was nice to get away for a few days and not have to worry about anything. I really enjoyed seeing everyone, relaxing, and eating. We of course toured the strip, went shopping, ate out, stayed up too late, and of course saw Glee live! The show was really great and it was fun to see how giddy some of the girls were getting. One of my favorite things about our trip was probably going on the stratosphere rides. I had never done any of them before and it was so fun! I also got to stop by and see one of my good friends before I flew home. It was good to see her and her family. I went to church with them and what a change of feeling to go from the stip to church. Really I had fun, but Vegas has gotten really nasty. I don't think it is really a good place to go anymore---even though there are some really neat things there is just too much filth mixed in nowadays.

Kenli's Birthday

Yes---I know my blog has been neglected. Kenli turned 4 in April. She had a Cinderella birthday. 8 of her friends came over and they seriously had a blast. It was a little crazy for me, but so worth it to see how much fun Kenli was having.