Hiking the Y

11 years ago, I hiked the "Y" for the first time as a freshman at BYU. Until yesterday, that was the last time I'd done the hike. Jermie and I have always wanted to do it, so we went last night for our date night. It was so much fun.

(This picture turned out really bad because the sun was so bright behind us.)

Talking Politics

Okay, I don't really like to get into politics on my blog, but I heard this quote the other day and really wanted to share it. It totally sums up my conservative viewpoint and is the reason why I'm so scared of the current government's attempt to take over everything and create a "cradle to the grave society" where hard work isn't rewarded, but laziness and dependence on the government is.


"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

Adrian Rogers (1931-2005)

Off to School!

Jacob was so excited to get on the bus this morning for his first day of first grade. I did have to wake him up this morning (he's been sleeping in until about 9:00 lately) to get him ready. He threw an absolute fit when I tried to fix his hair. I told him that someday he will care how he looks.... right? Anyway, I did manage to at least run a comb through it before he left.

We have an annual tradition in our neighborhood to have breakfast at the bus stop (doughnuts, muffins, juice, etc) for the kids. (In other words, load them up on sugar, then send them off to school.)

I can't wait to see how everything went on his first day!

Last Call for Summer

This week we decided to do a couple last fun summer activities. Yesterday we went to the Lindon Pool (I was stressed having the 3 kids by myself and didn't get any pictures).

Tuesday we met some friends at a park in Cedar Hills (Heritage Park) for a picnic lunch. This park has a little creek that the kids played in and a fun walking path that we explored.

Bethany was fascinated with this leaf she found.

Jacob and Hunter playing in the creek.

Kyle doing what he loves most... throwing rocks!

Kyle and his buddy, Cole.

Jacob and his buddy, Hunter.

Tender Moment (Overheard)

Last night as the boys were falling asleep, I overheard Jacob say really softly, "I love you, Kyle." Kyle responded, "I love you too Jake"

I wish I had that recorded to play over and over when they are fighting and making me crazy. So sweet!

Kyle's Getting So Big

I've had a really hard time teaching Kyle to write his name (mostly because he is a perfectionist and gets frustrated really easily). Yesterday, he wrote his name using dots as guidelines (above) then for the first time, he actually wrote his name by himself (below). Hooray for Kyle!

The Black Eye

I mentioned in my last post that Bethany had a black eye (from falling off a kid's camp chair at the parade). Here's a picture that Kamille sent me showing the damage.

Bear Lake 09

This year was our fourth year going to Bear Lake with my family. It's something we look forward to all summer. This year, we went during Raspberry Days which was really fun. Here are some of the highlights:

Bethany noshing on a corn dog on the way to Bear Lake. She kept forgetting which end to eat.

In keeping with tradition, we stopped at the USU Creamery in Logan on our way.

Thursday night, we went to the Raspberry Days parade. Not a super impressive parade, but by far the most candy I've ever seen at a parade. We ended up with a huge bowl full. (The guy next to us was filling a cooler with candy)

This is the view from the cabin we stayed in.

I didn't get any pictures of the kids making S'mores, but I did get a great shot of Zach enjoying one!

The kids played dress ups on Friday afternoon. Kyle kept that costume on until bedtime.

More dress ups.

This was the highlight of the trip for Jacob. He absolutely loved riding on the jet ski. He is totally wild on it and loves hitting waves and making fast turns. He likes telling everyone that he "scared the bejeebers out of Mom on the jet ski."

Bethany trying to get a nap on the beach. (It didn't last long)

Kyle had fun playing on the beach on Friday. For some reason, he was exhausted on Saturday and spent the whole day sleeping.

Jacob is "panning for seashells."

Jacob and Jeffrey playing in the water.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Bethany fell off a chair during the parade on got a black eye. I didn't get a good picture of it, but it was pretty bad.

Bethany's 1 Year Portraits