2017 Spring Soccer - GO REBELS!!!

What an exciting season! I have loved watching Braden grow and improve over the last few months. It amazes me what he is capable of doing. He is quick, smart, and willing to put forth the effort needed to help out his team. The best part of watching him play is the pure joy he exudes as he cheers on the accomplishments of his teammates. His coach this season has been wonderful. He is so patient and has taught the boys to be good sports amongst the other necessary skills. Each member of his team understand what it means to be part of a team and they each encourage and help each other out. The season went well for these boys, only loosing 1 game during regular season play. Unfortunately, they didn't do as well as they had hoped in the season end tournament, but they fought their way into a wildcard spot and played hard during that game, which ended in a tie. Sadly they lost in sudden death and were out of the running to place. The boys were so upset at being cut short of the finals. They played so well all season and I enjoyed every minute, even the most stressful and intense moments. I already can't wait for the next season to start!

Caribbean Cruise 2017

We have been immensely blessed to be able to travel to some amazing places thanks to my Dad and Lucinda's generosity. This year they took us on a Caribbean Cruise, where we got to relax on the beach in Haiti, climb waterfalls in Jamaica, and drive around and swim in the ocean in Cozumel.

On our fist day we explored the ship, ate, and rested form our long day of travel the day before. We planned to be a little silly when boarding the ship by dressing up as the "Ultimate Tourist." Not everyone participated, but for those who did it was hilarious! The following day was a day at sea and we took advantage of all the fun activities onboard.

Day 3: Haiti

Our first stop was at a private area of Haiti. We relaxed at the beach, played games, and swam. 

Day 4: Jamaica

In Jamaica we hiked up Dunn River Falls and then went to Blue Hole where we hiked though the rain forest to waterfalls and areas of the river where we could jump or dive into deep pools of fresh water. At the first area where we jumped, Kam didn't secure his phone to his person and it sunk to the bottom of a 20 foot deep pool. We thought for sure his phone was lost forever, however with the help of many prayers and a lucky kick to the head, Kam miraculously felt the strap of the waterproof case and was able to retrieve the phone. Earlier in the day, at Dunn River Falls, my brother's phone slipped away as well as my mom's glasses and they too were also miraculously recovered.

Day 5: At Sea

This sea day was very hot! Despite the heat we were able to cool off in the pool and took advantage of the activities available onboard. We zip lined, tried out the flow-rider (I only did the knee board), watched Ryan in the pool and deck volleyball competitions, and Gary win the mini golf competition. That evening we celebrated my Dad and Lucinda's wedding anniversary at dinner. 

Day 6: Cozumel

While in Cozumel we were going to go snorkeling but unfortunately the waves were too big and rough, but we were still able to spend some time at the beach after a crazy ride around the island in dune buggies. The ocean was so warm and the waves beat us up but it was so pleasant. On the way back to the ship we got in a little accident. The brakes didn't work too well on our vehicles and after having to attempt to stop quickly because the car in front of us changed their mind about turning, Ryan, who was driving the buggy right behind us didn't stop fast enough and ran into us. I hit the back of my head pretty hard on the seat but thankfully no one else in our buggy was hurt, but my brother, who was in the back of Ryan's car hit his head on the rear roll bar pretty hard and split his head open just above his eye. After returning to the ship, Kam was able to help him superglue the wound back together. 

Day 7: Final Day at Sea

On our last day at sea I planned a special lunch with all of the girls to celebrate a sort of "Mother's Day" with them. We also took advantage of the fun activities onboard and danced way too late into the night. 

Thanks Dad and Lucinda for an incredible vacation and for allowing my mom and Gary to come with us. It was so special to have both my parents together and I will treasure this special my time with everyone forever. 

Also, a huge thanks to Krista for coming down and staying with our children so we could take advantage of this opportunity. My heart was at peace knowing they were safe with you.

Easter

We had a quiet easter but we didn't mind because we were all pretty tired. We got home the night before from our Spring Break fun in Utah. The kids got to see what was in their Easter baskets before church and then after church we had our egg hunt with nearly 200 eggs to find. We also colored eggs and watched some uplifting Easter videos.

Spring Break

For spring break this year we spent time up north with our family in Utah. We went to the Salt Lake City Main Library for the first time, had lunch at Little America, played with our cousins, helped Aunt Megan with her LuLaRoe business,  and visited Grandma Great and some old friends that we haven't seen in ages. On our last full day of fun we spent the whole day indoors because Carter and Riley got a stomach bug. Thankfully Braden and I did not follow suit and Braden was able to get out for part of the day thanks to Uncle Peter, who took him to Salt Lake where they hung out together doing uncle stuff. We had planned on spending a whole day at temple square but now we will have to schedule that during our next visit this summer. Before heading home we were invited by my Aunt Nan to her ward's primary Easter activity. It was a really fun event. The kids got to hunt for eggs, paint with chalk paint, colored, ate cookies with milk, and participated in a special Easter lesson. We also had lunch together before saying goodbye too. 

The Girl is 4

Riley-Rotten-Roo is 4! She is my best friend and is all kinds of sweet and sassy! Riley loves preschool. Her favorite foods are: spaghetti, oatmeal, and ice-cream. She sings all the time. She loves doing whatever her brothers are doing. She loves to cut up, draw on, and glue anything she get her hands on. She will only go to bed if I read to her. Usually I read the scriptures to her and she talks to herself while I read and eventually falls asleep. She doesn't like sleeping in her own room. Instead she has a little bed made up on mommy and daddy's floor. We are starting the transition of putting her in her bed to fall asleep but she is usually in our room by midnight. Riley is very loving, always giving my lots of hugs and kisses throughout the day, but she is also a spit fire and dishes out lots of attitude. She definitely knows what she wants and is very determined. She's also a daddy's girl. She loves to be near him and likes to watch and help him work on the car or truck, or anything he's doing. 

For Riley's birthday this year she wanted to have a Minnie Mouse Party. She invited all of her favorite friends from church. At the party we colored pictures, played Disney Bingo and pin the bow on Minnie, decorated Minnie Mouse shaped sugar cookies, ate hot dogs and fruit and cake. My camera lens was acting up (I ended up having to send it in to get fixed) so I didn't get very many pictures of the party, but I did get a few. 

As she was unwrapping this present, she saw the cracker box and threw it aside saying, "I hate this!" Carter helped her to see that the present in the box was not crackers but something she has been wanting for a long time, a puppy purse!

Decorating Cookies with one of her favorite friends, Bradley.

She blew her candles out so quickly that I missed getting a picture.
She was pouting because we re-lit the candles to sing to her.

Happy Birthday Riley-Roo!