Remembering Gram

Though the circumstances weren't happy ones it was so nice to gather as a family and reminisce about Gram and Grandpa. We did laugh some too, there were great stories and memories shared all day. We had family come from all kinds of distances. I always think that when we have a funeral it brings the family unit closer together, and knits the knots that much tighter. How great it is to be able to lean on each other and buoy each other up. There are many things that we do as families that have a similar effect. Weddings, Babies, Milestones in life. I feel really blessed to have the family I have.

New Toy

Dave and I have been talking about getting the kids a trampoline for a little over a year. They keep asking for an XBox or a Nintendo Wii. We decided that instead of them playing games all the time it would be better to have something that kept them more active. Plus, when I was a kid our trampoline was one of our favorite things.

Our trampoline was rectangular, and you can't buy those anymore unless you have a gymnasium license for gymnastics (I tried). All the "grandkids" still love jumping on it. One of the rules my mom had was no jumping on Sunday. My sister and I had a secret code that we use and would always try and change to out smart my mom. We would do the code to each other and then sneak out in the backyard like we were getting away with something. My mom always knew and after a bit she would call us back in the house.

Anyway, I have been watching the sales and there was one advertised that seemed like it was a pretty good deal. Dave and I met at the store and surprised the kids that night.

They both have big plans of sleeping out on it (that was one of my favorites too, but sometimes we would get yelled at for being to noisy). They both have begged for the sprinkler under it too, another one of my favorites growing up. Too bad it has been cold, I haven't let them yet. I am sure that will come, it can't be freezing here forever, can it?

Ali and Zach had fun helping dad put it up. You gotta love those bonding moments. :)

Memorial Weekend

We went camping over memorial day weekend to Flaming Gorge. We have been going there for about 4 or 5 years now every Memorial, and always have a great time.

We left at 5:30 on Friday morning and on the way there it snowed so hard we couldn't see the side of the road. I thought, oh man, what are we doing??

We had rain off and on all weekend but it sure was better than sitting at home.

I also saw my first moose (two of them) in the wild "in Utah". That was awesome for me.

End of Preschool!

Saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

(MY CAMERA TAKES AWFUL PICTURES INSIDE.)

Zach had so much fun in preschool this year. I give all the credit to Miss Lisa, she is absolutely wonderful and we love her! There were some mornings that Zach would be so grouchy when it was time for school and she could get him to snap out of most any mood. What a relief for me! She is heaven sent. He told Miss Lisa yesterday that he misses school, which both of us were happy to hear. He learned so much and grew up a lot this last year.

(he looks like an alien with those eyes)

Zach was always funny with me and learning new things. Before Preschool, I tried to say the ABC's with him and other fun songs - he would say "stop it mom, stop singing". Now I know I don't sing well, (I think some of that is because I can't hear so I am always off key). However, he was so opposite of Ali, she wanted you to sing everything imaginable when she was younger. Not Zach, I am happy that he has always loved books though.

Hard to believe that my baby has grown up.

1st Horse Show of the Year

Alicyn did a great job. She ended up switching horses the week of the show but she and Jet did just great! We hadn't tried on Ali's cowboy hat since last fall when she was in the last show. We were in trouble, her hat no longer fit her. In order to compete you have to have a hat. Well, Shane ran to Reams for me just before she was to enter the arena and bought a new hat, he went the next size up since she wasn't able to go with him. It was too small too! Great! So for one class she had to wear a pink hat with a red shirt. Yes, I know...it matched so well. We are prepared for the next show, I took her with me and we had her fitted for a new hat so that won't happen again. Ali has just been telling everyone that she must be getting smarter cause her brain grew.

Specer and Emily (cousins) also rode in the horseshow.

Much thanks to Aunt Christy & Shane for all the help that day.

This is also the day that Hilerie helped me look for my wedding ring...which still hasn't been found. I am sure lucky to have the family I have.