Suzuki Violin Institute

We had violin institute for a week in June. I love institute and how it energizes the kids...mostly my daughter. This year she improved immensely, but then lost it about 2 weeks later by refusing to practice, and I was just tired of fighting her. She is doing better again, but not like she was in June at Institute.

She had amazing teachers.

We had a full schedule this year. She took an art class for fun, and Zach was able to go on her last day and participate with her there. They both had lots of fun with that.

The day Zach came they designed frisbies and got to toss them around outside. The big project was a rain stick (see below).

I am happy that she is learning a musical instrument. I think it is so important. I wish I would have stuck with the instruments I started out with so many years ago. Piano, Violin and Guitar... Yip can't play any of them.

Ali with her friend Tyler who she met last year at institute (2008) -

They had almost identical schedules in the same classes together.

One of the highlights of her week was to meet Jenny Oaks Baker in person. Alicyn had to buy one of her cd's and have her autograph it. She is so talented and nice. Ali told me "Mom, if I can get a picture with her, I will just die, I am such a fan!" I laughed to myself.

Silent Auction for Meg

Silent Auction for Meg - Check it Out

http://angels4meg.yolasite.com/

From Meg's Website:
The Story...On May 5th, 2009 Meg Fitzmayer was in an automobile accident in Longmont Colorado. As a result of the accident she has a C6-C7 spinal cord injury. She will never walk again. She will have limited use of her hands, but may regain full arm function. The person that hit Meg had no automobile insurance, no driver's license and was in the country illegally.

Meg is going to complete her rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Englewood Colorado, she will be there approximately three and half months. However, her health insurance will only cover 60 days for the rehabilitation stay. This web site was created by her family to provide friends and family with frequent updates on Meg's progress. In addition, there is a donation page to help cover the costs of Meg's rehabilitation. Thank you everyone for your support and prayers.

Power Ranger, No Ninja, No Ben 10, No this & that

Hard to believe once again!

Our Zach turned 6 years old on June 16th. His birthday party was on June 12th, as we have had such a packed schedule that was the only time I could fit it in. He couldn't decide what theme to have for his party and changed 5 times a week. I told him once we bought things he was stuck and couldn't change his mind anymore. He decided on Pirates once we got to the store.

Zachary is such a loving sweet boy! He has a soft, kind heart.

He loves to win. If we are watching something competitive he is always rooting for the team or guy that is winning. If they lose their lead then Zach changes sides.

He loves everything small, like little kids, animals, babies and says in a high voice..."oh how cute"

Zachary loves thrill rides at amusement parks (except Tower of Terror). He is really sad if he is to short to go on something and says, I don't want to go on baby rides.

He is a mommy's boy.

He loves Halloween, Christmas and Easter (of course).

He loves his grandma's, and grandpa.

Camping & Fishing - YES

He also keeps asking when we can go to Yellowstone, Disneyland and Lagoon. 3 of his favorite places.

He doesn't like church and complains just hearing the word. Usually when we are getting ready he will say, "mom, can't we just skip today?".

Grandma Diane made pirate hats for everyone with braids. The boys had red and the girls had purple. This was so much fun to add to our party. THANKS MOM! (she always rescues me and helps me out when I have an idea I don't have time to do)

Our Pirate Party Clan

We had on the back row L-R: Logan Hansen, Jaxsen Steggell, Ty Coleman, Zachary Bliss, Chloe Rawlings, Kenzie Garrett, Luke Garrett. Front Row L-R: Riley Hicks, Mathew Taylor, Hayley Steggell, Emily Coleman, Ella Taylor, Alicyn Bliss


This was the ball and chain game. Pirates often go to jail with a ball and chain. We went outside and everyone tried to pop the other persons ball, without theirs getting popped.

Then we played musical islands and when you got kicked off the island you had to WALK THE PLANK! ARRRG!

Ahoy Matee....Be careful not to fall in the ocean, there are sharks, alligators and octopus.

The pirates found their gold and also played pin the parrot on the pirate.

Zach licked all his frosting off his cupcake before I could get a picture.

Spencer Ty

Jaxsen showing off his hook! Logan's hat is bothering his eyes.

Spring Violin Recital

On June 5th, Alicyn had her spring violin recital. She got a little to nervous this time, but she did so great and we are proud of her getting up in front of everyone and doing her best.

She had great family to come and support her Grandma Jeanne, Grandma & Grandpa Colby, Dad, Mom and Zach.

We love you babe.

Horse Show Number 1 - 2009

We had a great Day on May 30th. I was trying to be two places at once with two busy kids. Thank heaven's for a husband and sisters. Dave was in charge of Zach and getting him to his Karate testing. I had Ali with me, we got up at 5:30 to go to my parents house and wash her horse. Grandma Diane made her breakfast with Hayley and Jaxsen, while Christy, Andrea and I washed horses (mostly Andrea and Christy - they are horse washing champs).

After that was completed Ali went with Christy to the West Jordan Arena and I went to get a cat carrier at my house and ice. Hilerie's cat Smokey decided to be a stow away and got in the horse trailer the night before, she didn't discover that until she was at the arena. ha ha ha

Anyway, on my way to the arena I stopped and watched Zach earn his yellow belt. WHEW! What a day. Dave and I have the best kids ever!

All the kids tore it up. They did so awesome and made us all proud. Hayley rode Tahoe and even though he is an old man, he still wants to rip up the dirt. Surprised cowgirl Hayley when he took off like a jet to run poles. Emily and Ty both rode Cocoa, Ali on Spinning Jet. It was a great morning and we were done by 1:00pm. Nothing like the horse shows when I was growing up that ended at 2:00 in the morning, and lasted both Friday and Saturday ALL day long.

After the horse show we got shakes at Riley's, for Dad, Zach, & Grandma J and went to Grandma Jeanne's house where Dave and Zach were helping grandma tear down her fence and clean up her yard. When Ali & I got there, Zach was flat on the couch with a fever, and Grandma Jeanne was gone with Aunt Bette.

:( Zach fought a fever all weekend and he just felt lousy. Took him to the doctor on Monday and he had Strep. Took Ali with me to the doctor also, and found out she had strep too, just wasn't showing any signs of it yet.

Here are some pictures of our fun weekend, until the fevers hit.