Primary Temple Activity

While Todd, Dave and the scouts were camping, Denise, Christen and I went to the Primary Activity at the temple. It was really cool especially to share it with Denise who is very excited to be sealed next year to her husband Dave.

We learned that the fountain at the temple is going to be replaced so this wil be the last time we may take a picture by this original. All of the kids - and Denise :) were able to touch the wall of the temple to help them remember to come back when they are ready. - "As you touch the temple the temple will touch you."

Young Eagles

A few weeks ago the Boy Scouts had a really cool activity. They had been earning their Aviation merit badge because one of the new leaders works at a smaller local airport. To culminate the experience the kids got to go to an air show!! There was a WWII B17 that they got to tour, flight simulators, and also the Young Eagles program. It was too windy to fly the Saturday we were there but they told us to come back on Monday - with parents -- and they could actually fly in a small plane as the copilot!!

This was especially cool because my kids always feel so shafted because they have only been in a commercial plane as small babies (when they were free) --So this was the big chance for them!! It was free and a pilot gave them a short training and off they went into the wild blue yonder. The smiles on their faces were priceless!! The lady helping commented that I had earned some big mom bonus points with them. Anyway, it was totally worth it! You will have to look for the program in an area near you. They got a log book too and can go up anytime the program comes back. The pilot even reminded the kidsto get great grades - good for the middle child who plans to go to the Air Force Academy. We'll see . . .

Boy Scouts Camping Devils Head and Twin Lakes

Lots of camping going along here. These pictures are from 2 different trips. this past weekend they were supposed to hike Mt Elbert but it was too snowy. They had a great time fishing and canoeing though.

When the boys get the camera. . .

Field Day Fun

Yay! I did it!! My first collage using Picassa. Thanks for the help Natalie! I feel so accomplished!!

Missionary Moment

That evening we had smores and burned school papers!

We have had an incredible experience this past month or so sharing the gospel with our friends and neighbors Dave and Denise. I guess the sharing started well over a year or so ago when we became closer friends. Anyhow, just last Saturday they were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I did not have my camera that day so I need to get pictures from them to post. They have had so much support from our Bishop, the ward, missionaries, RS, High Priests, friends from work, and recent converts from the past few years. It really was an amazing experience. We have grown so much in our own testimonies. They are great people and so excited to serve and to be involved. The very next day after their baptism - the day they received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Stk had asked Dave to speak at a multi stake new member fireside! He did a great job too!

Memorial Day

Traditionally, we go to Castlewood Canyon for a hike and a picnic, but this year it was just too rainy so we went down to the Springs to visit Todd's parents. It was a great day eating, visiting and playing a new favorite game - Take Two - a twist on Scrabble using the tiles and not the board. I learned it at my brother's house when I went to Utah. It is really fun. I think it gave my mother in law a headache though! So sorry. The kids enjoyed the hot tub too. We also watched the movie God's Army. It was interesting to see after we have been so inviolved withthe missionaries in our ward teaching our neighbors. They are so so talented in teaching the gospel and yet also their youthfulness shines through - good and - not so much we will leave it at that!!

Band season starts for Todd

Todds first concert of the summer was over Memorial day weekend. They have a new leader and they are playing some cool new songs (when we go to all of his concerts year after year it is nice to hear some new stuff.) He had a concert today too. He is trying to convince Brandon to join him this summer in the town band. We will see. Anyway, it has been a great outlet for Todd.

Swim Season is Here!

The day that our pool opened it was way too cold to swim and we were in Colorado Springs anyway, but this was Trevor and Christen's first day out of school. It was fun. The weather needs to be warmer than it has been to stay most of the day. We cant wait! I have started swimming at 6 am for the adult swim. Thanks to Raina for organizing that. I need a new suit though!

Christen's last days as a second grader

Insect Science Fair - Walking Stick

Best helper award in the class

Christen had a fun year and really improved in her reading and writing. The last week of school she had a field trip to see the movie 'Earth" and had field day and a luau party. It was fun to be her room mom. I think I will take a break next year!

Wrapping up the school year for Trevor

Trevor had a good year in band and learned a lot from his new band teacher who also plays the trombone.ght that Mr L was really cool because besides playing the trombone and 4 other instruments he at one time lived in Hollywood and was actually one of the monster/ creatures in the "Thriller" video and he also was the voice for Kermit the Frog for a few years. Anyhow, the band played at the graduation march for the school's 8th grade. It really sounded great! I will post a video later.

Trevor and his friend Carson earned their Arrow of Light awards together at his last pack meeting. I cant believe he is finished with Cubs. And I thought I was but not with my calling - the joke is on me!! Anyhow Trevor is excited for 11 yr old scouts and all that it brings. We are so grateful to have wonderful leaders!

Trevors last official field day as a paticipant. Next year he will help to run the show.

The 5th graders got to go bowling and go to the movie "Earth"
I was a chaperone.

Last few weeks of school for B

Brandon receives his Life Scout Award plus a whole bunch of other badges. He actually earned it a few months ago but they just had his court of honor.

Last dayof 7th grade

Brandon was awarded the most artistic in his team. He also made the honor roll.

Brandon made it on a yearbook page as he and Andrew were celebrating the opening of the new middle school.

Brandon's Band Concert

Mesa's 7thgr band

Of course he is in the back and next to the tuba girl so we could hardly see him!

The band boys!

Brandon has really had a great 7th grade year and has loved playing in the band. He has an excellent band leader and Brandon has greatly improved this year. He is seriously thinking about joining the townband with Todd - although we may have to wait until his Eagle Scout project is finished up. That is consuming his time right now.

Look for Brandon's trombone slide moving behind the tuba.