Raingutter Regatta

 Pack Meeting- Elijah has worked hard and has received his BEAR!

 He painted and carved his boat for the Raingutter Regatta.  Then he raced by blowing into the sail with a straw.

He did a great job and had loads of fun.  Can you see Yoda on the sail and the numbers 5 & 4?  The numbers are for May the 4th (may the force be with you).

The Ice Cream Man

Are you the person who runs outside when you hear the sounds of the ice cream truck? OR Do you hide because of the annoying nursery rhyme melodies that play over and over signaling that summer has arrived?  I must admit that I cannot remember actually seeing anyone purchase anything from the ice cream man since I was young- it just doesn't seem to happen much in front of my house.  Josh had seen and heard the ice cream truck on his way home from work, and when he heard it coming he ran out to snag a cone.

I VOTED!

I got to vote for the very first time.

I Can Do Hard Things- Pioneer Trek

We made the trek from South Jordan, Utah to Martin's Cove, Wyoming.  The theme of our trek was "I Can Do Hard Things".

For two days we walked, and walked, and walked. 

We crossed rivers, climbed hills, ate dust, pulled handcarts, square danced, laughed and cried. 

My pace was much slower than everyone else in the group and I ended up walking alone up Rocky Ridge for quite a bit of the hike.  That gave me a chance to do quite a bit of thinking and pondering.

Valesca, Josh and I were all in the same family group.

Here is a picture of us with the Moultons.

Pioneer Trek was not easy, but it was very worth it!

We were tested in many ways- and blessings came.

And although I ended up with physical injuries (blisters) on top of the foot problems I already had- I found out that I can indeed do hard things.

A brush with someone famous

Last night our family went to a concert and Josh got to meet Travis Eberhard, Albert from 17 Miracles.  Meeting him was fun since Ann, Josh and Valesca will be reenacting the story of the handcart pioneers up at Martin's Cove this next week.  The concert was wonderful, or should I say "SUPERB".

A parade and a bike ride

 Josh marched in the South Jordan parade this morning.

 Noah rode his 50 mile bike ride today.

 We are so proud of him.

Way to go!!!!!!

It's my BEESness

I was at my grandpa's house when the doorbell rang.  I answered it and the UPS guy almost threw this package at me and told me to give it to my grandpa as he left in quite a hurry.  It made a humming noise.  It was a package of queen bees.  Cool!

New Grad Pictures

Here are some great pictures that we had taken.

New Toy- Outdoor Movie Theatre

We have already enjoyed several movies and hope that our neighbors don't mind the noise.

Rank Advancement and More Merit Badges

Noah received his Life Rank advancement as well as his Aviation and Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badges.

Another Teenager in the Family

 We are "happy as pie (or pi)"

 This is all he wanted for his birthday- so he is very happy

He asked for a temple cake.  I was very nervous about this cake, but it seemed to make the birthday boy very happy.  He spent the morning of his birthday at the temple.

Graduation- A wonderful milestone!

*****WARNING*****

There will be many pictures and loads of parental bragging on this post!

Our lovely daughter has been very self motivated and has excelled in most things that she has attempted. We love her and continue to be very proud of her.

After all of those long years of school and hard classes in High School- we finally get to celebrate!!!

Jump for Joy!

Paint our nails!

Sing a joyful song!

  Smile for all to see!

And receive that coveted diploma.

Valesca wore her accomplishments well: National Honor Society Sash, Medal for Utah Scholars, Medal for Choir, Chord for Math, Chord for Top 10 Percent, Chord for Career/Technical Education, Chord for English & World Language and a Chord for Science.  She also Lettered in Math.

Valesca was listed along with 5 others on the program as earning all of those same types of honors- pretty good-especially when you are competing against 727 other Bingham Miners.

She has been accepted into the College of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah and has received a "Half Tuition Waiver" and the Regents Scholarship. (AWESOME)

Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your life...and HOORAY for the adventures that await you in the future!