labor day hike

This Labor Day, we decided to do a nice big hike.  And it was a BIG hike, at least for our family, and all of the different ages of everyone.

The kids did amazingly well, and we made it a little over 4 miles.  The scenery was gorgeous, and the kids had a great time.  We also brought Charlie.  It was his first hike, and he was so happy.  It was really fun to see him be able to just run and play to his heart's content.

I always wish we could hike and camp more, and I am sure we will as our family gets a little older.  Being out in these mountains reminds us again and again with how blessed we are to live here in this beautiful place we get to call home.

this picture cracks us up!

miss molly turns 4

Molly's Birthday this year was a fun one.  All she wanted to do was ride a purple horse.  I was able to arrange the ride a horse part, but not the purple part.  She was thrilled anyway!  It actually turned into a family affair, because everyone ended up riding it.  Molly was nervous at first, but by the end, she literally bawled her eyes out when it was time to go.

Look at how happy she is!

We actually did the horse ride the day before her Birthday, because her Birthday was on Sunday.

I decorated the house Saturday night, and Molly woke up excited and happy on her Birthday!  She opened her presents and insisted on decorating her own butterfly cake.  The primary sang to her at church, and she got her special treat from the Bishop.  She had a great day!

she decorated it with Mary



Her new princess dress and her new tent

I think the best part of the whole day was right before Molly blew out her candles.  We told her to make a wish, and she squoze her eyes shut, clenched her fist and wished outloud with all of her heart for a unicorn.  It was heart melting!

Molly is still a joy and a light in our lives.  She definitely gave us a run during her 3's.  She is her own person, with her own opinion, and she likes to rule the house.

Luckily, as with all of my children, things start to calm down when they turn 4.  I get my sweet buddy back.  Molly is absolutely hilarious.  She is very animated, she loves to tell stories, she LOVES to play.  She likes to play air hockey with Ben, stunts with Mary, coloring and horses with me, playdough with anyone, and her favorite thing is to play with Charlie (our dog).  She loves to be outside riding her bike, running around, swinging, and playing with friends.

She started preschool this year.  She cried every time I dropped her off for two weeks, and now she loves it!  She has a cute friend in her class named Charlie.  They have matching unicorn backpacks.  She also has a cute Hispanic friend named Ashley.  They don't speak the same language, so they made up their own. It is hilarious! 

She also begs to play with Beckham and Cruz every day.

Molly is in dance and gymnastics, and she loves them both.  She just started dance a few weeks ago.  She is very active and full of life and energy.  She is also extremely loving. She cuddles, hugs and kisses all the time.

They gave her "twinkle bear"  that she gets to keep and brings to every class.

We love her with all of our hearts.

Happy Birthday Molly Grace!

1st day of school 2018

The first day of school this year for the older 4 kids, was also the day that Ben and I flew out to Florida for Presidents Club.  I was basically sick with worry during the whole flight and the whole day.  I knew the kids were in great hands with my mom, but I was worried about Sam, and his first day of middle school.  We went the day before to the open house and tried to figure out his schedule and where all of his classes were.  It is a big school, and the schedule switches each day, so it can get extremely overwhelming.  Sam handled it really well, but I was still worried.  I was also worried about Luke.  He had a very difficult year last year, and I was flat out worried sick for my little Lukie.

Luckily, I was able to be there to spend the morning with them and get them out the door.  Ben was able to give them school blessings the night before as well.  I am glad I could send them out the door with a big hug from mom, but I was so sad to not be there at the door when they got home.

To my relief, the kids all had a good first day.  My mom was a superstar and made them all comfortable and happy when they got home.  It can be scary for this momma bear to send my precious babies out into the world sometimes. They sure are a cute bunch though! 

Sam school this year
Timpanogos Middle School

8th grade

6th grade

I loved that they chose to wear the same shirt
Daniels Canyon Elementry

1st grade
Mrs. Smith and Miestra Kiene

3rd Grade
Mrs. Rose and Miestra Arias

presidents club 2018

Presidents club this year was in Florida.  It was at the San Marco Island resort.  Ben worked so hard this year, and not only earned a place in President's club, but he made Diamond Level, so we got an extra day!!

It was an amazing trip! It was definitely our favorite Presidents club.  There is something about the ocean that is so awesome.  We ate delicious food, (shrimp tacos for days), we did a jet ski tour around the island, we walked along the beach and collected shells, we went to the fancy dinner where Ben was recognized for all of his hard work and dedication to his job, we slept in, we worked out, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  We also enjoyed all you can eat frozen yogurt with tons of toppings, whenever we wanted it!

The island was gorgeous!  The food was amazing!  The room we stayed in was awesome.  The whole thing was so great.  I am so grateful for how hard Ben works to provide for our family.  He is very talented with his job, and he is honest and good with all of his dealings with people.