Fun in the Sun---Bear Lake

We had a fun, filled week in Bear Lake with my family.

Plenty of laughter,kids crying, fun, and lasting memories.

Thanks mom and dad for the great trip, we will hold the memories close to our hearts.

Chase with his cousins Josh, and Matthew.

Claire with cousins Sarah, and Kate.

My sister Renee with her youngest, Anna. Where's my spicy's?

My awesome dad taking a break in the man-made shade.

Crash swimming with his cousin Luke.

Chase's first attempt at water-skiing.

Grandpa Pittman, the pro, helping Chase water-ski.

Chase wasn't able to get up, but he made great effort! We are so proud of you Chase!

Claire, and Kate working on their sun-tans.

Chase and Josh playing some football on the beach, practicing for this fall.

Garden of the Gods

We decided to go down to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs on Monday after the 4th of July. It was a beautiful day, and it actually wasn't too hot. I love this place because it reminds me of Lake Powell, where I spent many summers vacationing with my family. I have fun, happy memories of these past vacations at Lake Powell. Garden of the Gods doesn't have the lake, but fun rocks to climb on, and explore. Oh, and the best part is that it is free.

The kids had a great time climbing, and exploring together.

After climbing, we finished the day off with a "Hamburger of the Gods", (as Chris described it)

a Five Guys burger---yum!

Days in Colorado don't get much better than this.

7 Years of Carter

Happy 7th Birthday Carter! We are so blessed to have Carter as part of our family.

He brings a lot of energy, and excitement to our lives!

Carter is playful, decisive, inquisitive, attentive, and can light up a room with his sweet spirit,

and his bright blue eyes!

We love you Crash!

Carter on the morning of his Birthday, a new Star Wars book.

Blowing out 7 candles is a lot of work.

Carter opening presents at his friend Birthday party.

Carter with all of his great friends. What a fun party!

Track Meet

Chase has been running track this Spring. He has truly enjoyed it. We have enjoyed it too, despite the crazy, cold weather we have had for most of the meets. I had to pull out my winter gear to stay warm at the meets. Chase did awesome, and improved his times. Way to go Chase!

Chase competing in the long jump.

Chase running in the 800.

ArT ShOw

A note came home in Claire's backpack yesterday, it read "Congratulations your artwork is going to be in the Douglas County Elementary Art show. The artwork will be on display in the Park Meadows Mall. The reception day for Parker area students is April 22nd between 6-8pm."

When we arrived at the mall this is what we saw

Claire's piano creation on display.

We are so proud of you Claire, and love that you love to create!

Fair Claire

Claire celebrated her 11th Birthday recently. How fast time flies by. Claire brings happiness to our home. She is a nuturing, loving, helpful, silly, crafty, peaceful, and beautiful girl, to name a few. She can be sassy at times, but has a tender heart. We are grateful for her in our lives!

Fun in SLC

Claire getting a manicure with her cousins, Kate and Sarah.

Beautiful nails girls!!!! We will have to do it again sometime soon!

Conference/Easter

What a great day! I loved having General Conference and Easter on the same day. It was nice to not feel rushed getting everyone ready for church, and have to be out the door at 8:45am. Instead we slept in a little, enojoyed the jelly bean hunt, and got ready to listen to Conference. I felt so blessed to be able to watch Conference in my home, with no make-up, no fancy outfits, and to feel the Spirit beaming out of the TV into my family room, into my heart, testifying of truths. Teaching me of things I need to be working on, things I need to be better at. I felt loved, of worth, and a desire to become better.

Chase turns 13----What?

It's official, Chase is a teenager. Am I old enough to have a teenager? I guess it's a little late to be asking that question now. Spend a few days with Chase and you will see for yourself that he is a teenager. I found this quote in the "Stregthen the Family Book" under the Seeking Independence and a Sense of Identity(Ages 12-18) section "By age 14 most children are insecure about themselves, their bodies, and their acceptability. They tend to be idealistic, impulsive, and intense, wanting everything now. They are often self-centered, moody, and argumentative, having more conflict with their parents, whom they see as old-fashioned. Many don't like to be seen with their parents in public." We have definately seen some of these things going on in our home. I need all the help I can get, especially from above. I have to keep reminding myself to have realistice expectations, and not to expect perfection. Chase is a great kid, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Chase has a good heart, and is kind. He has a sense of humor that we are seeing more of. He likes to be silly, hang out with his friends, and talk in crazy voices.

For Chase's birthday he wanted to go shooting with his dad, which he was able to do. He had a great time and is looking forward to going again. We love you Chase!

Chase opted for 1 candle instead of 13

A Few Favorite Things

A soft sugar cookie with pink, smooth, buttercream frosting comes to mind.

The book "Jane Eyre"

Memories of the warm, blistering sun at Lake Powell, chatting and giggling with my sisters~my best friends.

Masterpiece Theatre Classics on PBS

Creme Brulee

The happiness and joy I am filled with when I serve someone else.

Streched out on a lounge chair sitting on a white, powdery, sandy beach with drops of sweat on the back of my neck, a cool breeze rushes by as the lapping waves lull me to sleep.

Knowing and feeling the love the Lord has for me.

My three beautiful children-content, all smiles, with outbursts of giggles.

Running with Chris on a warm day with pockets of a cool breeze, conversing about whatever pops into mind.

The power of a family, my family, to be together forever!

Being home with my family for Christmas

An I-Pod Nano


A soft, fuzzy blanket

A new game for the Wii!

Ski Trip

Claire's first skiing experience--looks like all smiles!

Chris took both Chase, and Claire on the scout ski trip. They all had a great time.

Chase prefers to snowboard. All 3 are going skiing again in a couple of weeks.

Claire and Carter's first day of school

Claire and Carter ready to start their first day of school.

Claire on her first day of fifth grade. My how fast they grow.

Carter's first day of first grade

Headed to the bus stop for the first day of first grade. It's hard to believe he's that old. It's bittersweet to have my baby in first grade.

Carter's first grade class on the first day of school, with his teacher Mrs. Bass.

Rockies Game

A fun family night out at the Rockies game, despite having to leave early because of thundering, lightning, and rain.

Crash's first real baseball game.

Chase took this picture of Chris and I. I think he did pretty well.

Crash right before we left the game due to the bad weather, and Crash was tired and ready to go too.

Trip to Aspen and Glenwood Springs

Inside Glenwood Cavern

On our Glenwood Cavern Cave tour we went outside and were able to enjoy the beautiful view

All smiles inside the cave.

Standing Guard in Aspen.

Crash where's your thumb?

It's a good thing it's not a real bear.

Rock climbing in Aspen.