The Desert Shire

Sending a Birthday Greeting to Scott

2011-09-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Dallin's Homecoming 11

2011-09-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Cross Country

2011-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Dallin's Eagle!

2011-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Red Butte Creek and other Utah Treasures

2011-09-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

While visiting Grandma and Grandpa's SLC condo this Summer, Chris discovered this really cool trail/park right by their condo that they didn't even know about. It runs along the Red Butte Creek, and its down in a ravine so it makes you feel like your out in the woods and nature, even though you are actually right in the middle of the City. Really cool. Chris and Rachel and Ethan explored it in July when Chris was there for a mission reunion and to take Ethan and Rachel to do fun things like a water park and Thanksgiving Pointe. Then we went back to explore it some more in August when we were in SLC for Seth's wedding.

A Wedding in Utah

2011-09-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Hike

2011-09-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ethan's 7th

2011-08-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Some Pics of Alli

2011-08-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Allison's BDAY

2011-07-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Dallin's BDAY

2011-07-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

The 4th!

2011-07-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dad's Day

2011-06-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Peaches

2011-06-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Rachel's Dance Recital

2011-06-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

Ethan's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

Rachel's 5th Grade Graduation

2011-06-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

Dallin's Summer Job

2011-06-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

A Cold Memorial Day

2011-05-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

Alli's Spring Concert

2011-05-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Three years of Violining in Middle School!

Father's and Sons

2011-05-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

Scott's on his Mish and Dallin was recovering from his appendectomy, so this years Father's and Son's was just Ethan and Dad. A great time was had by both.

Dallin's Appendectomy

2011-05-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a stomache-ache, is more than just a stomach-ache. Glad Dallin healed up OK.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Rachel's 11th

2011-05-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Carlsbad Flower Fields

2011-04-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Spring Break in Carlsbad

2011-04-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Easter Eggs

2011-04-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Old kids hide. Young kids find.

Ward Talent Show

2011-03-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight was our ward talent show and it was so much fun! The Activity Day girls did an Irish Step Dance. Me and Denali made matching skirts for them to wear while Lark spent four weeks with them learning the steps. Allison and the Mia Maid group acted out "Rindercella" while Chris narrated it. I love to hear him tell this story. He is so great at it and it is our family's talent whenever we need a talent. Love you honey! You are a good sport for doing it on the spur of the moment sometimes! We had one surprise: This is a picture of our ward council playing the nose flutes, yes, NOSE flutes! They were good sports to do this without ever practicing! It was an amazing talent show with the sound system and popcorn to go with-one of the best I've been to. We have such a talented and fun ward!

The Formal 2011

2011-03-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

This year's LDS Formal was held at the World Market Center. Dallin went with his friend Marelise, from our ward, and his good friends Austin and John. They ate at the Tews and then had a fantastic time at the dance.

Youth Conference

2011-03-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Dallin and Allison really loved Youth Conference this year. They had games at Lone Mountain Park on Saturday evening and then they hiked up Lone Mountain in the dark by the light of their flashlights. You could see the lights streaming up the side and towards the top of the mountain from all over town, it was really cool. On Saturday they put on a carnival for children with Cancer from the Candlelighters. Our ward did a Plinko board (made by two amazing members) and a bean bag toss. Chris tried "the Maze" which was three stories you had to crawl through, built inside a semi trailer, which caused him to suffer claustrophobia for the first time in his life. The dance and testimony meeting were great too!

National Honor Society Induction for Dallin

2011-03-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Dallin was inducted to the National Honor Society. We are proud of him for all his hard work to keep his grades up. Way to go, Dallin!

A Day of Competitions

2011-02-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

We didn't get any pictures (turn off your phones rules at one event and no camera rules at another) but Dallin and Rachel were involved in two competitions yesterday.

Rachel had a dance competition. She was sick the day before but thankfully she got better just in time. Her team, the Starlettes, performed Under the Boardwalk and Supermodel at the Spotlight Dance Competition at Cashman field. Her team won the Rubies Award for both dances. Under the Boardwalk was also the category winner, a special spotlight award winner, and made the top ten.

Dallin was part of a varsity Science Bowl team for Centennial High School which attended the Regional Science Bowl at UNLV and PBS Studios competing against 32 High Schools from Southern Nevada and other locations. His team did great and came in 3rd place overall! It was interesting seeing the kids challenge and appeal rulings during the contest. Some of them would make great lawyers if they don't continue to pursue science.

Sadie's 2011

2011-02-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

Dallin had a great time at Sadie's this year. This is his date Amy and their matching shoes. His friend Greg and he, both Sophomores, were asked by two Junior girls. The four of them took pictures by the Marriott Resort at Summerlin, ate dinner in the park, got to see Blue Man Group, stopped by the dance briefly, and went out for Yoghurt.

No Training Wheels

2011-02-12T22:56:00.000-08:00

Ethan learned to ride without training wheels thanks to some help from his friend Calin. He has been wanting to do this for a long time now and insisted that his training wheels come off a long time ago. So, we're glad he was able to learn quickly and without his elderly parents having to try to run along beside him for too long.

Photos from the MTC

2011-01-29T23:01:00.000-08:00

MTC Drop Off

2011-01-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

Trip to Provo

2011-01-06T22:19:00.000-08:00

Setting Apart

2011-01-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Scott Open House

2011-01-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas Night Scott Family Goodbyes

2010-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Pizza and Books 2010

2010-12-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Ice-Skating 2010

2010-12-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

Albright Family Christmas Parties

2010-12-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Gingerbread House Builders

2010-12-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

GR 2010

2010-12-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

Dallin went to GR with a Junior named Jordanna. They had a fun group. But as you can see their activities were a bit messy.

Cross Country Banquet 2010

2010-12-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

Dallin Lettered Again!!!

Scott made an appearance.

Passing on the best Freshman "Stinky Sock" award that Dallin won last year to this year's Freshmen winners. Nice to get that smelly thing out of the house.

Thanksgiving Weekend Temple Photo Shoot

2010-11-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

The day after Thanksgiving. In the temple where our family began.

HP7 Pt I

2010-11-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

Can you tell what Movie Rachel was excited to go see?

Ethan's Fall Soccer Banquet

2010-11-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

Cross-Country Season

2010-10-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Dallin had a knee issue that kept him from participating in a lot of the races in Cross-Country this season, which was frustrating for him. But he did have some good experiences, medalling at the Frosh-Soph and coming in 11th out of 140+ racers in a JV race in California. Go, Dallin!

Dallin's Eagle Project - Hygiene Kits!

2010-10-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

First Day of School

2010-09-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Scott's Mission Call

2010-09-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

We took a lot of head shots trying to find one to attach to the application. Did we make him look Canadian? Edmonton Canada!!!

August Cabin Trip With Friends

2010-08-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ethan's Birthday

2010-08-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

An August Birthday means fun in the Sun

Dallin's Surprise

2010-08-08T14:15:00.001-07:00

We've continued the tradition of a Surprise Party on our sons' 16th Birthday. And once again, our son was either clueless or courteous enough to pretend he really was surprised. Dallin's surprise 16th Birthday party included making poster stories out of candy bars, build your own pizza, bigger or better, cake and presents, and a night playing ultimate frisbee and capture the flag at the park. The party lasted about 6 hours and everybody had a great time.

The girls definitely beat the boys in the Bigger or Better game. The boys' final haul was a bottle of sprite, a bottle of sparkling cider, and a palm frond. The girls came back with some neighborhood boys they'd traded up for. Live human prizes are definitely the best win we've ever seen in a bigger or better game.

Tea Party

2010-08-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Poor Kyle. He was a good sport. But someday he'll hate us for these pictures.

Happy BDAY Allison Big 14!!

2010-08-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Allison was lucky to have grandparents visiting on the day of her Birthday.
Allison did not want to go out to eat for her birthday. She wanted clam chowder soup in breadbowls. Her favorite!
Happy Birthday Allison Contratulations. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!
She loves the Percy Jackson series, including the books and the movie.

Dallin's B-Day

2010-08-08T13:50:00.001-07:00

Dallin was attending EFY and then Cross-Country Camp up in Provo for two weeks and wasn't actually home for his Birthday, so we had to sneak in some quick presents and cake one weekend when Scott was home visiting. HAPPY BDAY DALLIN WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

Septimus Heap: Physik and Queste

2010-08-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. It's Allison Amazing Albright. I finally finished the third and forth Septimus Heap books. I also found this cool new picture of him. I think he looks cuter in this one than the other one from my first review. Hope you enjoy.

In this third twisted adventure our young hero Septimus Heap must stop the Evil Queen Etheldredda. The Evil Queen wants eternal life, not to mention there is a sickness going around. Septimus goes through a glass which takes him to the old way. Than he travels to The Great Doors of Time where he finds himself stuck in the past, 500 years ago. With the help of Jenna, Nicko and the newest character Snorri, everything turns out fine, with a little twist in the end.
Septimus has returned from his time to the past he has spent time with his long time friend Marcellus Pye. Marcellus was the last of the physicians and was born 500 years ago. Marica doesn't like this and asked Septimus to go to the wizard tower and start getting ready to do his very first projection. After he succeeds in doing an awesome projection Septimus finds himself staring at the evil Tertius Fume. Merrin, from the first book, doesn't want to give up now does he. Septimus goes on the Queste with Jenna and his good friend Beetle. he succeeds in finishing the queste and is the first to come back alive.

Allison's reading books: Septimus Heap Magyk and Flyte

2010-08-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hi amazing people! It's Allison Amazing Albright here. I Allison have just finished an awesome book. It's called Septimus Heap, book 2, Flyte, by Angie Sage for all you guys. It was the most awesomest book ever to rule the world. This is the first book in the series.

This first book is when Septimus is in the Young Army. In the book the characters call him boy 412. But there's a surprising part in it that might get you off track. Anyways, boy 412 finds a ring that turns out to be the Dragon Ring of Hotep-Ra. Later in the book Marica, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, asks boy 412 to be her apprentice. The first time there was no reply from him, but near the end of the book he says yes. Then, while having his apprentice supper, which is the end of the book, you find out that he is Septimus Heap. So he became the awesome cute guy in my brain.

The second book is called Flyte and is set one year later, after Septimus finds out who he is. Simon, Septimus's oldest brother, wants revenge for not being th ExtraOrdinary Wizard's apprentice. So he tried, but failed, of course, to get rid of Jenna, the princess or his youngest sister. In this book Sep gets his own dragon. Later he does a Transubtantiate Triple spell to restore the dragon boat back to health. Finally, at the very end Sep learn the lost art of Flyte. The end still kind of confuses me. Simon feels the effects of the seventh son of the seventh son, who is Septimus, his brother. I just don't get why Simon says this, "I wish you had been dead when the midwife took you away." Is he just trying to be funny or did he mean it? Because it says that the last of his brothers had accepted him, so I don't really know what happens then but you can tell me what you think when you read it.

I think that you guys should read these books. the sixth one comes out in the spring of 2011. I believe it's Darke. It sounds cool. I think I know what happens in the fifth one because I saw the cover to it.

I can't wait to get the third one called Physik. please e-mail me if you want any other info about the books or other good books I have read. My e-mail is allsionalbright@embarqmail.com. I really need to use it more anyways, so if you have anytime please do. Albright out.

Fourth of July Family Campout

2010-07-13T21:27:00.001-07:00

Our favorite tin foil dinners

Yummy (Messy) Smores

Chris: "Something you will never see at boy scout camp!"

Telling spooky stories at night.

Roasting hot dogs by the fire.

A couple of weekends ago our Bishop asked us at the last-minute if we could take a shift guarding the gear up at girls camp before it started. So we spent an unexpected Sunday afternoon and evening/til Monday morning, camping with the family. It was fun and beautiful.

Perry Family Reunion

2010-07-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

Chris reciting "Rindercella" at the talent show

At the movie party "Alice in Wonderland" in the conference room

Bowling with the gang

Cedar Breaks

The kids with Grandma & Grandpa

Sweethearts

Dad, Mom, Uncle John, and Aunt Mona

The Bowman Family

I loved planning and going to Cedar City for our reunion a few weeks ago. The first night we met at a park and played games and ate yummy food that Mom and Cathy prepared. The second day most of us went on the Slot Canyon hike in Kannaraville where Allison did a Tarzan move swinging behind the waterfall and got completely drenched. (Wish I had pictures!) Ethan and I got to entertain the little ones by playing games, swimming, and going to McDonalds. Later that evening we met at a church, had dinner, then went to the Shakespearean Festival Greenshow, then went bowling. Wednesday, we had a family photo shoot and then met in the mountains for dinner and a talent show. That evening we had a movie party and watched "Alice in Wonderland." It was a wonderful vacation where we got to see our loved ones and have fun with them.

Happy Father's Day Part II

2010-06-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

Happy, hard-working, humorous, helpful, and humble are words that describe my dad. He is encouraging in all I do. If I have a car, gardening, or parenting question, he's the guy I call. I am grateful for his influence in my life and the joy he brings to me and my family. As a little girl I have fond memories of him: taking me to the ranch, letting me "help" him irrigate the hay fields and letting me ride "Diamond" our horse, teaching me to weed a garden, run a business from our home, and dance to jazz music. As a youth I remember him very patiently teaching each youth in our ward how to water ski, taking them on activities, and not putting up with any inappropriate behavior. He is a gentleman to my mother and shows great respect for her and loves her. I am grateful for him and his example of a loving father!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Twenty-two years I have known my sweetheart and each day I thank my Heavenly Father for sending him into my life. He is an awesome husband and wonderful father to our children. He supports them in their various interests and activities, teaches them how to snow ski when they are eight, goes on dad dates, tells them stories and reads to them at night. He teaches us all about history, politics, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and humor. I remember flying to Florida one Christmas to be with his parents and he had just gotten a Dave Barry book. I spent the entire flight listening to him laugh out loud (he couldn't help himself) and I was sure the other passengers were wondering what was going on. I love when Scott, Dallin, and him start talking about "Calvin & Hobbes" because they start feeding off of each other and soon we are all laughing. I love his laugh, quick wit, and fun sense of humor. Happy Father's Day, Chris!

Rachel's Dance Recital

2010-06-20T17:30:00.001-07:00

Rachel's Dance Recital was yesterday. She danced to the song "You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home" , part of the "Hannah Montana Movie Trilogy." She did great!!

Scott's Graduation

2010-06-10T17:29:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS SCOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott and Zach's Graduation Party

2010-06-08T19:12:00.001-07:00

Duty to God / Seminary Graduation

2010-05-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

Seminary Council 2009-2010

Some Pics from the Brasiers

These 5 kids were all in the same First Grade Class together at Garehime Elementary with Mrs. Maxfield.

Last week Scott was presented with his Duty to God Medallion in church. This week was Seminary Graduation. Scott was Seminary Council President this year so he spoke at the graduation. He did a great job. Scott was also asked to give an impromptu surprise testimony in Sacrament yesterday by our Bishop since he doesn't know how many more Sundays if any he'll be in our Ward. Scott looked a little stunned at first but he always does a wonderful job when he is called on to speak, whether it is impromptu or planned. We are very well pleased with all of the things he has accomplished in his youth and the great example he has set for his younger siblings. Scott is getting a lot of attention right now. And then he'll be gone. . . .

Ethan's Pre-School Graduation

2010-05-30T17:37:00.001-07:00

So all 5 of our children have now graduated from Mrs. Purcell's Pre-School. She has given them all a great start in their academic careers and they all love her. It doesn't seem like that long ago that Scott was graduating. Now we know how fast the years go between graduating from Pre-School and graduating from High School, Wow!

Rachel's Piano Recital

2010-05-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

At Rachel's Spring Piano Recital she played "Wee Little Waltz," "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "The Clock Shop" a duet with her teacher. She did great!

Allison's Spring Concert

2010-05-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Allison's Spring Orchestra concert was tonight. She played Dragonhunter, Sahara Crossing, Accents, and best of all: the Batman Theme! She was great!

Senior Awards Night

2010-05-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Centennial's Senior Awards night. Scott was a class Valedictorian, having received the highest possible weighted GPA a student can receive. He also received the Government / Social Studies Outstanding Student award and lots of other recognitions. He has been granted academic scholarships from BYU, BYU Idaho, the Las Vegas Track Club and the Millenium Scholarship. The ones he will be using are the BYU and Las Vegas Track Club scholarships. We are so incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished in High School. We love you Scott!

2010-05-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Molaskey Middle School's annual awards night was last Wednesday. Allison got to attend again this year. She was given recognition by her English/Reading teacher as her outstanding student. Way to go again Allison!

Mother's Day

2010-05-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the great women in our lives. Thanks to Doug and Megan for having us over for Mother's day dinner with Mom Barbara.

Rachel's Party

2010-05-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Rachel's Birthday party was on Saturday the 8th. Activities included nail painting, a dance off with different teams in different costumes, musical chairs, eating Pizza and cake, etc. She had a great time and we hope everyone else did too.

Regionals

2010-05-09T13:05:00.001-07:00

Scott's last High School track meet was Friday night. He ran the two mile in Regionals and went out with a bang by getting his personal record in that event: a 10:19! Very bittersweet.

Double Digits!!

2010-05-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

R - Reader, as in voracious

A - Awesome attitude (and the letter of all her grades)

C - Charming

H - Heaven (What she used to say when we would ask her how she got so cute: "because I came from heaven").

E - Enthusiastic, about everything she is doing

L - Loving and Loved

HAPPY BDAY!

Spring Soccer

2010-05-06T19:38:00.001-07:00

Ethan has been loving Spring Soccer. He asks every day if he is playing soccer on "this day." His team is named the Rebels, and they are intense!

Allison's Storytelling Festival

2010-04-22T19:34:00.001-07:00

Allison has followed in her big brother Dallin's footsteps, and was invited to participate in the "Finals" of the Molasky Storytelling Festival. She told the story of the Frog Prince, by Shelly Black. She did wonderfully amazing!

Roses are Blooming

2010-04-22T19:29:00.001-07:00

After much patient effort, our rose bushes finally surprised us and all started to bloom, one after the other (maybe in the order that gets the most sun?) with some of the blossoms getting really big and beautiful.

Senior Prom (Sort Of)

2010-04-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Last night was Centennial's Prom. Scott's group decided to not actually go to the dance this year. But they did go out for a nice dinner at Maggiano's and go see Beatles Love at the Mirage. Then they baked cookies at someone's house. Scott went with a girl named Stevie who is in our Stake but goes to Cimmaron High School. A great time was had by all.

Our Busy Lives

2010-04-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Lots of random stuff going on lately in our lives:

-Scott and Dallin continue to run track

-Ethan has started Spring Soccer

-Rachel has tried out for a dance team

-Allison was in a story - telling contest at school and has advanced to the finals

- Chris has been busy working and teaching Seminary

- Elaine has been busy with her Stake Primary calling, most recently helping with a Webelos camp, and her Ward calling in Activity Days.

HELP US GET THROUGH SPRING!

The Formal

2010-04-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Scott had a great time at the LDS Formal that 5 stakes in Las Vegas put on last night. He said on a scale of 1 to 10 it was definitely a 10. Scott went with a girl he knows from the Shadow Ridge cross-country team named Palolo. They ate dinner at a members' house (Chris and the Bishop got to play waiters) and then went to the dance at an airplane hangar in North Las Vegas that had been decorated in a 1940s hollywood theme. Scott got to wear the vintage 1940s tux the Fotheringhams always lend him. Of course, he always has a great time when he doubles with his cousin Heidi.

Bike Riding

2010-04-11T16:08:00.001-07:00

For some reason, it has taken Rachel a while longer to learn how to ride a bike than it did her older siblings. Maybe we were always busy with other things. Maybe when the weather's been nice for learning how to bike ride she always had a cast on. Maybe those casts made her nervous to learn a skill that involved balance and the possibility of falling . . . . We don't know. But recently she made the decision that she was determined to finally learn how to do this after all these years of fits and starts. She got on her bike and tried and tried all afternoon and evening one day, . . . then, the next day, she got on and was able to do it. She's been unstoppable ever since and wants to go riding her bike every day.

Easter Family Hike

2010-04-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Cousins and Easter Eggs

2010-04-11T15:46:00.001-07:00

Scott's Senior Pics -- 2010 Senior !!

2010-04-05T18:17:00.001-07:00

We love these pictures! Thanks to Jamie Jones our photographer.

Grandma's Big Birthday Party!

2010-03-31T21:23:00.001-07:00

This is our beloved Barbara. She grew up in Evanston Wyoming until she was six years old. Then her father Scott passed away when his appendix burst. Penicillin hadn't been discovered yet.

Her mom Ella was hobbit-height, had grown up in Bunkerville, and had graduated from college before she got married. So Ella moved with her three daughters, Norma, Barbara, and Carol, back to Southern Nevada. Ella got a house across the street from Las Vegas High School and taught Business classes at LVHS (typing, stenography, etc.). Ella never remarried but was self-sufficient her entire life and was able to provide for herself and her three daughters. Barbara graduated from LVHS as a Salutorian. One of the only B's Barbara ever got was from her mom Ella. The principal decided Ella was bending over backward and straining to be too strict to give this B and he made her change it to an A.

Ella had a rule, because of how important it had been in her life for her to be able to work, that her daughters had to graduate college before they could marry. Barbara had a boyfriend named Vern who got baptized when he was about 18 years old and wanted to marry Barbara. Ella wanted Barbara to finish college so she arranged for the Stake President to make sure Vern was called on a mission. He went far far away to South Africa and Barbara was safely able to finish college at UNR.

Finally, after years of waiting, just like Jacob, Vern was able to marry Barbara. He flew planes in the Air Force while she taught elementary school. Then Vern went to Law School in Washington D.C. while Barbara taught elementary school. So her education paid off as she was able to help support her family in the early years of their marriage.

Barbara and Vern's first few children were born in weird States like Texas and Maine because they were living in different places while Vern served in the Air Force. One of Barbara's children, isn't even sure which State he was born in because he was born near the border and has two birth certificates.

Finally, Vern and Barbara settled down in Las Vegas Nevada where they raised their four children. Barbara made them all attend college. Vern and Barbara had lots of exciting adventures with each other throughout their life, learning how to snowski and snowmobile and going on hikes in exotic lands. Now Barbara has lots of grandchildren and lots of great grandchildren.

We love her very very much because she taught us to have testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, taught us to work hard, taught us to love reading and learning and to value education, and taught us to be happy.

Allison's Sewing Class

2010-03-16T21:40:00.001-07:00

Allison has really been enjoying her sewing class. She sewed everything you see in this picture: the tote bag, the apron, and the pillowcase!

First Home Track Meet

2010-03-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

The boys did well in their first home meet at Centennial on Monday. Scott was especially excited because he got a Regionals Qualifying time in the mile, and he also won his heat in the 800. Dallin did great too and now knows his first "best" times in these events to work against.

Dallin Takes First in His First!

2010-03-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

Dallin's first High School track meet was tonight. It was a newcomer's meet for Freshmen and Sophomores. Dallin ran the two mile against about 15 other runners and easily took first place with a time of 11:18.

Sadie's Pro Photos

2010-02-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

More photos from Sadies. These are the professional photographer's shots. We really like the photographer these girls always use. She does a really good job.

San Francisco Day 3

2010-02-21T19:52:00.001-08:00

Saturday was our last day in San Francisco. We walked from our Hotel up a long steep hill to Coit Tower, only to find out it didn't open for another hour. So we went and rode a cable car down to Union Square and got a cup of hot chocolate. Then we drove back to Coit Tower and took lots of pictures of all the views.

Then we went and ate pizza at a great restaurant in the Italian North Beach part of town and went and looked inside the Catholic church there. Love the architecture and artwork and stained glass windows of those buildings.

The sun finally came out just before it was time for us to leave, so we ran by and got some pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge before we went to the airport.

Our trip to San Francisco was great! But we need to go back for all the things we haven't gotten to see yet.

San Francisco Day 2

2010-02-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

Friday was our only full day in San Francisco. That morning we took a Segway tour around the Fisherman's Wharf part of the City. This was a blast and definitely the highlight of our trip. We did have a little trouble though when they let us goof off at the end of a pier that had a center area you could zip around. Chris was going one way and hot-rodding a little too much when another member of our group, from England, was going the other way. They realized they were going to have a head-on crash: Chris, as an American, instinctively swerved to the right, and the Englishman naturally swerved to the left, so they still hit each other and toppled. Chris was a little sore the rest of the trip but no permanent harm was done.

After the Segway tour we went and ate at Scoma's, Bishop Creer's favorite restaurant in San Francisco. Great seafood! Thanks for the recommendation. Then that afternoon we went to the Oakland temple. This brought back many memories of living in Carson City and attending the Oakland temple with the youth and by ourselves. To know there are now two closer temples (Reno & Sacramento) to our friends in Carson is exciting.

The man we asked to take this picture of us turned out to be the Oakland/Bay Area Mission President. He had been practicing with his missionaries in the Multi-Stake Center next to the Temple to sing the National Anthem. They were going to go sing it that night at the beginning of a Jazz/Golden State Warriors game.

You can see the San Francisco skyline, including the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate from the Oakland Temple: Beautiful.
After the temple we found a great Chinese restaurant to eat at in Chinatown. (Elaine was very good at asking the locals where the best places were to eat in each neighborhood). R&G Lounge on Kearney street didn't look like much from the outside but it had a long line and after a one hour wait we found out why. The food was great!

San Francisco Day 1

2010-02-20T20:51:00.001-08:00

We first arrived in San Francisco on a foggy Thursday afternoon. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and went over to the Muir Woods National Monument. The redwood trees are so thick there it stays dark even when the cloud cover breaks. It was beautiful and peaceful with the stream running through the middle and we enjoyed the nice walk. That night we hung out at Pier 39.

Good News

2010-02-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Today we learned that Scott got accepted to BYU and will be attending Summer session in Provo, UT. He has wanted to go to college there . . . well, forever! We are so proud of him and are grateful he can leave the nest and still be close enough to visit.

Dallin finally got his driver's permit today. It took a few times, but once the man told him about the skip button on the test, he breezed through it. (Dallin kept telling me they had all these questions on the test that weren't in the book. Now we know why! They are tricky!!) Then, the social security machine was down, so we had to go back and wait in that wonderful, long line again. So, today was a good day for him! If you see us driving please smile and imagine a "Student Driver" sign on top of the car!

Brian Head

2010-02-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

Scott and Dallin's big Christmas presents this year were seasons passes to Brian Head. They have loved using these. Once in a while Chris gets to go with.

Sadie's 2010

2010-02-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Scott had a great time at Sadie's this year. It was an all-weekend affair, with t-shirt making and a movie on Friday night; hot dogs and painting on Saturday during the day; pictures, pizza-making, a dance at a church, and other fun activities on Saturday night.