Dancing at Grandma's party

Scott and Ryan on the Guitar

Pretty good for only one afternoon of practice:

Grandma Diane's 75th Birthday Hawaiian Themed Celebration at the Cabin

Wildcat Canyon Trail Hike

This is how Perry rolls, and he didn't even get any blisters.

On Saturday Brent, Chris, Scott, Dallin, Perry, and Ryan went on the Wildcat Canyon Trail, and then hiked up the lava point/west rim trail road back to the cabin for about an 8 mile hike. It was beautiful.

Chris's Sunday Afternoon Reviews: John Adams on DVD

I picked up this 7 part mini-series on DVD as a Father's Day gift to myself. Not having HBO, we hadn't seen it, but I assumed we would enjoy it since I loved the David McCullough book that it was based on. Elaine and I have watched the first few episodes, and, to use Scott's new favorite word, its amaaazing. No, it's not as good as the book, and as it focuses on some of the more negative events in Adam's life (I suppose because they are the most dramatic) it creates an image of Adams that's darker than the book. Jefferson also comes off a lot better here than in the book. Overall though its still an amazing series, especially the first two episodes, which detail Adams' defense of the British Soldiers from the Boston Massacre and his leading role in the Continential Congress of 1776, where he led the way in getting the other colonies' representatives to vote for independence.

Tearful Trek Goodbye?

Scott and Dallin left at 5 a.m. this morning on a three-day trek across the Nevada desert pulling handcarts. We got up at 4 a.m. They changed into their pioneer clothing, (the best of Deseret Industries-Dallin in his Ralph Lauren & Scott in his "swanky" striped cowboy shirt), had breakfast, put their cowboy hats on and hopped into the car. Dad, you would be proud! I don't know why, but when they put on their hats they reminded me of their uncles, Todd and Brent, when they would work at the ranch baling hay during the summers with my dad. They looked so handsome! We got to the church and there was a long line of cars dropping the kids off. I made them throw me a kiss, say goodbye, and off they went to be with their pioneer-clothed adopted family. And that was it. . . until I got half way home and thought about what it was going to be like when they left on missions and then the tears trickled. No cell phones to call them. . .just faith that all will be well.

Happy Father's Day, Chris

Sunday, Chris and the family celebrated his 16 years of being a father. (Don't you love the big glasses from the 90's?) Ethan and Rachel helped me make a big breakfast for him in bed and then he opened his gifts from everyone. He has been a wonderful father to our children. Recently, we spent a day with dad where each of the kids gave him a clue to where he or she wanted to go with him. Ethan chose to feed the ducks at a nearby lake, Rachel wanted to play Wii with him, Allison wanted to buy and eat Dad's favorite treat, Swiss Lindt Lindor Truffles, Dallin wanted to go to the bookstore, and Scott wanted to eat at Capprioti's, a place Chris introduced him to, which is now his favorite sandwich shop. We are grateful for his positive influence in our lives, his dedication to his family, his desire to provide for us, his humor and laughter, his love for God and Jesus Christ, and his love for life! We love you, Chris!

2008 Dance Recital

"Can't Stop the Beat" was this year's dance recital theme. This was Allison's and Rachel's second year being in the same tap/ jazz class. They danced to the song, "What Time is it?" from High School Musical 2. Rachel's ballet class danced to "Waltz of the Flowers." Rachel got sick with the flu the day before the rehearsal and was not there to practise her dances. I was so proud of her for dancing so well despite her not having rehearsed and for Allison helping her know what and where to go. Allison's a great older sister and I'm glad the girls are involved in something they enjoy doing together. I love my girls!

High School Musical Play

We celebrated Rachel's birthday and Allison's Elementary School graduation by going to see High School Musical the Play. I have had the tickets for two months and wanted to surprise the girls. They guessed our destination the day before when we went shopping for shirts. They loved the play, the music, and the company. The only disappointment was when Rachel learned that cotton candy was not served at the theater!

Allison's Fifth Grade Celebration

Allison had her Fifth Grade Celebration on Tuesday, so she's a big Middle-schooler now. Congratulations!!!!

Our family's wonderfully great fantastic day!!!

Saturday May 31, 2008 was a wonderful day in our family. One that we will always remember.

Rachel's Baptism

Rachel's baptism was on the afternoon of Saturday, May 31, the first 1/2 of our wonderful day. We are so grateful for Rachel. Her enthusiastic cheerful attitude about everything makes life so much fun. She had a wonderful baptism ceremony and we are so thankful for all of the friends and family who came to enjoy it with us.

Scott's Eagle Court of Honor

Brother Robison and Scott.
Scott getting his Eagle badge pinned on.
Scott presented his mentor pin to Bishop Harper, who had been his scoutmaster and deacons quorum advisor when we were in the Grand Canyon ward.
We stole this great shot off the Brasiers' blog. We are so grateful for all of Scott's good friends. Here are some of them: Mitchell, Zach, Matt, Scott, Jeffrey, Tre, Corey, and Devin.

Scott had his Eagle Court of Honor on Saturday May 31. The second part of our family's fantastic day. His friends Matt and Zach spoke along with his leaders Brother Jennings and Brother Robison who all had such nice things to say about Scott they made his parents cry. We had a great slide show of Scott growing up and attending scout functions thanks to our neighbor Todd's help in teaching us how to add music to powerpoint. We are so proud of Scott and grateful for all his leaders' and friends' help in making it to Eagle.