Heber Creeper

Everytime Clyde comes to visit he mentions wanting to ride a train his whole life. He talks about the Heber Creeper sometimes and while they were visiting I decided to make it happen for his birthday that was just around the corner. 

We told Evelyn and she approved that we could surprise him the next day with it! We drove up to Heber and hopped on the train!

 I don't think the kids new what to expect.

 The all took turns sitting with Grandpa in the small, too close together seats!

 This pic made the whole trip worth it! I looked over and Clyde was just watching out the window smiling. He looked peaceful and happy. So I really hope he enjoyed it. I had a good time but I wish it would have gone faster.

 At one point in the trip the train stopped and bandits hopped on demanding money! They then used a get out of jail card by singing to us for their freedom. It was a fun and creative little trip.

Its amazing how big and powerful they are and that some of them can move the speed they do. We had a good time looking at a few trains and around the gift shop.

Afterwards we went to a cute little cheese factory and got home made ice cream and cheese samples. It was kind of weird, but OK. A soft serve place would have been just as good if not better. Anyway we enjoyed our time with celebrating Clydes birthday.

Carter's first TRIATHLON!

After seeing how good of a swimmer Carter has become I suggested he do a kids triathlon the city was putting on. He was all for it and he started practicing after swimming lessons to see if he could swim the 2 laps of the pool he had to. It made me nervous but he seemed to have no worries so I cut the apron strings and let him go for it. 

 We got down there and got him all set up and then we just had to wait. I went over with him several times all the things he had to do so he would understand. I was nervous, he was confident.

 He was number 90 in heat 4!

 Swimming was first! He did so great swimming 4 lengths of the pool! I was so impressed because I know I couldn't do that!

 When he got tired he flipped to his back. He did so GOOD!

 And he made it out! Phew! I think I was holding my breath for him! Next up bike!

 We couldn't help him with transitions but he seemed to have no problems drying off and getting his shoes on and off on his bike. This was his strongest part I think.

 He had several little cheerleaders cheering him on! We even made signs and I guess I had no pics of that. G&G Hymas were even there to support him!

 Here he comes back from his 5K bike ride.

 Next up was running which I think was hardest for him but he had to run 0.7 miles and he did so great!

 Getting ready to cross the finish line! I guess I have video but no pictures of him running through!! DANG!

 Oh my gosh I was SO proud of him. My momma heart almost leapt out of my chest and I had tears in my eyes. Its such a great thing to see your kid accomplish something HARD! He was so proud of himself and he went straight for the post race snacks that were provided.

 That night as I was tucking him in bed, he said, "Mom, I feel like I can do anything now." Again, heart pounding, tears flooding my eyes, I said, "Yep buddy you can. You can do anything you want to." I'm not sure I've had a prouder parent moment than this. Carter, know you TRULY CAN do ANYTHING you put your mind to. The only thing that can stop you is yourself. Reach for the stars and if you miss, try try again! I love you!!!

THE SORENSONS ARE HERE!

I could not believe my eyes when one evening I got a text that said, "Guess who's moving to UTAH!?" It was from my good friend Jenna Sorenson. And it was followed by WE ARE! We all have missed this family since the day we moved and we were beyond thrilled to have them in utah with us only 45 minutes away!! We gave them some time to unpack and then headed up there to visit ASAP! There home is beautiful and I was happy to see that Jace and Carter can pick right up where they left off. He has clung to this friendship so tight over the years and I hope they can stay close for a long time!! 

 Mollie and Lilly took a little longer to warm up but once we headed to their community pool all the walls came down!

 My heart skipped a beat when I looked over and they were chicken fighting in the water! Mollie on Jace's shoulders and Lilly on Carters. It seems like just yesterday we were entertaining them with Lightning McQueen and mickey mouse and popsicles!

We are so happy they are here! They recently were fostering a little 3 month old boy and were preparing to adopt him when he suddenly passed away from SIDS. As much as I'm sure it hurts them, I can't help but think of how happy that little guy must have been in a healthy happy home with people who loved him so much. His short life is heartbreaking but I have faith they will get to see him again even though he wasn't theirs, yet. These dear friends have been through so many trials over the years and they are an example to me of how you keep yourself strong by turning to Christ. We love the Sorenson Family!!!!

Swimming, Soccer, Lunches, and Gymnastics

All the summer things are in full swing! We started swimming lessons the end of June and it was so wonderful to have ALL 4 kids in the pool at the same time again. Kill 4 birds with 1 stone, right?! Steffani and Bodey joined us and we the kids enjoyed that and so did I! 

 Rylee is still pretty timid in the water and actually didn't pass her class because she wouldn't put her face in the water! Brielle is such a fish and fearless in the water. Her poor teachers would get such a splash whenever they had her jump in. Mollie got really comfortable in the water this year and was so proud of herself that she could swim in 13 feet! Carter just got better at form and swimming. I never got any pics of him!

 We love lunches at the park! Especially after swimming! We love to have friends join us and enjoy some free school lunch food!

 Mollie and a few of her soccer friends attended an RSL clinic for free! Lots of kids were there but we just dropped off our girls and hit the town!

 We did a little shopping but it wasn't too long before we had to go pick them up. I had fun getting to know these ladies better and bond with them.

 We even got to peak at the training center. It's super fancy!

 As promised, as soon as Brielle was healed from surgery she was into gymnastics! She is again fearless at throwing tricks and improved every time she goes. maybe she'll keep my gymnast dreams alive!!

 Mol started playing a little soccer through the summer and we got 1 tournament under our belt. It was a tough one since we had to move up a league but the girls played so hard! The team who won it all only beat us 1-0. So I didn't feel like we did too bad!

 Look at this cute pic we bought!

Summer is so fun! I felt like we had to endure June just to get it over with before we could really enjoy summer! So I was happy when we were coming to the end of it!

Father's Day

 We got home from our trip just in time to celebrate father's day! I am realizing more and more how important it is to have a father in the home and active in their kids lives. I see so many problem kids at the schools and alot of times they come from single parent families. Some of them make it work, but I don't think I would have turned out if I didn't have my dad waiting up for me on late nights or waiting to see my report card, or cheering me on in whatever I did. I just wouldn't! A father is so important in a child's life and my kids have the best one. He makes time for them and supports them in anything they want to do. He's had to become a recent soccer fan and a dad of a baseball and hip-hop loving son. He doesn't miss a beat in supporting them and encouraging them to do their absolute best in whatever they try. He's a good good guy! And I love him!

And again, I know I wouldn't be the person I am without my dad. We get each other and I have really enjoyed getting to know him on an adult level. He's a pretty special guy to me and I'm so grateful he was there for me in the crossroads in my life. Love you dad!! I think you were exceptional as a father especially considering your upbringing! Thank you for changing the pattern for your family.