Hit and Run

We were a little shaken up when our neighbors were outside setting up for a party and they heard a loud boom and went running to see what happened. I was in the house so I didn't hear it but i saw them running so I stepped out to see what happened. A car had hit our neighbors car that was parked on the street and drove off. It was driving on its rim and the driver must have been intoxicated. We still aren't sure how it hit it exactly but it totaled the poor guys car. I was sad for him but so grateful that his car was parked there. Had it not been, it would have come straight into our back yard! We sat and talked with the guy and got to know him a little while we waited for the cops. ( I really need to be better at getting to know my neighbors BEFORE tragedy strikes).  Sadly, another tragedy happened that day a few miles over of a deadly crash. So there were no cops to come to a hit and run for a while! 

We did our best to enjoy the rest of the day and celebrate Kayden! Our kids played their hearts out on the bounce house!

When a cop finally came for Kaycee's statement we could just see how tired and defeated he was that day. He said it was like the city exploded that day as he told us all the calls and death he had seen in just that day. I can't even fathom the job that our police men and women do. We offered him pizza and a cold drink and told him we appreciated him. It seemed to lift his spirits a little. They did eventually catch the guy. The car was dumped at our stake center and left there for several days. People are so weird. I'm glad for our safety that day and that it wasn't a child hit or a house. And I'm REALLY grateful for our service men and women who do the unthinkable every day.
 

The TEMPLE!

It's soooo great to be back at the temple and worth documenting every time! We got the opportunity to take some youth and go do baptisms in Bountiful! I love having my kiddo in the temple and look forward to having Mollie there soon! 

Some pretty stellar kids. 

And their awesome parents who brought them! 

 I love to go to the temple!

Train Museum

I've never been to the Tooele Valley Train Museum but when they were having engine 11's 111th birthday, it was a good excuse to go check it out. We got party hats and a picture as we entered. 

There is so much history here! It was fun seeing inside the old rail cars and some old artifacts. Rylee was quite excited there was a bomb as big as her! 

Carter tried on some old military hats. They had all kinds of old military gear in it. 

I know my ancestors had a hand in building the railroad but I don't know how much. It always makes me wonder! I know my grandpa visited there and donated many old pictures and i'm always curious to know what roles my family played in building it. 

This poor little train was trying to give rides but just kept getting stuck. My kids got the last ride on it before it got a flat tire. Oops!

 It was a good time and I'm glad we finally visited after 8 years of living here!

Cheer

Wow, being back in the Cheer World has been lots of things. Werid, hard, happy, exciting, stressful, and gives me a break all at the same time. When I was asked a few months earlier to help be a competition cheer coach I was floored. I didn't know really know much of cheer.....its been 20 years since I've been in that scene! I was unsure, but I accepted!  And so far I'm really glad I did. These girls are incredible. They are good girls who do good things and wear their uniform with pride! They don't sass or back talk and are fairly drama free. There are THIRTY cheerleaders on the Tooele High team this year but only about 15 of those I work with for the comp team. 

I was invited to their cheer camp so I went. It was fun to feel that energy again that a room full of cheerleaders creates and fun to see all the talent that was there. The popcorn and candy room for the coaches wasn't bad either. But after sitting there all day I sure got antsy! 

They worked SO hard for several hours and I was proud of our team. There are some really cute girls on the squad whom I've grown to love already. And I LOVE helping them with tumbling. Literally everything about cheer has changed since I was there. The names of stunts, what was legal in my day is illegal now, and just about everything else is different. But its been fun to learn it again and have a challenge for myself to learn. 

And it totally made my day when they all called my name to be in a picture with them at the end of camp. They are sweet girls and have made me feel very welcome! Here's to who knows what lies ahead but I hope I can handle it! 

Tea Time!

Rylee only wanted a tea party with friends for her birthday. So that is exactly what we did! And she requested a chocolate chocolate cake, so that is exactly what she got!

Its hard when you are the 3rd girl in the family to come up with a gift idea that we don't already have but when I saw this Chelsea house I knew she would love it. Its a doll house for the small barbies. And yes, she loved it! 

When dad got home she could finally open gifts! 

More Barbies...this girl loves Barbies!

Mollie put together a treasure box for her with all sorts of treats in it!

The girls played in the kitchen for a week I think before I couldn't handle stepping on another barbie shoe and the mess they made anymore. 

It's Tea Time! All the girls dressed up and I found the cutest little hats and paper tea cups for the party. 

They first decorated real tea cups that we baked. 

Then had lunch complete with mini sandwiches, fruit cups, cheese shapes and mini cookies and cupcakes. 

We were so excited when we learned Jord and Camry were coming down. The girls dressed her up right away and taught her about tea parties. 

We played musical chairs and let them run around outside! It was a fun time. 

Look at these cute kids and one Gent!

 Happy Birthday Miss Ry Bug! You make our family so happy and complete. You have the sweetest spirit and your happiness brings others around you more joy than you'll ever know. We all love you the most! I hope you don't grow up ANYMORE! I keep telling you this is your last birthday but you won't let that happen. You are so loved! Stay happy sweet child. 

The Green Boat

It was finally time to try out our new boat!!! We've been waiting 6 months to do this so we were all excited...but I think Jilly's excited face takes the cake! She sat like this for several minutes. We were all laughing so hard at her!

And the boat floats!!! We couldn't wait to get out and play!

Mantua was our first trip and it was so nice to have so much more space in the boat!

I didn't know how Jilly would do but she loved it and did so good! She got tangled in the rope alot but she was fine. The worst part was when she'd get out of the water and shake off and spray us all!

The kids didn't miss a beat with their wakeboarding skills. 

Jilly found her spot pretty quick and watched every move of the kids. 

Soaking up some sun!

We also couldn't wait to try out this new tube they got for Christmas. It was ALOT of fun!

Jilly keeping watch. How cute is she in her life vest?

Chad was pretty happy to be on the water. And I was happy that he was happy!

Mollie has mostly claimed the front seat as her own. 

And all of us got driving lessons including me. It makes such a difference to have perfect pass! (cruise control!)

 We had a lovely day on the water and played so hard! I'm so glad we made this choice of getting a boat. 

40th Anniversary!

My sibs and I planned a surprise anniversary party for my parents 40th Ann! We gifted them an over night stay in Lava Hot Springs in a themed Bed and Breakfast. I made some arrangements to have this letter delivered to them. The rest of us met at a park and got ready to party for the day! 

The hotel owner must not have understood it was a surprise because he told them as they walked out the door to have fun with their family! Oh well. I think they were somewhat surprised...Mom more than Dad for sure.

Everyone's fam was there but Justin's but we face timed them in for the surprise. 

We played corn hole, 4 square, bad minton, and just enjoyed talking. We had lunch and listened to mom and dad rave about the suite they stayed in. They loved it so much and that in itself was a success!

I sure love these 2 and am so glad they got together 40 years ago and fought hard to raise a family who loves and cares about each other and LOVES to be together to play! Thanks for our legacy mom and dad. We sure cherish you!