Football Season has Arrived!!!

It's official . .  Football Season has begun!
And in our house that means Football practice
everyday for Sam, Four times a week for Kaylab and Preston
Games on Thursday and Friday for the High School
and two games each Saturday for the Syracuse Storms!

Summer Surprises

 
This was some of the Summer Surprises I found this year in my yard.

Pioneer Day - Templeton Ward

 
While the boys and I were in California we went to the Templeton Ward Pioneer Day picnic at the park.
The activity committee put together several events that were entertaining to everyone of all ages; Watermelon Eating Contest, Sunflower Spitting Contest, Wood Whittling, Three Legged Race, and a Rope Bridge.

Firefighter P. Williams

 
I <3 Love <3 having a Father In Law who works at the Fire Department!!

Kaylab, Preston and I went to California for the weekend and Preston had a chance to go help the Captain and Engineer test the fire hoses at the local city park in San Miguel.

Preston's Trip to the Dentist

Water Fight

It was another HOT Summer Sunday in July - so the boys went outside to fill up water balloons and had a water balloon fight with with Brenick, Hudson, Kaysn, Kenize, Brnylie and Brecken.

Kaylab was Ordained to the Office of a Deacon

Today, Kaylab was ordained to the Office of a Deacon and he asked Sam to set him apart this afternoon.  It was hard to figure out who was more nervous; Kaylab about not knowing what to except or Sam who was having to remember what his part was going to be.  Micah quickly reminded Sam that it was not him that needed to know what to be said, but the Spirit would give him the words  . . .  

As I was sitting there the only thing that I kept hearing over and over was that Kaylab needed to take what he has been through in his life and use it to do better in his future.  It was significant to me that Sam who is someone who is such an excellent example of someone who has lived a rough life and has been able to identify it has one of his strengths.

I was thankful that Kaylab asked Sam to set him apart - secretly I hoped that Kaylab would ask Micah, but it is difficult for Kaylab to build and maintain relationships with any adult.  I can only imagine how hard it must be for someone who has been what he has been through.

Sam and Sage Hanging Out

We had a family day at Roy Aquatic Center and Sam invited Sage to tag along.

Blake's Birthday Luau

Sadie planned this amazing Luau for Blake's Birthday . . .  It was amazing!

I stole these photos from her blog to share - Sadie is an amazing Party Planner!

Exciting News to Share about Sam

This afternoon I got a call from our consultant from the Utah Youth Village letting me know that Sam has been chosen to be the youth who will be spot lighted this year during the Helping Hand Gal-la October 6th.

I know what does the mean?  Each year the Utah Youth Village holds a fundraiser event that features a youth who had worked with the Utah Youth Village and has been able to use the tools he was taught to make the best out of his life.

This is a HUGE honor (in Micah and my eyes) - Sam has been with us for nearly a year now (July 21st) and what a difference Micah & I see in the this young man from the one who arrived last year!  Not only has he changed physically, emotionally, but spiritually, as well.  (In fact, Sam will be submitting his mission paperwork this winter.)

During the week of July 19th - Sam will be graduating from the Utah Youth Village, and  the Director of Public Relations will be coming to our home to capture video of Sam during Football Conditioning, at home with us and the neighbors, in addition to scanning pictures from him growing up and the last year with us.  All of this will be played in the background during his interview on how the Utah Youth Village has helped him.

Way to Go Sam!  

We are so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

A Day at the Zoo

Several months ago I got four free tickets to Hoogle Zoo so I have been dying to go!

After a crazy busy weekend full of guests and Sam's party - My Parents, Daniel and Us headed to the zoo.  

JT vs. The Boys

JT was harassing Kaylab this morning -
showing him some ancient Egyptian motion to break a person's bones if enough pressure is directed.
I know . . . I know . . . 
Not something you want your teenage boys to learn,
however, if I had teenage girls I would definitely want them to know this technique.

Morning Playin' with Daniel

The Taylor Family was preparing to head back to California this morning - so after breakfast we all were kind of lounging around on the couch enjoying each others company after an eventful weekend . . . 

Here are a few pictures of Kaylab playing with Daniel on the couch.

4th of July 2010

We celebrated another 4th of July with neighborhood families, 

as well as, with our friends the Taylor's and my parents with little Daniel.

Daniel's Haircut

This was just too funny not to share . . . Daniel was in NEED of a haircut!

Here are a few photos of my mom and Daniel in the bathtub while he is getting a haircut.

The Emma Do

Daniel just LOVED Emily -
I know that's no surprise, she is the sweetest girl ever!
Shortly after church Emily was playing with Daniel's hair trying to get it into a Mohawk.

Perfect Ending to a Perfect Day . . .

This evening we topped the night off with family and friends who came from California!

Tonight was all about enjoying our company from California - Before the Celedon's and Diana headed back to California the next morning we thought it would be nice having dinner and a show (a firework show that is!)

I have to also mention that my parents also came out with Daniel to  . . .  

However, they were inside watching Cars!

To our surprise the Taylor Family made the trip out to celebrate with us also - What a great surprise!  

Micah and I are very lucky when it comes to friends and the support they offer us when we ask - and the Taylor's are not only one of our favorites guests during the year, but they are like family to Micah and I.  Thanks for coming out to celebrate with us - We love you guys!

Happy 18th Birthday, Sam

 

Thanks Sadie for the picture - I snagged it from her Blog!!

Chaze came all the way back home 

from a mountain top in Colorado

to wish Sam a Happy Birthday!

Meet Daniel

This is Daniel -
My parents are taking of Daniel for a while and he was able to
come with them this week to Utah to celebrate Sam's 18th Birthday with us!

Few Fun Facts About Daniel:
Favorite Fruit: Grapes and Bananas
Favorite Cartoon Character: Sponge Bob
Dislikes: Fire Trucks -
Yea I know . . . silly boy all boys like Fire Trucks!
Favorite Movie: Cars
Something he learned while he was here: How to give Knuks
Favorite Person During the Trip: Emily

Good Things Utah

Our 'Girls' finally made a trip to Utah!!! 

Micah and I were so excited to finally have them come out for a visit,; Rebecka, McKayla and Hailey are Micah's sister's daughter's and the WORST part of moving to Utah was leaving the girls behind. 

After all, I have spent nearly everyday with these little ladies when they were itsy bity . . . and they have grown up so fast!

It was exciting to have them here for a visit if only for a few days, so one of the activities I planned for the trip was to go see Good Things Utah.  As you can see from the pictures Becky and Kayla really weren't that interested and Hailey, well Hailey is happy with anything really.  The girls seemed to enjoy the show once they got some free stuff, like the Jelly Belly's from Kneaders Bakery and a free hamburger from Tony's Burgers.

Girls, I know you didn't have a great time, but I sure did enjoy spending time with you!!