Happy Birthday Bryson

Happy "12th" birthday, son!!! Bryson is an amazing kid. He is the type of kid that has the biggest heart but likes to keep it well hidden. This winter one of our neighbors has been so sick, Bryson has been the first one at their house to shovel whenever it snows. No one has asked, he has just done it. He is so excited for this Sunday when he will be ordained as a deacon and be able to pass the sacrament. Bryson loves his sisters or should we say loves to bug his sisters, its fun to see the interaction with all of them. Bryson loves to golf and has become very good at it. Luckily for him, I am getting a new set of clubs soon and will be able to join him on the course. Bryson loves to get down on the ground and play with his cute cousins. He has also enjoyed being able to snowboard this winter. Bryson, we love you so much and are so happy you are part of our family. Happy B-day, bud

Emilie's photo shoot

Emilie was asked by a photographer to do a photo shoot for her senior pictures. Emilie had so much fun. It was funny because the girls love to watch "America's Next Top Model", Em came home saying how hard it really was, she had a hard time doing the serious poses, but the ones with her smiling are amazing. Its so hard to believe we are doing senior pictures, have already ordered her cap and gown and ordered her graduation announcements. Our little girl is growing up!!!

My dad

I know it has been forever since we have posted. Life has been busy and hopefully this weekend Andrew and I can post some pictures. But today I need to pay tribute to my dad. He passed away unexpectedly on Sunday. He spent Saturday in Malad with one of his best friends riding the 4-wheelers, something he loved to do. And then Sunday morning he didn't wake up. Its so hard to put into words how I feel, its such an empty feeling. I am so grateful to have been his daughter and am so thankful for all that he has taught me. My kids will grately miss their grandpa and I will so miss my dad. I am so grateful for my faith and how it is somehow giving me some comfort that I can have the opportunity to see him again one day. Love you dad

Tang Soo Do Karate

Bryson has been learning Martial Arts since March of this year. It seems pretty awesome. I sat in on one of the sessions and saw the workout they all get. I was really impressed to see how well Bryson has taken up the commands (all in Korean), his form, and intensity he brings to learning Tang Soo Do.

I saw that a lot of the moves were done in combination. Making sure that even an offensive move utilized other parts i.e. arm or leg to block.

Bryson has recently been promoted in rank. He went from his nooby white belt to an orange belt.

In fact, you'll notice his belt has a white stripe. This is of higher rank as well. I believe the next ranking is a green belt.

This is Bryson after he said he was tougher than me. Take special note of the deep meditation he is able to maintain. I'm sure without his training in the martial arts he would be crying. Unfortunately he gave me no such pleasure.

Homecoming 2008

The girls had their Homecoming yesterday. It was quite the affair. It's been really interesting for myself because I was always the young guy going to pick up my date. I'll tell you now that seeing things from the other side was hillarious. This picture below has really nothing to do with the dance, but Kaitlyn needed to make her cameo appearance and I think it does a fine job of showing just how crazy girls are about doing their hair.

This being Breanna's first dance warrants some commentary. I'll tell you now that she tried to play it pretty cool, but she was such a spaz (true to her Bree fashion). I love the picture below because her facial expression shows it all. I don't think she had any idea what to expect and it was wonderful to watch her act awkward in front of us. Thank goodness for big sisters though. I think Emilie had to redo the wrist corsage because it was dangling from her arm, and sure enough she attached the boutonneire to her date as well.

Simply Stunning!!

This is one of my fav's for Emilie. I think she has matured so much. This dress was dazzling on her. From what I understand she turned some heads from muliple guys when she showed to the dance.

This is Breanna and her date, Dillon.

This is Emilie and her date, Josh.

We really didn't expect Emlie to go to this years Homecoming. It wasn't until about a week prior that Josh decided to ask. It was pretty creative the DVD he made; To describe it, it was Mission Impossible meets High School Musical.

Happy times

I know the picture is old, but we all look so happy and well thats how we are. Happy!! That is except Bryson's face and I am sure thats how he feels having to deal with all of our 500 activities during the week. Since school has started for the kids, we have been going none stop. Emilie can usually be found in front of the computer or on her bed doing homework. She has 5 college classes on top of her 3 other classes at the high school. If I could do it over again, I would be smart like her and get a jump start on college. Bree can usually be found at the high school playing volleyball, she has been playing so well and loving being on the team. She just got ask to the Homecoming dance so dress shopping we will go!! Kaitlyn, well the girl plays soccer 6 days a week and volleyball 5 days a week. How she is managing to stay on top of her homework, I have no idea but she is doing awesome. Bryson plays dodgeball 3 days a week, has karate 2 times a week, scouts and golfs every chance he gets. And then there is Andrew!! Can I just say I love that man. I am so stinkin' lucky to have found him. He is always so willing to help me get kids from one place to another or go to a game if I can't get there. His job is keeping him so busy and he will finish his bachelors this fall, Yay!!! I am so blessed to have the family I do.

Congrats Kaitlyn

So Kaitlyn just made the junior high volleyball team!! This girl amazes me. All I have to do is drive her back and forth between practices and games with soccer and volleyball and I get tired, I have no idea how she does it!! She is pretty excited that she will be a starting varsity player.
Good luck SJH's volleyball team!!!!