Here I go...

My first post to my own blog page. My girls wanted me to have a blog page. I told them that I didn't see the need since they all have one and I don't have anything more to add than what is on their family pages. But they persisted. They have helped me out by posting a few things, but I have never thought that I had anything to say that anyone would be interested in hearing.

Trent has been very busy and stressed at work lately. But he has several hunts coming up and it always helps him feel better to get out in to nature. Hopefully it will renew his spirits. Unlike him, I am not looking forward to fall. That means that school is back in session and I am back to work and up to my elbows in it. The past month has been very nice without teachers, children or parents. Amazing what you can get done without constant interruption. Everything is put together and ready to go for a new school year.

Collin will be attending Jackling this year. Rae will drop him off for kindergarten and then he will come home with me. I always look forward to seeing my grandbabies so having him stop by every day will be a treat.

This November, we will be taking our family to Disneyland again. We took them all two years ago and really had a good time. Trent thought that he had had enough Disneyland to last a lifetime until we had been home about a week. Then he wanted to hop a plane and go back. He decided last winter that we needed a return trip. So we have our hotel reservations, out flight reservations and have been saving our pennies to have everything paid for before we go. It is our Christmas present to our family. We are all getting pretty anxious. Especially Ben & Tessa because they have a princess to take with them this year. Sadly, Small World will be closed for renovation. That was the favorite ride last year. The kids loved it and the adults loved watching the kids. A couple of the adults didn't love it quite so much, but they were good sports to go along. I am so grateful that my children and their families all get along so well together. We all enjoy each other's company and love to spend time together. I don't believe that we had one negative incident last time. I have no reason to think that this time won't be just as great.

Well, maybe I still didn't have anything worth reading. But I did post to my blog. All by myself.

4th of July Fun

This year we had a sort of impromptu celebration for the 4th. We have a tradition of doing fireworks on the 24th so we leave the 4th open for the kids to spend with their in-laws. None of the in-laws had plans this year though so at the last minute we decided we would do something. Kai, Katie, Angela, Collin, and Bauer went to the Murray parade in the morning and then met Rae for swimming at the West Valley Fitness Center where Brian and Matt met us after their round of golf. After a nap and little rest from the sun Grandpa, Kai, Brian, Katie, Matt, Angela, and Bauer decided to go to dinner and then to see a movie. The movie ended just after 9:00 and we ended up going to watch the Riverton City fireworks at 10:00. We missed Ben and Tessa and their cute kids at our little party but they were working on their backyard in the morning and then went to party in the evening. What a fun 4th of July!

Memorial Day Outing

On Memorial Day, Brian, Katie, Jana Rae, and her friend Tracy went golfing. Needless to say they teed off at 8:30 and were done by around 9:15. It was so cold and wet that they had to get a "rain" check. Still harboring a yen to golf, they decided to settle for miniature golfing! I was reluctant, but we finally loaded everyone up and headed to Hollywood Connection. A wristband for the entire day was only $7.00 for unlimited golf, skating, and rides. Though we had a couple of spills on the roller skate portion (myself and Tia) it was a blast! We were sad that Dad, Ben & Tessa, and their family could not be there. They were all hard at work on their yard trying to get it done! Here are some pictures of the event!

Mom-
I just want to take this chance to let you know what you mean to me. I've never met someone more caring, sweet, loving, and organized! Anyone that has ever met you say's to me, "you have the best mom", and all I can say is "I know!" You've been such a good mom to Collin, who know's where either of us would be if we didn't have you guiding us through. We love you so much and I'm so greatfull to be the one that gets to call you my mommy. Happy mothers day, I love you!

Rae

Mom-
Matt an I want you to know how much we love you and how much we appreciate everything you do and have done for us. Some of the things we love about you are: the way you make lists for everything, the way you clean up after us, the way you never complain about anything, the way you support us in everything that we do, the way you come over to help us weed and “trim” our trees, the way you put your entire life on hold for weeks just so you could help us get our house fixed up, the way you hold the family together, the way you cook us dinner every Sunday, the jokes you make, and the great example that you and dad set for our marriage. You are so amazing and we love you and everything you stand for. Thank you Mama! Happy Mother’s Day!

Love,

Angel Baby

Even the vast memory capabilities of the blogosphere could not contain the innumerable positive declarations required to fully describe my mother. Her sweet voice, her tender heart, her work ethic, and her overall devotion to that which is good make her an ideal woman and mother. I don't recall an injury that couldn't be healed by her gentle kiss; I don't recall a piece of her advice that didn't prove to be prophetic; I don't recall a time when her interests were placed above those of her family, and I don't recall a single instance when her conduct wasn't worthy of emulation by all those who strive to be the best that they can be. I love you mommy with all of my heart and pray that eternity may reciprocate to you all of the love and joy you have brought into my life and the lives of my wife and children. Thank you for being the perfect mom.

Love,

Ben

On this Mother's Day, we would like to pay a tribute to the greatest woman in the world - my mom. Words cannot describe the love that I have for my sweet mom. She is the most selfless person I have ever met. She would sacrafice anything to make us happy. She taught me what was important in life and how to ignore things that weren't. She knew how to make you feel loved more than any other person. Hearing her tenderly call me "my heart" always reminded me how much she loved me. She showed me how to be a good person and mother and I hope that one day I will become as good of a mother and person as she has always been. Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for your example, your support, and your love.
Love,
Katie