Lake Powell

For fall break we went to Lake Powell.  This was the first time I have ever been to lake Powell.  The Slocums had rented a house boat with some friends and they invited us to go in on it.  So there was four families which included 8 adults and 13 kids.

 Every one had friends to play with and the activities were never ending.

 I will never forget the cliff jumping.  My boys are not daring but Briggs had decided he wanted to jump off the cliff.  Avram looked at the cliff and said, "If Briggs jumps, I will."  He was confident Briggs would chicken out.
It took Briggs about 30 mins before he finally took the leap.  Just as Briggs landed in the water someone told Avram that Briggs had actually jumped.  Without giving it a 2nd thought Avram ran and jumped off the cliff.  I don't think I have ever been so shocked and amazed in my life.  I can't believe Avram really jumped.  This is a boy that wont go on a roller coaster because he can't handle the unexpected.

 The kids had a blast digging in the sand and collecting frogs.  I think at one point they had over 40 frogs in this hole.

 I was able to go water skiing one time while we were there.  My hip was so bad that I really struggled to keep my balance.

 Avram tried out a lot of new things.

Family Fun

We have had a couple of amazing weeks this month.  1st was the visit from Mike and Diana.  This was the first time he has brought his girls to Utah.  It was so fun to spend time with them.  

When Adam and I walked into my parents home to say hello, two of Mikes kids ran to Adam and jumped in his arms.  It was like they have always been around even though we haven't seen them for years.  

I miss not having my family around us.  

Unfortunately my kids were still in school so I pulled them our of school a little but mostly my kids had to wait until after school to see their cousins.

 One day we went to the Church history museum and the interactive family history museum.  We were very thankful for the kids zone.

 These three girls had a blast together!!

One evening we went up the canyons behind our house and we roasted hot dogs and rode our 4 Wheelers. 

 It was freezing in the canyons that evening so it wan't the most enjoyable trip.

 This is Mikas first hot dog cooked over a fire.

I think the little girls favorite activity was the princess party my mom put on.  I got all of Ilas dress ups and mom got out some fancy dishes.  

 Mom taught the girls how they were real princesses and their father in Heaven was the King. 

It was so sad to see the Anthonys leave.  I hope we can see them again soon.

Family

Several years ago I made weighted blankets for the boys.  They LOVED the blankets but eventually they wore them out.  

A few weeks ago Adam asked if I could make him a weighted blanket.  I decided to make one for everyone.  In the picture below you can see all three boys blankets.  I don't have a picture of Ilas.

These blankets weight around 20 pounds each.  This time I made the blankets with velcro type pockets then I made bean bags to put in the pockets.  I did this so I can take the weight out of the blankets and wash them when needed.

If you look closely you can see even Buddy is enjoying the weighted blanket

I had to document the picture below.  Look at Briggs feet.  Briggs is wearing Adams shoes.  Briggs is really good at loosing things and he is also really good at compromising.  He will wear whoever's shoes are the closest.  It is cute until he starts doing it to go to stores and other public places.

Soccer

This year I am coaching Avram and Briggs soccer team.  I get to sit back and relax during Ilas games.  Im glad my kids have fun playing soccer.  I don't think any of them will ever get obsessed with it like I was.

Happy Birthday Gabe

I can't believe Gabe would be 9 years old.  It is so hard to believe that 9 years have passed since I held my little man. 

 I think the experience we had with Gabe is a blessing in our family.  I think it has brought us closer as a family and helped us become more dependent on the Savior and his Atonement.

 As you can see things can get a little crazy at the cemetery when we are there.  We have tried to make this into a good experience when we go there so that the kids enjoy it more.