An Amazing Experience

Being a seminary teacher does have some great perks, and this last week we were able to enjoy one of these perks. Clint and I spent 6 days traveling along the Mormon trail the early pioneers took on the way to the Great Salt Lake Valley. What an amazing experience!

We were taught by some incredible men who shared with us the trials and triumphs of those who came before us. This last week was very touching and inspirational to me and has left me with a greater understanding of our early ancestors.

Larry H. Miller, (Greg Miller now) donates the SUV's used for this trip and what a blessing that was as well. We traveled in some nice cars and his kindness was extremely generous.

These potties followed us everywhere we went and how grateful we all were for that. Have you ever heard of a port-a-potty with vinyl lettering on it's doors? It really made the potty experience a good one! Thank you potty crew!

We met some truly amazing friends. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much!

This was what our campsite looked like one night when we camped at Independence Rock.

Some reminders of those who came before us.

This was the grave of Rebecca Winters, an early pioneer. The pioneers would lay rocks over the graves so the wolves couldn't get to the bodies and destroy them.

Pulling a handcart at Martin's Cove through the Sweetwater.

Thank you Grandma Udy for watching all 4 kids! You truly were a blessing.

Out of Request

Several of you have asked to see my now famous finger puppet, and I always give my readers what they want.
This little guy got me a free, yummy, chicken sandwich at Chick-Fil-A.

You Look Mooovalous!

Yesterday was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. All day long you could go in and get a free kids meal or adult meal if you were dressed as a cow. For those not feeling so brave, you could get a free chicken sandwich for a partial costume. So I had all 4 kids dressed as cows, and I sported a finger puppet of a cow. In return for our outfits we got 4 kids meals and a chicken sandwich for a total of $0. The restaurant was filled with kids dressed as cows and actually several adults as well. It was crazy!

To celebrate the day they even had a huge bouncy house and games for the kids to play and win prizes. We had a fun evening.

Locks of Love, Part 2

Macy donated her hair to Locks of Love last year and ever since then Abby has been growing her hair out to do the same. Her hair was finally long enough, and this week she had it cut. She was very excited to be able to do this and she is loving her shorter hairdo. You are a sweetheart, Abby!

Before

During

After

A Hiking We Will Go...

Earlier this week we met some friends at Battle Creek in Pleasant Grove for a hike up the canyon and to see the waterfall. This easy going trail was not so easy going for a thirty-something like me. I could barely keep up with the energetic bunch of kids. Oh how I wish I had their energy again! The kids sure enjoyed themselves running up the trails, eating trail mix, (thanks Debbie!) and wading in the icy, cold water. It was a fun and hot afternoon.

A Fun Fourth

For the last 5 days I was able to spend some quality time with my parents and sister Diana, in Washington D.C. Tyler and I flew out to see the family and I enjoyed every minute of being with them.

Some highlights of the trip:

Watching chick flicks in matching pajamas

Makeovers at Sephora

A rooftop view of Washington D.C.'s fireworks

Visiting the National Cathedral

Trip to the National Zoo

(how cool is this close-up of a gorilla)

Being with Nana and Pops

Tyler and Thomas spending quality time together
Visiting Arlington National Cemetery

(my cousin's husband was killed in Iraq and is buried here)

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Coming home to a clean house and a beautiful bouquet of flowers

Thank you Grandma Nana and Pops for having Tyler and I come for an absolutely wonderful time with you. I miss you already!

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Dinner at Mimi's to celebrate for a fabulous friend!

Did you know?

If you are a first timer to Mimi's you receive a free pack of muffins. Love that!

Family Home Evening

This last Monday we spent the evening at Liberty Land which is an amusement/theme park with a strong patriotic theme. We all played a round of miniature golf and did this while seeing the sights of Washington D.C. Who knew you could see the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument here in Utah.

The kids had a blast!