Vernal Spring Break

We loved our last trip to Vernal so much we decided to bring more people with us this year. We had an VRBO that was like a motel, with a common area. It had a fun playground and a volleyball court. There were some cute animals nearby. 

We went for a drive around Flaming Gorge. We got out and walked to the overlook. 

On the way back we stopped at Red Fleet lake. It was beautiful! The water was so blue. The kids loved throwing rocks.

We hiked to Moonshine Arch.

Mike and Tyson took some of the kids to the Vernal temple to do baptisms for the dead.

The best part is being able to spend time with our family. The kids love being together, I think the adults do too.

Last time we came to Jones Hole we started the hike to the Snake River. We turned around at the Indian Ruins. This time we came prepared to make it all the way! It ended up being about 10 miles with a detour to a waterfall. The kids did so good! My legs were really feeling it on the way back, so I was so proud of the kids for going on without complaining.

Maxwell and Trevor had to head back before we got to the river. So a few of us fell behind a little and got a little lost. We all made it to the river, just in different spots. After yelling for like 20 minutes we finally found each other.

It started to look a little stormy so we decided we better hurry back. It got pretty windy for awhile, luckily the weather held and we got back pretty much dry.

Viv did really good, with about a mile left she wanted to be carried. Jaycee is the best and carried her for a long while. Then I carried her a little.

Some of us decided to stop at McConkie Ranch on our way back home.

We had a great spring break!

 

March Catch Up

With the end of basketball and futsal comes the beginning of Soccer for Jaycee, Bensen, and Viv, and lacrosse for Wesley. Wesley's team went undefeated this year! I don't think they even had a game that was close. They were so fun to watch. 

Jaycee's had so much fun playing for Highmark the last 3 year! She liked her coaches. I made them each a basketball hoop and I engraved the girls signatures and numbers for their coach gift. They turned out so good. But it was pretty stressful and took several attempts to get it right.

This year we decided to not do sibling gifts anymore. We till got together for me, Amber and Joys birthday and went to dinner. I love spending time with my family!

We are excited to get back outside to watch some games. I love watching lacrosse. I tried to talk Jaycee into trying out for Northridges team, but she refused. She will keep busy with soccer for this year.

I turned 40 this year! 40 was hard for me. Not sure why, it just seems so old.

Trevor and Katie got a dog! The kids are in love. They named him Murphy.

For my birthday Mike got me some bath accessories. The pillow, a tub tray, and some bath bombs. I love them all, so does Viv! I could sit in the bath for hours everyday, I don't, but I could.

Bensen and Viv are both liking soccer. Once again being outside is wonderful.

Happy Spring!

 

Bensen's Baptism: It's Great To Be Eight (Part 3)

Bensen got baptized today! He has been so excited, and counting down. He had the ward missionaries Larry and Lynae Butter come and teach him a lesson a couple of weeks ago, and then Cynthia Ulrich from the primary presidency came and talked to him about baptism, and he had his interview with the bishop on Sunday. He was ready! He got teary several times today, he is so sweet and I can tell he is touched by the spirit. He said he has never been so happy that his eyes teared before!

He had so many supporters, that is one of the times he teared up, when the bishop had him look out at all the people there that love him! Most of our families were able to come, along with the Butlers, Makena Davis (primary president) and Bishop Tanner.

I played the opening song which was I am a Child of God. Grandma Carmae did the opening prayer.

Grandpa Max gave a talk, then the Bishop shared a story about his family. After the baptism we had the confirmation. The people who stood in the circle were, Mike, Grandpa Max, Grandpa Randy, Jim Madsen, Colby Booth, Lance Peterson, Tyson Stevenson, Matt Heiner, Parson Heiner, Trevor Bailey, and Bishop Tanner. Wesley got to hold the microphone, Mike said it was pretty distracting. He said he was rubbing it on his beard and putting it in his mouth. I guess we need to work on that before he helps someone else. Then we sang I Like To Look For Rainbows, and Grandma LouLou gave the closing prayer.

We are so grateful for Bensen, he brings the sunshine.🌞

After the baptism we came back to our house and had a yogurt bar, fruit, and goodies. Bensen is a pretty picky eater, but he loved everything we had today.

I took him to take pictures last Saturday, we had fun, he loved getting his picture taken. I remember taking Wesley and he absolutely hated every second of it, so this was a nice change. He even came up with most of the poses himself. We went to Farrs Ice Cream afterward. He decided to get a half gallon and take home so he could share with Vivian who was sick. He really is the sweetest!

We sure love our Bensen!