Seminary Graduation

Today Amber "graduated" (I guess now they aren't calling it a graduation but a "completion") from seminary (a 4 year religious study that coincides with high school classes). We are proud of Amber for working hard in seminary. She has studied the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. She has truly grown spiritually over the course of her studies. It is comforting and reassuring to see her firmly rooted in her belief system - a belief system that allows her to make choices that will hopefully give her joy and success in the future. It is scary to think that she is moving out in a couple days, but we know she will be fine if she exercises her faith and remains close to her Father in Heaven. After all, He is the only one who truly knows Amber and knows the path she should follow. We are proud of you, Amber!

Proud parents!

Amber with Grandma, Grumpy, and Aunt Katie

Rachel and Amber

Just another day on the "farm"...

Now before anyone thinks that our lives are filled with parties, fun activities, and events, I figured I'd better take a few pics of us actually working. Today was a catch up day outside. Because of all the vacations, events, parties, etc., we haven't had much time to take care of the things we need to outside. Everyone knows I'm not a fan of winter (and especially snow!), but I have to admit that one thing I love about winter is the fact that the tree pruning, gardening, lawn mowing, etc. is all done for a few months. We worked hard today (well...I couldn't do much to help but I made sure everyone stayed hydrated, fed, and on task) and we still have more to do. I wish we could just block out an entire week to take care of everything outside, but that is difficult to do and things always come up. Still, it was a very productive day! Jeff cut down a couple trees that had died, Danny took care of the lawns, we tilled and planted the garden, and Laurin even found time to wash and blow dry (yup...she actually took a blow dryer out to the barn) one of the calves. Just another day on the "farm"!

Last day of school!

Today was the last day of school! Summer 2015 officially started this afternoon. The boys each had parties (or hang-outs) planned with their friends. Danny invited some friends over to the house for a water party. He had water balloons and rigged a water slide at Katie's house next door. They played relays and water wars all afternoon.

Their official start of summer gift! 

Danny and friends (Jack, Marco, Matthew and Jared)

Dallin and his friends got on their motorbikes and ATVs and headed up the mountain. They had fun buzzing around and hanging out. (Thankfully they were safe...although it doesn't stop me from praying the whole time they're gone.) I think it's going to be a fun summer for everyone!

Amber's graduation!

Congrats Amber!! Today was the day she has worked towards for 12+ years. She has accomplished a perfect 4.0 GPA and has participated in so many school activities...and today was the day to celebrate it all!! I can't believe she will be moving out in a week. This is all happening so fast! It was a fun day...even with the rain. Yup...last year we were frying at Laurin's graduation and this year was cold and rainy. It was pretty funny to see a sea of umbrellas. Luckily it only rained for about 15 minutes before the graduates even came out. Darn bipolar Utah weather! It still didn't stop the ceremonies. We are so proud of Amber! And we are so excited to see where her future leads!

The kids in their "natural" state!

Amber and her proud Papa 

We are so excited for all the roads ahead!

It's official!

 After the graduation, we invited family over for an afternoon BBQ and sundae bar. It was nice to be able to celebrate such a beautiful, intelligent, talented, young woman! Congrats Amber!

4th grade class party and pack meeting

Today I volunteered to help with Danny's class party. I can't believe the year is over! He has had a good year. His teacher was brand new to teaching and was full of just as much enthusiasm as Danny. It was a perfect match. For the party, the kids made chocolate chip cookies, which later became ice cream sandwiches. I then organized several "minute-to-win-it" games that the kids cycled through. It was pretty much chaos, but I guess that's how all end-of-the-year parties are. I'm still glad that I am fortunate enough to spend these moments with the kids...because there will come a time when the kids won't even remember they have parents because they're too involved with their friends. In any case, the kids had fun and that was all that mattered!

That night, we had pack meeting. Danny earned his Webelos rank in Cub Scouts. He had worked hard (and played hard). I am grateful for the scouting program and what it teaches the boys. Good job Danny!

Danny also earned his Fitness pin. Way to go!

Field Day

This week was FULL of end-of-school activities...and to be honest, I was wiped out once Friday hit! It started with a rainy, semi-cold, field day at Danny's school. I volunteered to help at the dunk tank. I couldn't believe any of the kids even wanted to be dunked!! I had a coat on and an umbrella to try to stay dry...even though with the constant drizzle it was almost impossible. Still, the kids had a BLAST! They rotated through several stations (e.g., gunny sack races, dunk tank, sponge relay, twister, tug-of-war). By the end, you couldn't tell which kids were the ones being dunked and which kids were just wet from the rain. Silly kids!