Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Just for Skyler.....

This was Skyler's first time to EFY. It was at BYU in Provo, Utah. He went with his friend Kevin. He loved it. I am so glad that they went and had a great experience. As you can see its all about the GIRLS! His counselors were awesome and a lot of fun. He said he would do it again next year.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Destination Home: Arizona

This is some random shots Skyler took as we were driving home.

It went fast but there were some pretty big Thunderstorm's. It rained so had after we left Page that the roads were flooding and I had the windshield wipers on full blast and it could not keep my windshield clear. That was one of the hardest and shortest rains ever. I don't mind the drive and it does have some beautiful things to look at. However getting home is always heaven.



Utah family Vacation

The family went to Utah for the 4th of July. We spent the week at Kim and Tylers. Joe and Jewel are there now also. We had a fun filled time. Went to Temple Square and saw the Joseph Smith movie which was really good. That day was so full of rain and the loudest thunderstorms ever. From their we went to dinner and Ella so enjoyed the rolls no really just the butter.








It was Lilly's princess birthday party. They dressed in their princess dresses and had a grand time. Grandpa was a hit or so he thought.





We spent the 4th quading. It was a beautiful day and the best ride ever into the mountains. The weather was perfect: cool and sunny all in one. When we returned from our ride they were having a water fight. They were having such a great time. I love to see all of them playing and laughing.






We had fireworks in Kims culdesac. The kids love being able to set their own fire works off. It was windy but who cares when your having fun. It was a great week with them and then Tom had to return on Monday for work. Skyler went to EFY for a week and that left Hunter and I to hang with Jewel and the kids for a week. We had a great time and took the kids to a pool play area and they loved it. Saw Transformers and The proposal. I laughed so hard it was a great movie. No picture because Skyler had my camera with him. Grateful to have such a great family and we love spending time with them.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

California Vacation

Every year for the past 4 years we have gone to Newport Beach for our family vacation. This year was no exception. However this year we went with our great friend Millie. We always have fun and this year did not disappoint. We meet up with Kim and Tyler on our first night there. Went to dinner and had a great time with them. Its always nice to see them, since they live in Utah we don't get that to often. No picture because I used my other camera and have not developed that film.


We always take our bikes and bike the boardwalk and take the ferry across to Balboa Island. This is one of our favorite things to do as a family.
We drove into Hollywood and went to this awesome mall. They have a trolley to take you from one end of the mall to the other. Hunter and Skyler (his impression or should I say obsession of Nixon.) Tom and Hunter at Cheesecake Factory for lunch.

Hunter and Malia buried in the sand courtesy of Skyker.
The weather was a little cold but the kids made the most of it. Hunter and Malia on our last day at the beach. No one was ready to leave or not enjoy that last bit of beach.


On our way to dinner with Monica and the the group. Millie and her sisters what a hoot they were. They kept us laughing all the time.


Skyler started to dig this hole which turned out to be as deep as he was.
Then he decided to have himself buried.

On our last night at the pier enjoying dinner and the view.
This was our last morning at the beach. We had Malia with us for the ride home. I will take her anytime. The drive up was a little cranky with the kids. the drive home was HEAVEN . No fighting or arguing just quiet movies and music.
I know that we all love this week of our summer vacation. We do so much together and hang out at the beach almost everyday. The memories that we get to have from being together is priceless for us.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Scout Encampment

Tom and Skyler went on a scouting encampment. They had so much fun, doing all kinds of stuff. They had a great group of boys and men that went with them. They had a lot of activities where you had to work together. They were able to rifle shoot and did a service project.


Skylers favorite was repelling. This was his first time and he slipped going down at the top but regained his footing and made it down. He stopped at a ledge and did his happy dance. He is so crazy. To bad Tom did not capture that moment.



This was such a wonderful experience for both Tom and Skyler. For Tom being with his son and having that bonding time. This encampment not only provided a fun time but it also was a great spiritual experience for them as well. I love seeing Skyler grow in his testimony of the Lord. I love both of these guys and was happy to have them home.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Salk Flight Center

Hunter's class went to the flight center this year. I have been before and this place is so fun for the kids. They really get to learn a lot about helicopters and planes. They have to take a test to be able to go and then they get to fly simulaters. My camera went dead thus no pictures. A great opportunity for the kids and moms like me that love to do different things with them.



Julia in the simulater.


Hunter and Savanna learning on the ground about the impotant functions of the aircraft. The various instuments and what they do and are called.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Eagle Scout Ceremony

Skyler received his Eagle Scout award on Tuesday May 12, 2009.



We are so proud of him and his accomplishment. The ceremony was so awesome so many of his peers and friends came to support him. Dan Millett did the opening ceremonies and said how pleased he was with Skyler and for the fact that he asked him personally to be a part of this night. He had never had anyone come personally to his home and invite him to be apart of their ceremony. We are so grateful for them and the love they show our son. Skyler standing by his display table with all of his cub scout/ scouting achievements and his karate and wrestling stuff. Sharon Schiefer helped make that display beautiful. Much Thanks for all her help. Could not have done it without her help. His scout troop 356 did the presentation of colors and pledge of allegiance.






Brother Dave Gardner awarded Skyler his rank advancement to Eagle and what a fantastic job he did. Thank you so much for always encouraging and helping.



Skyler was able to give out a mentor pin which he gave a ton of thought about who to give it to. There were several people that he talked about like Master Shaw his karate instructor or Brother Henderson his scout master, they both taught him so much and showed him determination and the fact that you have to reach for what you want and that it takes a lot of dedication and determination. In the end he choose Andrew Schiefer who has been his coach for wrestling for several years now and has helped him grow in a sport he LOVES. However he has showed him more about life and what really matters like serving the lord and setting his sights on a mission. Since Skyler has no brothers, Andrew has really become that big brother for Skyler and we could not be happier for him. Andrew has not only been a coach he has become his friend. All in all he made the best choice for him and any one of those men would have been a great choice as well.

He was presented with the Mormon Battalion neckerchief slide and Jim Abney did a great job.


Sitting in the eagles nest: which is for all those who have earned their eagle. What a surreal sight and feeling for Skyler to sit with all the leaders and friends who have also earned their eagle.

Skyler with some of his leaders and scouters.


They say it helps makes you a man to earn this award. I can attest I have seen him grow in so many ways and how he is so determined and driven when he puts his mind to it. He has truly show some great qualities and perseverance since he started this project.
He also had two of his scout masters talk. Brother Pitts told a story about and eagle and a chicken. The point was to never forget where you came from, but to always keep your sights set high and remember you are an eagle.
Brother Henderson spoke about the great things that can happen from having your eagle. Job opportunities and so forth. They both gave him a lot to think about for the future.
I know this was long but I wanted to make sure I put it all down or I would forget the important things that were said or done. There are so many people to thank for all of their help and support. A special thank you to Sister Ewart for coming and showing Skyler such kindness when he comes to your home. He thinks your cool and that works for us. To a great kid and the best son ever. We love ya and are so proud of you.