In her own words...

This is an entry written by my sister, who had her fifth child a month ago.

Friday we went to my sister Karen's for the day. It had been a long week and I really needed to get out of the house. You know, no sleep + kids home all the time+ kids making lots of messes and only helping when I yelled = a grouchy overwhelmed mom that feels like a complete failure that her kids don't obey or work without being compelled.We had lunch, the kids played in the sprinkler, made Popsicles, ate homemade cookies, Karen and I lounged on the couch and talked, and Karen even made carmel popcorn, YUM! Karen gave Ethan 3 adorable outfits and her mother-in-law had made Ethan a cute blanket and matching burp cloth. So thoughtful. We were sad to go, but I left feeling a lot better and realized I can make it.

I am glad sitting on my couch helped her feel like she could tackle being the mother of five. Love ya Beth!

Big Bang Fourth of July

So,what did you do for the Fourth of July you might ask. Well, JR's brother and kid came for a visit. We did lots of fun things like go to Cannon Beach for two days (see Spring Break for beach pictures) We had a big fire and roasted hot dogs and s'mores while at the beach. During their visit we also went out to a yummy frozen custard place, rode bikes, and just enjoyed being together. BUT we have to face the facts for why Matt really came...

FIREWORKS!!!!


The day they arrived Matt and Zach came and ate lunch at our house but then set off with JR for a couple hours of firework shopping. The next morning, they did several more hours of fireworks shopping. Yea, for our state allowing many types of fireworks. We had days of great firework shows, even during the daylight hours when the boys just couldn't wait any longer!

Well, the actual Fourth involved more then just fireworks. We started the day still at the beach. So,we walked and play on the beach before heading home after lunch. Then, the girls played in the sprinkler. (The boys were lighting off fireworks, of course!)

Then we headed to the neighborhood barbecue.

The all American picnic.

They had a HUGE game of Twister!

There was Guitar Hero on a movie screen.

Then the show began.

The kids loved it. Eventually, we had so many people the road was blocked. There were at least five rows of lawn chairs in the road, and our lawn had several blankets covering it. We had star necklaces, glow bracelets, firework snacks, and patriotic music to accompany the show.

The show was AWESOME! It lasted for 2 1/2 hours! The fireworks flew high, sparkled, shimmered and banged! Matt even said the night exceeded his expectations. That's all I wanted to hear.

BUT after all that fun, here is a sample of how all of us felt. EXHAUSTED!

(Uncle Matt, please,please come again next year!!!)

We hope you all had a great Fourth. We feel so blessed to live in this great land where we have so many freedoms. God has truly had a hand in creating this nation. GOD BLESS THE USA!

Trek

Last week, JR and I were able to go on our stake's Pioneer Trek. We were able to pull handcarts and gain an understanding of what early church members experienced as they made their way to Utah to be able to find peace and a place to practice our religion.

Here's our ward ready to head out for Trek.


Our spirits were high. We knew hard work was involved, but I think we under estimated the toll the heat and constant need to be doing something would take on us. We all worked very hard and did our best.

After two days of pulling handcarts through the dust and sand we celebrated with a Hoe Down. My Friend, Claudine, is celebrating having a place to sit and shake out the dust.

My friend, Nicole, was in charge of teaching and calling the dance moves. Rock it, Nic!

Some of the youth from our ward having fun! :)

This is some of our Trek family enjoying dessert after the dance.

The Team Z trek family: 3 girls, 5 boys, Ma and Pa

Pa Z taking in a the beauty of the morning before we start out again.

Oh ,Zion! After 3 days of trekking in the desert we reach our destination. There was green grass, shade, running water, and a hair washing station. Paradise! JR with our friend, Scott.

Trek was a great learning experience. I learned that sometimes everything does go wrong, and worrying that it might doesn't stop it. I also learned that it's okay for things not to go as planned; there are still many wonderful experiences to be had. I also know with even more certainty that God is watching over all. He is aware of His children no matter where they are, be it at home, on the plains, or else where. I know I am His child and He loves me.

This is my favorite pioneer quote I have discovered from this Trek:
"I have a desire to leave a record of those scenes and events, thru which I have passed, that my children, down to my latest posterity may read what their ancestors were willing to suffer, and did suffer, patiently for the Gospel's sake. And I wish them to understand, too that what I now word is the history of hundreds of others, both men, women, and children, who have passed thru many like scenes for a similar cause, at the same time we did. I also desire them to know that it was in obedience to the commandments of the true and living God, and with the assurance of an eternal reward -an exaltation to eternal life in His kingdom- that we suffered these things. I hope, too, that it will inspire my posterity with fortitude to stand firm and faithful to the truth, and be willing to suffer, and sacrifice all things they may be required to pass thru for the kingdom of God's sake." -Elizabeth Horrocks Jackson Kingsford

Our Special Father's Day

This year we had special guests for Father's Day, Grandma Jill and Grandpa Mike.
It was so much fun having them here this weekend. They came and watched the girls' ballet recital. Then we were able to spend Father's Day together. How lucky can we get!

The Little Mermaid

What do you get when you have a crab,


A seagull,


and an eel?


A lovely, ballet of The Little Mermaid.

Dance my little princesses, dance!

No more pencils, no more books...

Here are the kiddos heading off for the last day of school (Okay, H just has to be in the picture. Remember that for future pictures).



Okay, I went to the end of year assembly because I have heard how it is so great to see all the pictures Mr. Bailey has taken through out the year. When I walked in I didn't know if I was at school or a rock concert. The gym was dark. The Fifth graders all were waving glow sticks. The music was rocking!! The kids all loved it. What a tradition.

Here are the kindergarten grads (K,B, R and H :>)



R with Mrs. Brockley (or Mrs. Vegetable as we like to joke)


Here is E with her terrific teachers, Mrs. Ensley and Mrs. O'Neil.

We love our elementary school, and we are so happy to be part of it's team. Thanks to everyone for making this a wonderful year!

Cultural Fair

Did you know in Sweden they build a hotel entirely out of ice each year? Did you know that all the children are taught swimming during school in Sweden? Did you know that you could learn these and other fun facts from E's Swedish Cultural project?

This year in school E has been working on researching a country that she has ancestry to. She was very excited when she decided on Sweden.

I knew nothing about Sweden when she started and we have all learned a lot. Here is a picture of E dressed in a traditional Swedish costume. I sewed it all by myself (If you knew my sewing skills you would know it is a very big deal, and no, you may not look at it closely. It is sewed like anyone's first solo project :<)

The Swedish Sweetheart