Pre-teen

Samantha turned 12 this summer.  Its hard to believe that she is old enough to go to Young Women's and will be going into 7th grade, her second year of middle school. She invited a few friends to go swimming and then come over for Navaho tacos and cheesecake cupcakes.
Sam is so much fun to be around, loves to help out anyone who needs help, is a really good babysitter (the kids love her) and is a good friend and is full of spunk and personality.  She loves to play the piano, run, and play soccer.  She can (and does)  fall asleep everywhere!

She had a little bit of excitement on her birthday, we had the biggest amount of rainfall we have had since 1967, receiving over 2 inches of rain in about 2 hours. It caused some flooding and power outages for a few hours.  If any of you know Sam, you know she just loves stuff like that.  For example, she got her braces put on on Valentines day of this year, got them adjusted for the first time on April Fools Day and adjusted on Brenna and Braelynn's birthday.    It was completely coincidence but for her it was a huge deal and she still talks about it.

We hope you had a happy birthday, Samantha!

Sweet 16

16.  A junior in high school.  Driving.  Wow, how did that happen?
I wanted to do something different for Veronica's 16th birthday so we threw a surprise party for her.    It was originally going to be outside, with lawn games and a fire to roast starburst, marshmallows and hot dogs. A smores bar with different kinds of chocolate, marshmallows, etc.  But we were in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures over 100 and cooling down to only about 85 degrees and no change forecasted so instead we did a float bar. 
Think rootbeer float, cherry coke float  (cherry coke, ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry), creamsicle float (orange soda, whipped cream and ice cream), strawberry and cream float, etc.  There was popcorn, kettle corn, and other kinds of goodies.
I had decorations all planned out in my head for outside.  I rounded up extra chairs, tables, and outdoor games.  I borrowed a projector so they could watch a movie outside.  Red, white and blue decorations made and hidden while she was away at youth conference for a day.  Cute labels made identifying all the food,  it was going to be perfect.
About 2 hours before the party the wind started to blow and it started to rain so we moved it all indoors.  It wasn't the same but it still looked good and she was surprised!  It is fun to have her friends come over.  She is blessed to have a good group of friends.  It makes high school (and life in general) that much better. 
She is a talented violinist, she is driven to accomplish the goals that she sets for herself and has a firm desire to stay true to the things that she knows is right.  She is on track to graduate from high school at age 17 with an associates degree.
I hope she had an awesome birthday and felt extra special on her birthday!

I can't seem to find all the pictures of her party.  Sad.

A Little Jaunt

Or maybe a long hike.  For scout camp this year our scout troop decided to do a 5 day (technically 6 days, leaving Monday, returning Saturday), 50 mile hike.  The boys and leaders were required to carry everything they needed for the entire time, including bedding and food.  Leading up to it Tyler and Joe were really excited but for about a week before they started getting a little nervous.

They both agreed it was the hardest thing they have ever done but also the most rewarding.  The families were able to meet them up the mountain on Wednesday to provide a nice dinner and participate in a fireside.  We were able to get a small glimpse of the spiritual experiences they were able to have throughout the week.  Amazing.  And it was nice to hug my husband, although he didn't smell the best!

Tradition?

Braelynn decided to cut her hair for Locks of Love and donated 10 inches.  It was a decision that shocked me!  She loved her long hair and I really thought she never would cut it.  She decided to cut it just in time for school to start, which makes her even more excited to go to school and see her friends! 
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After: