Memorial Day - The Beginning of Summer?

Here is what Memorial Day looks and sounds like in St. Anthony. So glad I wasn't camping. Actually, I never camp so I wouldn't have been anyway. 


This Memorial Day we decided to travel to Yellowstone Park where everyone goes to be free - people from all over the world. However, the animals forgot that they were free - no roaming wildlife anywhere. We did meet some people from Georgia who felt free to roam all over the west ... in their shorts. Poor people, it was 96 degrees when they left. It was 39 degrees and snowing when we chatted with them.

The kids found a great spot last year and were so excited to go there again. They call it "The Majestic Rocks of Awesomeness." I'm sure that's what Teddy Roosevelt was thinking when he came through the park.

Reaching great heights - Collin and McKenna

Katy making her way down

A little snowball fight between Dad and Adri

On the way back from the "Rocks" we got a great idea. We'll take pictures of various places in Yellowstone once each month between now (May) and October to see how it changes. Here are a couple of our choices.

Mount Haynes

Gibbon River at the entrance to Obsidian Cliffs trail (I think)

Life is Good - Even in the snow!

Collin Has Left the Building

He made it and made it quite swimmingly, I might add. On May 25th, Collin graduated.He had so many fun activities this month as he made his grand exit. Here is a wrap up. First, he took his final trip with the band. They went to Disneyland to play inside the park and to participate in a big festival. They took 1st place in their category (doesn't matter that they were the only entry in that category, does it?) While there, the Wolf Pack, as they called themselves, kept themselves busy on rides, riding scooters (hidden in their suitcases), and smuggling gas masks onto the Tower of Terror.

Take notice of the "Wolf Pack" sign. 

After 5 days on a bus and in the park, he returned to ready himself for the "Mr. SF" pageant. Highly competitive and extremely funny, this pageant is a total mockery of  Junior Miss. But, the boys put in many hours of practice to learn the routines and then spend, maybe, 15 minutes on their talent. It was great fun to be there to watch. Collin won the talent portion. Click here to watch.

Contestant #11 Collin Grant "Because two 1s are better than 1'

Some of the "Men of the 80s"

Once all the pageantry was over, it was finals' time and then Seminary Graduation on Sunday. Monday morning began the senior sneak to Downata Hot Springs, shopping at the Layton Mall (blah), and a day in Lagoon. He had a great time. Wednesday was the big day.

The Graduated Man

The Class of 2011 - GO COUGARS!!!

CONGRATULATIONS my boy!!

Life is Good - and full of many opportunities.

Twins become Teens

Honestly, there was a time that I didn't think the twins would make it to 13 years old. Then there was the time that I didn't think I would make it to the twins 13. However, we have all survived and these adorable, wonderful girls have made it to the teen years. So, to honor them, I now present:

THIRTEEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ADRI

1.  A feisty personality. That girl will stand her ground.
2.  She covers her mouth when she can't control an enormous smile.
3.  Giggle girl. Once she starts, she keeps going.
4.  Fashionista. She needs rich parents that take her shopping at least weekly.
5.  Long flowing BLONDE hair. Pretty jealous!
6.  Reaching great heights. She is 5' 7" now and growing like a weed. (She has now passed me and she's only 13.)
7.  Doesn't hide her feelings. You know where you stand with her.
8.  Good friend. Her friends trust her like crazy.
9. Is comfortable in a disaster - her messy room doesn't bug her a bit.
10. Loves softball and volleyball - my two favorite sports. I'm a very willing and eager spectator.
11. She has a creative eye for photography.
12. Hilarious!!! She makes for good laughs - whether she's trying or not.
13. The only girly-girl in this house. I love that!

KATY'S GREAT THIRTEEN

Katy - taken by Adri

1.  Funny, funny, funny!
2.  She is her own person. She is going to dress how she wants, look how she wants, and do what she wants. It is a total waste of your time to dry to convince her otherwise.
3.  Very kind to others.
4.  Great babysitter.
5.  Avid reader. She used to hate it because it was difficult. Not anymore!
6. She has beautiful handwriting.
7.  Gives her mom and dad a hug and kiss every night and then says, "Goodnight. I love you!"
8.  Loves to watch infomercials with me.
9.  She is artsy and crafty.
10.  Has a beautiful, heart warming smile.
11.  Willing to play with the little girls that live next door. (They are 6 and 4.)
12.  Always trying to make right choices.
13.  Never takes a bad picture. She always looks great. (I'm jealous.)

Life is Good.