September 2011

This month started with Maycee's baptism.  She had been waiting for so long to be baptized.  It was a really spiritual meeting and she was adorable.  We had lots of friends and family over for sandwiches afterwards.  Grama and Grampa Knowlton and Aunt Sarah were able to come for the baptism and spend a few days with us.  

After a nice, spiritual morning we all went to the fair and rodeo.  Never my favorite atmosphere, but always an experience.  The kids rode a few rides, we ate greasy food, then we went to the rodeo.

August 2011

Deryk took a beginner soccer class every Saturday in August.  He just loved it and kept saying he already knew how to play.  And somehow he really did understand it.  He was very proud to wear his shirt he got at the class.

The kids played in the little pool a lot this summer.  One day I was out watering the flowers and a cute, little snake came out of the flowers.  The kids wanted to feel it so we caught it.  They took turns holding it and then it ended up in the pool and had a nice swim.  They named him Quarterback (not sure why) and he even came to visit us a few more times that month.  (I'm assuming it was the same one - strange.)  Great entertainment for the kids.

Shaylee enjoyed taking a cooking class and a sewing class in 4-H this summer.  She modeled her skirt at a fashion show and was able to go to district to model also.  She was awarded the grand champion at the fair for her sewing of the skirt and got a blue ribbon for her cooking.  It was a busy and fun 4-H time!

Maycee is now 8!!  She is growing up and was so excited to be eight so she could be baptized.  She had a family party and chose to go out to eat at Burger Stop.  (they have great shakes there)

July 2011

Maycee wanted to try playing on a softball team, so she did that for 6 weeks and LOVED it.  She learned quickly and had a fun time at every game!  Even the one when the wind was blowing so hard that everyone was sitting/laying on the ground so we didn't get picked up and blown away.  

We had a really fun time camping at Birch Creek on the Friday and Saturday before July 4th.  There was still snow on top of the mountains with a lot of water running in the creeks and my favorite - wildflowers everywhere.  The kids love hiking and exploring at the City of Rocks and riding the 4-wheelers.

Deryk turned 4!!  I can't believe how big he is getting (and how smart).  He had a fun birthday and wanted a mud cake with bugs and worms.  What a cute little guy who is so full of adventure and life!

Deryk got a foam rocket launcher that they were all playing with outside at his birthday party.  That is why they are looking in the sky.

Deryk, Maycee, and Shaylee took swimming lessons again and they all loved it.  Shaylee did a survival float in her clothes and had to take them off in the pool and tread for several minutes.  Deryk wasn't fond of water in his ears, but ended up doing great and was blowing bubbles and putting his head under by the last few days.  He also kept getting kicked out of the pool for splashing and randomly hitting the other kids.  The teacher, Cindy, just loved Deryk and couldn't get over his gorgeous eyes and eyelashes, so he didn't stay in trouble for long.  Little stinker!!

June 2011

Another piano recital - Shaylee and Maycee both did great with their songs.  And they played a duet together this year.  They love having their Grama as their piano teacher!

Josh and I were able to go on our stake trek "Live the Legacy" as a Ma and Pa.  We had eleven children plus a baby (doll) that we had to bury along the trail.  It was an amazing experience that we will always remember.  I still laugh at some of the things our children did - those teenage boys kill me!