Kate's blog: June 2014

Gabe wants to be like David any chance he gets! He loves to play catch in the front yard.

David's team after getting their trophies at the end of season party.
David is top left.

David and his coach Dusty Buell

Brooke wrote out our summer To-Do List.

Gabey wants to start his summer with the backyard pool.

Happy 11th Birthday, Zachary!!

Zach wanted to be stylin' for his birthday and also the school talent show where he played "All of Me."
Brooke played "Bubble Blues" on the piano too.

Zach getting a scout shirt and book for his birthday.

He wished for a big glob of cookie dough instead of cake.

YUM.

Hooray for the last day of school! Brooke was the only one who wasn't too thrilled.

Gabe's hand, foot, mouth disease.

Poor kid. Come to find out, David had a mild case of it first (itchy bumps on his feet that went away after I put some cream on it), then Gabe, then Brooke and Zach. Gabe's were the worst with blisters on his bum, knees, and shoulder too. He was the only one whose nails fell off too.

Zach's party on the last day of school, to play Nerf gun wars at a park in the RAIN.
Jeremiah, Beau
David, Peng, Quinn
Zach

At least there were some big trees so they could stay out of the rain.
Peng, Beau, Zach, Jeremiah, Quinn

Either Zach didn't notice the holes in the bottom of his shoes, or I tuned him out when he told me he needed new shoes.

June 14 - Nicholas got to participate in a regional Dance Festival. This is the beginning where all 600 kids were on the floor at once. The opening song was very moving!

Nicholas (white ninja) was in the ninja dance.

The white and black ninjas fought in a choreographed dance.

Nicholas about to swing around his little black ninja partner.

All the kids at the finale. Very well done!

June 19 - Brooke's Hip Hop Jazz "Where's Waldo" Dance

My favorite Waldo.

Brooke in the middle, top row.

June 20 - Gabriel turns 2!
He got a card, stickers, and $2 from Grandad.

My cute little 2-year-old

Zach lights the candle on Gabe's rice crispy treat.

His very own squirt gun.

More toys and clothes.

June 21 - enjoying the new neighborhood park

June 21 - Nicholas went to his first youth conference and Hank Smith was the speaker.
He is in the green shirt on the far left.

June 22 - Gabey always wants to be like his big brothers.

June 23 - Off to our Terry Reunion in St. George, UT.
Stopping in Pendleton to get gas and get our windows cleaned.

We stopped in Salt Lake City to tour the Conference Center. That building always amazes me.

Here we are at the top of a balcony. The auditorium seats 21, 200 people and there are no pillars to obstruct the view.

The ROOF has hundreds of trees, bushes, and even fountains and was meant to be open to the public, but after 9/11, only guided tours are allowed.
(Our tour guide on the left)

A beautiful view of the city and the temple.

Temple Square

This is the home my parents lived in Cedar City, UT when I was born and lived for less than a year, which I had never been back to see until this trip.

The first night Nanee and Papa hosted "Deal or No Deal." We all got excited about winning free money!
Nicholas is telling Papa "NO DEAL!"

David being a ham with Zach, Spencer, Nicholas and Megan

Starting off on our hike to Kanarra Falls. See- it wasn't ALL hiking through water.

Our first little river to cross.

Kent (and Papa) tried really hard to keep his feet dry on this hike, but towards the end there was no choice.

Kent, Kate, Mike, Spencer, Megan, Rachel, Nicholas, Eva, Zach, Rebecca
Rachel, Ben, LaRene

Through a narrow cavern

Going up the first of two waterfalls.
Rachel, Rachel, Spencer, Zach, Megan, Rebecca

The 2nd waterfall was a little more tricky and slippery.
Ben, Kate, Rebecca

Meeting a snake on our way back.

Lots of pool time!
Naomi, Emily, Brooke

James and David dominating the squirt guns.

Another hike to the Emerald Pools in Zion's National Park.
Luke, Jess, Naomi, Eva, Brooke, Nicholas, Spencer, LaRene, Megan

Zach at the first of three Emerald Pools (not quite what we expected).

Some of us waited at the bottom in the shade while the others hiked to the rest of the Emerald Pools.

Pull out the ipad and boys come hover around it!
Sam, Gabe, David

FOOD TIME!

Jon's cute family

Lots of pool time.

Terry family took over the pool at the condo.

Ben's family at the talent show.

David and Naomi blowing bubbles at the condo.

Gabe, Brooke and Naomi

Touring the St. George Temple Visitor's Center
There were quite a few that missed this tour because they were hiking "Angel's Landing."

Beautiful and BRIGHT temple

Touring the St. George tabernacle

Brigham Young's winter home

More pool time!

Naomi, Megan, Eva, Brooke, Rebecca, David, Zach

Mike was so happy to stop at Costa Vida on our way home!
Nicholas didn't come home with us, but went east with Spencer's family to Nebraska. He would have to fly home by himself for the first time a week later.