The Best Teacher

I have always been envious of Joey's patience.  It is definitely one of his strengths.  Tonight he was working on teaching Gray how to tie his shoes.  He worked with him for quite some time until Gray was able to tie his shoes on his own.  So proud of Gray and so grateful for Joey's willingness to teach him.  So fun to quietly capture this picture- so sweet!

He survived Trek!

On Wednesday morning I dropped Luke off at the church.  He was dressed in long pants and a collered shirt (they were baggy so he called himself the 90's rapper!) ready to go on the pioneer trek.  They took buses to a place close to Evanston, Wyoming, ate lunch and began to walk.  They walked 32 miles in 3 days.  It was super hot and tiring and definitely a testimony builder.  Luke's gratitude and admiration for the pioneers grew as he walked in their shoes.  It was so great for him to go through this experience with some of his closest friends.  Luke was also put in a "family" with a Ma and Pa.  On the last night of Trek he got to enjoy a testimony meeting with his family.  What a special experience.  I am so grateful that he was able to go on this trip and I am sure he will have a whole different outlook each time he discusses the pioneers.  I dropped him off clean and picked up a much dirtier kid!  Boy did I miss him!!

Relaying at State

Nash was asked to be on a relay team for State swim.  He swam three different races: 200 IM (he swam the 50 back), 200 Free, and 400 Free.  We went up Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and he had one race each day.  His team did amazing!  They are all so fast.  What an amazing experience and I have a feeling that this will not be the last time we are at state swim!  Great job Nash!

Movie date

This afternoon I dropped Luke, Nash, and Gray off at the movies to see Antman and the Wasp.  It is so crazy to be able to do that!  I got them popcorn and drinks.  The girl working the front was nice enough to let me walk them back and make sure they were in the right seats.  They really enjoyed the movie and I love that they are spending time together.  Maybe in a few years Tag will want to go with them.  Such a fun afternoon for them!

Passing with Flying Colors!

This morning Luke had his Parkour pass off!  He has been in the beginning class for the last couple of months and has been working really hard.  He loves parkour but hated being in the beginning class especially since he was the oldest.  He made it his goal to work super hard and get moved up at the first pass off opportunity.  Out of the whole class only four kids were moved up with Luke being one of them.  I am so excited for him and so proud of how hard he has worked!  Congrats Lukie!

Night away with my Bestie!

Work has been absolutely crazy for Joey and I.  I feel like we are both super stressed and this night away could not have come at a better time.  We were given a giftcard to the Roof/Garden and I decided it would be a great time to spend a night away just the two of us.  Darolyne was so sweet to watch the kids for us and make this night possible.  We left around 5pm and made our way downtown.  We arrived at the Garden a little before our reservation and we enjoyed the amazing view of the temple while we waited.  The Garden was pretty amazing.  The roof is open and you feel like you are outdoors.  We started the meal with the most delicious friend pickles and rolls.  Joey had steak and potatoes and I had chicken, potatoes, and asparagus.  Both of our meals were delicious.  Even though we were stuffed we forced ourselves to enjoy some salted caramel cake!  The food was amazing but the company was even better.  We chatted all through dinner and just had the best time.  After dinner we drove around listening to a beautiful mix cd Joey had made.  I love that we were not in a hurry and we were just talking and enjoying our time together.  We made our way to a nice and new hotel in Draper to spend the night.  In the morning we got ready and went to Corner Bakery for breakfast before heading back to reality.  What a perfect night with my perfect person.  I feel so blessed to be married to my best friend.  I love the time we get to spend together away from all of the stresses of life.  It is just a few days before our 17th anniversary of our first date.  I would have never guessed 17 years ago that I would have ended up with Joey but I could not feel more blessed that I did.  Can't wait until our next get away!

BC Meet

Nash had a BC Qualifying time so we got up early this morning and headed to Cottonwood Heights for the meet.  Justyna was there and was nice enough to get us great seats!  Nash swam the 50 Back and the 50 Free.  He was able to cut a few seconds off of his back stroke.  He is such an amazing swimmer!  I love to watch him race and see the progress every time.  Amazing job Nashie!!

Lovin' Summer

The weather has been a little hot so we asked Mindi if we could come spend some time with her!  We picked up Kai on and some lunch on the way over and we were ready to swim.  As soon as I walk through their back gate I just feel peace.  They have my favorite backyard ever!  We ate lunch and then the kids (except Luke) swam while I got to catch up with Mindi.  She one of my favorite people.  It is so nice of them to allow us to come over and take a break from the crazy.  Love summer!!

Boondocks with the Grandparents

The kids got to go spend some time with their grandparents today and they were so excited.  They took the kids to Boondocks for some fun.  The kids had a blast.  They did laser tag, video games, and a virtual reality game.  After spending a few hours there they went to Wendy's for lunch.  I am so grateful for the time that they got to spend together and I was so grateful for an opportunity to work while knowing the kids were having a great time.  Such a blessing!

Thanks Dr. Horsley!

Tonight we got to go to Seven Peaks for free since we go to Dr. Horsley for our orthodontics!  The kids love this day!  This was the first year that Gray got to go because he has lost teeth and is starting to see Dr. Horsley once a year.  Luke opted out but we went with Boston and Jenna.  It was so nice to watch all of the cousins have fun together!  So grateful for these opportunities that they have to hang out together and have fun.  Such a fun day!

Dance Workshop

This week was Harlee's Dance Workshop week.  She had dance Monday - Thursday and learned a different combination.  Monday she learned song and dance, so not her favorite! They learned a song from Newsies and Harlee may have lip synced the whole time!  Tuesday they learned a jazz combination to "Candy" from Napolean Dynamite. Wednesday they learned a hip hop combination and Thursday they learned a lyrical dance.  I got to go and watch her perform on Thursday.  She is such a beautiful dancer and a beautiful girl.  If only she could stop growing up!  Love her!