Usually it is so fun to have your birthday fall on a Saturday, but when you are turning 16 and the DMV is closed, kind of a bummer! So we made an appointment to go get his license today after his work day was done. He passed his test several weeks ago in his road class. He could not wait to drive his new truck. I need to take a few more deep breaths and try to calm my anxiety, but I am so excited for him and this new freedom! Congrats Gray!
Gray really wanted to hike the Y yesterday for his birthday but it was raining. So we decided to got today after church. Luke was super sore from his leg workout and Tag was not super excited about it, so they stayed home. The rest of us went and it was no joke! I did this hike several times in college but I do not remember it being this hard. The whole way up to the Y is uphill switchbacks. It is only a mile one way but it took us almost 45 minutes. Coming down was definitely easier but difficult on the quads and making sure not to fall. It was great to do hard things together and the view was amazing! I love that Gray always wants to do outdoorsy things. So fun to get out and enjoy the beautiful mountains together.
I know I start all birthday posts the same but I seriously cannot believe that Gray is 16! Time seriously needs to slow down. The only bummer about this birthday is that it falls on a Saturday and Gray cannot go and get his license. He passed his test weeks ago but has to wait until Monday to go get his license. He is so ready to drive that truck and have some more freedom. We celebrated by going to Goodwood for lunch as a family. It was so good and they gave him some TX sheet cake to honor his big day. We came home and he opened a few presents including clothes, a new wallet and keychain for his car keys, and some car mats for his truck. He hung out with friends and went to Lowes to end the night. We are so grateful to have Gray in our family. He is our quiet example, has a love for adventure, and never likes to be sitting still. Happy birthday Graby! We all love you so much!
Today after church Joey suggested that we all go and hike Bridal Veil Falls. I love that he does this! He is so good at getting us out to do things and make memories today. I was planning on taking a nap but this was much better. On the way there we got to experience a blown out tire on the freeway. It was scary but I was so glad that Joey was there with us. He went to get the spare out and we were missing one of the tools to get it out. Thankfully we have roadside assistance and the guy was there within minutes. The spare was flat so he took Joey to a tire shop to get a new tire. The tire shop was closing minutes later. Such a blessing! We got the tire fixed and made it to Bridal Veil for a little family hike. After the hike we went to the Pie for dinner. It was so good. I love spending time with my family. They are truly the source of my greatest joy.
It was a few days late but we made it happen! We kept our Mother's Day tradition. Jenna and I met Mom at FIKA in Pleasant Grove for one hour of relaxation. It was amazing! After the fika we went to Los Hermanos for lunch and brisas! It was great to spend time together and catch up on everything. Grateful for this tradition.
Nash had to do a history project on OJ Simpson. He decided to do an art piece for the project. I am so impressed with how well he did. He painted on a canvas and it turned out amazingly. It has been so fun to watch him improve so much as he has taken AP Art this year. He has always been an artist but the execution just keeps getting better. Just amazing Nash!
Tag has been in a 3D art class this year and I love seeing all of his hard work come to life. I know that a new project is coming when he brings home his art shoebox to bake the latest piece. He is so talented and amazes me with what he comes up with. This time he did another super mario character and it looks so good! So proud of your Tig!
I felt so loved and celebrated today for Mother's Day. Joey made a delicious breakfast of bagel sandwiches and juice. We were all eating at the kitchen table and I told the kids that I love when Joey cooks but also hate it because they realize what real flavor is! Joey is such an amazing cook. We then all went to church together which was such a blessing to be surrounded by my favorite people. Joey then made a dinner which was chicken, smashed potatoes, and sweet chili rice. He really set the bar high and I think he needs to start being in charge of Sunday dinner. We had cheesecake cups with fruit for dessert.. It was so good. They then spoiled me with presents and my favorite cards. Such a special day. I LOVE being their mom. They teach me far more than I can ever teach them and they are some of my greatest examples. So grateful that Heavenly Father trusted me with some of his BEST.
Nash got asked by his friend Tamryn (they actually went to Homecoming together) to go to the Dance Company formal. They had a great time. They had a catered dinner, dance, and then went swimming at Costa's house. I wish I had a picture of them together but I just have the picture of Nash before the dance. So handsome! I love that he is getting to have these dance/date experiences. He has such a great group of friends.
We have not been great with our temple goal so far this year. We are going to try to go every month for during the summer so we can make sure we get there at least 6 times this year as a family. We got the only available appointment at the Draper Temple at 6am. It was so nice to go that early as we were the only ones there. We got to the temple at 5:55am and we were back in the car at 6:35am. So quick! It was so sweet to have Gray baptize me and Nash and then Nash baptized Gray and Tag. Joey did all of the confirmations. Such a special morning. We kept the tradition of going to Einsteins for some celebratory breakfast. Love serving in the temple with my favorite people.
Nash has been thinking about getting his patriarchal blessing for a little while now. Harlee told him of how they did a devotional at HXP b...
