Road Trip to Utah

I love a reason to travel and so when I found out Ryan was getting married in Utah, all I could think about was, Road Trip!!  Spencer was not able to take off more than a couple of days so I opted to drive with the kids early so we could spend some time with my parents in Utah.  I invited Caylin & Megan to go with us to which they were very excited.  The first day we drove as far as Meridian, ID and spent the night with our friends, the Cluff's.  It was so much fun to see them and their two little girls they have had since moving away.  The following day, Sunday, we arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.

Each day we spent in Utah was a blast!  We went to a kids waterpark called, Cowabunga Bay.  After leaving the waterpark we had to track down my absolute favorite ice cream joint in the world called, Iceberg.  I think the girls were pleasantly surprised when they got to experience Iceberg shakes.  Other activities include; spending time with my sister, Brittany; a visit to Wheeler Farm; a family BBQ; swimming at the community rec center; movie nights; a picnic in the Canyon; and of course all of the fun events involving Ryan's wedding.  As much fun as all of these activities were, I must say that two of the highlights of the trip include; Spending time with my brother Cory who happened to coincide his visit with mine; and going on a special daddy-daughter date.  My Dad and I went through a live session in the Salt Lake Temple together, a first for me.  That was a special thing to do with just him.  Spencer flew into SLC on Thursday afternoon and then he drove us home on Sunday.  This road trip was so much fun, I really was bummed when it ended! 

Ryan & Ashlynn's Wedding

When Ryan and Ashlynn announced that they were getting married I don't think there was a person around who wasn't thrilled!  Ryan has always been a man of good character, who knows how to make excellent decisions, and I am so grateful for the example he has been for my boys.  His wedding was going to be an exciting event.  Ryan and Ashlynn decided to get married in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in South Jordan, Utah.  My Dad lives in West Jordan so the location couldn't have been more perfect.  The ceremony itself was wonderful.  What a neat experience it is to be so far from home yet surrounded by the people you love.  That is a Temple sealing for ya!  The reception was held later that evening in a beautiful reception hall in Gardner's Village.  Everything was done with class and the newlyweds couldn't have looked happier. 

Cameron showing off his one arm push-ups in front of the ladies.



Austin's Baptism

Turning 8 in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a big deal.  We believe that at 8 years old a child is very capable of making wise choices and is therefore responsible for their actions.  They are also old enough to understand what it means to be baptized and who Jesus Christ is.  When a child turns this magical age they have the choice to be baptized and confirmed a member of the church.  We are so proud of Austin who chose to be baptized and take upon him the name of Jesus Christ and always follow him!  This was a very special day and I hope he will always remember it.  Two talks were given at his baptism.  Ryan spoke on baptism itself, and Grandma Waite spoke about the Holy Ghost.  Grandma Waite gave Austin a compass as a reminder that when we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost we will never veer off course, or get lost.  To this day he keeps the compass in his scriptures.  Austin was baptized and confirmed by his Father.

Nehalem Bay Camping Trip

Family camping trips are always fun, and we were especially looking forward to this one because Ryan was bringing his new fiance with him.  And not only were we graced with Ashlynn's presence, but our nephew, Travis, came too.  Everyone loves Nehalem Bay because it offers surf on one side of the park and a crab filled river on the other.  Fun for everyone!  The guys were successful in their crabbing and Spencer had a fabulous idea to create a Mongolian Grill type dinner, which was so good!