Family Reunion at Bear Lake

Wednesday, June 29th--My sister, Amanda, and her family flew to Idaho for a short while. They flew in from Hawaii to visit Ben's grandma, who has poor health and not expected to live much longer. They weren't able to come down to the Salt Lake area so we met them up at Bear Lake for the day. My other sister, Alishia, and her family met us up there as well. We had hoped my BIL's family cabin was available but it was booked. We had also hoped to find a spot on the beach, we knew there were picnic areas. Unfortunately, there was quite a bit of flooding in the area, due to rapid snow melt. The beaches were all under water! Instead, we paid for a day-pass at the KOA. It was perfect, complete with a pool, play area and grassy spot for us to sit and visit for a while. I gave Amanda a list of things I wanted her to bring from Hawaii and she did not disappoint. A bunch of yummy macadamia treats to last us for quite some time!

As we were visiting, a storm blew in and created some massive wind with some rain. It made for not-so-great visiting but, luckily, it went by a short while later. Elise and Brady LOVED spending time with their cousin, Keven. He's a few years old than Elise but they all get along great. All the cousins were together for the first time in a couple of years. There's 5 altogether. We took pictures of these wacky kids for Nana and Papa.

We were only able to stay for a couple of hours before it was time to make the 2 1/2 hour drive back to Eagle Mountain. Luckily, we got all caught up with Amanda, Ben and Keven. One of these days we'll be able to save up enough money to afford a trip over to Hawaii to visit them. They seem to enjoy living there!

Happy Fathers Day!

Sunday, June 19th--Another awesome Fathers Day for an awesome father! I say it all the time, and, yep, read it again, Nate is one of the best dads I've ever known or seen. He loves and adores his children. It warms my heart to see him interact with Elise and Brady everyday. I am one lucky woman to have him as my partner as we raise our children, in hopes we're giving them a great foundation to build a wonderful future for themselves. He loves to take them to baseball games, movies, amusement parks, etc. He reads them stories every night before bedtime and says prayers with them. One of his favorite activities is to take them to the library to pick out books to read. He has such a love of reading and both of our children have that love too. I have developed that love too, thanks, in part, to him.

I look forward to many more celebrations of Nate as a dad! You are the best, my love!

Last Day of School!

Friday, June 3rd--HOORAY! Another school year is done and over! Brady did very well in Kindergarten. I couldn't be any more happy with the way his first year in elementary school went. He had such an amazing teacher. Ms. Cindy Sorensen is, by far, one of the most incredible and devoted teachers I've ever met. WOW, she has a heart of gold! Each and every one of her students learned to love her greatly. I volunteered quite often in her class and could see that even disappointing her by having to "pull a card" would break the students hearts. Cindy and I have developed a wonderful friendship. She has found her knight in shining armor, Matt Anderson, and will be marrying him in the middle of July. I fixed her up with Nate's brother, Kip, in December. Things were looking pretty good, they had gone on several dates (I was secretly doing a happy dance every time I saw one of them!!!), but it was not meant to be. Cindy met Matt shortly after and it was fireworks! We're so happy for them!

Elise has a great year too! She finished 3rd grade with high marks and more confidence in herself. She had two teachers this year, Mrs. Christine Mair and Mrs. Crystal Spencer. Mrs. Mair was her morning teacher and left when the students went to lunch then Mrs. Spencer came for the afternoon. The two make a great team and I think Elise benefited from that. Elise had Mrs. Mair in 1st grade so she, and I, were quite thrilled to find out she had her again. Both of Elise's teachers are very kind and have done a wonderful job. We will miss them as she heads up to 4th grade.

With Brady's special needs, we are able to request his teacher every year. We've asked for Mrs. Angie Simpson. She was Elise's 2nd grade teacher and was awesome! I spoke with her a few months ago and asked if she would be okay taking Brady's needs on. She happily said "Yes!" I loved working with her when Elise was in her class and now I'll get to work with her again! It's a blessing knowing he'll be with a teacher we trust to care for him and be aware of his needs. He also has a great aid, which he'll have again for 1st grade. Pat is so on-the-ball caring for him and making sure he tests at a specific time. With 1st grade being full time, it makes me quite nervous and gives me anxiety to think a huge part of his care will be turned over to Pat and Mrs. Simpson. I have to have faith! I have to also realize my little guy is growing up and is starting to understand more and more how to manage the disease himself, with someone looking over his shoulder, just in case.

Let our summer begin! Lots of fun activities to look forward to!