Last day of school, summer break and camping

Today was the last day of school for Sharri, Erika and Riley. It has been a great year for all of us. Erika finished a hard and crazy class schedule for her sophomore year. She had many honors classes and finished them with great passing grades. (She is smarter than a 10th grader!!) Next year will probably be even harder for her, but if she wants to get into BYU she needs to work hard. Riley as well did many projects and research papers than he has ever done before. He will be going to Dixon Middle School next year and is not quite sure about it yet. As like Erika, he is a honor student as well. He especially loves Science and Astronomy. Maybe he will be our future Astronaut. Sharri is done working full time and only has to work 40 hours in June, so a couple of half days. It is nice to have some time off for the summer and focus some time of those things around the house that have been neglected for the past 10 months. She will also be able to focus more on Girls Camp coming up in July.

Cameron is still working on the mission papers and is almost done and ready to turn them in. He has been dragging his feet, but he knows that it is the right thing to do, just on his time.

Riley went camping on Friday and Saturday with 4 other scouts and 3 leaders. They went down to Mona by the Young Living Family Farm. He was to cook his own dinner, so he took hot dogs and some veggies in tin foil. He was so excited. The last time he went camping was in January where he was so cold and wet. He enjoys camping, just not when he is cold and wet.

Riley 6th grade GRADUATION!!!

Riley graduated from the 6th grade today at Lakeview Elementary. Miss Burkinshaw was his teacher. He received a certificate for graduating and The President's Education Silver Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. We are very proud of him for his accomplishments and achievements. It has been a rough year for Riley and his mom, because he had to ride his bike or get a ride from his mom. We have been spoiled with Cameron and Erika in elementary school to be able to ride the bus, but with the new Lakeview Elementary this year, that was no longer a privledge. He has been able to go to a friends house on Tuesdays and some Fridays to help with transportation. He is part of the first 6th grade class to graduate from Lakeview Elementary. What a great experience for him and now on to bigger and better things, Dixon Middle School for 7th and 8th grade. And yes, he gets to ride the bus again. Congrats to Riley!!!

Riley @ Seven Peaks

Riley and his school mates at Seven Peaks Water Park. Are they white boys or what? (some of his friends pictured: Connor, Riley, Deagan and James)

Riley D.A.R.E. graduation

Riley was awarded the D.A.R.E. certification of achievement today at Lakeview Elementary.

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. This core program teaches elementary kids about drugs, what kinds there are and how bad they can effect you. The program has been going all year at Lakeview. Officer Partridge taught the classes and gave Riley his certification. Also, during the awards ceremony, Officer Beebe, from the Bomb Squad, came with his robot and showed the kids how it worked and also lit a small bomb in a funnel. What a great experience for Riley. Congrats!!

Fun Ward Wedding

Brian & Sharri went to our neighbors daughters wedding reception. Instead of signing a book when you walked in, they had a Photo Booth set up. You had to sit in the booth and get 4 pictures takes, then they gave you two copies. one to put on a scrapbook pages to write things to the Bride and Groom and they other one you were able to keep. The lady that did the photo booth was so fun and excited about it all, that you could not have your picture taken. She also said that her husband was doing the same thing at another wedding the same night. What a cute idea. Some people pulled faces, laughed, kissed, frowned and many other facial expressions. How fun to remember people that came to your wedding. I told Erika about it and she thought it was a cute idea too. We will have to remember it when we are planning for someone's wedding in the future. Thanks Libutti family for the fun Photo Booth pictures.

YW Camp Retreat

The YW and leaders of our ward had a camp retreat this weekend. We all went to the YW President's cabin just east of Park City. There were 11 YW and 9 leaders (including 3 priesthood men). We left at 4:30 pm and arrived at the cabin at 6 pm. All the girls were starving of hunger, so the Camp Cook, Janet made some Chili and chicken noodle soup. It tasted so good. We were going to do Tin Foil dinners, but the fire pit outside was all covered in snow. The girls and leaders stayed up late playing card games and talked. The next morning, we had muffins, bagels, fruit and juice for breakfast and then 6 girls and 3 leaders went on a hike around the cabin for 1 mile. The girls did just fine up and down the hills with snow and mud. Not so much fun for the leaders. We left at 11:30 am and arrived home at 12:45 pm. The girls all slept on the way home in the cars. They all had a great time playing, laughing and just being together. Thanks to Janice and Debbie for the cabin.

5K Fun Run

About 2 months ago, Erika's YW President asked us if we wanted to run or walk in her Fun Run. Sharri and Erika accepted and signed up. It was today, and it was raining so hard. Sharri had a cold, so Erika's friend, Rachel, stepped in and did it with her. They started at Glen Canyon Park for Registration at 8:30 am and then were bussed up the Vivian Park and the race started at 9:00 am. It was still raining really hard, but Erika and Rachel went for it anyways. They had a great time running, walking, skipping, singing and talking for the 3.2 miles down hill. They arrived at the Finish Line at around 10:15 am. They were drenched, but were laughing and still having a good time. They stayed for the awards, and then wanted to go home and get dry. What a fun experience. The Fun Run money is donated to Reach the Children in Africa. Erika's YW President is one of the many volunteers who help run it. Maybe next year, the whole family can do it.

Violin Stain Glass for Erika

One of our neighbors, The Gomms, makes stained glass pictures. Sharri had asked Sister Gomm if she would make a picture of a violin for Erika. She made up the design and we approved it. It was a surprise for Erika. Sharri asked Erika if she wanted to go on a walk. We walked to the Gomm's house and Sister Gomm presented her the picture she made out of stained glass of a violin. It was beautiful. Thanks to Sister Gomm for coming up with the design and doing it for Erika.

Sea World San Diego

On Saturday, April 18th, we arrived at Sea World at 10 am. We had reservations for the Dolphin Encounter at 11 am. Because our tickets were in will call, it took us a while to get our tickets and then get in the security line. By the time this all happened we were late for our reservation by 10 minutes. We had to re-schedule our reservation for 2:30 pm. We then decided to go to the Dolphin Show, the Sea Lion Show and the Shamu show. It was a nice warm day in San Diego. It was around 90 degrees for the high that day, so we all got a little bit sunburned. Erika, thinking that she just tans, didn't put on any sunblock, so she got blisters on her nose and forehead. The kids touched the Bat Rays and then we went on the Water ride. Riley was drenched when we got off the ride. We ate some lunch and then walked around to the exhibits. At 2:15 we walked over to the Dolphin Encounter and we were able to touch and feed one of the Dolphins with one trainer. Erika wants to be able to train dolphins, so this experience was for her purpose. She was thrilled for the 15 minutes she had with the dolphin. We then did some more walking around different sea life exhibits and then stood in line for the Atlantis Ride. It said 20 minutes, but it ended up being an hour. It was dark by this time, and since Riley had already gotten drenched once, we decided to buy him a rain poncho so he wouldn't be wet the rest of the evening. We bought some gifts from the gift shop and saw some of the fireworks from the Shamu Rocks show and then headed back to the WESTGATE Hotel. We were all tired and sunburned and needed a good nights sleep and to sleep in. We left San Diegoat 9:30 am on Sunday morning and headed back for home. We drove for 12 1/2 hours on Sunday and arrived back at home at 11:45 pm. We were glad to be home, but we had a great time. Cameron decided not to go with us and stayed home and took care of some home improvements while we were gone.

Six Flags Magic Mountain - 2 days of Fun!!

We decided before we left that we were going to spend two days at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The last time we were down at Six Flags, the lines were great, but not this time. Apparently, California schools were on Spring Break too. Bad planning on our part, but we had already purchased our Annual Pass Tickets. It was still a little bit windy and cold, but we are from Utah and for us the weather was great. The locals were dressed in long pants and jackets, but not us, shorts and short sleeves. We started on the ride, THE REVOLUTION and ended with ride THE REVOLUTION. We went on many rides more than once, but most of the time we spent waiting in lines. For the ride, TATSU, the line wait was 2 hours long. Not so fun, but Brian and the kids said it was worth it. We were at the park from 10:30 am until 9:30 pm. When the sun went down, we were not prepared for the cold night at Six Flags, so we all had to buy jackets from the gift shop. Also, went it was dark, alot of the people that were at the park earlier, had left, and the there were no lines. The kids, Brian and some of the Autrey family rode the VIPER 3 times in a row, THE NINJA 5 times in a row and THE GOLDRUSHER 6 times in a row. The workers told them that they could keep riding if nobody was in line. That made the long lines earlier in the day worth it. We then went back to our Hotel with sore feet and legs from all the walking we did at the Park. The next day, Brian decided to buy the Flash Pass to get to the front of the line on all the rides. The ride X2 was not open the day before, because of the high winds. The line for X2 was long, but Brian bought extra tickets to get to the front of it too. This was alot of money, but well worth it in the end. We ran from ride to ride, and the park closed at 6 pm, because of a private party. So we ended up spending from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm in the park. We then jumped in our cars and headed down for San Diego. It was an 2 1/2 hour drive to San Diego, so we didn't get there until 9:30 pm. Brian had made arrangements with his mission companion that owns the Grand and Little America in Salt Lake to stay at their Hotel in San Diego, THE WESTGATE HOTEL. We got the rooms for the employee price, which was $258 a night. Now can you imagine what the regular price was? Around $2500 a night. We were on the top floor and stayed in the Presidential and Governer's Suites. The Autrey family were stunned at the luxury of this hotel. Gold door knobs, gold faucets, clothe walls, french decor, etc, etc, etc. Oh, and you had to park in the Valet and have your bags taken by the Bell boy and Hosts. Brian and Sharri have stayed at this Hotel twice before, so knew what to expect. We didn't not expect to get the top floor two bedroom suites, but we were not surpised either. We were left a snack on the living room table with imported cheese, bread, grapes and a bottle of Sparkling Lemonade in both rooms. The beds had down bedspreads and the bathroom and robes and slippers to use. We were totally our of our element at this Hotel. It was once in a lifetime stay. Tomorrow, we are headed to Sea World for the Day for Erika.

Spring Break - Vacation to California

The kids and Sharri are off school and work for Spring Break. We decided as a family to go to California and visit Six Flags Magic Mountain for two days and Sea World San Diego for 1 day. Our neighbors, The Autrey Family, decided to join us. On Tuesday, April 14 @ 2 pm, we drove down to Las Vegas. We had alot of rain and wind driving down to Las Vegas. We decided to stop at Cedar City for gas and a short snack before we preceeded down to Las Vegas. Sharri had made arrangements to stay with her friend, Leslie, that she grew up with and went to High School with that lived in Las Vegas. We arrived in Las Vegas at around 6:30 pm and stopped at the Belligio Hotel to see the Dancing Water Fountain. The wind was blowing 40 mph, so they were not running the fountains that night. It was very cold for Las Vegas with the wind blowing. We were sad, but then headed over to Leslie's house about 10 minutes east from the Hotel Strip. We stayed up with her family until 2 am in the morning talking and catching up. We left the next morning at around 10:30 am and meet up with the Autreys at Primm, Las Vegas, were we rode our first roller coaster, the Desperado. It was still a little bit cold and windy, but we still went. The first hill was 225 foot drop and went 80 miles per hour. Crazy, but fun. We all had water from our eyes running horizontal and spit coming out of our mouths after screaming. We had lunch in the Buffalo Bill Casino and then headed for Santa Clarita to stay at the Fairfield Inn Marriott Hotel to enjoy the next two days at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Riley - School World's Fair

Riley had to do a report on a country in the World. He chose to do FRANCE. Humm, no surpise there. He worked on it for a month researching different topics and writing them down on 3 x 5 cards. Then he had to write a rough draft of his notes from the 3 x 5 cards. After some students in his class and his parents proof read his rough draft, then it was to be typed out in a Final Draft with cover page and bibliography. It seems that the schools are starting the students with this really early. Brian and Sharri both remember doing them, but not until 8th or 9th grade. After the 10 pages typed, he then had to do a display for the World's Fair. He had to work with two other students that did France as well. He took Brian's old money (Franc's) and some Euro's and the French flag. They had bagette's and cheese to sample from their country. They also had to do a display board, which Riley's mom was not so impressed with, but what do you do when other students/parents are in charge of it. The whole school gym was surrounded by all the 6th grade students who did different countries. Parents were invited to come and walk around to all the different countries. And the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades came in as well. It was the longest hour ever and then it was time to go home. We hope that this is the end of the research papers for this year. Great job RILEY!!!

Handmade Skirt - YIKEESSS!!!

I have been looking for an Easter skirt or dress for the past week. I have not been able to find anything that I liked or in the right price range. Finally, on Saturday morning, I decided to just buy some material and make a skirt. When I went to the fabric store, my intentions were to buy a couple yards of eyelet material and just sew it together and put in a elastic waist. Then I saw the purple butterfly netting material with scalloped edges. I had already made a under skirt last year that was the same color of purple, so it might work out. At 9:00 pm on Satuday, I was sewing frantically to get it done. It actually turned out really great and I found a white shirt to go with the skirt. I actually did learn something in middle school in the sewing classes, not to mention my own mother, who sews really well. I was so proud of myself.

Easter Egg Hunt

Every year the Saturday before Easter, we have a Easter Egg Hunt at G. Holly & G. Gary house. The grandkids are sorted by age and where they get to find eggs. Riley and his 3 cousins were able to find eggs that my Brother, Doug, hid in the backyard. The younger cousins were in the front yard. Erika and Cameron decided that they were too old for Egg Hunt this year, so they got to hide eggs instead. My brother also spreads candy all over the grass. I think my brother is still a kid at heart. He is helping all the kids under the deck find the eggs that he hid. Afterwards, the whole family had BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs.

Erika - District Orchestra concert

Every year, Erika has an District Orchestra concert. The concert is held at Timpview High School Auditorium. All the elementary school orchestra's play together, then the two middle school orchestra's play together and then Provo High & Timpview High Philharmonic Orchestra's play together. Erika has been doing these concerts since she was in 5th grade, so the last 6 years. They are also enjoyable to attend, because elementary sound sort of okay, then the middle school is a little better and then the High School is amazing. This was also the last concert for Erika's teacher, Mr. Dixon. He is retiring after 30 years with the District. Erika is sad, because he has been her teacher for the last 4 years at Dixon Middle and now Provo High. The High school played Mr. Dixon's Swan song for the last song. (Berceuse and Finale from "The Firebird Suite" by Stravinsky) Of course, it was amazing. Erika loves to play in the big groups, like the Philharmonic. And she always sits in the back, which is hard for her family to see her, but we know that she is there somewhere. (Video coming later)...

Cameron laid off from work

At 10 am today Cameron was laid off from DTI Technologies. He has been working there since the summer of 2006. After graduation, she started working full time. He has enjoyed working with his dad at his work and learning new tools, software, hardware and many other things with the computers and the software that DTI makes. He was a software tester and was working on the web testing recently. 50 people were laid off, including Cameron. 1 to 4 people in each department. Many friends and neighbors were laid off in that 50. They based it on three things, 1. how many years you worked at DTI, 2. the skills you had and if they were needed and 3. profienciency while at work and dependability. The Board of Directors gave points in these three areas, and that is how they decided who would be let go. Some people had been there over 11 years. Cameron was a little bit stunned and sad, but it is a blessing in disguise, because he needs to start his mission papers and get out in the field. He has made some great money and is well ready to use it for his mission. His mom told him that he has two weeks off, then she is going to put him to work. (Like de-junking his room)

A long long time ago.....

We have been converting Brian's mission slides to digital. We came across this one, taken on May 25, 1985. Wow, doesn't he look young. He should, right, since he was 19 years old, and he has alot of hair. What a handsome young man. Just thought we would share it with all that follow our blog.

HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!

Today is Cameron's 19th birthday. Yep, you heard right, 19 years old. As all of you are going to ask, he is in the process of getting his mission papers started. So, soon he will have a mission call and be gone for two years. We are so proud of Cameron. He is taller than his dad, around 6'4" and loves to eat pretty much everything in the house that looks like food. He is working full time with his dad to earn money for his mission. He is so smart when it comes to computers. He is the customer support to all the family. He will be missed for his knowledge and help with all the computers. He is also a great help around the house. Helping get his brother and sister to different places, fixing dinners, vacuuming (especially the spiders), getting the clothes washed, and many handyman things that need to be done around the house. He is a mission companions dream and someday a great husband and dad. We love you Cam and hope you have a great birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

April Fools Day!!

Cameron received this on his car today when he got in it to come home. He was a little bit nervous at first, because it said "PARKING VIOLATION." His first response, was "What? I always park in the same place." Then when he read this rest of it, he realized that it was an April Fools Joke. Many things happened at Sharri's school today. The students had to eat lunch with only 1 table and 1 chair. And all the students came to the office, so 280 students in the office at one time. Also, the office staff took all the office furniture out of the Assistant Principals office, and left just the chair and his phone on the floor. Sharri played jokes on the school resource officer by putting a post it note on the bottom on his mouse and taped down his pen to the desk with scotch tape. Erika had her seminary teacher play jokes on the other teachers, by wearing all of the teachers wearing his sweaters. Brian is out of town this week in San Francisco for a work conference, so he missed out on all the fun at work and home. What a fun day!!

Cameron's Patriarchal Blessing

Cameron received his Patriarchal Blessing this evening. Patriarch Dennis is the Patriarch in our stake. He was a very kind and spiritual man. Cameron and his parents went to his home at 5 pm. Patriarch Dennis asked him some questions about himself and then invited his parents in. Patriarch Dennis asked his parents about him and some great things about him as a son in our family. Then he preceeded to give him a Patriarchal Blessing. What a great blessing he gave him. He told Cameron that they would type it up and then deliver it to him in a week. He has had a great desire to get this blessing and we are so proud of him. This is the one of the steps he has to take to start his mission papers. We are so excited for him.

Riley - ordained a Deacon

Riley was sustained and ordained a Deacon today at church. Since he turned 12 years old last thursday, we have had birthday dinner, a birthday party with 8 friends on saturday and then today with his ordination. He received a new suit for his birthday for this as well. He wasn't to happy about wearing the suit, but everybody at church said he looked good, so we think he will wear it next week. Next week will be his first time passing the sacrament and going to Mutual on Tuesday. He is growing up too fast.(In attendance at his ordination: Grandpa Doug, Grandma Bette, Cortney, Lindsee, Anna, Kimber, Tannis, Grandpa Gary, Grandma Holly, Mom, Dad, Cameron, Erika, The McGriff Family, The Autrey Family and Bro. Brockbank)

Happy 12th Birthday Riley!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY!!!

Riley will be 12 years old today. We can't believe that he is twelve. Crazy how they grow up so fast. He already received a couple of presents last week. He needed a new pair of tennis shoes, because the other ones had holes in the bottom. And, he also wanted a new bike to be able to ride to school, since it has become warmer. We will be celebrating his birthday with dinner out with the family. He wants to go to Chuck A Rama. Not sure why, but we think because there is something there for everyone. He will be having a party on Saturday with his friends. He has also asked for Krispy Kreme donuts for his classmates today at school. The things we do for our kids. Happy Birthday Riley, we love you tons and tons!!!!!

Riley - Classic Skating Field Trip

Riley was able to attend the field trip with all the 6th graders from Lakeview Elementary during school today. In order to attend, you have to have all your assignments turned in and have at least 80% passing in Math, Reading, Spelling, Social Studies, and Science. This is for the whole term, which is 9 weeks or 45 days. The teachers reward them for their efforts by going on field trips during school hours. Sharri was able to drive him and a couple of friends to the Classic Skating Rink in Orem from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Riley really didn't skate too much, but wanted to play all the arcade games instead. Funny boy!!

PHS Philharmonic Orchestra Concert

The family went and listened to Erika and the PHS Philharmonic Orchestra perform 3 pieces tonight. It was at PHS @ 7 pm. The conductor said it would be a short concert. Is an hour short. The performance of the pieces were amazing. It reminded us of the Utah Symphony. The orchestra is competiting tomorrow with 10 other schools for 4A Region championship. If they play like they did tonight, they will for sure get 1st place.

Draper Utah Temple Dedication

Our family had the opportunity to attend one of the 12 dedication ceremonies for the Draper Utah Temple. You have to be 8 years old or older to be able to attend. We received our tickets a couple of weeks ago from our Bishop. We were in the last ceremony, #12 at 4:30 pm. Since we had to be in Sandy to Grandma Holly's & Grandpa Gary's for our monthly Birthday dinner, we decided to attend at the Sandy Hillcrest Stake Center. (Which is Grandma Holly's & Grandpa Gary's stake center) We had to be in our seats at 4 pm and no later. We arrived at the stake center at 3:45 pm and we were worried about getting a soft seat. To our surprise, the chapel was not even full. We guessed that there was about 75 people there with us. It was nice not to have to go really early to get a soft seat and not have alot of people there. The ceremony lasted about 1 1/2 hours. It was getting really difficult for Riley to sit from 3:45 till 6 pm, but he did it. As you can see in the pictures, we had to have white hankies for us to use at the end of the cermony for the Hosanna Shout. Both Brian and Sharri remember attending the Jordan River Temple a few years ago. It was memorable then, and we hope that the kids will remember it as well.

Riley - 6th Grade Maturation

Okay, so we don't need to go into details about this. We have all been there with our kids. Brian and Sharri went to be with Riley for this. The PE Teacher from Dixon Middle School taught the class today at Lakeview for all the 6th grade boys. Then they gave them a stick of deoderant. It was done very well and a great way to get to know the teacher, since all the boys will be at Dixon Middle School next year. He was funny, but to the point. Riley is the last one we will have to go to. Yeah....but sad too. He is growing up too fast.

Riley - First Class Advancement

Riley was awarded his First Class Rank Advancement and Art Merit Badge in the Boy Scouts at the Stake Court of Honor Banquet. He has been working really hard to get this rank before he turns 12 years old next week. He also went to the Stake Pow-Wow and did 3 Merit Badges. He is still working on Landscape Architecure and Citizenship in the Nation. Great job Riley!!

The Check is in the Mail....???

We love getting mail when there is a surpise. We figured it was one of those loan checks that if you deposit them, they give you a loan. But to our surpise, this was not the case. When Sharri opened the envelope, this is what it said,

"Dear Mr. Brown....A refund has been forward from the US Government of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $........ to Utah Housing Corp on your behalf. This refund represents overpaid mortgage insurance premiums. Although the loan may have been paid in full for sometime Utah Housing Corp is required to forward these funds to you."

We were surprised and a little bit excited. When we first moved to this house, we received a loan with Utah Housing, but have since refianced it. That was 15 years ago.

Want to know the amount? Let's just say it is worth a two or three trips to the grocery store once a week.

Riley - Awarded Faith in God

Riley earned his Faith in God and was awarded it during Primary closing exercises today. The Bishop presented this award to him and then Riley bore his Testimony. Today is the last Sunday that he will be in Primary. He was a little bit teary about it being his last time in Primary, but excited about joining the Young Men. In order to get this award, he had to do 8 different assignments in the areas of "Learning & Living the Gospel", "Serving Others", "Developing Talents" and "Preparing for the Priesthood. He also had to memorize the 13 Articles of Faith and write his Testimony in the book. We are so proud of him to obeying and sustaining this great program for the Primary children. Now off to bigger and better things, like the Duty to God program in Young Mens and Boy Scouts. Great Job Riley!!!

Draper Temple Open House - again

Need we say more. We had fun with Grandpa Doug, Grandma Bette, Cortney, Lindsee, Anna, Kimber and Tannis.