A day at LAGOON!!!

The Autrey's and us decided to make a trip to Lagoon today. We decided to get there as soon as they opened, but it didn't matter, because the park was already crowded. That is what happens when you go on a Friday. Erika brought her friend, Caitie and Riley and Sarah were buddies. We went on many rides, starting with the old white wooden Roller coaster, Wicked, Spider, Wild Mouse, Jet Star, Centennial Screamer, The Rocket, Colosus, Samarui, Rattlesnake Rapids (which we all were very wet for a least a couple of hours) and many many multiple times on each ride. The highlight was Brian & Rob going on the Capapult. This ride costs extra, but it was well worth it for them and for all of us watching. We also had a hour where we were eating dinner in a pavillion and it rained, thundered, lightning and wind for a good hour before we left and went back to the rides. The nice thing about the rain was that many people left the park, so there wasn't as many people in the lines for the most popular rides. We also had to get our jackets for the evening, because the rain showers made it kind of chilly. We left the park when it closed at 11 pm and arrived home at midnight. WOW, what a day, 10 am to 12 am. To say the least we slept in the next day, good thing it was Saturday. We had a lot of fun with the Autrey's. We might bounce back next week, but we will see!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Need we say more. Brian and his dad, Doug are some crazy dads. We wanted some nice pictures of them on Father's day, but they chose to be silly and we were all laughing so hard that we couldn't help but take more pictures of them. They were good sports too. So HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the great and crazy dads out there!! WE LOVE YOU BRIAN and GRANDPA DOUG.....!!!!

Ward Campout

We went with our Ward up Hobble Creek Canyon in Springville to Jolley's Ranch. We had to provided our own dinners so we combined dinner with the Autrey family and the McGriff family. The Autrey's made dutch oven chicken and potatoes, McGriff's made breadsticks, veggies and spice cake. We made fruit kabobs and steamed veggies. It tasted so good and filling. Then many ward members made cobbler and homemade ice cream for everyone. We played Bingo and Backwards Hymns and sang songs by the campfire. Brian won Bingo blackout and our ward friend, Shirlene won Bingo and received candy bars. Erika played card games with Heather and Riley hiked up the mountain with all the kids his age. Riley as usual found the mud and dirt and slid down the mountain in the mud. Are we surprised? He also thought he lost his pocket knife, but Bro. Brockbank picked it up to teach him a lesson. Erika slept in our tent with the McGriff girls and Riley, Brian & Sharri slept in the camper trailer with the Autrey's. (Cameron stayed home, because he doesn't enjoy being outdoors and camping) We all didn't sleep well, but what do you expect for camping and not being in your own bed. The ward then provided breakfast in the morning. Eggs, French Toast, Bacon, fruit, juice and left over homemade ice cream. It was all so good and filling. We packed up and headed for home around 9:30 am and then came home and crashed. We were all really tired, but our tummies were happy from all the good food. Thanks to the activities committee for planning and making it a fun experience.

Welfare Square Field Trip

During dinner a couple of nights ago, the kids were asking questions about the Cannery and the Bishop's storehouse. As parents, we tried to explain to them what it was and why we go and give service to help. Then Sharri decided that we needed to take a field trip to Welfare Square in downtown Salt Lake. We arrived at around 2:00 pm and just missed the 15 minute movie presentation before the missionaries give you a tour. We just jumped in with them after the movie and went on the tour. We started with the Bishop's storehouse. The missionaries explained that there are no prices and no cash register's. They also have two brand names for most the grocery items. One is the Deseret and the other commercial. Deseret is the food that is canned at the Cannery and the other is commercially bought, because it is cheaper than producing it. Then we went by the Transiant Bishop and the Employment Center and the missionaries explained about these. While we were in there, Erika said, "It smells like Bread." Sure enough, we were going to the Bakery next. They make 5,000 loaves of bread a day and delivery it to 5 states. (Utah, Nevada, California, Idaho and Arizonia) We then headed over to the Wet Pack Cannery where they were making and bottling honey. The kids were pretty intreged about the assembly line. We went outside past the white towers were they store grain in them. When they were built in 1940, it only took 8 days to pour the cement and start using them. That was pretty amazing for 1940 time era. We then walked over the Deseret Industries through the back were they sort items that are donated and make Humanitarian kits to be shipped to other countries. The last stop was the Dairy. They make butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, milk and cheese. We saw them cutting up 40 lbs blocks of cheese and individually wrapping them. They were also dry packing 50 lbs bags of cocoa mix. We were then given samples of Chocolate Milk, cheese, bread, butter, jam, honey and peanut butter. The kids and Sharri were uplifted and we each learned something new about Welfare Square. Next trip is the Humanitarian Center.

Jewelry for Sharri from Suzie

Sharri's sister in law, Suzie, makes these watches and jewelry. She is so amazing and creative knows what looks good together. Sharri has recently bought a couple of watches and band from Suzie. When ever Sharri has the watches on, everyone comments on them and wants one. This past Sunday, when all the family were together for dinner, Suzie brought Sharri these PURPLE watch band, earrings and necklace that she had made. Suzie told her that when she was making it, that it was perfect for Sharri, because she loves purple. Then Suzie decided to make earrings to match, because Sharri loves the earrings that Suzie made her the last time. Also, Suzie decided that Sharri needed a matching necklace and pendant. Of course, Suzie would not allow us to pay her for them. She is so sweet. Sharri told her that she was the best and thanked her to thinking of her. Sharri will probably wear them everywhere with everything., even if she doesn't have purple on that day. Thanks Suzie!!!

Visit with Christi

Our family was able to visit with Christi today. She is Brian's only sister and sibling. Christi is currently in a treatment center for Women and Children. She has been there since March. She gets to visit with family and friends only on Sundays from 1-4 and Wednesday evenings from 6-7. Because we had Stake Conference today, we were able to visit with her and not infringe on the time she gets to visit with her 5 girls. She tells us that she has a goal to be able to get out and graduate by her birthday on July 14. She is so much happier and healthy as well. We are so proud of her for checking herself into a treatment center so she can get help with abuse, drug addiction and domestic violence. WE LOVE YOU CHRISTI!!!!

Night at the Museum 2

We went as a family for FHE and saw the movie Night at the Museum 2. There were only 10 other people in the theater. It was nice not to have to fight for a good seat in the theater. We all enjoyed it and thought it was as good as the first one. We then went to Red Robin for dinner. A little bit of an expense for FHE, but well worth it. If you want to go and see a great family movie, this one is it. Love it when the media does some clean decent movies that the whole family can enjoy.

Air Show - The Boys and their Toys

Brian, Sharri, Cameron, Riley, Grandpa Doug & our neighbor, Rob went to the Air Show at Hill Airforce Base. We left around 12:00 pm and picked up Grandpa in Sandy and headed up. As we were driving a couple of signs kept saying "FREEWAY CLOSED at MP 313, US-89, use 1-215." We didn't think that was where we were going ,we we ignored the signs and preceeded on. Well, around North Salt Lake, the traffic was all backed up. There was also construction and narrowing the lanes down to 2 lanes each way. We also thought it was the construction that caused the traffic to be backed up. Wrong Again!!! We were stuck in the traffic on the freeway for 1 hour and then were forced to exit and head west. We then thought they were re-routing us to Legacy Highway, but we ended up to the entrance to I-215. We should of did what the signs said way back in Sandy and we would have been fine, but we didn't. We were supposed to pick up one of Grandpa's friend's in Kaysville, but we got there too late, and he went on his own. We we arrived at Hill Air Force base, we had to wait in another line to Park and then walk a while to get into the base entrance. We found a spot to sit at the front line and then saw the THUNDERBIRDS show from 4:30 - 5:00 pm. We stayed for a little bit to look at the static airplanes and then headed home. We stopped in Centerville for some dinner and the Lonestar. When we arrived back in Sandy at 90th S, where Grandpa left his car, it was missing. We couldn't find it anywhere. It had been towed away, because the parking lot had signs all over saying "UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED AND WILL BE TOWED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE." We saw these signs, but figured they were there when the Lowe's was in business. Wrong Again. We called the towing place and yep, they had the 1990 SAAB and we had to bring $191.00 in cash to claim it back. We think because there was a REAL Soccer game that night, they use the parking lot to charge for parking. It was a fun day, but the traffic back up and the car towed kind of made it not so fun too. I guess the moral to all of this is "READ THE SIGNS" and do what they say.

The movie UP....

Cameron has been wanting to go see the movie, UP since it came out in the movie theaters. Sharri, Cameron, Erika and Riley went this afternoon to go and see it. It was a really cute and funny movie. The Eldery man in the movie reminds us of Grandpa Gary. We highly suggest that you go and see it. It was alot of fun and we were able to have lunch afterwards in the Food Court at Provo Towne Mall.

Riley & Erika swimming

Riley & Erika love the summer time when they can swim every single day. A couple of years ago, Erika and her parents went in on a 12' pool to use in the backyard. They rotate between our pool and going with the McGriff's to an off campus BYU apartments pool. They were there for at least 3 hours swimming this evening. Riley should just wear his swimming suit everyday, because he is always in the water somewhere. These pictures were taken at the BYU apartments by seven peaks. Thanks to the McGriff's that are willing to take the whole neighborhood to go swimming.

Storehouse Vegetable Garden

Sharri was able to do some service hours at the Bishop Storehouse Vegetable Garden. The storehouse is in Lindon and just behind the cannery, there is a HUGE garden area. The area might be the size of 1 acre. The rows are about 200 feet long and 100 rows of all different kinds of vegetables. It was a fun and interesting experience. It was our stake's turn to help with the garden for 2 hours. Another Sister in the ward and Sharri went and they staked down the dripper hoses in each row. Other sisters did weeding in the planter boxes that were all around the garden area and the men did the tillers in between the rows. The vegetables they are growing are cabbage, cantalope, watermelon, winter squash, summer squash, cucumbers, broccoli, onions, beets, carrots, peppers, tomatoes and corn. Unfortantely, the quail and raccoons are helping with the garden as well. The quail are eating all the cabbage and broccoli leaves and raccoons are taking up the rest, especially the corn. The garden is small right now, but we would like to go back every week and see how it has grown. Sharri is obsessed with how other people do gardening. We think she gets it from her Grandpa Belcher, who was an advid gardener.

Erika Youth Conference @ Aspen Grove

Erika went to Youth Conference this morning. She went to the Stake Center at 8 am first, so that the youth of the stake could do service projects at the 3 different ward houses in our stake. Then they went to Aspen Grove up Provo Canyon at 1 pm. The stake presidency felt strongly that the youth should be home with their families on monday night, so she was back to the house at 7 pm. We played 3 games as a family and then stayed up until 11 pm. She will be back up at Aspen Grove tomorrow morning at 7 am and will return on Wed. around 12 pm. She tried to take some pictures on her camera, but we couldn't get them to copy to the computer. Hopefully she will have some stories to tell when she gets back.

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.