Wardwell Family Reunion

 This year the Wardwell's held the reunion in Heber.  It was really nice in that big cabin and enjoying all the wonderful things to do. 

Amazing that everyone was able to make the pictures.  This is a good looking family.

All the siblings together.

Hiking Timpanogos

 This day was bitter sweet.  I really had a great day and accomplished a lot and felt Trent did too.  He's afraid of heights and did an amazing job for doing so.  This day also began a rough road ahead that would affect me for the rest of our lives.  Anyone close to us knows our personal story.  I love you all.  (I'm updating this from October)

This hike is significant to me because my brother took me on this when I was a teen.  We only made it to Emerald Lake, which is still quite an accomplishment, but there was still the summit I had never reached.  Several times after, I still hadn't reached the top.  Finally this day, Trent (whom doesn't like to hike--deeper meaning) gave me the opportunity to make it up.  It was a wonderful accomplishment and meant a lot.  I hope we can have more accomplishments together.

Primrose section of the hike

Emerald Lake--slid down that glacier coming back

remember...this guy is afraid of heights.  He did so good!  I was so excited for him 

my turn for the glory shot 

The panoramic view was so marvelous, it literally takes your breathe away!

signing in on the log book at the shelter shack.  It's official.  We did it!

Again, this day was pivotal and significant and changed my life forever.  I have mixed emotions when I think back to this event.  It was the beginning to a new me.  The Lord works in mysterious ways to mold us into what we need to become...a refiners fire.  We, as children of God, need to be broken down, molded and shaped, built up and refined into knowledgable, experienced spirits.  This makes us wise and allows us to come to our Father in Heaven and KNOW He is God.  My three favorite scriptures: Ether 12:27, Mosiah 24:14-16 and D&C 58:2-4.

July Happenings

 After returning from our vacation, the neighborhood still decided to have our own celebration.  I love how we can get together and have a great time.  The kids loved the fireworks.

I took my kids and some nieces and nephews hiking up to battle creek falls.  Also, another friend just moved here...Trents mission buddy, Jason and his family the Strongs moved from California.  I had Katie come along.  It was a great day.

Love when my Georgia friends visit!  Kristi and Mark and Asa Henderson came out to Utah and it was so great to be able to be part of their busy schedule.  They came over for BBQ and then next day we headed up to Utah Olympic Park in Park City.

Ammon being shy... just hangin' with his 'ol pal Ace man. 

 This place was spectacular.  It's amazing the technology.  These are the ski jumps.  We also watched some of the skiiers practice in the ski jump pool.  That was pretty cool.

I gave the last jumper into the pool a 2, but Kristi thought it was pure talent... 

We really came for the slides, but the rain prevented that for about an hour.  We finally were able to ride the chair lift up to the top and have some fun.  Ammon was a little scared, but afterward (as always) loved it and wanted to do it again.  It was a good day.

Loved seeing my friends, and sad to see them go.  Miss them tons, but was so glad to have some quality time.  Love me some Hendersons :o)

Teton Family Vacation

 I have tons of pictures, but I'm updating this blog (its October) and I have so much to catch up on...crazy couple of months in our family.

We planned this trip wanting to really experience the beautiful nature in the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  I came here as a kid and rafted this same part of the river and wanted our kids to have a bit of appreciation for it as well.  It's gorgeous and magnificent territory.  We rented a cabin in Victor, ID about 20-30 min. from these parts.  It was nice instead of a hotel and not spending so much on eating out.  It was cozy and so comfortable.

Its Independence Day here in the Grand Tetons, we were ready to head over to Jenny Lake and ride the boat ferry to the Hidden Falls trail.

 We all loved the ferry to and from the trail.  

This picture doesn't do the falls justice.  Its magnitude is outstanding with the thundering outpour of water.  So spectacular to sit and take it all in.

There was inspiration point further up the trail, so Raegan, Rian and I decided to go to it.  I don't think we made it all the way, but this view was just as inspirational.  Beautiful day to remember our maker.  

Next day...

Here we were already for the Snake River outside of Jackson Hole.  I think everyone was a little weary what to expect, but I knew they would be happy when we were finished.  It was cold and a few of the kids did take the plunge when the water was calm.  It was really great.  Again, I had some awesome pictures of this event.  Memorable for sure.  Trent was lead with another guy and they were soaked for sure!

Later that afternoon, we had a packed lunch and walked around Jackson Hole.  So touristy, but really cool to be in the thick of the excitement.

Kids found this labyrinth at this church.  It was pretty neat.  

This was a short, but very sweet vacation.  Long enough to get just enough excitement in.  Love seeing my kids experience new things.

Happy Birthday Tarin

 My big girl is 11 yrs old.  Next year she will be in YW and going to girls camp...where does the time go?  Love my little helper and sweetheart.  I hope she had as much fun today as I did watching her have fun.  Love you sweetie.

decorated her door before she woke up

 breakfast pancake tradition

Went to Blackridge Pond in Herriman with family and friends to celebrate.  Afterwards, they helped decorate the birthday cake.

finished product

Making a wish...deep thought face

Bake Family

The Bake family from our home in Georgia came for a visit.  With many of their kids matching up to ours, we have many memories with them.  Her family is in Idaho, and made their way down here.  We decided to do the Timpanogos Caves.  Sadly all the cave tours were sold out, but the hike was till a lot of fun.  Great seeing them and catching up with them.

Quilting Begins

It is that time again.  Time for Tarin and Raegan to begin their world of sewing.  I wanted them to make something for their beds.  Found some great fabric, and a simple block quilt design...and here we go...

Raegan likes the orangish reds and Tarin loves the blues.  Perfect!

I bought these as quarters, so a little prep work was needed.  But they are excited to begin and create. 

Tarin is my iron queen.

Silver Lake Res.

Jarom needed some more hours for his Citizen in the Nation Merit Badge, so we took a picnic up to Silver Lake Resuvior and some garbage bags.  Enjoyed a lunch around this beautiful lake, then took off around the lake to collect trash left by others.  We found so much junk, you wouldn't believe the things we found... it was good to make a difference. 

Some great adventures

Sister power!

Brother bonding

 altogether

this event has significance.  Last year we hiked all the way up to the natural Silver Lake and Ammon chose to strip down to his undies and jumped in off a rock a few feet into the lake.  Remember this is glacial water...stinkin' cold!  This year, I thought I'd remind him about his bravery and see if he'd keep the tradition going.  He DID, he stripped down and got in.  He almost didn't go under, but HE DID!  Wish I could upload the video, it was awesome!  He was so cute!!

More Swimming

We made many trips to Legacy Rec Center for swimming.  We love inviting friends and having fun.  

 Ammon invited Baylie Lewis, and Tarin invited Cadence Lewis (two different families but both in our neighborhood)

Yes, Ammon is showing off his dollar...the kids have discovered the concession stand...so this is a good opportunity to learn about using their own monies and when to save it.  Either way, lots of fun times here.

Clear Creek Camp

For 5th grade camp, the school sent them to the Alpine School District camp called Clear Creek.  She loved it so much (and so did I) that I knew she would love this experience in the summer.  We signed her up and she couldn't wait to go.

In preparation they had to paint a #10 can for their pot gut trap.  She worked long and hard on that decorating.  I love when she gets motivated to do her best.

 Finally the day came.  We met at an elementary school in Lindon and checked in.  When it was time to get on the buses, we both started to cry.  We were going to miss each other so so much.  First time (really) apart from each other for that long...5 days.  I worried for her hoping to make at least one friend, because she was going in blind, not knowing anyone.  Of all my kids, she's the one that does well at making friends right off.  

Luckily, the district isn't new to this program and knew parents would like a glimps into the camp.  There is no contact, so I was so excited to see the email filled with pictures of kids smiling and having fun.  Tarin was Orange group and seeing her arm and arm with another girls put my mind at ease...she is having fun.
Day1

 see her in the bottom right corner?  She's doing just fine.

Day2

I knew there was unseasonably cold weather coming, and even though it was June, I knew it could snow...learning from 5th grade camp where it snowed and not prepared, we were prepared this round.

This is what it looked like to us, snow capped mountains at 6K feet, so I knew where Tarin was (8K feet) that they definitely got something!

Yep, the daily email came (late due their limited internet interrupted from the storm) and this is what we saw...

 But luckily it didn't last long...
7am picture

by 11am it had all melted away...

...and their spirits were still high and lively...notice Tarin in blue sweater bottom right

Day 3

This email didn't capture Tarin, but it looks like fun games and campfire fun.

Day 4

Again full of wading through the creek learning about the sensitive ecosystem it holds, and visiting the cemetery there in Scofield learning about the mining accident back in the early 19th century.  No pictures of Tarin

Day 5

Tarin was in Pine Tree Inn Cabin...sadly, she must have been wondering around when they took this picture, so she didn't make it in...

 Group picture of all boys and girls and camp leaders

she made this picture...she is second row from the bottom and 8th from the left...

She had a marvelous time and recommends it to Raegan for next year.  I was so glad to see her get off the bus and give her a bug squeeze hug.  Love my girl and glad she is making fond memories.