Spring Break Week

Spring Break, I had to do something...getting out of town and changing up routine is always nice.  Kids have a hard time the first little while, but quickly realize how much fun we have together.  The drive is always the hardest part, because its really long.   So thankful my parents have a cabin we can retreat to because there is no cell service and we are 'forced' to hang out! :o)  Early Monday morning we got up and headed south to AZ, making it to Payson by about 1pm and hit the store for groceries.  We had a lot of fun getting goodies we don't normally buy.  It was also fun, because having all 5 kids tag near the shopping cart was like old times, but all grown up.  My little chickens were pushing the cart and joking around keeping the experience alive.  A memory I will cherish.  Because it had been a long day already, we relaxed and explored and watched a movie.
Next morning was pancakes and hang out.  We started a puzzle, kids found the old playstation games and we did a late Easter Egg Hunt.

I know, egg hunt over kill (for Ammon maybe) but the older kids don't get much egg hunting fun  anymore, so I just had to do it.  I hid some of them really hard.  So hard, I had to count them and keep track of some places.  They had fun and I loved watching them.

Checking out the loot they scored!

Later that afternoon, we hit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.  It had been since my freshman year in college that I had been here, so it was cool to be back and show my kids. 

Tonto Natural Bridge is a natural arch in Arizona, USA, that is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. -Wikipedia

Up top we looked at the view of what we were about to go explore.

On the trail down, Jarom wanted to experience the cactus...

Luckily, it wasn't a busy day with people.  It was massive and much more beautiful then I remembered.

Water dripped from above in some places so it was fun to get a little wet, but the breeze blew through making it a little bit cold.  But climbing in and out of the rocks was really exciting. 

Jarom, Raegan and Ammon all took the challenge to jump in the icy cold water.  Swimming isn't allowed, but they took the plunge anyway.  I have it all on video, wish it would post on here...

Finally, I had to get a picture of us all together...sheesh, I'd like to make it into at least one picture as proof I was there :o)  Tarin was a little sad in this picture for good reason.  She went all the way through and went up stream and waited and waited.  She thought we were coming too and she was alone wondering what had happened.  I tried calling for her because I wasn't sure where she had gone...it all worked out.

Next morning, Uncle Dan (my brother) was able to make his way up to hang out with us.  I love when he comes up.  For lunch we went to Willow Lake, up on the Rim.  Sadly, it was really really windy with cold winds.  We stuck it out as long as we could...

Jarom wanted to see how far he could make it on the log

Ammon wanted to try it too.  Uncle Dan helped him out.  Notice, Ammon has his swim suit on.  We hoped to take a dip, but it was super cold.

Sat on the dock to eat lunch.

He brought his suit and was determine to live up to his usual challenge...jumping into the freezing cold water.  I have this on video too.  He did it, he went all the way under... then quickly jumped out and wrapped up into his warm, dry clothes.

Later, back behind the cabin, uncle Dan took Jarom to try some shooting.  Jarom did pretty good.  

The girls had taken off to explore, Ammon and I did too.  He liked trying out the old broken down tree fort and other trees to climb.

That night Dan made his cobbler in his dutch oven.  It was really good.

I love watching the kids play together and be silly.  This was upstairs in the loft.

These sticks of gum were part of what Ammon had earned at home from Conference from the Conference cash.  Wednesday night, he gave them to me and said, "Happy Birthday".  The next day was my birthday, and he gave up his prize to me.  It touched my heart.  I tried to let him have it back, but he insisted.  My sweet little boy.

Next morning was my birthday.  I made eggs and pancakes...Jarom comes in and puts the candle on my pancake and said, "Dad told me I had to find a way to get this in front of you some time during this day."  It was really sweet.  Everyone sang to me.

Afterward, we cleaned up the cabin, packed up and headed down to the valley to see my parents and my other siblings.

Conference Weekend

The Priesthood in the family were off with Gpa and in laws to watch the Priesthhood Session and have pizza.  Us girls and Ammon had our own night of fun.  We made mini pizzas and had spa night, and watched an in house movie.

some of the mud masks were clear...  A scary bunch :o)

The week following up to Easter, I had each days scripture time devoted to the final days of the Savior.  It was moving for me, I hope the kids learned something too.

Conference was on Easter.  I loved having Conference Cash and quizzing the kids on most of the speakers.  This allowed them to listen... and kept me listening to come up with the questions.  They had different goodies worth a certain amount so save up for or splurge on.

After the morning session, we went to grandparents for the second session, Easter hunt and food.

Neighborhood Easter Hunt

Landrock neighborhood is a really great area to live.  Great people and many kids.  This isn't everyone, but most of the little ones.  I felt Ammon was the one who'd benefit from this the most.  My older kids would have dominated... This was put on by the Robbins.

He tried to hide from me in this picture, third one from the right.

made out better then at the Saratoga Springs City egg hunt... ;o)

Friend and neighbor Natalie Prazak with Ammon

Lamb Of God

This program, created by Rob Gardner, was picked up by some talented musicians and conductors here in Saratoga Springs.  Just a few short years ago is when they began this journey to gather local "talent" and put on this production for the public.  I say talent loosely, because its just anyone out there who wants to participate, no try outs.  I'm thankful for that...although I have some background in music, I don't know if I could have qualified for such a wonderful program.  Any how, starting in January, every Sunday evening requires attendance and work.  It had to have been the best thing to happen to me.  My testimony and understanding has grown 100 fold being apart of this production!  No embellishment added to that statement.  I am learning so much through music, words and simply the Lords life.  I learn/feel so much for my Savior about the Atonement and Resurrection, I could never put to words the magnitude of joy that has been in my heart.  It is what has helped me to heal and Know the Savior on a more personal level.  Every performance I cry and have to contain myself to make it through.  By far the best experience of my life being apart of these practices, performances and surrounded by excellent talent (soloists/conductors).  The music from the symphony enhances the spirit so greatly, I was sad to see those nights end.   After those performances at Westlake High School, we will 'fireside' setups in Stake centers, even up in Centerville.   I hope to do this again next year.  

At Westlake High school.  The choir, orchestra, and screens depicting media renditions of the Saviors life.  Very moving.

We practiced at a stake center.  This is the picture they took of everyone.

Friday Treat- Banana Creme'

Working together, after a long week of school, to build a delicious treat is always fun.  They each had a duty.  Ammon worked on the graham cracker crushing, Raegan cut up the bananas, and Tarin helped with the pudding.  I had to regulate the whipped cream... :o)  It was yummo!

Freezer Ready

Berries were at their cheapest so I purchased a few and froze them for smoothies to have over the summer and winter.  So easy.  Ready to enjoy.

It was chicken time too.  I had ordered two 20 lbs boxes.  This order will last us most of the year, but the prep is frustrating...but worth it.  As you can see it comes with all the fat and trimmings on it.  So I had to cut it all off.  I also like to cut it up and portion it so all I have to do is cook it.  No more slimy mess.  So a day or two (once or twice a year) of mess, then no more.

Freezer is stocked and ready to go.  The bottom drawer are the whole chicken breast for grilling or crock pot meals.  So nice to have it done.

Bells Canyon Lower Falls

In high school I don't have too many friends I still kept in contact with.  But I noticed an acquaintance on Instagram that lived close by that did some hiking.  I reached out to her and we tried this hike up the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon.  Neither of us had done it, and it was kind of difficult with all the climbing over rocks and boulders, but we were up to the challenge.  It was beautiful and plenty of time to catch up on things.

We made it to the lower falls, and hoped to one day have more time to reach the upper falls.

Becoming A Man

Wow, my boy is growing up!!  Jarom has started shaving.  It's only once a month or so, but nonetheless a pivotal manly event.  Luckily it's only blonde hairs in certain areas, but manhood has definitely been reached.  

Women's Conference

Such a wonderful opportunity to be so close to leaders of the church.  My brother Jeff was able to get us some tickets.  That is a blessing too.  Sadly, I found out later, he won't be in that job position to give us this easy access any more.  Glad we could do this many times.

Altogether in the Conference Center before it starts.  Me and my girls 

Not the best picture, but to be in the same room as the prophet and apostles is amazing!