Capitol Reef!

Zack and Tucker

Cutie Kate
Zack loved climbing sideways on the rocks

Zack and Aubrey



We finally made it out of town! We went to Capitol Reef with our friends the Calderwoods. Jake and I hadn't ever been there, so it was fun to explore and see new things. It was really nice to get away and have some good old family time. The kids loved hiking until they got tired, but they did really well. Their favorite part was sleeping in the tent. They love sleeping in their sleeping bags.

Anyway, we went on a few hikes. Nothing too strenuous due to small kids and a pregnant person. Now you can all see how I look hugely pregnant. I know I look like I'm due any day, but I still have ten weeks. So you definitely won't be seeing pictures of me right before I'm due. I'll probably hide out in the house to save further embarrassment:)

I hope you're all going lots of fun places this summer. I definitely recommend Capitol Reef for a couple of days of fun!

One Year

It will be one year on Sunday. One year of missing my sister. One year of wishing she was here. One year of trying to move forward, not backward. One year of trying to really believe she won't be coming home in a few days.

Humor me while I share some of my memories of Linz. She had a love for life that I've never seen in anyone else. Nothing got her down for long. I remember her complete acceptance of everyone. She saw the good in everyone, no matter what. She somehow managed to make everyone feel loved and like they were her best friend. I remember how much fun Zack and the cousins had with her. She loved to play with the kids and would drop anything to do so. That's definitely a lesson I need to learn. I remember when she would call me at random times from school just to talk. I remember running the Ogden Marathon with her. Neither of us had a very good race that day. We vowed we would run it again after her mission to redeem ourselves. I'll be running it next year and hopefully Linz will be next to me. I remember water skiing with her. She was always ready and willing to come out on our little boat. I'll never forget skiing with her in the early morning in northern Idaho. The water was glass and it was a beautiful morning. Linz managed to get up her first time ever on one ski. So not fair:) I remember riding bikes with her when she asked me what I thought about her serving a mission. I encouraged her to go, and I'm glad I did. I remember her letters from her mission. She always took the time to send something extra for the kids. She was such a good missionary. Still is.

I miss her. This has definitely been a rough year. But its been nice to know that she's pulling for us on the other side. I know she still lives. I've felt her close by many times. I'm so grateful for the Savior and the atonement. I would fall into a ball and never get up again if I didn't have that hope. I look forward to the day when I can run into her arms for a much needed hug.

Remembrance:

I won't forget my days with you
Your memory will not leave my view.
For you have changed my life, you see;
And in my heart you'll always be.
Your friendship is my greatest prize,
It warms my heart like summer skies.
In darkest moments of the night
Your friendship brings a guiding light.
And now I see through all my tears,
I'll never lose you through the years.
No matter what, we'll never part,
For I have locked you in my heart.