Backpacking and Birthdays

It's been a while since I got anything on here. We had birthday week at our house this last week. Zack turned 5 on the 13th and Jake turned the big 30 on the 16th. I'm a slacker and didn't get any good pictures of either event. I know, I should not be allowed to be a mom. Zack had a great birthday though. I can't believe he's 5. On Sunday our family was nice enough to drive up for festivities. Nothing big, but we're always happy for an excuse to get family up here. On Monday Zack had his first birthday party. He loved it, and that's what matters. But let me just say that I'm not a great party thrower. Guess that's probably why I don't do them tons. You know you did a great job when some of the kids leave early:)

On another note, Jake and Zack went on their first backpacking trip together. Zack was so excited he even chose to do that over going to Grandma and Grandpa's. They went to Wall Lake in the Uintahs. It was just a mile hike in. Zack carried his own pack and everything. He's such a good little hiker. They had a great time. They fished and Zack got to reel in his first fish. According to Zack the best part was sleeping in the tent. The only bad part of the whole thing was that there were so many mosquitoes that they almost got carried away. They used bug spray, but they both still got eaten alive. Zack got so many bites on his face that his face was all swollen. Poor kid. Jake asked him if he wanted to leave because of the bugs, but he wasn't about to go home early. Anyway, I'm so glad that Zack has a dad who will do things like that with him. What great memories to have together. I love my boys!

Lake Powell Anyone?

I finally made it to Lake Powell! We had lots of fun. It was so nice to get away and Lake Powell is so beautiful. We headed down Thursday afternoon and camped at the marina. Friday morning we went to find a beach. We ended up on a perfect beach in Forgotten Canyon (I think). The water is rising so fast that we kept having to move our camp and the boat anchors. We had tons of driftwood in our camp because of the rising water.

The kids loved playing on the beach in the sand all day long. They were troopers the whole trip. The weather was pretty good. Not too hot, which is definitely nice when you're super pregnant. We had some windy days, but it wasn't too bad. No rain which seems to be rare this month.

Saturday morning we were able to do some water skiing. I say we, but I mean everyone else was able to ski and I got to drive. Oh well, someday I'll get to ski at Powell. I definitely learned a new definition of glass with the Lake Powell water. It was great. Jake and Zack hiked up to some indian ruins. Zack is a little mountain goat. He did a great job hiking.

On Sunday we battled the waves of the channel and drove to Hole in the Rock. Apparently the pioneers cut stairs in the rock to bring their wagons down. The hike was pretty tough, so the only ones to actually see the stairs were Jake and Zack. Zack had no problem scrambling up all the rocks.

Monday morning we had more good water for one last ski. Then we packed up camp and headed back home. I wish we were still there. It was so nice to be able to get away and relax. Hopefully this will at least be an annual tradition. Anyway, there are a million pictures in the slide show. Enjoy!

The Girls

Mel came to visit for a week over Memorial Day. The whole fam came up to Midway for a BBQ. It was so much fun to have them all here. Of course we had to get some pictures of the girls together. And especially of Mel and I pre-baby. We're due on the same day. She's having a boy, we're having a girl. How fun is that? Sorry for the close-up belly pictures. Just had to do them:)

Preschool Graduation

So I'm late as usual, but I had to give a shout out to Zack for his preschool graduation. Huge milestone that it is:) I took a lot more video than pictures, but he did a great job. He loved his teacher and really learned a lot. I can't believe he's on his way to kindergarten. Crazy!

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.