Nadia's 8th grade Turning Point Ceremony Day

For 8th graders this is a big day. Instead of a typical "8th grade graduation" Meridian Middle School does a Turning Point Ceremony. The entire 8th grade class gets up on stage, announces who they are, then turns on a light bulb. By the end of the ceremony there are tons of lights lit up. I guess it's to symbolize turning the light on to the future? Anyway, traditionally the girls get all dressed up for the occasion, and there is a dance afterwards (which most hate because they say it's lame.) We got up at 5:45 in the morning to get her toenails painted pink to match her dress, curled all of her hair, and got her make up done. Wonder what senior graduation will have me doing?

Looks like changes are coming our way.

I can't believe how quickly we were able to get pregnant, but it only took 1 month. Crossing my fingers for a little boy.

Watch out world......there's a new teenager on the road.

She passed driver's training and they gave her permit. Now 6 months of practicing with mom and dad, and she'll be able to get her license. Scary, isn't it?

Brian's 13th B-day

It's hard to believe he is already 13

Yep, same presents as the last 2 kids

Loved making this, kinda wanted to keep it for myself, but I didn't

Our mini vacation......without the kids!

Brian and I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Arizona for the wedding of one of the missionaries that taught us the gospel. He has always held a spot in my heart, so to be there for this was very touching. We decided not to take the kids and to enjoy our time together.

We left on Wednesday evening and stayed at my sis-in-law's house in Salt Lake City, Utah. We got up bright and early on Thursday and took the scenic route to Arizona. This was our first stop. Brian had to go to the bathroom. Guys have it lucky, they can go anywhere.

Next we went to Red Rock Canyon which is near Bryce Canyon. It was so beautiful there we decided to plan our next family camping trip there.

We drove by Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam, the water was so blue. It surprised me that this dam looked very much like Hoover Dam in design.

Along the route, we stopped at what Brian says is the beginning of the Grand Canyon. There were natives selling jewelry and other items.

Finally we reached Mesa Arizona and our first stop there was the Mesa Temple. After a long day of driving we were ready to hit the sack. Big wedding day tomorrow.

We were so fortunate to be able to attend the sealing of Garret Seymore and Nora Stapley. Prior to the wedding, Brian and I did a session. We woke up at 5:30am (very, very unlike me to do this) so we figured we could get there early enough to be done in time for the sealing.

Weddings always bring a sentimental thought of your own wedding. Brian and I were married 5 years and 9 months ago.

The Mesa Temple is one of my favorites. It was beautiful there, and who doesn't like a palm tree or two?

Since we didn't have the kids, and were free to do whatever we wanted, Brian decided we should take a different route home and drive to Las Vegas. We booked a room off the strip and visited some things we hadn't seen yet on our 3 previous trips to Vegas.

This is the Pawn shop from the t.v. show Pawn Stars. There was a line to get in, but it was neat to see everything inside.

This is outside the Wynn Hotel and Casino

Inside the Wynn or the Encore can't remember.

This is the peacock feathers from the above photo.

And the floor was decorated throughout with these mosaic butterflies.

Inside the Bellagio. Last time we were here was in 2005, and they've changed things a bit.

The Volcano eruption at the Mirage. They've updated this too since our honeymoon in 2005.

We again woke up super early to head home and stopped in St. George. The weather was beautiful, and I got much better photos of the St. George Temple.

We had a great time being alone together, but were happy to be home to see our kids. The weather however was nasty. The ride home was terrible. It was so windy, and dusty, and rainy. I'm ready for more of the hot Arizona/Nevada sunshine!

Brian's 2nd track meet

Brian threw the discus 101' 11'' for his all time farthest throw. He took 1st place against Lowell Scott Middle School.

At the shot put he threw 29' 11 1/2'' and took 2nd place.

He has already qualified for Districts and it's only his 2nd meet of the season.

Happy Easter!

This year I decided to make the girls Easter skirts. This was a challenge since I've never made clothing before. Unfortunately I decided to wait until the last minute, so I only had about 1 week to complete them. (I even made a fourth one for one of the young women in our ward. ) No outfit is complete without a matching hair accessory, so I made 3 of those as well. Brian was the lucky recipient of a tie-not made by me, although I might have tried if I had had more time. All in all, I think they turned out wonderfully. I couldn't have done it without the constant help from my sister in law Sarah, so a big thank you to her!

(Caitlyn hiked up her skirt without me knowing, but it is supposed to be below the knee.)

Allie turns 11

It's hard to believe that my youngest is turning 11. It seems like just yesterday she started kindergarten, and now I'm teaching her how to shave her legs.

She chose lemon bars for her dessert

Home made gift by mom, a blanket, 2 pillow cases, and decorated letters.

Allie's been wanting a party for a few years now, so we pulled off a great surprise party for her with 3 of her friends.

She has been dying for a pinata so we got her one of those too.

We played a game with an egg, and Allie's team one.

a movie finalized the night.

Caitlyn's 15th Birthday

It's hard to believe she is another year older, but it's true. She is 15! Watch out world, she'll be on the road in no time. She starts driver's training class on April 5th. I'm not sure I'm ready for this......

Blueberry cheesecake for dessert

A huge card made by her sister, Nadia

We did mom-made gifts this year. She got a quilt, 2 pillow cases, and her name in wood blocks decorated with cute paper and yellow ribbon.

Well this was fun

Nadia and Caitlyn thought they could hold me up doing a thigh stand. As you can see by the laughter, Nadia wasn't quite strong enough.

But Brian on the other hand was ready

And ta-duh! Love the facials on everyone, but my wrists are in poor form.

Nadia's Stunting squad wins the Treasure Valley Cheer Invitational again!

and the winner is.......Meridian Middle School!

Nadia and Erika posing with the trophy

The whole squad the night before, they all practiced long hours and several months. They deserved the win!

2010-2011 MMS Stunting Squad