Hobble Creek Heaven

If there is anywhere better than Hobble Creek Canyon, I haven't found it yet. We went up there yesterday for a "day camp." Spending the night on Friday just didn't work out, but we got there around 1pm on Saturday ate lunch, relaxed, played around and had dinner, too. We even got rained on a little bit. I could go on, but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Xander literally careened around the campground. It was an adventure keeping him from going right into the creek.

Sam's been into whittling lately, ever since he found his pocketknife somewhere in the depths of his bedroom.

Fin was into jumping. From a log...

and a boulder.

Camary specializes in cuteness:


As does Rusty:


Mom and Dad relaxed (once Xander fell asleep for a bit).

All in all, it was a fun afternoon. But wait. Where's Ryan??? He went to marching band camp. He leaves for NYC bright and early tomorrow morning. He'll probably have the time of his life. We're sending the camera with him, so I hope he'll have some great pictures to post when he comes back.

The End is Near

Last week was "Band Awards Dinners" week. On Tuesday was Ryan's band barbecue and awards. He made the turtles to bring. They turned out so yummy. Ryan got an award for being the top student in the marching band. Actually, he tied with his fellow trombone player, Michelle. They were the only two trombones in the marching band, and could outplay the rest of the band all by themselves. Awesome. Thursday was the concert band/concert choir performance at Salem pond. They put on a Memorial Day tribute to veterans. The music was terrific and scenery was breathtaking. Friday was Rusty's fine arts awards banquet. The power was out when we arrived and we ate dinner in the dark and listened to the teachers yell out the awards for the kids sans microphone. Eventually, the power came back on. Rusty got the Leadership Award for his band. Afterwards, Tracy and I took him out to Coldstone for ice cream. Mmmm. I am very proud of both of them and their fine qualities.

You'll note this post is picture-free. I never remember to bring the camera anywhere. Sigh.

So, what's new?

Ryan's jazz band concert last week was fantastic! Unfortunately, I forgot the camera. As usual. Here's a picture of Tracy and the boys on their way to run the Payson Area Stakes 5k fun run.


Our ward won the coveted Golden Shoe award for having the most participation. I think over fifty people from our ward ran -- but that did not include me. I was peacefully asleep at the time.

I did remember to bring the camera to Camary's preschool program. It was painfully cute.

Sadly, our camera didn't take very good pictures. Time for a new one, I think. Camary sang loudly and knew the words to all the songs. She said her line, "I was playing with my friends, and we all shared," perfectly. It was a fun way to start our Family Night last night.

Tonight is Ryan's band BBQ and awards. Thursday he has his concert band concert. (Can you keep track of how many bands he's in?) Friday is Rusty's band banquet and awards. School will be out on May 29, and we can start our summer fun! Can't wait.

Never a Dull Moment

It's been quite a week at our house. On Sunday, Ryan was ordained a Priest. It really reaffirmed my testimony of and gratitude for the Priesthood and the Gospel. That night was my Musettes concert, which I'm happy to report was a big success. Tracy's piano solo was amazing!

On Tuesday, we had to split two parents between three performances. I took Finlay with me to see Sam in the Hope of America program at the Marriott Center. It's part of the Freedom Festival. Tracy wrangled Camary and Xander through Rusty's Jr. High band concert and Ryan's Nebo Youth Philharmonic concert. That night, we also booked Ryan's plane tickets for his trip to New York City in June. (I'm terrified!)

Wednesday, we had our last Musettes meeting of the season, and I was unanimously elected Vice President (because no one else volunteered). That means next year, I'll be the President. I am really happy to serve on the Musettes board. They are such a big part of my life, and I love them.

Thursday, Ryan got his Driver License! Wow. I can hardly believe it. He drove himself to the movies that night. I went with the other kids to the walk-a-thon at the elementary. Both Sam and Finlay ran five miles. Good job, guys! I went over to Suzettes house afterwards to meet her sister Bethany and friend Elana, both fellow writers that I know online. It was nice to meet them in person.

Thats Suzette, Bethany, me, and Elana

Today was Finlay's Mothers Day program in his class. It was so cute. He wrote a biography of me which is just precious, and made some flowers out of cookies. Mmmm. Tonight, I'm going to see Star Trek XI. Yeah! Tomorrow, Ryan goes to Sadie Hawkins, Camary is going to a birthday party, and I (I hope) am going to the temple.