Save the Last Dance For . . .

Last night I helped Marin with her hair in preparation for prom. My last girl, going to her last school dance. Sigh! I guess I passed another mommy milestone. Some days I feel relieved that my last child is graduating from high school. No more programs, no more parent-teacher conferences, no more late night homework, no more lunch money . . . But today I feel kinda sad. No more warm hugs and cookies when they get home from school, no more pride in their accomplishments, no more tears of joy watching them learn something new. But I am still a Mom and I still get to share their joy in their accomplishments, and watch them learn new things. It's mostly from long-distance now. Bitter-sweet day.

What a ride!

Yesterday Bill and I rode our bikes around West Mountain. I knew it would be hard since it was my first ride of the season. And it was hard. Especially after Bill's tire blew out and I was left to ride into the headwind alone to get the car. But, during that stretch, I averaged about 12 mph which is good considering how hard the wind was blowing. Poor Bill got cold waiting for me. Just as I got back to the car, he called and said a nice man had picked him up and was bringing him to the car. Nice people make the world a better place!!!

The ride around the lake was beautiful. Spring!!! The water levels are very high. We saw a lot of pelicans on the water, saw a few other birds, but it is still early. There is the most peaceful feeling riding next to the water. It's almost as nice as canoeing the Boundary Waters, but not.

This morning I am a bit stiff and going up the stairs hurts, but it was definitely worth it! Yeah my first 35 miles of the season! Can't wait for my next ride. Maybe I'll head up Provo Canyon to see how far the snow has melted. Hopefully all the way to the top of South Fork Canyon!

Trying to Catch Up

I feel horrible that i haven't posted in so long. I guess I got busy with Jessianne's wedding, Christmas, Jessianne's reception, life, etc. Here's a photo of the wedding. It was so nice to have the whole family together for the wedding.

Now We are gearing up for Marin's High School graduation next month, then in June she and I are off to Greece!!! We are very excited for that trip!!! Ahh, summer fun! I keep reminding myself of that when I look outside and see the 10" of snow we got. But graduation means that she will be moving out soon, too :( I'm not sure I'm ready for that.

August 2008

We had such a great time in Colorado August 8-10 celebrating Lauren and Turner's marriage with their Colorado family and friends. Marin got to visit with some of the friends she made over the summer while she was staying with Lauren. Turner has a really great family and it was fun spending time with them.

August also saw everyone back in school. Marin, Jessianne, Skyelr, Turner and Bryan all hit the homework routine. Bill, Jessica and Lauren all began another school year teaching. While they were getting used to textbooks again, I headed to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area for my annual women's canoe trip. Once more I had fun paddling, camping, laughing and generally being a girl in the wilderness.
This eagle watched over us from an island across from our campsite. It was fun to see otters in Lake Superior on our way up North, beaver near our campsite, and turtles sunning themselves on logs.
When we need to portage, this is how a canoe is carried. Except that it is carried level and not touching the ground in back. All food, canoes, camping gear, etc. has to be carried across. We had 3 portages into the lake we camped on. We set up a base camp and took day trips each day from their. What a beautiful place to spend some time! Can't wait for next year.

One Amazing Week!

July 18 was Marin's 17th Birthday! We had a very nice Birthday Breakfast before leaving for the temple for Lauren's endowment. That afternoon the Sessions hosted a dinner at Los Hermanos. We got to sing to Marin at the restaurant. She is one good-looking 17 year old!!

July 19 was a magical day! Lauren and Turner were married in the Mt. Timpanogos temple at 10 am. After which they were glowing! Their family luncheon was beautiful, yummy and fun! It was nice to share the day with so many of our family. Turner's family is absolutely awesome! We had a great day! One of the best ever.

July 20 was another incredible day. It's a good thing that Jessianne caught Lauren's bouquet yesterday at the luncheon! She got engaged to Skyelr Baird. They will be getting married Dec 20 in the Sacramento Temple. Waaahhh! We are excited!

Just about here!

Not much happened this last week, except Bill has been in Washington D.C. and got to visit Bryan and Jessica a bit. Now he is in New York at a conference. I stayed home and put together the final touches for the wedding and girls camp. Saturday Jessianne and Skyelr came over and helped me in the yard. It looks soooo much better! Right now I have Hollyhocks, Shasta Daisies, and Day Lilies blooming! I can't wait for Tuesday when I get to pick up Bryan and Jessica and then Wednesday, Bill, Lauren, Turner and Marin all arrive! 5 days til the wedding!!!!!

July 4th Celebration

I know. We just got back from Cancun and now we're off playing again!!! We had so much fun at the cabin this week. On the 3rd Bill and I slept in and then went on a bike ride. We left from Tabiona and headed toward Hannah. Bill looks pretty hott, huh!



















Then we turned up the canyon. It was hot, but nice.

On the 4th we went to the Tabiona Rodeo in their new arena.



















Our favorite event is called the Hide Race. One person on a horse rides down the length of the arena pulling an animal hide around a barrel where the second person is waiting to jump on. Once they are on the hide and holding on the horse takes off back down the arena pulling the hide behind. The hide rider has to learn how to hold on and not eat too much dirt/manure!

This rodeo is small, quaint and definitely takes me back to my barrel-racing days.















Saturday, the 5th we went to the parade and then were joined by Skyler and one of Bill's students John and his wife Sara. The 4-wheeling was very fun, but dusty.




















We had a great weekend! Hope everyone else had as much fun! Hugs and love