Memorial Weekend Family Fun

Memorial Day Weekend was spent with family....the BEST!

Axel learned about the new world of the Wii

remotes.  They learn at such a young age!  He loves to just set and play.  Such a good little guy!

Erik seemed to be a

favorite uncle to Little Liam.  He always had him in his arms and Liam LOVED it!

 Erik and Linkon being techno pals.  Except Linkon wouldn't even look up long enough for the picture ;)

 More baking with Shaun!  This time Molten Lava Cakes!

 Head massage chain

Kylie keeping the boys happy while the big kids are playing Balloon Launch.

Such a fun weekend!  Hated to see it end!  

Missed having Katelyn with us.  

It's hard to even think that we won't all be together again for another 3 years.  

Sad thought.

Water Balloon Launch

Years ago, Erik made a water balloon launcher with rubber tubing and a pocket (made by Kari)  out of old jeans.  When he was down for Memorial Weekend, Kambree requested that he bring it.  We were worried that the tubing would break since it is quite old but we were happy with the results.

 A couple of times Erik and Shaun about went over with the ladders when the balloon was launched.  But no accidents occurred.  

Linkon trying it out with Grandpa's help.  

Well spent hour.  

Fun and Family.

That's what it's all about!

Visit from the Lee Family

We were blessed to have a few good visits from Jerry & Kat and their family from Texas.

We haven't seen them in over 5 years so it was a fun time. 

Uncle Jerry giving Greg some pointers on his new bow.  Matt being his normal fun self!

 Women folk playing Boggle with Kristie and Katherine

 Jerry, Matt and Matt's new bride, Kelsey

Shaun and Kristie in the kitchen making everyone a treat....Baklava!!!!  YUM

They were in town for a week and it was so nice to see them.  We had dinner with them one night and marshmallow roast another.  Plus Kristie and her 2 boys, Camden and Cowen, and Matt & Kelsey spent a couple of nights with us as well.  So fun!

Diamond Valley Sunsets

 Diamond Valley has some amazing sunsets.

The problem is is that I don't take the time to enjoy them as much as I should.

The view of the Diamond Valley volcano from our front porch makes it even more beautiful.

Views of our garden area and white fence.

WE LOVE IT HERE!

Katelyn's 20th Bday at the MTC

Katelyn spent her 20th Birthday in the MTC and being a mother, I was so worried that it wouldn't be anything special for her....

I was wrong!

 Sis. Booth's dad works in the kitchen at the MTC and made Katelyn a birthday cake

 Then her district decorated her bedroom door.  

My mother's heart was so pleased that my daughter was so well taken care of.

Still missed celebrating it with her, though.

Kendyl's 14th Birthday

 Kendyl was totally excited and quite speechless (since she was grinning too big to talk) when the Leonard Family walked in for her birthday dinner.

She had mentioned to me that she wished I'd surprise her by inviting the Leonard's over for her birthday.  I had already done it but told her that I just wasn't the "surpisey" type.  She felt bad, but was good about it.  So when they came....she was SO HAPPY (and so was I :)

Aaron, Brinlee and Carter.  

Her dinner was lasagna, bread sticks and corn....

 with Heath cake for  dessert.

 Scott & Emma

We love the Leonard Family and had such a great evening with them!

Happy Birthday Sweet Kendyl!!!

Katelyn at the MTC

 This is right after Katelyn entered the MTC.

Her new companion, Sis. Freestone, is in the middle and Sis. Booth, is their roommate.  She broke her foot at the MTC and has to stay there until it heals.

 Katelyn was blessed to connect with her Texas cousin, Trevor Lee.  He was also at the MTC and will be going to Brazil.

 Every missionary seems to have a picture of the big MTC map pointing to their mission.

Yay for Argentina!!!

 Katelyn's MTC District.

Kate loved the MTC, the friends and the experiences she had there!

Sibling Day (As Katelyn termed it)

 In one last effort to get her younger siblings together.....

the 3 pigs (affectionately named)....

Katelyn decided to have one last "Sibling Day" before heading on her mission.

 She got them up on a Sat. morning at 7:30 (not to popular with any of them) and hiked up the volcano to see the sun rise and to see the valley below...even our house!

 Joel & Kendyl inside the volcano.

 After coming home and getting ready, they headed for the temple to do baptisms for the dead.

Our little Joel is growing up so fast!  

He won't be seeing Katelyn again for over 3 years since he will probably be on his mission when she returns home.  

Our 2 soon to be missionaries.