The Slick Rock

 It was one of those record-breakingly hot summer days in Utah. My friends since elementary school, Sarah and Jamie, had the wonderful idea to go a hiking adventure in Highland. It required a bit of a hike first, and all of our little kiddos were such good sports in the heat. I absolutely love this picture of us, by the way. Who would have thought all those years ago as awkward and obnoxious preteens, that we would be here--still friends with this darling gaggle of kids?

Let me break this down for you. This was FREEZING mountain run-off water. My feet started to ache just standing in it. The kids climbed up to the top of this natural waterslide and looked a little tentatively at it. The analyzed the situation for a while and were hesitant to take the plunge. But my little Fisher paved the way and went first! You see him here, flexing his abs in excitement encouraging the other boys to get on board.  And then he goes for it!

And here is darling Loryn. There was no way she was about to let her brother steal the show. These pictures are a little fuzzy, but you can tell that the experience was more than she bargained for. But she came to terms with it, and went again and again.

Slip N' Sliding

 

Natalie and her kids were able to come for about 4 weeks in the summer. We were able to do a lot of fun things with them while they were here, especially during one concentrated week of "together time." We went to Lagoon, had sleepovers every night, ate almost every meal together, and crammed a lot of precious cousin time. One afternoon, we pulled out some industrial plastic sheeting out of Grandpa's garage and laid it out in Jen's yard. We ran the hose on it and voila! A fun filled afternoon!

There are few things more precious than cousins who are your best friends. This is a great group of kids. We missed our cousins who were in Texas, but had so much fun getting the rest of them together. They absolutely love each other and are reaching such a fun age. Our distance has made our hearts grow fonder and we really treasure the time we are able to have together.

Fun Run 2013

The Fun Run is a big deal in our family. It wouldn't be if our kids didn't go in with such high expecations. But every year, whether they've trained or not, they have high hopes of medaling. Knowing that their hopes and dreams hang in the balance makes me a nervous wreck. This year, they really didn't train at all.

But without fail, they started the race with that genetic gift of Ross competition pusling through their veins.

Taylor started the race going blazing fast and couldn't keep the pace. Toward the end, she watched a couple of her friends (her biggest competition) race past her. She was devastated. She gave her all and was hyperventilating by the end. But, she ended up getting third place in the sixth grade.

Loryn placed last year and had her heart set on another win. Unfortunately, she didn't have a running partner this year (I tried, but couldn't keep up!) She had trouble pacing and didn't medal, but she did a wonderful job and we were so proud of her.

Fisher did so well! Our little kindergartner was super speedy. After running with daddy and Loryn for a while, he finally asked, "Can I go faster?" He left them in the dust and went on to run by himself and earn a 2nd place medal!

I can't tell you how proud I am of my kiddos, whether they medal or not. Something about watching them cross the finish line, totally spent and red in the face, makes me want to break down in tears.

Brrr! Spring Soccer

I can honestly say that I don't know if I have ever been colder in my life than I have been at my kids' spring soccer games. This one of Loryn's had to be right at the top of the list. I know it doesn't look that cold, but it was positively frigid. It was raining sideways, right into our faces. And the wind was gusting, knocking chairs over and blowing the ball backwards. Our poor girls muscled through this game like real troopers, but I'm sure they were downright miserable. I love this photo of our "dynamic defense duo," Katie and Loryn. Nothing like a family effort on the defensive line! And yes, those are the supportive sibling fans hiding underneath the blankets and chairs.

And Fisher. My sweet Fisher. You'd be hard pressed to find a little boy with more excitement for the game. He spends most of his time fist pumping, high fiving, jumping up and down, and giving his parents thumbs up. But we're feeling hopeful that actual playing will come in time! I love my happy boy.

Jameson and April Get Married!

Jameson and April got married on a beautiful spring day in April. It was a really wonderful day. April looked stunning and Jameson was beaming.

Jameson and April had been dating for about a year and a half and were so thrilled for them to finally get married! They were married and sealed in the Bountiful Temple and then had a lovely dinner at a very posh and luxurious resort in Park City. We were able to stay in the a super luxe condo at the resort that night after enjoying late night swimming and hot-tubbing. It was a wonderful weekend and we were so happy for the new couple!

Family Day at The Fire Academy

 On a very cold and stormy day in April, Jameson's fire academy class put on a demonstration for their families.

 It was fun to be able to see what he has been working so hard on this semester. The last semester of Fire Academy is really intense training and many people drop out. We were so proud of Jameson's hard work.

 Looking at these guys suit up in all their gear and walk straight into a burning building, carrying heavy equipment really makes you appreciate firefighters.

 The kids got a kick out of seeing all the fire trucks and engines and seeing Jameson in all his gear. Even though it was freeeezing!

Easter 2013

Because I am months removed from the actual event (blast my procrastination!), I can't actually remember what we did for Easter. But my kiddos are sure cute, aren't they?

Loryn Turns 9!

I love this little girl so much. She is filled with emotion, passion, determination, competition, and humor.

Loryn's birthday was fun-filled this year. Her birthday happened to fall on the last day of ski school. So, Dan and I decided to join her and Taylor for skiing. We checked them out early from school, so we could have a chance to ski with them before their classes. A huge blizzard hit as we were headed up the canyon. Once we got up to Sundance, they closed the canyon behind us. This meant that our cousins weren't able to join us for a while, but neither was anyone else! Ski school was cancelled and no one could make it up the canyon. We had Sundance almost entirely to ourselves. We had to muscle through a total blizzard and almost no visibility, but we had a great time. Eventually, Jen and her kids were able to join us and we had so much fun skiing all together. After a long, cold, but very fun day, we made it home for pizza, cake, and ice cream.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day was on Sunday this year, but we managed to set a trap for a leprechaun the night before. After church, we had the Hansens down for a green dinner. Taylor caught us in a stunning pose as we set the tables for dinner. It's a wonder we aren't models!

Winter Playdate

 I just loved these pictures. There is really no story to them. The winter is long and cold here, so at the first glimmer of sunshine we run outside. Unfortunately, this trip to the park reminded us that we were a little premature in our hope for spring.

Fisher Turns 6!

 In February, this little guy turned 6! I can't believe how quickly time flies. I have to admit that my only little boy has a special corner of my heart. He has been such a sweet, happy, fun little boy.

 

Fisher has always had such a tender heart. He is always looking out for others and mindful of people's feelings. He is always quick to apologize, comfort, and praise. He is also a stickler for the rules, obeying and enforcing them.

 

For Fisher's sixth birthday, he was able to have his first "friends" party. We invited a few of his closest friends over for an Angry Bird party. His Grandma Ross was nice enough to make and Angry Bird hat for each of the boys. We had so much fun playing a variety of Angry Bird games. The boys were in seventh heaven and we counted it a great success.

Winter Basketball

Taylor played on two basketball teams this season, which meant a lot of running around. Dan coached her Bantam league basketball team and they had a pretty good season. The real fun was playing Jr. Jazz, though, with her best friend. Sometimes the score got so high, they had to turn off the score board.

Loryn also played Jr. Jazz this winter. She was the only third grader on the team, but she's scrappy and held her own. We were so proud of her!