2014 Walk-A-Thon

The Tiffany Park Tigers had another Walk-a-thon to raise money for the school.  This is so fun for the kids.  I've been able to go every year and I love it.  I love seeing my boys and their friends. 

I had to take pictures of a few of my primary kids too.  They get a straw for every lap they do to keep track.  I loved running with them for some of the laps.  It's a great school.  Our upcoming move is going to take us just outside the boundaries but we were approved for an Intra-District transfer so we're going to stay.  The principal of the school called me personally to tell us that she approved the transfer.  Just one of the reasons why I love this school-she's a great principal who gives the kids personal attention.

Primary Temple Activity

We had a primary activity of going to the temple because this year's theme is, "Families Are Forever".  I love primary and I loved being able to share this experience with the kids and their families.  We had everyone gather at the stake center next to the temple just in case it rained that day.  It was a good starting point.  We had the kids color pictures.  Then we opened the activity with a song, prayer and quick directions of how we show respect on the temple grounds.  Then we moved to the back lawn of the temple (the weather was perfect) where we had Sister Merrill give a lesson about temples.  Then the activity day girls gave a short presentation about preparing for the temple.  Then we moved to another spot on the lawn for a story about temples.  Then we had the families walk around the grounds on their own so the parents could talk about their experiences in the temple or the ones they hope to have.  We had a member who is a photographer set up to take everyone's picture in front of the temple.  Then when they had their picture taken, the family could go to the park right next to the temple for our picnic.  It was fun and didn't rain until we were leaving.  And then it was a downpour.  :)  I only remembered to take my own pics at the very end, right before we left but they're some cute memories.

Evelyn Walks at 13 Months!

Over conference weekend, Evelyn upgraded to knee crawling:


Then I caught her poking Jason while he napped. Then she walked with me needing only one hand for assistance. She walked with more confidance than before. Then she took her first steps Saturday night (10/4/14): Sunday night she took a total of 9 steps. Did we get it on camera? Nope! But she's still so cute!

Reward Day at the Fair!

The reward the kids picked for riding 100 miles this summer was a day at the fair, just like last year.  However, this year Boeing rented out the fairgrounds for everyone in the Machinist Union and so we got to go for free and ride unlimited rides for free.  Now THAT's what I'm talking about. :)  We left the babies with my parents and we enjoyed the day of kids who were tall enough for fun rides.  We could ALL go on them!  

The roller coaster

 The Scrambler

 The crazy maze

 The ferris wheel

 The petting zoo

 Tractor races with goofy helmets

 The Flying Tigers

 The super slide which doesn't look as tall in the photos but it's tall enough that I was nervous.  Ryan didn't even have any qualms.  I have brave boys.

Welcome Home Mormor and FarFar!

We had a wonderful visit with my mom and dad.  It was great seeing pictures of their mission to Sweden, even pictures of Gotland, the island where my ancestors are from.  There was a lot of story reading.  They brought the kids a Pippi Longstocking book (didn't know it originated in Sweden) with beautiful illustrations.  Evelyn celebrated her birthday and walked for the first time for grandma and grandpa.  It was exciting!  Evelyn had a real fondness for grandma.  She would go to her and snuggle all the time.  She even passed by mom to go to grandma when she got hurt one time.   

Mom and I went to the temple together to do service for some Swedish ancestors.  It was wonderful.  We also went to IKEA. :)  There is nothing like mom and daughter outings. :) We went on walks and I got spoiled because I didn't have to get everyone ready early to take the boys to the bus stop.  Grandpa took them and picked them up everyday.  We got to enjoy conference together as well.  They left to go back to Sacramento yesterday.  They are missed.  

Happy First Birthday Evelyn!!!

Our cute little ladybug turned 1!

We waited for Grandma and Grandpa Leach to be able to celebrate with us!  It was so fun to have them here to see how sweet she is!  Evelyn says bye, bye, waves and says baby. :)

100 Miles/100 Miles/1000 Miles!!! We did it!

First the boys completed their goal.  They are the colored squares on chart.

Then I finished my goal (I would put little m's on the squares for my miles.  My last miles were finished while the boys were at school and Tony was at work so there was no fanfare by the fam, just that sense of accomplishment which was amazing!

Then Tony completed his goal.  We tracked his miles on the right side of the chart.

 We had a fun summer accomplishing this goal.  It's a sacrifice of time but we feel so much better spending our time this way.