Citizen of the Month

Trent received the Citizen of the Month award for the character trait of Loyalty at Friday's chapel. Trent didn't know we would be there and was so excited to see us. Of course, when he saw us he knew he was getting an award. Principal Bugbee read what Trent's teacher Miss Free had to say about Trent and loyalty. "Trent, your fellow students said you were a loyal friend to them. When they need a friend, you are there.  They also said you walk away from conflicts, but offer to help them through these difficult situations.  Most importantly, they said you were nice and caring when they were upset because you love the Lord. Your actions demonstrate not only a loyalty to your friends, but to God.  I'm blessed to have you as a student and see your relationship with Jesus lived out in your daily life. Love, Miss Free" I was so taken aback, such sweet words. We are so proud of Trent.

 Principal Bugbee reading what Miss Free wrote.

My perfect photo opp and Trent has a funny look...bummer.

He is so happy and we are so happy for him and his achievement.

Taking our turn posing with our Citizen of the Month.

Trent's good friend Phillip also got an award for the character trait of Thoroughness.  

Good job boys!

Vacationing in Utah - All good things have to come to an end.

On Saturday morning our last day in Utah we woke up to fresh snow, not much, but enough to make everything look so pretty.

 The deck outside our bedroom.

 The views from our deck.

 Beautiful.

We weren't heading out until the evening, so we had a good portion of the day to find something to do. Some had been to the Speedskating Olympic Trials earlier in the week and had a good time. The trials were still going on and we decided to go check it out.

 Before we left for the trials Trent got in some sledding and built this cute snowman.

 Checking out the bobsled.

 Lovin' her outfit, perfect for Utah.

 Trent meeting Patrick Meek an Olympic hopeful.

 So cute!

 We met Derek Parra and the kids wore his gold and silver medals...so cool!

Team USA!

 Fun pictures.  Me, Madison and April doing curling.

 Terra an ice skater.

Love the pacifier!

Here are some random pictures from our trip.

 My loves.

 Trent acting like a nut. We were at Scheels, which is kind of like a Cabela's.

 We had two deers visit our yard on a daily basis. They looked really well fed and Trent enjoyed giving them lots of food.

 This is what we do when Terra is napping...relax!

 Zach and Trent at the ski resort.

 Terra has the best shoes!

We left the house for the last time and there was this beautiful sunset. We had a wonderful time in Utah. We are so grateful to be able to spend 8 days with family and do so many fun things.

Vacationing in Utah - Part 5

I had been waiting for Friday all week because that was the day we were going snowmobiling. It was the one thing that I wanted to do in Utah. We headed out early to make the hour and a half drive to the ranch where the snowmobiling was. Terra wasn't coming along on this adventure. She was left in the good hands of Cindy, John and Debbie. Scott, Fiona, Zachary and Madison were coming along with Tim, Trent and I. Jeff and April opted for dog sledding, which was perfect for April because of her knee injury.

 Trent is ready!

 And we are off. The ranch is 60,000 acres and used as a sheep ranch in warmer weather. 

 Madison and I roaming around. I loved driving the snowmobile and would open it up any chance I got. 

 Tim and Trent

 Heading up the mountain. It was so beautiful.

 At the top at about 9,500 ft. It was breathtaking...literally.

 The gang.

We played a bit in the snow. The snow is like powder, you just sink into it. Here I am lying down, taking a rest. Trent seems to be having a hard time walking because the snow is so deep and light.

Pretty deep.

 My snow angel.

Hard life for this kid...snowmobiling and then Del Taco on the way home.

Vacationing in Utah - Part 4

Not sure what we would do without April...she finds the best stuff to do. She found a place where we could go tubing. It was perfect for all ages. We went on New Year's Day, which turned out to be a very popular tubing day. The place was near Park City, which was about 40 minutes away from where we were staying. After Terra woke up from her morning nap we headed out and were looking forward to the adventure.

The line to get tickets was very very long (turned out to be about an hour wait).  Thankfully, there was a field where the kids could play during the wait.

 Snowball fight.

 Madison is so good with Terra.

 Terra enjoyed the snow.

 This one definitely loved playing in the snow.

 Uncle Jeff and Terra.  We were almost to the ticket booth...Yay!

 Don't do it Madison!

Terra doing her tubing. Tim took her first because I went with the older kids for my turn down the hill. I guess she did great for him and stayed in the tube...for me not so much. As she was going around in the tube she wanted to roll out of it and I had to grab her by her leg and pull her up so she wouldn't fall out. She has no fear, so different from Trent.

 And here comes the roll out.

 There was a little "hill" where the little ones could go down.

 She was done being in the tube.

 There was a little play area that she enjoyed.

 She really did not want to take a picture with me.

 The tubing runs. 

 We should have brought our zoom lens.

 Trent loved tubing.

 Not sure what Trent is thinking here...

That's better.

Thanks Trent for the funny face.

 Bizarre Tim!

 Love these 3!

We had so much fun tubing. I went down once and that was plenty for me. It was cold there and windy at times, so we definitely got the feel for a Utah winter.