Conference Weekend at the Cabin

You can smell, feel and see spring in the air at the cabin. We hiked, went 4-wheeling, made forts, watched conference, colored pictures, ate, roasted wieners and marshmallows and enjoyed some rest and relaxation with Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Steph, Uncle Kris, Aunt Vennessa, Dillon, Sander, Tanner, Alex and Zach.

Family visit

We had a great visit with Aunt Dawn, Kenny, Cheyenne, Ciera, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Liz, Chad, Kyle, Alison, Maren and Uncle Donald and Aunt Jackie this month. We swam at Grandma's neighborhood pool, went to my boys ball games, ate lots of food, swam some more, watched a great talent show, played some hoops at the church and chatted and hung out. It was wonderful!

Last week of school 2012

My kids rock! What can I say?! It was kind of all about Abby this year - she was on honor society and received awards from the nova program and the coveted Hope of America Award for all her efforts in studying and leadership. She is such an example of maintaining her integrity and always choosing the right even if the majority is not making that choice. She received straight A's of course. She had a wonderful teacher, Mr. Hodson, and wonderful friends. We love Orem Elementary. She is very excited for Junior High too! Abby, Cannon and Lincoln had 2 piano recitals. Lincoln graduated kindergarten. Abby and the boys had many supporters at their various awards assemblies and talent shows. Grandpa Distefano, Grandma Distefano, Grandpa Madsen, Grandma and Grandpa Hobson, Sister Barney and Dad. Abby and Cannon performed in the school talent show. Abby danced and Cannon played a Harry Potter piece on the piano. Abby graduated from 6th grade and received the Hope of America Award at the awards assembly. Cannon and Lincoln are just as awesome. Excellent grades, smart kids with good friends. I love helping in their classes. I spent 3 days a week in Lincoln's class and gained a greater appreciation for the good, smart boy he is. We are enjoying our summer with an equal amount of chores, service and playing.

Debi took Liz and I and our kids to Heritage Park in SLC last month. It was a lot funner than I thought. Very interesting, hands on fun and yummy treats. These kids are so photogenic. I picked a few of my favorites.





Lincoln and Alison were debating who had the best icee. Looks like Alison's won! Cute huh?

Lincoln's First Testimony

At Family Home Evening last night, Lincoln (age 5) said he had a testimony and wanted to "give it." I told him we would love to hear it at the end. After the lesson, we start the closing song and Lincoln reminded me that he didn't give his testimony. We sit back down and he walks over to stand in front of the family. He smiles shyly, rubs his hands together, looks at me, makes a throat noise and starts. "I know dinosaurs aren't alive anymore." He pauses, we hold our breath. Is he serious? "Now I am going to tell you how they died." BAAHAA!!!!! Abby couldn't hold in her boisterous laughter! Cannon started making fun of him. Lincoln became embarrassed of course, I reach over and put my arm around him and say, "What can you tell us about church Lincoln?" The loud laughter from the kids is now down to giggles. With more gentle persuasion, Lincoln goes on the say, "I know the church is true because it teaches us about Jesus and to never follow satan's plan." He said a few more things and then said that he loves "all of everyone" and then closed.

I was so proud! What a sweetheart!

Abby posted somethings on her blogs guys go check them out

Babysitting

A couple months ago I had the opportunity to watch Joshua and Austin - Amber and Justin's boys. It was so fun and they did really well without their Mommy for a couple of hours. I have needed to share these pics with Amber.

On this night, I was also trying to train our dog AJ to use the doggy door. He was deathly afraid of the thing. He wouldn't even go through it for bacon. Now what guy will not do tricks for bacon?!

I also have a couple pics of Lincoln at his preschool. The best thing I've done in a while is enrolled him at Kinderland. He is thriving!! He brings an art project home every day. He is better in primary, more obedient. He loves his teachers and loves the structured learning and playing. He even takes a 2 hour nap every day!! Dinner time is so much better at home now. I don't feel so guilty while I am at work all day - NOT reading to him, playing with him and giving him praise.











The following pics are from a Friday night that I planned. They received a "Top Secret Mission" they had to complete at a grocery store... We dressed in black and took "secret" pictures with spy gadgets and then had ice cream.