Spring Break Recap

Spring break...

The week every child looks forward to. No schedule, limited rules, lots of friends, come and go as they please and most of all, lots of fun!

What would spring break be without jumping into the freezing pool? They grabbed a few friends and headed out back. 85 F outside ... 60 F water temp. Brrrrr We headed up north to Prescott for a few days of R and R at the cabin. We had a blast! The kids spent hours in the creek. The weather was awesome and we enjoyed all day outside.

Shayne and Emily

My stream busters

Lots of time on the golf cart. Shayne even learned to drive! Shhhhh... Don't tell Grandpa!

The girls made it across the stream.

Me and Emily took several hikes

Megan learned to shoot the BB gun. Don't mess with her..she's got a great shot!

Emily lead the effort to get dad wet.. and succeeded!

I love spring break! What a fun filled week with the family!!

Grandma Date

My mom started this great tradition for all her grandchildren that I absolutely love. She takes each grandchild out on a secret date for their 8th birthday. Ashley has been waiting and dreaming of her Grandma date for several years now. Her date finally came! Grandma picked her up and took her to paint pottery and then out for lunch. Ashley had a ball. She said "it was the best date ever! Way better than Megan's."

Thanks for the BEST date ever Grandma!
(The finished masterpiece will be posted when the baking process is complete)

Birthday Girl Ashley

Ashley turns the BIG 8 today! She'll have to wait until next month to be baptized...we missed those darn stake baptisms by 2 days!! She was very sad that she couldn't be baptized right away. She can hardly wait!

Ashley loves an adventure. She is the first one to explore or will try almost everything at least once.

Look at that face.... she keeps us in stitches!

Eight more things we love about our Ashley..

1. She has the sweetest heart

2. She loves the outdoors. She spends more time on her bike than anyone.

3. She loves to get down and dirty. Digging for worms is a favorite pastime.

4. She has a fiery temper that can put shivers down any ones spine.

5. She loves to do secret acts of service for others.

6. She will eat anything. No picky girl here!

7. She doesn't have to be entertained by others. She's perfectly happy entertaining herself.

8. Her desire to do whats right.

Happy Birthday sweet girl! We love you!!

Once in a lifetime

This Sunday was a special day around our house.

Shayne received the Priesthood.

I can barely put into words the pure joy that this brought to me. My only son, a once in a lifetime experience, a profound gift, a special moment. Wow. Just wow! I am so thankful that Shayne has prepared himself and had such a great desire to receive the Priesthood.

Me, Shayne and Todd

Todd and Shayne

The Priesthood being past down from one generation to the next.

Grandpa Smith, Todd and ShayneThe family
Grandpa Bentz and Shayne (Grandma was out of town) It was a wonderful experience to be sitting among my family. How did I get so lucky to be able to be this boys mom? I learn so much from my sweet boy. I'm glad that our family was blessed with one Prince amongst all our Princesses! We are so proud of you Shayne!

Note to self...

Stop blinking.<

I blinked and now my little boy is 12! Where did all those years go? Wasn't it just yesterday that I felt like I was going to die giving birth to this 10lb baby?

What an excited age.

Twelve.

It holds so much meaning.

The priesthood, passing the sacrament, mutual, scout camp and Jr High to name a few. Oh man, I'm not ready for any of this! But he is.

So in honor of this special day, 12 things we love about Shayne

1. He makes everyone feel like a special friend.

2. He is respectful and kind.

3. He is so tenderhearted to his sisters.

4. His had big dreams. (BYU quarterback followed by Denver Bronco NFL star)

5. His laugh is contagious.

6. He is always more concerned about others than about himself.

7. He's a sports nut.

8. He plays with so much heart and intensity

9. He's thoughtful.

10. He'll take his sister's on bike rides or play games or read books just because.

11. He has a strong desire to choose the right even when others aren't.

12. He is 100% boy.. 100% of the time.

From boy to man in a blink of a eye. We love everything about you Shayne!

Happy Birthday buddy!