"Trek" & "Brighton Camp"!

~TREK~

This last week our Stake had it's pioneer Trek."Be Strong and of good courage" was the theme.   Most of the youth only have the chance to go once, since they only go every 4 years.  James was lucky enough to be able to go twice ...the first time was when he just turned 14, they went to "Martin's Cove.This was Jake's one and only time..I am just grateful that he was able to go at least once.  They started out on Tuesday morning with a devotional and Breakfast at the Stake center.  They actually walked  the same trail as the pioneers did, ending where Brigham Young said "This is the place"!

About 10 minutes into their Journey, because it was SO HARD  they decided that they needed to pray for help, because it was too much for them to do on their own.  So they had a ward prayer...James said it got easier and you could tell a difference.  What an amazing lesson on the power of prayer.

One night the campground was near a hay field. 4 of the kids had allergies.   Luckily  there were 4 Doctors there, because one of the Young Women had hay fever so bad that it aggravated her Asthma, and at one point was having a hard time breathing,  The Dr. gave her medicine and an inhaler and a blessing.  She had the comfort and the peace she needed to finish the Trek.  I am so grateful for all of the wonderful and dedicated leaders who work so hard and sacrifice so much so that my kids can have these life changing experiences!!! 

Here they are with their families...
JAMES

JAKE

~BRIGHTON CAMP~
Ashlee also had her first girls camp.  She  had soooo much fun.  I remember when I went to Camp Oakcrest as a Beehive and how much I LOVED it....the girls are strengthening their testimonies through songs and activities and they don't realize it.  Ashlee was in the same unit as 3 of her close friends.

Ashlee and the new girl in the ward Bree. She is such a good friend to everyone.

 Ashlee, Talia and  Bree

  Her Camp Counselor's name was  Sarah Cate A.K.A "WOLFGANG" she loved her so much,  It was so sweet as soon as she got home she found her on facebook and a new friend was made.  I have to admit that I had so much fun going through her camp songbook.  It brought back so many sweet memories for me.  I really love this Gospel and all of the opportunities it gives me and my family:)!!

I had almost the whole week alone..(even Don was out of town on business).  I got a lot done but I sure missed everyone and I am so glad they all returned to me safe and sound!

Jake was also Ordained to the office of a "Priest"  today.  It was so special  for James, Don and I to be a part of that.  James was also able to stand in the circle..
It has been a very special week for us, we have had many spiritual experiences, our testimonies have grown, and we have become closer to our Heavenly Father.
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~Life is really good...I love it!!

P*A*R*T*Y

Seriously, this month has been CRAZY!!  With our vacation, Pioneer Trek and Brighton girls camp I feel like I have been soo  overwhelmed with things to do to get ready that we didn't really celebrate James and Jake's Birthdays.  So we finally did it!!!  Nothing says " Birthday party" like cake and ice cream!!

James and his "U" cake...he couldn't have been happier.

  Blowing out his candles.{All 18 of them WOW}

And Jake.....

Yes, we made him light his own candles...

BUT, we also let him blow them out :)!

I'm sure all of his wishes will come true,,,Maybe!
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Sidenote: So here is a funny story.....James LOVES chocolate cookie dough ice-cream. The other day when the kids went to get ice cream cones from Baskin Robbins, he decided to by a HUGE container of ice cream for $50.00.  That's my boy!!!

Wow! 18 years.old already....

Well I can't believe that my first born child is turning '18' in just a few short hours! It seems like just yesterday!!  I can still remember the day that chubby little baby was placed in my arms...It was "love at first sight".  He was just so precious then and  I never knew that I could love him any more than I did at that instant, but as he grew ...so did my love for him!.

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Since he was little he has always had a love for life and he really is the friendliest kid around.(it's that yellow personality of his)...he loves everyone!  As with all teenagers there are hard times & it was no different with James,  but he is really growing into a fine young man!!!

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  This last couple of months he has accomplished so much, he  graduated  early from High School and Seminary...He has just finished earning his Eagle and last Sunday he was called to be a Primary teacher for the 11 year old boys in our ward.  One more year and we'll be sending him on his mission:)!  We love you James and we are grateful  you're ours!!

Our California Adventure:)

Last week we took our family to California and Disneyland!!!  We had SO much fun!!!

Monday night we went to a Dodgers baseball game, we met up with the Olsen's and the Smith's which made it much more fun.

The weather was just perfect for Disneyland ...cloudy and overcast with a little wind, the lines weren't very long either, we were able to get on the rides fairly quickly. LOVED every minute that we were there..

We also spent time at the beach and got some good tans.

On Friday we went to Seaport Village in San Diego, it is a cute little place with lots of  souvenir shops. While the kids went shopping, Don and I had lunch at  a cute little restaurant right on the Pier.  They had the best Fish and Chips ever and it was so fun to eat right on the water.

I think I took over 100 pictures so there is no way I can post all of them, but here are a few of the highlights!!

Ashlee was not very happy about leaving....I think her face says it all!

"Sweet 16"

Jake celebrated his 16th birthday in California this year!!  We spent the day on the beach with family. Since it was kind of a crazy week,we will have his party next week.....We  love you Jake and hope that you had a great day! I am so glad you're part of our family:)!

Ashlee's year end Dance Recital

Ashlee and her friends from our Ward...Samantha Sheets (who is also a Smith cousin...She is Andrea Sheets daughter who is Bud Smiths daughter) and Olivia Wilde

 Ashlee had her yearly dance recital last night....She did both a Jazz dance and a Ballet dance and she was AMAZING in both!! The theme for the recital was CELEBRATE...So since  there was a  coupon for a free yogurt on every program to a little yogurt place in Holladay  called "TOP IT" where you build your own frozen yogurt with toppings. We went there afterward. to celebrate!! Love ya Ash!!  You're Awesome:)!