First Day of School

Back to School they go! Aubrey into

5th grade, and Hailey into 3rd.

Ryan is in middle school now,

 a "sevy" as they call the

7th graders. 

Jake is a sophomore in High School!

California Getaway

We surprized the kids- instead of driving we flew

to California to go to Knotts Berry Farm. They had

no idea until we were in the car and heading the

wrong direction. We just told them we knew of

a shortcut!

It was so exciting for them, because it was their

first time in an airplane and so fun for us

to experience it through their eyes. 

Even the bus ride from the airport to get the

rental car was an adventure. 

Hailey and Daddy were partners again for all the

scary rides...

and even the not so scary ones!

John and Jake won a bunch of stuffed animals

at a Basketball game so we had to get a photo of

their winnings! 

And of course in front of the hot dog place. 

 The boys found some lady friends, but didn't have much luck with them.....

And yet another prize....

and a few more to add to the collection. We had

to buy a big duffle bag at Walmart to carry them

all home! 

The beach was windy and the water was cold, but

 that didn't stop the kids from enjoying 

every minute of it. 

Our last stop before we went home was

Randy's donuts, right by LAX. 

Those are some good donuts!

Summer Fun in the Sun

 Aubrey and Hailey finished their softball season

Swim team Championships

 

Welcoming Jake Home!

After 5 long days, Jake got off the bus, filthy 
dirty, but with a big smile on his face.

The few things he could take had to fit in the bucket
 John is holding, and a sleeping bag and coat in a black
 garbage bag.

Everyone looked tired and dirty, but so happy
to be home. They were in the White Mountains
about 5 hours away, and had a true pioneer
experience pulling handcarts, living off
smaller amounts of food and re-enacting some
of the experiences the pioneers went through.

They were put in groups like families, and actually
had a Ma and Pa and brothers and sisters and had to work
together to pull their own cart. Jake's Pa came up to me while
we were waiting for him to get off the bus and told me
what a hard worker Jake was and that he was glad to have
him in his family and to get to know him. We feel the same way!

Pioneer Trek

The night before Trek, Jake put on all his
 pioneer clothes to get a feel for them.

"Oh ya, this feels quite natural" (as he makes
 the old man face!)

Here's the proof that I was up to see my boy off at 6am!
 I'm gonna miss this kid.

End of Ryan's Elementary School Days!

Ryan is finally movin on to middle school!

Mr. Johnson was an amazing teacher!

Buddies- Cole, Ryan, Draycen and Dallin.



Hailey's Baptism

Saturday was a special day for
Hailey!

After she was baptized, she came out of

the font and said "That was easy!"

Grandmas and Grandpas Marx and

Oldham show their love and support.

We took some pictures of Hailey a few

days before in her white dress. We are so

proud of Hailey!

Happy Easter!

Aubrey is a decade!

Our sweet little Aubrey at 2 yrs old...

Now she is sweet & sassy at 10!

And sporty! She loves softball & swimming.

For her birthday party we went to the skating

rink with some friends.

Daddy Daughter Date

The girls were excitedly waiting for Daddy
to get ready for their big night!

They had been getting ready all afternoon-
the hair and clothes and nails were are perfect!

They went to a dance and their school then to
Chilis for dessert. They came home two tired
and happy girls!

Jake is 15!

Jake gets two cakes, and two parties-
family party #1....

and family and cousins party #2!

We told him he could have a friend party, but
he was happy just hanging out with the family!