Memorial Day 2011

We decided to go downtown to the Salt Lake City Cemetary and visit Jason's grandfather and his cousin, Ryan, who have passed away. We last visited his grandpa Marv's grave, a couple of years ago, but haven't ever made it to Ryan's, so it was nice to be able to pay our respects to them with our boys.

Marv passed away in November of 2007 from cancer and Ryan passed away in May of 1998by suicide.

We also took the boys over to the graves of all of the soldiers who have died and tried to explain to the boys just what giving their lives meant...I don't know how much actually sunk in, but hopefully something amidst all of the complaints of going to see something else ;)




Here we are at Grandpa Marv's grave


The boys at Ryan's grave

Braxton graduates from preschool!

So my 4th baby boy graduated from preschool!! *sniff sniff

I was recommended a lady who does preschool from her home by a friend of mine, called Stepping Stones preschool, across the road in another neighborhood, so I decided to enroll him. There are higher-end preschool's that cater to the elite (lol) but I wasn't willing to drop over a bill per month on education so went for the home-preschool setting, and I couldn't have been happier.

Here are some highlights of his graduation day. Braxton caught on really quick learning his alphabet and letters, and writing his name. Braxton sure has a zest for life and learning, I love it!! I love him :)

Braxton and his classmates



Mommy and Braxie :)


Braxton and Miss Andrea :)

Mommy-Son date!

So I was able to spend the time with only ONE of my precious boys, just the two of us, while Jason went with the 4 older boys to a Father/sons campout. Going from 5 down to 1 sure simplifies things, that's for sure. We had Payton's birthday pictures taken and needed to go and pick them up, so we made the most of our little adventure to the mall.

We picked up his pictures, got a bite to eat, and then went on the carousel, first time for Payton! Here are some highlights of his first time riding on a 'bunny' :)

Hope of America

Hope of America, part of this organization called the Freedom Festival that takes place in May, and includes about 70 other elementary schools which consist of the whole 5th grade participating from each school. Jaeden was able to be a part of this awesome musical experience! I think it's only a Utah County thing, so we were lucky to be able to go and watch him and all of the other kids perform. As you can see from the picture, they have the kids assembled together to for an American flag and they have the original score of songs playing, and the whole group of kids sing along. It was very inspirational! They also have other performances inbetween some of the songs, so it was really fun to watch. It took place down at the BYU Marriott Center, where they play basketball, so there were a LOT of kids and parents that were there to fill it up. There also was a BAT, yes, a BAT, that was flying around the arena! Everytime it would fly towards the kids, they would all scream and squeal, it was hilarious!! I felt bad for the bat as it would probably end up dying before it got outside ever again, but it was fascinating to see a bat flying around inside there; kind of like a pre-show entertainment :) Anyway, the kids did great and I felt hopeful that these amazing kids will one day be the ones who will stand up and fight to keep us free...many of our freedoms are being maliciously and secretly done away with, and the day will soon come where we will have to choose freedom or tyranny, just like those did in the beginning of our country's history, and we too, will have to fight to stay free! I added a little clip of their last song they presented where they used a flashlight and sang about being a light shining through the darkness...I can't help but get emotional when I hear this song!

Easter 2011

So Easter was later this year...I never understand why Easter is never the same date each year, and I suppose I could look it up but haven't really cared to in the past, so I don't think I'll start now. I'll just stay confused and wonder about it, ha!

I know some parents go way over-the-top "egg"stravagent with the easter baskets and stuff, but I'm one of those that remembers its about our Savior, as it should be, so I don't want to make too much of an emphasis on that big ol' easter bunny and give him all the credit. It should be a holiday where we remember our Lord Jesus Christ, for his sacrifice of giving up his life so we can one day, have eternal life if we live worthily to do so, and that we can all be resurrected like He was...what a wonderful gift! That is why the easter bunny definitely doesn't take center stage in our home. We do the easter egg coloring and Mr. Easter Bunny does visit our house, but like I said, the bare minimum...not to mention its a little painful on the wallet with 5 boys, and all :)

So here are a few of our pretty little eggs...the pics I took weren't that spectacular as the craziness of dying all those eggs with all those boys left me with a slight splitting headache, so I will only post a couple.









The boys' easter baskets