Sunday, April 28, 2013

Today was a Sunday to remember. 

 It was Stake Conference, so Brandon was sustained an Elder.  After the meeting Jeff ordained Brandon to be an Elder.  It was really neat.  Since a lot of the boys are leaving on missions this summer they ordained 2 other boys in our ward (Matt Aldridge, Kyle Clarkson).  It was cool to watch them stand in the circle for the next boy after they were ordained.  It is great to see the missionary work moving forward.

After Brandon was ordained.  Jeff and I took Derek to get his Patriarchal Blessing.  It is so fun for me to watch my boys grow up.  They are wonderful young men.

I wanted a picture to remember the day....this is what I got!  They are so funny.  Well, Brandon has been hanging on to being the tallest, well at least for the last little bit, but tonight it looks like Derek has finally passed Brandon!  We had to get another with shoes off...just to be sure......yep, Derek wins!

This is Chance Lathim.  He is Brandon's friend.  

Brandon invited him to listen to the missionary discussions.  Tonight was the first discussion.  It went really well.  We have another appointment next Sunday!  The gospel of Jesus Christ is so great.  I love to see the change in people as they choose to follow Christ.  

 We had to sneak in a picture with the boys...Derek was being a dork, as usual..good thing that we love him.

Jaxon was so proud of himself for pulling this weed out.....I think that we might need to do some yard work!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Friday, April 26th

Jeff and I headed to SLC for a quick overnight trip.  A teacher that Jeff had taught with, Bob Hayward, called and asked if Jeff would introduce him at his retirement dinner.  We had Brandon and Derek's Solo Ensemble on Saturday, so we were heading up anyway.  I was glad that it all worked out.  The retirement dinner was held in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in the Palmyra Room.  It is a beautiful room that overlooks the spires of the temple.  The evening was wonderful.  Jeff did a great job and it was neat to see Bob finish a great career.  The  whole night was a reminder to me that our relationships with each other, and the covenants that we make are the things that matter most in this life. 

Saturday, April 27th

Brandon and Derek at State Solo Ensemble at Lone Peak High School.  Derek played a piano, and accompanied the chior in 3 songs.  He sang in a double quartet, and accompanied another group.  It was a fun day to listen to the boys.   

Derek in his double quartet.  They sang, "Fireflies".

So our other four children....
Savanah had a dance competition in Parowan.  She went with another family.
Jacob, Jaxon, and Jordan all went to friends' houses in Kanab.  They all had baseball games on Saturday.  I was so grateful for a lot of people's help to be able to pull the weekend off!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Brandon had a game against Diamond Ranch.  He did a great job pitching.  He pitched the whole game and they won 11-6.  Brandon hit well also.  He went 4/4 and had 2 doubles. 

These are a few of  Brandon's friends that he has had a great time playing with.  

Chase Adams, Michael Stewart, Brandon Nielson, and Matt Aldridge.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

 Derek had a track meet in Kanab.  He ran 800 meter, 200 meter, and 4x400 relay.  He set a PR on his
 800   and has qualified to run the 800 and 4x400 at BYU the first week in May.

Derek running the 800M

 This is Derek's cheering section.  Well for most of the time...  Savanah had dance practice, then softball practice and Jacob had baseball practice and got there for the end.  Brandon was at the track meet after baseball practice, but we are way too cool to be seen with him.:)  Jeff was helping with the javelin throw and would come over when Derek was running. 

 Jaxon and Jordan were so cute playing by themselves.  I am pretty sure that Jaxon never hit a ball, and that Jordan never threw one that he could actually hit.  They had fun though.

See those cups in the fence... yes so did Jordan.  He took a lot of them out.  It was advertising for SBO President.  We had to help him put them in again...oops.  And yes..It gets a picture of our sweet Mother Ship.  Who wouldn't be proud to drive that around town!  It will remind me of these fun and busy days of having a van full of children going in a lot of different directions, and snacks and equipment in the back for all of the fun activities.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Brandon had his last home game.  They played Diamond Ranch and killed them.  Brandon played well.  He has loved playing baseball this year.