My toothless wonders

Aubrie and Boston have been complaining about loose teeth for about a month now. Boston got to a point where he would say, "Can you just come in my room at midnight, while I'm sleeping,and pull it out for me!" Of course, we didn't do that. I was wishing they would just fall out so I didn't have to hear the complaining any longer. While they were anxiously waiting for their teeth to fall out, Ethan was biting on a lego Tuesday and it got stuck on his tooth. He pried it off and in the process loosened one of his bottom front teeth. So here I am with 3 kids complaining about sore teeth. It soon became a race to see whose tooth would fall out first. They were even more anxious since this week they have been gathering their money and trying to figure out how to buy the Lego Harry Potter video game. (They even went as far as to spread out all the new sand we got for the yard, without even being asked. They were hoping for payment! hee hee)

Yesterday morning Ethan comes running down the hall yelling, "my tooth fell out, my tooth fell out!" He was brushing his teeth and in the process he lost his tooth. The kids were all excited knowing that would be more money for the Harry Potter fund! (This was Ethan's first tooth loss, so it was big time excitement!)

Later that day Aubrie disappeared for a bit in my Mom's bathroom. I told her to meet us in the pool. When she came out she came straight to me and said "I love you Mom", and flashed me a huge toothless smile. Aubrie thought it was so cool that they both lost their tooth on the same day. She then reminded me that even though she knows the Tooth Fairy isn't real, I still had to pay her because Ethan would get suspicious.

Today while Ben and I were out, we get a text from the babysitter that Boston wanted us to know his tooth came out. I'm beginning to get a bit suspicious here. Are my kids pulling their teeth for Harry Potter? LOL Here are my toothless wonders!

Goodbye Young Women's:(

So here is "that" post I said was coming. I'm sure it's not too hard to figure out. Today was the day when my long reign in Young Women's ended. It actually ended a few weeks ago when I was released, but since it wasn't announced until today, it didn't feel quite real. Each time I have been released from Young Women's I have been a basket case. The girls become like second daughters to me. All the other times I have been released it has taken me off guard. This time I knew it was coming. The Lord was preparing me in so many ways. Of course, I didn't want to admit that's what he was doing, but I wasn't surprised when it came. Ben was shocked that I didn't shed a tear. Ironically enough, the one time that I didn't need two weeks to deal with it, I got it. All the other releases were done the day of. Funny how that works out. Anyway, though I didn't shed a tear, and felt at peace about the change, today took me by surprise when the water works came. It first came when Aubrie started to get all upset when they announced the releases. She started tearing up and saying things like, "Mom, are you going to be in there when I turn twelve. Does this mean you don't get to go to camp when I go?" I don't think she remembers a time when I wasn't serving in the Young Women. I collecting myself pretty fast and thought, "That wasn't so bad! Way to keep under control, Rachel!" When third hour came, however, not being in Young Women's really hit me hard. I'm excited for whatever new calling lies ahead, but after FOUR years of serving with the youth, I think I was kidding myself when I actually thought I could go through this release without a cry fest. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to my Young Women today and tell them how much I love them and will miss them, but those Young Women from my old ward, wrapping their arms around me at the temple the other day reminded me that they probably know! Thanks for that extra tender mercy Heavenly Father. And hopefully I'll be back in there to greet Aubrie when she comes in!;)

Our Karate Kid

We finally took Ethan to his first Karate Tournament. It's so hard to go during the school year, because of soccer. I was so happy that we finally could take him to one. We told him on Tuesday that he would be going. He was so excited. He kept asking "how many days till I get a trophy." Gotta love the positive thinking! The whole family got up this morning to go and support him. It's the first time I really saw Ethan look nervous. Usually he could care less. He kept watching all the kids practicing their Kata's. About a half an hour after getting there, he saw some boys from his Dojo. He ran over to them and started talking. That seemed to relax him a little. The funny thing is that the majority of the boys are older. Like 5 years older. But he just fit in with them, like they were kids from his grade or something. That's a trait I wish all kids could maintain through adulthood!

Moving on....the first kids to compete were those with weapons. Those Kata's were cool to watch. After the weapons was Ethan's division. He was really nervous, but did well.

He paused during his Kata, and that hurt him a little. He didn't get anything wrong, but since the judges don't know all the Kata's they judge on fluidity, and not exactness. Kind of weird, but good to know. I was proud of him for doing his newest Kata, instead of doing the one he tested with to get his orange belt, even though he probably would have scored better with that! The people from his Dojo knew! He got fourth for his Kata, which he only got a metal for. I could tell he was hoping for one of the trophy's. He still had his sparring.

He did well, and won his first round. In the end, he had to sparr his friend from his own dojo. His friend took first and he took second. He was so happy to get a trophy!

All the kids were so happy for him, and wanted to hold and look at his trophy. Ethan wasn't letting it go for anything. Guess he is going to be asking us to take him to some more tournaments in the near future! After the tournament we took the kids to JuJu Berry, per Ethan's request! I won't be surprised if Ethan opens an ice cream store when he's older!

I'm so proud of Ethan. He works so hard at all he does. He has been doing so well in his music class. This week he started composing. When I say composing, I mean picking out notes on the piano, and writing the notes down on paper. He made a little book, on his own, of all his songs he made up. One of the songs he picked out on his own was the theme to Polar Express. He stapled all his composed songs together to look like a piano book. It's not Mozart by any means, but I LOVE that when he takes in an interest in things he really takes it to another level. He has such a creative mind! I love how Heavenly Father has blessed me with such amazing children who are all unique and possess different qualities. How boring it would be if they all came cookie cutter.

Dive Championship

So I have never really been nervous for one of the kids events, until this Friday. Actually, I have been nervous about this meet for a few weeks now. Ever since Aubrie came close to hitting her head last time, I've just wanted to get this over with. This past week she finally got her flip back, but when they got to the pool for warm up, her head came close every time. I just said a quick prayer that she could do her flip without injury.

The Championship Meet was much harder than the others. There was one team they hadn't competed against yet, who happened to have the most kids and especially in Aubrie's division. Several of them were gymnasts, and Aubrie could tell she was in trouble when the girls who were warming up were doing fulls with a twist. Needless to say, it was stiff competition.

Because all the teams were there, the meet lasted 2 and 1/2 hours. It happened to be one the hottest, muggiest days of the summer. The audience was hoping to get splashed!

Ethan did well, except he had one failed dive because he thought his coach told him to do a straight dive, but he was supposed to do a tuck. His other dive, and his flip were awesome. He ended up with second place. (No pictures turned out of Ethan and Aubrie)

All of Aubrie's dives were beautiful, and high scored. She also completed her flip and got good scores. Unfortunately the other girls were doing higher difficulty (Aubrie is still afraid of the back dive) so she ended up 5th. She still was the highest ranking girl on her team.

Boston did AWESOME. There is one boy who is AMAZING, and has the audience in awe with every dive. He has been taking gymnastics since he was two. Boston competed against him last time and got worked. He knew he would have to compete against him again, and would probably not get 1st place. Boston had a tuck dive, back dive, straight flip, and one and a half.

Each dive was flawless, but the other boys were higher difficulty. Boston's last dive was the one and a half. He never nailed it at practice. He got up there and looked like he was in a different world, he was so focused. His dive was FLAWLESS. Even the Audience gasped it was so beautiful.

When he came out of the water the whole crowd was cheering. I wish I had my camera to take a shot as he was coming up the ladder. He was beaming from ear to ear, and when he got out he did a little fist thrust! This is him when he got out of the pool.

He still knew there was no way for him to get first, but he was happy with his performance, and so were we. He was only points behind the other boy, which was huge. While they were tallying scores, all the coaches dove for the audience. They let the kids score and announce. They had fun doing that. Even Sophia got in on the announcing. I like how they made it so laid back and fun for them, especially since it took so long to do the scoring. Though I'm glad its over, I'm also glad they had the opportunity. It's been great!

After the meet, we stopped at In-and- Out for dinner. Before we got there, we went through the Chick-filet drive through for Aubrie. While waiting in line, we saw a family walk out dressed like cows. We remembered it was cow appreciation day, where you got a free entree if you dressed like a cow. Ben and Aubrie hurried and made these horns to try and get some free nuggets. The staff thought it was funny, and gave him free nuggets! Gotta love Ben for his philosophy of "it never hurts to ask, or try!"

A Temple First

Yesterday was a first for me. It was the first time I got to escort someone through the temple. One of my friends, whose husband was baptized a year ago, went though with her husband yesterday! She will be sealed to her husband and children next Saturday!!! I have so been looking forward to the sealing. There is something special about seeing a whole family being sealed, compared to just a couple. I know both hold equal significance, but there is just something more emotional about it! Anyway, last week she was animate about the day I would be getting back from Utah. When I told her the date, she soon asked me if I could be her escort. I was honored, humbled, and honestly a little nervous. I was hoping that I would be able to help make the experience as comfortable for her as possible. It was great being her escort. I loved being with her and watch her soak everything in. Not only was it amazing getting to see her experience everything, but it was also a great review for me. It also gave me some more insight that I desperately needed. Lately, I have felt as though my temple trips have been a bit bland. I know that sounds bad. Ben and I have been going routinely every month, and I felt as though I hadn't received any , "Ah, ha" moments, and I was feeling guilty for feeling that way.

My friend told me over and over how much she appreciated me and needed me for her experience in the temple. But she may never realize how the Lord not only answered her prayer, but my prayers as well, through her. I love when the Lord works that way. It's so personal and is another witness at how much he loves and tends to our individual needs! After that amazing experience, I walked out the temple doors to find my Young Women from my old ward on the temple steps. They came running up and showered with me with hugs! Again, something I really needed. (It will make more sense in a post to come) Thanks Heavenly Father for tending to the details!

Bridal Veil and the Godowns (Day 5&6)

Sunday we slept in a bit, and had to raise Ethan from the dead. He is our teenager in a kids body. This is how we found him in the morning! How is did he end up there?We started our day at Bridal Veil Falls. The kids were looking forward to it the whole trip. It was much colder than it was last year, so getting in the water wasn't an option. They also were sad that the rope that was there last year, to help up a steep climb, was missing. It's not that we needed it. Guess it was just fun for them. Honestly, I forgot all about it. Funny how simple things like that are important to them. We reached the top much faster than last year, probably because they weren't hiking in flip flops this time. We only hung up at top for a few minutes, and then Aubrie and Boston hiked up the water fall from the bottom. Ethan had fun playing with sticks and Sophia just hung out with us on the bridge. The snow cone shack was under construction, so when we were done we headed straight to the Godowns.

Sophia's try at carrying the pack! I tried getting in but she wouldn't have it!:)

The Godowns are good friends of ours that moved to Utah. They were staying at a resort in the mountains. It's about an 30 minute drive through a canyon. It was a pretty drive up. Their condo sat next to a stream. Our kids had fun making a fort by the stream. Ethan had fun finding sticks and creating things out of them. I gave him a few of my hair ties, and a twist tie, and he created an awesome contraption where he would shoot smaller sticks off a big one. His own arrow shooter! That boys imagination is off the charts. After visiting for a bit, we took the kids to the resorts miniature golf course. We then came back for some good food and more visiting. It was GREAT catching up. It was such an enjoyable evening. We left before it got dark so we didn't have to drive the windy roads in the dark. Aubrie realized that she was the mosquitoes main course, as all her bug bites started to spring up an make her miserable! Poor girl! On the way home I realized I didn't get a picture of us with the Godowns. This was the only picture I got up there. These are birds nests made out of mud. Never seen anything like it before. When we got home we vegged out a bit, then packed things up for morning.
Monday, we left for home. The ride home was great. We stopped at this rock shop on the way home and the kids bought themselves some treasures. Boston picked out a crystal and purple geo rock. It took him forever to pick out the crystal because he couldn't figure out if he wanted a nicer rock for more money, or the other way around. He ended up being the bargain shopper, coming out only spending 2.50! Ethan got a bag of rocks and copper. After his purchase he walked out the door and said to the cashier , "Thanks! Have a great day!" The workers didn't see me around the corner and I heard them say, "What a sweet boy!" That made my heart smile. Aubrie got a petrified snail fossil and got Ben to buy me something that she liked! She asked me what my favorite rock was out of a certain display, and then she told Ben I really wanted something in there. Next thing I know he comes out with it! Smart girl! Good times at the rock shop! On the way home, Boston said, "This was a great trip!" I have to agree. It was a lot of fun!

We got home at 7...enough to unpack, eat and watch an episode of Wipe Out!!!

Seven Peaks & Fireworks (Day 4)

Saturday we slept in, and it felt great! We researched all the water parks in the area, and decided on Seven Peaks. I have never been there, but heard it was the better one in the Valley. They had a family package which included 4 inner tubes and a locker, and 4 meals. That worked out since Ethan and Sophia had to ride with us in the tubes anyway. The kids had a great time! The Wave Pool was the first thing the kids hit. I don't think they have ever been in one before. The slides and lazy river were next. Then the kids discovered the areas with the lily pads and rope swing. I think that was Boston's favorite area. Sophia had a great time, and did very well! It was a pleasant day at the water park.

We headed out around 3 and went back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. We made a quick stop at Great Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins before dinner. To our surprise Bonnie and Lisa were there. We visited for a bit, and then had to leave to get to dinner in time. I was so looking forward to Brick Oven, but was disappointed when the wait was well over an hour. We then tried Cafe Rio, but there was a line out the door. Wingers was our next stop, and it wasn't busy! The kids loved that there were flat screens over every table, and loved the popcorn they served. The wings were good, and I caved an got my usual-a chocolate coke! The Aspalt pie was the best reason for going. After dinner, Ben swam with Sophia and Ethan, while Aubrie, Boston and I played a round of Yahtzee! We then walked across the street to claim some grass area for the firework show. The Stadium of Fire was on the 3rd this year, since the 4th fell on a Sunday. Here are our AWESOME tie dye shirts. We got a lot of compliments and questions on whether we made them, and how we made them.

Aubrie and her hot chocolate. One of her favorite things about staying at the hotel...unlimited hot chocolate at her disposal!

Sophia's shot at photography!

The firework show was nice, but, again, not as great as last year. With that said, the Stadium of Fire is about the best firework show, besides Disneyland.

After the fireworks, we went back to the hotel and went to bed.

Timpanogos, Owls Game and the Salisbury's (Day3)

Friday I woke up early to get a shower and get ready before the gang all woke up. We had to head out by 9 to get breakfast and make it to Timpanogos in time. The family (minus me) had a quick bite at McDonalds. The kids thought this statue of Ronald was funny. I didn't eat there, but opted for a Clif Bar and OJ from a gas station. That was my favorite morning snack while I was up there. Our cave tour was at 12:30 and they suggested we start our mile and a half hike an hour and 1/2 early. Last time we did this hike, we did it with Joe, Billy, and my Mom 12 years ago. My Mom needed frequent stops, and we barely made it there in time, so with 4 kids I was panicked to get an early start on the hike. We made it up there with plenty of time to spare. Even with the frequent stops we had to make. There was much complaining from Ethan and Aubrie, Boston was a champ and didn't complain at all. We did sound like a broken record up and back as we had to continually remind them to stay a close to the mountain side of the trail. We heard that there was a recent accident there, which probably resulted in me being a little too protective the whole time, which I know annoyed the kids.

The hike was actually quite pleasant, I thought. It was shaded for most of the time, and it was so beautiful. We even saw some forrest critters on the way up!

Seriously, this boy is always thinking of poses for the camera!

I have NO idea what this pose is for, but he insisted I take it! I guess it's his "hiding behind the trash can" pose?

Since we got to the top early, we were able to take and early tour. Our tour guide was really nice. She put up with Ben's jokes, and enjoyed the kids. The kids loved the cave, but Boston was freezing from the 45 degree temperatures inside. He is my string bean with no body fat! I forgot how amazing the cave was. It was so cool to go through it again. The kids liked it, but wished there was an elevator to take them back down the mountain when it was over. Ha, Ha!

The hike down was even cooler. The wind had picked up and there was more cloud cover. It was a pleasant hike!

On the way out of the Canyon we saw this shaved ice shack in town. We stopped for a quick treat. Boston got the award for not complaining and Aubrie got the award for best listener. I told Ethan he wasn't going to be able to have one because he wasn't listening on the trail. He was so sad, but I knew that Boston would feel bad for him and share his, so I got Boston an extra big one. That way they both had enough. Boston got to be the great brother who shared, and Mom still got to follow through! I love when it works out that way, because I hate punishing Ethan. He is so pitiful when he is punished because he has such a sweet nature.

After our pit stop, we headed to the Salisbury's. (Ben's Childhood Best Friend) There we ate BBQ and hung out. They have 4 kids, also, so our kids had fun playing with them. We all got sucked into watching Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief in their theatre room. When we finally pulled ourselves out of there, we headed to the Owls game. Last year we went to the Owls game on the 3rd and they had an amazing firework show afterward.

This year we got regular seats, that were behind the first baseline. It was nice to be in the shade, and have back support. (We had grass seats last time). The kids did great at staying put. I did take them to the play area after the 6th inning, where they had a lot of fun. They were ready to go back to our seats, after the 7th though. I think they were tired from the hike earlier. The firework show was good, but not as great as last year. Budget cuts I guess. It was still pretty good for a small league game, though! After the game, we headed straight for the hotel, skipped the pool and went straight to bed! I think two days of hiking did us in!