Family Hike to the "C"

Brian had the day off work so we took the kids hiking up to the "C" on the side of Cedar Mountain. I think we were a little over confident when we set out.  It was an 8 1/2 mile hike. We dealt with diaper explosions, wind, rain, slips and falls, and tired kids, but we made it!   We carried Chandra almost the entire way up and down, and carried Bracken for at least two miles. We got up largely due to Brian's and my determination and buffness, and got down happily because of a prayer and Bracken choosing to be brave and cheer up.

Right as we headed back down the mountain, it started to rain and the wind picked up.  Bracken started to cry saying he was too tired and so cold. We carried him for a ways, but it wasn't very safe going downhill, plus he's getting big!  We decided to say a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to help it not rain on us, and for us to be warm and happy.  Within five minutes the sun came back out, Chandra was asleep in my arms, and Bracken was giggling as he "skiied" down the mountain, running, slipping, and being held up by a tight grip on Brian's hand.  We ended our hike pretty tired, but like Bracken said, "It was hard, but I did it, and now I feel triumphant!" A great family adventure.

Happy Chandra

Chandra climbed on the table and I let her stay there because the light was beautiful and my camera was close by.  I love these pictures!  Maybe it's just me, but this is the first time I've looked at a picture of Chandra and seen me in her (at least my 2 year old self).  I'm going to have to go find an old picture of me now to compare. :)

No Sugar for 30 Days

A month ago Bracken announced he was not going to eat sugar for 30 days. He made a sticker chart for himself, asked people to read ingredient labels to him to make sure there was no sugar or syrup in his food, and said "no thank you" over and over again to sugar without any pressure from us. He got two little Lightning Mcqueen cars at the end for a prize. I'm proud of him, and also a little amazed and humbled seeing my barely-four year show so much self-control and stick to his goal.

Brian's SUU Graduation

Brian graduated from SUU this weekend! Brian and I celebrated with a day-date in St. George on Thursday, going to the temple, eating Mongolian Barbecue, and going to see our favorite comedian Brian Regan at the Tuachan Theater.  It was a perfect, fun day.  Thanks to my sister Sarah for watching Bracken and Chandra for us!  My Mom, Brian's parents, and Melissa and Steve were able to join us for the Commencement ceremony and the College of Science and Engineering Convocation on Friday and Saturday where he received his diploma.  He has worked so hard and we are proud of him. Now it's onto medical school in a few months!

The kids were SO excited when they saw Brian walk across the stand to get his diploma.  They clapped, cheered, and yelled, "That's my Daddy!" and "Hi Daddy, Hi Daddy!"

Brian graduated Summa Cum Laude, and as the Outstanding Biology Student.  He has worked so hard!

Dad, Brian and Mom-- His parents flew up from Phoenix to be here for Brian's graduation.

Mom, Bracken, Brian, Kira, Chandra and Sarah.

Dad, Mom, Brian, Kira, Chandra, Melissa, Steve and Bracken.

Dandelion Bouquets

Remember the first time your child picked a flower just for you?  Since that first happened to me three or so years ago, I've viewed dandelions a little differently. When a chubby toddler hand pushes yellow flowers towards your face, and they expectantly say, "I picked these for you!" dandelions change from weeds to treasured bouquets. 

 

Chandra squeals, "Pretty yellow flowers!" and wants me to stop the stroller every time she sees a dandelion. She picked a mountain of dandelions and fallen purple blossoms for the baby dolls in her stroller.

I'm no longer the only girl Bracken gives flowers to. :)

Chandra's 2 Years Old!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Little Chandra!  Bracken and I decorated the kitchen with balloons so you'd be surprised when you woke up. We made a special mountain egg breakfast and let you blow out the candles multiple times.  We went on a long walk so you could push your babies in your stroller and went on a bike ride. That evening we headed to the park and played with your little friends and ate cake and ice cream. 

We love you so much and are glad you're in our family.  As Bracken told you this morning, "Did you know you're everything I ever wanted in a little sister?"  You are spunky and determined and ridiculously cute.  Happy Birthday!

Don't Say Bad Words!

On our way home from church Brian informed me he'd scheduled his home teaching for the exact same time I'd previously told him I would be going visiting teaching.  As I started to stress figuring out how we'd make our appointments work with the kids, Brian started laughing and I realized he'd just said that to tease me. 

"You're such a punk!" I laughed, relieved.

Bracken immediately hollered from the back seat, "Don't say that bad word mom!  It can make people's hearts feel sad."

Brian: "Yeah, you'd better apologize because my heart is feeling sad."

As Brian and I tried to keep straight faces, I apologized and we started getting out of the car.  

Then Bracken says, "It's a good thing you have me around, otherwise you guys might say bad words all the time."

Yes, It's a good thing we have you around Bud.