Haunted House and The Last Halloween Parade

 What a great Dad! Derek spent a few different evenings helping Sara assemble her house and spraying it black. Sara wrote a magnificent haunted story to go with this awesome structure.

 The details of the story are in the extra props added all around. One of my favorite traditions they do in 6th grade.

 Lauren and Sara wait for their part of the parade to begin. These two have become even better friends this year and I love how they have twinner glasses.

 There she is! The cutest wisteria crayon girl ever!  I can't believe we have watched so many parades over the years and this is our last. :(  Not sure how I feel about this. My kids grew up way to fast!

One more picture as she is walking through the halls. Great smile Sare Bear and a fantastic Halloween morning.

Tuachan Thriller Times Three!

Sara and Madi performed three times at the Tuachan in St. George.  The outdoor atmosphere is amazing and fireworks went off at the end of each show.  They had such a great cast of girls this year and really enjoyed getting to know them and talking with the Zombies.

Saturday night Grandma joined us. Alli and Derek also drove down for the weekend. Grandma was just a little scared. (haha)

Eliza and Lindsey weren't able to be Chuckies this year, but still came down to stay with us and give friend support. They were able to see backstage, the dress rehersal and attend the show twice.

Some ready - Some 1/2 way ready - All have their makeup on and ALL have their scary faces!

Some cute faces backstage! Yes - they really can look cute too. It was great to have some down time to just relax and hang out.

My sister Kathy and her girls joined us on Monday. Unfortunately, the weather had turned a little cold...notice the gloves and jackets.  Even Amanda was brave enough to hug these scary-faced dolls.

Only a mother could love these faces!

The best all-around Zombies who really scared everyone!

The entire Chucky Cast!

Sunday Afternoon in Sunny St. George

This was the row of beautiful girls at my parents ward this fine Sunday. After sacrament meeting, we thought it would be fun to show these girls Brigham Young's Winter Home. We had the home all to ourselves and a sweet missionary from Oregon gave us a first class tour.

The significance of this little stool was where Brigham would kneel by his bed and pray. 

The gardens surrounding the home tell their own story.  The missionary couple was kind enough to let us try to pick a pomegranate from off the high branches of the tree.  We steadied the ladder while the tallest of us climbed. Success! We claimed a large one by pulling down the branches.
 

On the porch in the front of the house...Lindsey, Eliza, Hannah, Sara, Madi, Kaymie, Julia and Bodie

To Russia, with Love...

Well he's off!! Thrilled and excited for the grand adventure that awaits him in a place 5000 miles from home. It was so good to talk with him and hear his voice. So Good!!

I send him to Russia with the love of a mother.  One that will wish, hope, worry and pray until he returns safely 22 months from now.  Thankfully, he is under the care of one much greater than I. The only person I can have complete faith in, for he is doing His work and is completely turned over to Him.

When Jake was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints peace entered my heart and has been there ever since.  I am grateful for the comfort I have felt over the last 2 months. I am thankful for the feelings I have felt as I am trying to learn how to better share him with others. I miss him and I know that part will never go away.  However, there is no place I would rather have him be. Jake will encounter life changing events and he will be the instrument that helps others to change their own life.  I am thankful for his goodness, his cheerful attitude and willingness to give up so much to serve. He is a delightful son and he brings happiness wherever he goes. To Russia He Goes! We will anxiously wait to hear all about it.  He is prepared and will do his very best, that I know without a doubt.

Jake "Happy Birthday"!! You have had a very good year!

Most of these pictures were taken by friends of Jake since his last birthday. I have been collecting them to make a giant birthday card to send him this year. He will have his birthday in the MTC and leave for Russia the day after. Because he's a missionary, I'm sure it will be a birthday to remember! 

Happy 19th to my favorite son! We are so proud of you and the man you are becoming!

My freestyle piano guy!

Birthday parties of other friends!

GRADUATION - May 2013

 Summer 2013

Driving his Toyota truck - nicknamed "Yoda"

Supporting friends at soccer games

 Swimming Parties

 Hot tub times

 Senioritis walk to school days

Bowling with the fam...

 Man of Steel Midnight Premier

 Missionary farewells of friends

 Hikes in Zions - Angels Landing

Monsters University

Goodbye parties drowned out with Kneaders french toast 

Paddleboarding through icy waters!

Harry Potter Party with Dobi, Lexi, Ali, Alli, and Alyssa

Regional and State Swim Meets

Photo of Jake by Gray called    S T O R M

Lone Peak Student Council with very FUN friends!

Council retreats - 

Colored Jeans Day!

Missionary calls of swimmer buddies and his missionary call (April 2013)

Dumpster Instagram

Lexi, Jake and Kiley found the Google Car!

Opening nights at the Movies - Obviously Star Trek

Driving to the MTC

Elder Jacob Butters - We all love you!!

Happy Birthday - We all miss you!