It's Summer Time

This is my brother Andrew who talked Marc into sliding down with him. He took us to slippery rock. He knows the guy that owns the property where this waterfall is. We had to hike about an hour to get there and it was sooo hot. Then the water was freezing cold. But it felt good and we had tons of fun...even jumped off the cliff a little bit.

Jefferson

Again my brother took us to his friends pool and played. I taught Jefferson to do flips.

We also went to the olympic practice pools. We swam for about 1 1/2 hour until it decided to downpour on us.

McKenna jumping off the platform.

Brynn

Marc

Playing with cousins is a must! My sister and I sat on the back porch swing while all the kids played in the backyard. This is what summer is all about! We talked and laughed all night long!

We were amazed at all the fun outdoor games they came up with...no need for video games here! Even after bbq dinner we were still outside playing after dark games like flashlight tag.

Boys playing tag without shirts...I told my sis that this was this best represents summer days!!!

MTC

Yes...you can be jealous!!! Even though the mission home doesn't let families go in the MTC anymore, we recieved special permission to bring Tory early and walk him in. I've heard how strong the spirit is there, but you don't understand it until you've felt it. And the minute we drove in the parking lot we felt the wave of the spirit start. It was beautiful!! Here are Paige, Brynn and McKenna...future sister missionaries/wives of missionaries.

Tory is so blessed to have two huge families that love and support him. He's such a wonderful example to these future missionaries. Aren't they handsome!!! Whooo Hooo!!!

We are also so blessed to have Tory as our missionary.

After Tory was in the MTC for 2 wks the twins went to EFY just down the block at BYU. Everytime they saw the missionaries out they would scan "the crowd" for Tory. Then the day we picked up the twins from EFY we drove by the MTC and saw "the crowd" playing soccer. Tory had written us a letter saying he played soccer every morning for their excersize time. We drove through the parking lot, but we did not see him. ( Shhh, don't tell)

June Happenings

So much happened in the month of June, and I won't be able to blog about them all. But here a few fun things.. We took Jeff to a baseball game (Father's Day gift), where Jefferson paraded on the field with his team.

Enjoyed Brynn's ballet recital, Aladin. I love watching her dance, it brings tears to my eyes.

Watched the amazing Dance Festival, Firm Foundation, twice. The girls were amazing, all the dances were amazing and the spirit was so strong. I wish I could have watched it a third time. And of course, I cried at this dance performance too.

Took a last minute quick trip to Utah, to be with Tory when he went through the temple. Wonderful!!!

It was the end of preschool for Marc and the whole class sang songs for the parents about bugs. It was adorable and Marc can't wait to be in the 4 year old class. He's already asking about when it will start.

New Pots and Pans

For months, I have been asking, looking, researching, shopping, waiting for sales and saving for a new set of pans. I have been cooking on the same pans for 16 years. They were so old and used I'm sure we were eating flakes of the pan with our dinner...and they were becoming deformed. It's about time I got a new set!!!

I was so excited that I was singing and dancing around all day long. My kids have probably never seen me so happy. It's amazing was a little thing like a new, good pot will do!! (Some might agree in more ways than one.)

I opened the box, laid them and myself on the floor and just stared. I was also sooo excited to tell my family what an awsome deal I got too . Because I watched sales, and used just the right coupon I saved over $100 on this set, and I recieved to bonus pans!! I'm becoming quite the coupon shopper lately. They are absolutely as fabulous to cook on as I dreamed. I've been using them all week and I don't even mind hand washing them after dinner. In fact, I haven't even let the kids wash them yet. LOVE THEM!!! (The pans and the kids, of course)

Disney Land Adventure

Last day at Disney, all the kids are sad.And the parents, a little thankful. After six days everybody was exhausted.

Pretty much the best driver ever. - paige☺

Mallaboomer! The kids would want to ride this over and over again to get ready for the Tower of Terror.

Buzz Lightyear ride, one of the favorite rides at the Disney.

Our first day at Disneyland. Kids were excited and ready to get into the park.

While walking through downtown disney jeff spotted a familiar face. The McCormicks! Family friends that we havn't seen in a long time. So we decided to catch up with them at dinner. Its a small world after all.

Brynn Jackson: Everyday Hero

Brynn was on the news...check it out...we are so proud of her!!!

http://www.katu.com/news/specialreports/89820942.html?tab=video

Attitude of Gratitude

Have the mid-winter blues (aka NW liquid sunshine, winter gray/blues) got you down? ME TOO!!! I hate feeling crummy and like I don't want to get out of bed. I don't make New Years resolutions. But I am trying to step it up and be better in all areas, nutritionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. So, to try and combat the "depressional blues", I have started a gratitude journal. Nothing fancy I just try to write at least one thing about my day (simply on my calendar) that I appreciated. (My family does this for the month of Nov. and it helps) Here are some so far.
I am grateful for...
Day 1 Family get togethers at the Jacksons and my sister getting engaged
Day 2 A quick nap in the afternoon after getting up at 5am to play with the dog, help and see my girls off to seminary and excersize.
Day 3 Twins basketball and Girls night out at the movies (Leap Year)
Day 4 Marc singing "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam"
Day 5 the kids helping me destress by putting me in bed and bringing me a healthy dessert (apple with a touch of ice cream sprinkled with cinnamon)
Day 6 being able to jump on the trampoline with Marc on a sunny day, then on to making cupcakes with him (he loves to stir with the new red spoon he got from X-mas bingo)
Day 7 Visiting with friends that I've known for 10 yrs and spiritual discernment
Day 8 when prayers are actual conversations with Heavenly Father
Day 9 yummy homemade stew
Day 10 Nursery rhymes coming to life.. I felt like the Pied Piper today when I started on a walk with my 3 kids and ended with 3 more neighbor kids... fun, fun, fun!!!

Christmas Lip Sync

We had a blast this year creating our video. I have to say that after 6 years we finally got through this with out any mishaps or stress....YEAH!!!