Allyson's Baptism

On October 11th Allyson became the newest member of the church! Mom and Dad were headed down to Southern California to be at the baptism and then head off to their cruise. Brooke and Maryn decided to tag along on the road trip and then flew home that Sunday night in time to go to work the following day (yuck!) We had an exciting trip down south, as we quickly realized that mom had forgotten the baptism dress that all the girls wear. Holly, Katie, Brooke, Maryn, and now Jessica and Madison have all worn the dress on their baptismal day. Mom made the dress years ago and she was really disappointed when her favorite daughter (who will remain nameless . . . let's just say it starts with a 'br' and ends with an 'ooke'!) asked if she brought it about the same time we hit Primm, Nevada. We spent about the next hour or so making phone calls. First to Katie to see if she'd be willing to go get the dress out of the closet (thanks Katie for your willingness). Then to FED EX for delivery times and prices. Next to Laura to see if there was another option. Maryn was a sport and made the phone calls from the back seat and entertained us all with her "professional telephone voice" as mom likes to call it! By the time Brooke's driving shift was over it had been decided that because it was going to be delivered on a Saturday and the baptism was at 9:00am mom didn't want to risk it. There is only one dress like it. Although Ally didn't get to wear it, they were able to borrow a different dress from a great friend of theirs. The day of the baptism was a busy one. Ally was the first one ready (by like 7:30am mind you!) and then sat around wondering why everyone else wasn't going any faster. As per tradition mom and dad, along with GG got Allyson a new set of scriptures that she LOVED so much. In fact, she woke up the morning of the baptism and the first thing she said to me was, "Brooke! I read to 16 already!!!" She was so excited I didn't have the heart to ask her whether she was talking about verses or chapters. I did ask her, however what she was reading and she said "some book that starts with a G." I quickly informed her that she would probably like the smaller book better! Gotta love 8 year olds! All in all it was a great service. Two other girls got baptized in her ward too and Ally picked to go first. Craig baptized her and dad gave a short, but sweet (just like we like em daddy-o) on the Holy Ghost. My favorite part? When Nathan leaned over and asked me why they needed to get baptized at the church in a dress when Taryn's mom has a pool at her house. It was classic! Ah, to be 5 again when the most exciting part of the whole event was when it was time for the donuts.

p.s. For those who don't know, Taryn is Ally's best friend and they live in their ward!

Ever wonder guys?

This is a shout out to all those guys out there . . . ever wonder what happens when the girls get together and "do hair"? Well let's just say it can get a little crazy. There's laughter, catching up on each others life, too much caffeine and dare I say it - gossip all over the place! Maryn has become quite the expert in highlighting Katie's hair. Since Laura is in California Maryn figured she should learn so she can be on call. Looks like somebody inhaled too many fumes!

Ahoy Mate!

Ahoy there! So while we're all here in the freezing cold weather of Utah (although it was a nice 86 degrees down south today!) mom and dad are off frolicking in the Mexican Riviera. Yes that's right kids! They are off celebrating their anniversary/birthdays/retirement/etc./etc. and flew the (empty) nest. They were down in Southern California for Ally's baptism and headed for the LA port within hours of her taking the plunge into the font. It was a seven day cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo san Lucas. It was a much needed vacation, but by the sounds of things mom is a little sick and tired of the heat. Hey mom! I'll trade you any day of the week. We're all glad you guys are having a great time and don't expect any 5 course meals when you get back home. Enjoy the escargot for me! Here's a little bit of mom's latest letter to all the kids. Enjoy!

Hola from Cabo San Lucas! Okay - I am about done with the heat and humidity. If I ever come to Mexico again, it will be in February.

We are having a really relaxing time. Way too much food -but I guess that´s what you are supposed to do on a cruise. We ate at Bubba Gump´s in Puerto Vallarta. Other than that it has been on the boat.

We are only in Cabo for a few hours today which is okay with me. I am done with shopping and sweating and swatting at gnats.

We didn´t do much yesterday. I didn´t even leave the boat in Mazatlan. My feet were so swollen from the day before. Walking on those cobblestone streets made my knee really ache. Dad got off the boat for a couple of hours and walked around and bought a t-skirt.

Congrats to Holly who bought a new car and rented out her house in Amarillo. Now I will let all the rest of you question her for all the details.

Also, congrats to Maryn who loves her new laptop.

In some ways this has reminded me a lot of Bolivia. A lot of the stuff for sale looks the same but is more expensive here. Of course, I realize that we are in a tourist trap area. Dad loves to barter. I don´t enjoy it as much as he does. I figure that people have to make a living, so I usually take the price after they´ve lowered it one or two times - I don´t hold out for rock bottom. I figure it is okay if they think I am too stupi to barter - at least (hopefully) their kids will have food for dinner.

Well, guess I should close for now. Dad has already left the internet cafe and is sitting outside in the shade with a cold drink. We thought we´d have lunch ashore, but I´m not really very hungry and we have to be back on the tender by 1.

Love you all tons. We will arrive in LA on Saturday morning and give you a call (except for Jeff :) ) We are scheduled to drive home on Monday, stopping by to pick up a package from Brooke on our way through. But dad is starting to whine about leaving Craig´s on Sunday and driving to St. George, so don´t know for sure what will happen.

Sorry to Brooke and Katie for being sick.

We love you guys. Do they have adults-only cruises¿ I would love to actually get IN the pool and the hot tub without a million kids that have been left there by their parents for hours at a time. Also, these pools (4) have fresh water, not salt water - so that is a big improvement over Carnival. Actually, pretty much everything is an improvement over Carnival.

We love all of you guys!

William the Bobcat

William recently got "promoted" to the rank of a bobcat. Ok, so this is Brooke typing and I have no idea how scouting works so I'm not even sure I'm using the correct terminology. The closest thing I have ever gotten to scouting would be the Thin Mints the Girl Scouts sell outside of Walmart each year. But anyhoo, William moved up in the world of scouting and that is so cool. As you can see his ward had a big ceremony where Tiffany made him into a bobcat. I wish I could have been there cause then maybe I could learn a few things. Way to go Will, keep up the good work! P.S. I especially liked the picture of Ryan making a face while he was supposed to be sitting quietly. Gotta love the kid!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Ryan just celebrated his 5th birthday! He is growing up so fast! By the looks of things he had a GREAT birthday! Ryan is a fun little boy, full of personality. He is very bright and knows a lot about a lot of things. Anyone who has ever had a conversation with him knows what I'm talking about when I say that he is quite the character. Happy Birthday Ryan, we love you!

Far - We've been traveling far!

For Laura's 29th birthday present Craig got her tickets to the Neil Diamond concert. Just the other night they went to the concert and had a great time. Craig and Laura along with the Hervey's, Riddle's, and Kern enjoyed the oldies but goodies and rocked the house with Sweet Caroline!!!! Oh YEAH! Gotta love Niel baby! Now Craig will have to watch the Jazz Singer with Laura and get even more laughs watching Saving Silverman.....

Just Floatin' Down Tabernacle Street

The Rodeo Roundup is a HUGE, BIG, ENORMOUS thing down here in southern Utah. Everyone goes to the rodeo and has a great time. A few weeks ago our school was in the Rodeo Roundup Parade and I was lucky enough to get to tag along. Although it was bloody hot it was a lot of fun and the kids had a great time showing our community how great it can be to know two languages! The crowd seemed to really enjoy not only our choir but also Conga Town, a bunch of kids playing African drums. Besides the 100 degree weather it was so much fun and something to look forward to next year! Here are a few pictures I took of my class along the parade route. Thought you'd like to meet a few of the little darlings!!

Tappin' Toes

This summer both Madi and Ally had the chance to participate at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, California. They had a great time dancing, smiling and showing off their awesome “skills” for the family and a large audience that stopped to see what was going on. Ally looks awesome in this first picture. As Craig would say, "she looks like a "SUPERSTAR" fo sho!!!"