So Long...Farewell...We'll See You Next Year!!!

Friday morning flag ceremony...everyone looks a little tired! These are the YCL's (Youth Camp Leaders) Preparing to lead everyone in some singing...or sleeping! They found enough energy to stand up and get everyone going!

All the girls gathering in the pavillion to catch the bus home after cleaning their cabins...

Our cute missionary host couples... Brother and Sister Gardner and Brother and Sister Baker... obviously we were missing one cute sister...she was off helping the girls with something! They won our hearts...and we theirs!

The buses all lined up and ready to go...

One of the cutest girls ever!!!! (Kylie Jorgenson) She is absolutely adorable!

Hey ladies!! See you next year!

Dan and Shane left with the buses...they had the trailer full of the girls bedding and bags... very important cargo!

See you later ladies! We love you so much! And dont' forget....

you've... GOT COURAGE!!!!!!!!!

Lagoon July 2010

We had a free Saturday and decided that we should do something fun as a family...Courtney deserved it!! This was the first ride we went on...I mean Dan, Kenna, and Courtney went on. I don't like roller coasters or things that make me sick to my stomach! They all enjoyed it a lot! My gorgeous girls! Looking very tan and happy!

Dan and I on the "train of misery". This picture was taken BEFORE we left the station. Have any of you ever taken this train ride? The animals are in the saddest conditions I have ever seen! They should really stick to making snow cones and cotton candy! I wouldn't recommend this ride if you love animals!!!!!

Courtney and I watched from below! Dan was pale and looked like he was going to puke when he got off this one! He said it was because he had gone on too many crazy rides in a row!

Kenna and Courtney on the TRAM... they thought they were so cool riding without us!

Overall it was fun day...I'm not a huge fan of Lagoon...I would rather go to Disneyland...but the kids enjoyed it and we had a fun day together as a family. That's what it's all about!

Colorado Trip July 2010

We took a quick trip to Colorado in July to see Marv, Cheri, and Jonathan and to be a part of spreading Grandma and Grandpa Floyd's ashes at "Never Sweat" Reservoir. It was an interesting experience to say the least...but we kept our word by making sure their "final wishes" were taken care of the way they wanted them to be. It was so great seeing family and meeting some of Grandma and Grandpa's lifelong friends. We will look forward to doing their temple work someday!

I thought Grandpa had made up the name "Never Sweat"...as it sounds like something he would come up with...but here is the sign to prove it! (Although hard to read...there it is!) They have so many wonderful memories of this place... How gorgeous is this place?! We found a nice "resting place" for them under some trees. It was closure for everyone as they didn't have any formal services. What a view!

Here are a few of the kids...Logan, Courtney, Parker, and Austin enjoying the sunshine and having some fun together.

This one is priceless! Uncle Marv spending a little time with Courtney. He was worried about her and about how she might be feeling. To his surprise she was fine, shared her favorite memories, and told him boldly that she had no doubt that she would see both of them again someday. It caught him a bit off guard...pleasantly! Thank goodness for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for our knowledge that families are forever and that we WILL see those we love again someday.

It was a really nice getaway! We stayed an extra night and let the kids go swimming and spent the evening with Marv, Cheri, and Jonathan. We will look forward to a trip to Montana to see them in the Spring.

TREK 2010

TREK began very early in the morning...So the girls quickly fell asleep on the bus. I was too excited to sleep! Actually I tried, but ended up taking pictures and chatting with Dan. A little later on, the kids were "well rested" and ready to have some fun! Here are bunch of the kids on our 9 hour bus ride to Martins Cove.

Here are some of us ladies...From 8th ward: Noelle Taylor and Emma, from 7th ward: Kristin Perry, Amanda Bishop, myself and Kenna, from the Stake: Mare Davis

Heading up the trail into Martins Cove. I forgot to mention that one week before TREK, McKenna broke her foot. She wasn't able to walk, but all of the leaders and friends were more than willing to help push and pull her!

McKenna's friends, Taylor Davis and Gavin Schmalz, were total gentlemen. They held the rickshaw she had to ride in, on their shoulders as the missionaries were talking to us.

This was taken by the "SweetWater" crossing sight. These are all of the kids from our old ward (8th ward) and the kids from our new ward. (7th ward)

Dan carried McKenna through the SweetWater River. It was an incredible experience for both of them. The Saints that had to cross this river in the winter, with pieces of ice floating by them, deserve our deepest respect.McKenna loved sharing this experience with her dad!

Here are some of "the guys": Cody, Elijah, Colton, and Connor. They are so tough!

Taylor and Gavin, pulling McKenna. A copy of this picture will be in the visitor center at Martins Cove. The missionaries wanted a picture of these amazing boys pulling McKenna.

McKenna being pulled by Bro. Perry and Bro. Bishop. This rickshaw was scary!!!! It was really high so it could go through rivers easier. Taylor and Gavin named it Kenna's "Throne of Awesomeness". She couldn't wait to get out of this thing!

This picture is of a mass grave in Rock Hollow. Included in this grave is Bodil. She was a 9 year old girl who's family could only send one person at a time. She was an amazing little girl. I couldn't help but think about my little Courtney. I can't imagine sending her to a foreign country all alone...where she doesn't speak the language... with only an older sister waiting for her at the final destination. What the Saints sacrificed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ! She had such a strong testimony at such a young age. This was a very sacred experience and hallowed place. (Which we found out means the Savior was actually there...)

When we arrived at the Stake Center, we were greeted by Jonah with this sign welcoming us home. We couldn't wait to see our Courtney!!!! This was an experience that changed all of us...and so many of the things we felt and saw just can't be written down. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to go and have this experience with my family and friends. It certainly strengthed my testimony...and gave me a greater respect and love for my ancestors that came and sacrificed so much for all of us.

EFY: Mckenna's Big Adventure!

McKenna and her friend Brayleen began a week long adventure at the BYU campus on Memorial Day. We checked them in... Courtney took a quick nap on some of their luggage while we waited in line...

We drove them over to their dorm room...

They looked so sad to have us leave them for a week without parents...

A week full of classes, dances, adventures, and fun!

Courtney was sad...until she realized that we would be taking down her "castle bed" and re-doing her entire room while McKenna was gone all week!

What a great week! McKenna came home with a stronger testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She developed some fun friendships. She had some great adventures! We are so glad she had this opportunity!

Her dorm room wasn't fancy...but it gave her a glimpse into what college life will be like!

San Diego Adventure

In May we headed to San Diego for a work conference... J.D. and Dan had to go so we decided to tag along! Lindsey and Dawson came too...and we had a wonderful time! If the beach is involved...the Floyds are all over it!!!! Courtney thought this was hilarious...until she got sand in her eyes! Then it wasn't so funny anymore! The adorable Mair family! J.D, Lindsey, and Dawson... McKenna and Courtney sitting in a covered wagon in "Old Town"...we were thinking about our upcoming TREK adventure!We found the new Mormon Battalion building...very cool! It was really fun for the kids...they even got to "pan for gold". I would highly suggest you visit if you are in SanDiego and have the time. It was really fun to learn about how members of the Church helped to settle the SanDiego area. They contributed and sacrificed so much.

I'm Back!

I've decided that I really need to start blogging again! We have so many wonderful and exciting adventures around here...and I need to share them. I will start with the beginning of the summer and work my way forward...so be patient with me!