Utah Memories Summer 2017

As nice as it would have been to be moving into our house as originally planned this summer, we made up for it with a fabulous trip out to Utah. Once we learned our house wouldn't be complete, Jack kept encouraging me to take the kids to Utah for as long as possible as he spent much of last summer in Florida and knew that between our small quarters and the horribly hot summer weather we'd go stir crazy. Luckily I listened and how perfectly everything worked out. We spent the first week together as a family celebrating my dad, and enjoying some of our favorite things. Here are a few highlights!

Boating on Deer Creek:

Sage always wanting to keep up with the boys...does she really have any other option?!?



Who do you trust behind the wheel?!?



Or who do you trust with the selfie stick?!?



Always fun times with the fam...



We spent July 4th doing what we love to do most...celebrating Grandpa! We kicked off the day out on the golf course! Somehow we managed to miss capturing a photo of the whole gang. Jack did manage to capture Ty's pancake he was so excited about eating at the lodge after...




And then it was time for yard games and celebrating this special man!




Are these not the best looking and cutest sets of twins ever?!?



Love seeing Steve who is always great about flying in from San Jose to spend time with all of us!



Another great day was spent on Utah Lake with Rick and Eydie. We always have so much fun with them. So glad my parents have such awesome best friends who we love too!



It wouldn't be a complete trip to Utah without a trip to the ball field to watch Paul play in his softball tournament.



Speaking of tournaments here are Amy, Jack, Paul and Sean having their own tournament...



Look who made it by on his birthday...Teagen! Granted it was only for a few minutes as it wasn't Sean's scheduled time. Sadly my trip to Europe timed at the exact time Sean would be getting Teagen and Chaz for a couple weeks but at least the cousins all got to spend time together while I was away. Unfortunately this is the only photo I got during our brief time with Teagen!



Jack and I getting in a round by ourselves...



After a fabulous week as a family all together, it was time for me to jump on a plane and meet my friend Wendy for a 2+ week trip to Europe which I'll post about next. A couple days after I flew to Europe Jack had to return to work but not before getting in some more golfing with the kids and my dad and brothers which always is fun for him. He got the unexpected joy of returning back to Utah while I was in Europe but sadly it wasn't for a good reason. But rather to attend the funeral service of Sister Lee, his Mission Mom who had made such a big impact on his life. I was sad to not be there with him during this difficult time but the kids were so sweet and joined him. He was asked to share a few thoughts at the funeral which was such an honor for him. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know her and President Lee over the years as they played an instrumental role in Jack's life and therefore were a part of many special moments in our lives. She will be missed but wow, what an amazing and long life she lived. Unfortunately Jack was only back in town for a few days and had to fly back to Orlando the morning that I was flying back into Salt Lake. So we just barely missed each other.

Aside from attending the funeral he managed to get in a round or two of golf with my family and the kids!



After a fabulous time in Europe I returned just in time to celebrate this guy!




Another highlight was Sage getting to have a sleepover with her best friend Tana from Ohio who was out in Utah while we were there. And I don't know what we'd do without Emery who Sage LOVES seeing and hanging out with whenever we are out in Utah! Cute girls!!!



But all good things must come to an end! In this case it was bittersweet to leave. We are always so sad to leave Grandma and Grandpa's but we were all excited to be back with Jack! How we managed not to get one family shot of everyone together when we had everyone in town is beyond me but here is the one we got before the kids and I returned back to Orlando! Love my family!!!



A special shout out to my parents and brothers for absolutely spoiling the kids while I was away in Europe. From countless trips bowling to trips to the Trampoline place and Top Golf to movies and the Canyon to hike the falls they were kept very busy. My friend Marilee was also so gracious to take the boys for several nights so they could hang out with their friend Wyatt at their cabin. It was definitely one action packed summer! I guess that made up for not being in our house...

Seeing old friends...

There are many advantages to living in Florida but one of the best ones is seeing old friends who come into town! Kim and I neglected to get a photo together but we got Trenton and Sage together! Genni joined Matt on his business trip so how fun it was to spend time with her riding coasters and seeing SeaWorld! And a huge highlight for Sage was seeing Rylee, one of her best and first friends from Mason and her sweet family! We LOVE visitors!

Middle School here she comes!

Who knew this poor child would have attended six different schools BEFORE even entering Middle School?!? She attended a private PreK program in Snoqualmie before attending Cascade View Elementary for Kindergarten. Then we moved to Mason where she attended 1st and 2nd grades at Mason Early Childhood Center, third grade at Western Row Elementary and 4th and 5th grades at Mason Intermediate. Then we moved to Windermere and she attended the last semester of 5th grade at Bay Lake Elementary and will now transition to Bridgewater Middle School to start 6th grade. Fingers crossed she will finish middle school at the same one she started at... :)

Although the transition into Florida schools was far from easy for each of the kids, Sage had an especially rough time. Thankfully, by the end of the semester, she had adjusted quite well, gained a few close friends and came to really enjoy her teacher. She had also joined a singing group called the Lyrical Lyons which she really enjoyed and I have to admit I was thrilled when I learned they'd be performing at the 5th grade moving up ceremony because at least that guaranteed her getting up on stage...one way or another. What a pleasant surprise it was though when we found ourselves whipping out our camera throughout the whole program as Sage's name was read for one award after another. It was so cute to see the excitement on her face as she walked up on stage, especially when they read her name for being a recipient of the Presidents Education Award! Admittedly Jack and I giggled wondering if there had been a mix up but sure enough her teacher confirmed she got the award because she earned the award!

Leave it to Sage to end up front and center...



Ms Donaldson, Sage's teacher!



Friends...




Good bye 5th grade...

Happy Half-Century to this man!

Well we didn't get to celebrate Jack the way we had all hoped to, (in our new house out on the lake) since we have yet to see even a roof go on the darn thing, but we didn't let that stop us from hunting him down at his office to highlight his age in donuts! We arrived to find a decorated office done by members of his team who had also showered him with cards and gifts. He is loved!



If you were to ask Jack what's one birthday wish he has, he'd tell you it would be to see his whole family out on the golf course as much as possible. None of us are great but he'd love to see us all improve together! So in the spirit of working towards that goal it only made sense that Jack should get new clubs and a new bag as we settle into the Florida golf lifestyle!

We sure love you Jack! You are an amazing caretaker, loyal friend, hard worker, and the most driven person I know. Not only do you have a compassionate heart, but you are young at heart. We love your stories, dinner discussions you lead and life lessons you share. You mean the world to us and we are so grateful to have you in our lives. xo

Happy ELEVEN sweet girl!

You know you have fabulous Sunday school teachers when on your birthday week you receive this! They are so sweet, from sending postcards while they travel to remembering birthdays, they sure know how to make Sage feel special!



Of course it wouldn't be a complete birthday without the traditional crepe breakfast!



I don't think Sage's dinner choice would be a surprise to anyone! Lucky for us they have a Blaze Pizza at Disney Springs...albeit, a very overpriced one but equally as good as the one we left behind in Mason!



Of all the things Sage could want for your birthday, slime supplies were at the top of the list...



I don't know what I was thinking when I thought I may get out of having a "friend" party for her this year. It doesn't take long for this cute girl to make friends and before we had even settled on a day she had secretly been discussing with friends the best day to party together! Dad's job definitely has it's perks...



What a blessing Sage is in our lives. She is loved by everyone, and although at times she squabbles with her brothers, it's evident how much she adores them and looks up to them. She loves to cook, watch Studio C videos on her ipad, swim, babysit, sing, and make slime! She continues to always be a good friend and adores being a helper to the younger kids. Happy Birthday sweet Sage. We sure love you to the moon and back infinity!

West Orange High School water polo season wrap up!

Suprisingly, the facilities here in Florida are nothing compared to what we had in Ohio but that didn't stop Connor and Ty from having a great season and making new friends. Aside from a few photos I captured at their Boca Tournament and posted about already, I didn't take many photos but thanks to a kind parent, here are a few fun shots from the season.



It woudln't have been such a successful season had it not been for Coach Dailer (Jen). Both her and Coach Eccleston were great but Jen was especially helpful in making the transition onto the team as smooth as possible. She really looks after the kids and they all love her! Like their past coaches, she was also very complimentary about the boys both with their skill and their ability to take feedback and be teachable...things that make my heart happy.



Another school, another letter...



With twins participating in the same activity, it's always a bit difficult to see one receive an award while the other doesn't, especially knowing they both worked equally as hard. But how much it warmed my heart to see how happy Connor was for Ty when he received Rookie of the Year...again. I guess if you have two coaches from two different states award you with that award, it must mean something! How proud we are of both our boys though for all the hard work they put in and the great example they were to their teammates. Ty really killed it this season with goals and steals. Proud of you Ty Baby!



We will now look forward to watching the boys play at yet another high school for their sophmore year as they transfer over to the new Windermere High School this fall!

Guys Trip for Jack!

Jack always loves getting together with this group of guys for their annual Tycation, in memory of our dear friend Ty Bailey. This year they all met back in Arizona for some golf and guy time! Surprisingly, this time Jack managed to take a few photos...





What a fine group of men. So grateful for the friendship Jack has with each of them.