End of an Era (almost literally)

Eight and a half years ago, John was called to be the cub master. He has remained in his most favorite calling all this time. His first cubs are now driving cars around the neighborhood. He has been a wonderful cub master and enjoyed planning each month's pack meeting.

His new calling you ask? Cub Committee Chairman. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, huh.

At his last pack meeting, they retired our old flag that was torn and battered after many years out on our flag pole. I'd never seen this done before. It was very emotional as we gave the flag it's last pledge of allegiance and stood in silence as we watched this flag burn and what it has represented for us over the years. It was our same flag that flew at half mast on September 11, 2001 and the weeks following those events. It was the flag we flew with pride and joy on every holiday our nation celebrates. It is also the same flag that flew to remind us of our anniversary on flag day (thank goodness for national holidays to help us remember in our old age).

The primary president, all of the cub scouts, and their leaders
gave John candy bars to thank him for his many years of service.

Going Public

I have now made my blog public rather than private, so for those of you who have my site listed specifically on your blog, I think you'll need to delete it, then reenter my public blog - that way you can see when I've made updates and you don't have to enter passwords. Enjoy!

Bear Lake Trek

We made our annual trek up to Bear Lake with the entire Rimington gang and had us some fun-fun times. It is something we look forward to every year, and especially me this year since I was sidelined from the jet skis last year with Megan cooking away.




Sadly, there is no family photo of us - someone always seemed to be out on a jet ski, taking the mile-long trek to the porta potties, or fast asleep...

We did get this classic shot though.

Might I say I felt very vampire-like.

Here is what I had envisioned before John intervened...

And Megan is starting to experience a few food firsts -

Her very first ever red vine. Success.

My friend introduced her to her first oreo. Double success.

and she's decided watermelon is definitely a hit.

Well, it's a good thing we had such a good time because this week we are slaving away in our bedroom wielding our paint brushes. So far, 10 hours into the painting torture, and only the white is done :( Wednesday and Thursday will be tan and Saturday will be red. Then let the shopping fun begin.

Baptism Memories

On Saturday Alicia was baptized. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed having many family members join us for the special day.

Speaking of family, John's sister is in town with her kids, so we enjoyed a fun day at the zoo with them.

Of course we enjoyed the bird show (I had a hard time picking just one picture of the 30ish John took with the camera)



Now for an odd assortment of pictures and ramblings -

We said goodbye to the Galant - the first car John and I bought together 11 years ago. It brought Kimberly and Alicia home from the hospital when they were just tiny babes, it took us on many adventures around the country (okay, not east of the Colorado river - but almost every state west of it), and transported John to work faithfully in recent years without any mishaps. We might still see it around town since the gentleman who bought it from us gave it to his son, who is a senior at Davis High school.


After we had our family pictures, we enjoyed a picnic dinner up in the mountains and got this beautiful shot. The other girls were originally in the picture with me, but had officially had it for the evening posing for a camera.



and Natalie is at it again this time coloring all over Megan with pen. ahh the joys of being the youngest.

New Family Pictures

We went up to Albion Basin last week and had our family pictures taken.
Such pretty wildflowers that only pop out about one week out of the year.


And finally 13 years later, we have some professional shots of just the two of us.



I can see that we've definitely matured over the years...

and the kids in all their glory looking particularly cute

and because Megan is so cute, I couldn't pick just one picture...

Found a Hidden Gem

We found a hidden gem this weekend.

Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Cabin included.

Small, quaint, and packed with our fellow family reunion-goers. Perfect.

Swimming at the big splash park with slides was fun and adventurous. Adventurously trying to keep track of our 4 kids that is. Oh, and I did succeed in flying down one of the speed slides - this of course in response to my 10 and 8-year old informing me I was being a wimp when I waffled at the idea.

The best part was eating lunch at the cabin with all of our family from John's mom side. I am privileged to be a part of such a wonderful family and look forward to these reunions every year.

After lunch we went tubing down the river. No one has ever mentioned what a fun river they have with some serious rapids and drops. Perhaps they don't want all of us out-of-towners to know about their rare feast of fun. We will be traveling to Lava Hot Springs for all future tubing adventures.

Birthday Party Success

It was Alicia's 8th birthday yesterday. I can hardly believe it. Achievement days here we come. Baptism right around the corner. Yikes.

Since our Saturdays for this month were booked, we did Alicia's birthday party with friends yesterday too. You know the party is a success when you hear numerous girls saying during and after the party, "This is the best party ever!" Music to my party weary ears.

Alicia wanted a pj party which of course meant decorating pillow cases with fabric markers. Hope I don't have any angry parents out there with the marker rubbed off on other items. Dryer people!!


Speaking of Achievement Days, they let Alicia go a day early where they made these lovely creations -

I promise Alicia knows how to smile normally. Let's hope she remembers that for our family pictures next week. I am stressed enough about it as it is.