Hayden took these pictures on our trip to Utah.  Some day he is going to be a famous photographer!

Utah Mountains

The weather was great while we were there. It was cold and a bit windy with occasional snow flurries. We loved it!

Finally! The day Jordan has anxiously been waiting for... arriving at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. We debated on whether to take him or put him on the plane in Arizona. I am very glad we "dropped him off at the curb." I had asked Jordan over the course of a few months how he felt about his decision to go. He said good, and that he wanted to share the gospel with others. Then, as we pulled up to the curb and he saw all the other missionaries and their families he said, "OK; now I am scared!" I was scared for him. However, as he got out of the car and was getting his stuff together, he saw a friend that he had worked with for the last several months. He was quickly put at ease and I was quickly comforted. I knew he would be alright. Besides, where is there a better place to be than the MTC, right?

MTC pictures

We went on Tuesday to take pictures in front of the MTC. We had heard that there wouldn't be any time on Wednesday when we dropped Jordan off at the curb. I had heard that we wouldn't even be able to get out of the car. (Fortunately, that wasn't the case and we were able to get out and say our goodbyes on Wednesday.) I was glad that we got pictures the day before, though.

Jordan gets set apart as a missionary!

Sunday, April 24th. Jordan has taken the next step in becoming a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His dad set him apart as a missionary. He no longer can be by himself and dad gets to be his constant companion for the next three days! President Ernest Lawes was there and Jordan had asked two of the influential men in his life to be there... Chris Stalder and Brandon Butler. The stake office has a map of where all the missionaries in our stake are serving. Jordan's name is now on that map!

Jordan's Mission Farewell

Jordan's Mission Farewell! Sunday, April 17th We invited the entire family. We were doing the brady bunch shot and had all the cousins stand on the stairs. This is most of the cousins. We are so grateful for our family that love and support each other. We even had Grandma Woodard (Kimber) and her sister Janis and husband Ken come. What a great time we had all together.

Saturday, March 26th Jordan goes through
the Mesa, Arizona Temple for the first time.
What a sweet experience. He had two of his friends there, Kallan and Tanner. Uncle Keith, Aunt Suzanne, Aunt Lauren, Grandma and Grandpa Ray, and of course John and I were also there.
I know it was an overwhelming experience for him, but he took it all in very well. He has since had the opportunity to attend the temples in St. George, Utah and Provo, Utah. He says he enjoys attending the temple. What a great Young Man!

Tanner's 8th Grade Promotion

So, when Emily promoted we knew about it for weeks.  We needed two dresses, one for the dance and one for the ceremony.  On the other hand, when Tanner promoted from 8th grade he says, "Oh I have to be at the school early on Thursday" (just a few days away.)  He didn't need a new white shirt and he didn't even go to the dance.  He was just happy to have it all over with!  At least he let me take pictures with him.  Way to go Tanner, we are proud of you!

Emily's Sweet 16!

She planned the entire party herself.  She got new clothes to wear.  Had her nails and hair done!   She wanted a beach theme, so we got sand from the beach in California!  We had 16 gold fish.  There were pier games and lots of food/candy.  She made her own cake.  (that's what she likes to do.)  The party may have not turned out like she had it planned in her head, but I do think she had fun. 

Happy Birthday Miss Emily!

Hayden...end of year band concert. He did so well.  We are so proud! And, of course, you have to go out for ice cream afterwards!

Sprit week at school.  Emily was Mega Mind.  I think she did a pretty good job pulling it off...blue hair instead of face.