Pioneer Trek!

What a great experience for Emily and Tanner. All the youth in our stake ages 14-18 traveled for three days like the pioneers did. They pulled their belongings in a handcart while traveling the dusty roads. They ate food and did activities similar to the pioneers. John and I went up with others to help with the activities. We were with the Rays to help the youth make journals. There was the handcart pull where just the girls and women had to pull the handcart up the hill, while the men and boys joined the Mormon Batallion. They felt the spirit and gained a greater appreciation for what the early pioneers went through. What a wonderful expereince our stake provided for our youth.

Emily and Tanner

Tanner and Dad

John and Suzanne
(The real dad and mom!)

The Grand Canyon!  One of John's favorite places to hike.  This time Hayden was old enough to make the hike with the boys.  John, Tanner and Hayden along with Uncle Jim, Isaiah and Nephi all hiked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spent the night and came out the other side the next day!  Roslyn, Emily and I drove from the North side to the South side to meet them.  We pitched the tent and set up camp ourselves.  Our favorite part of the trip was being able to eat at the cafeteria and not having to cook ourselves dinner!  We love the Grand Canyon.  Below are just a few of the pictures that were taken.

Jordan in Canada

On Tuesday, May 17th, at 7 a.m. Jordan flies out of Salt Lake City airport to head to Canada.  He calls me when he lands in Phoenix for a layover! We talked for a while.  It was  good to hear his voice.  The Assistants to the President took the pictures of him with Mission President Archibald and his wife.  So exciting to see him as a missionary doing the Lord's work!

     We were able to take family pictures the weekend before we took Jordan to the MTC. It took a long time but everyone was patient. Maybe we all knew that this would be the last family picture of just us... for awhile, anyway.  There are so many great shots that it was hard to choose. I wanted to post them all, but did not have the patience. Nor do I want to bore you with them.  Just know that I love how these turned out.
     I can't believe we are now in this phase of life... where the kids start to leave home.  What a great life we have had.  The Lord has truly blessed us with a great loving relationship, great kids and wonderful memories together.  Thanks Alisha for capturing all of this in our photos.