Northern Utah '14

Our visit out West was wonderful. We left NC with happy, excited kids and returned with happy, tired kids. When we got on the first plane, Azure grabbed my hand and said "hold me tight". By the time we returned she was a seasoned traveler, and instead of asking me to hold her hand she decided to sleep during the 4 1/2 hours home. We experienced other tender mercies along our entire journey as well, including a flight being held for us, a security worker picking us to skip the crazy long line - making it so we didn't miss a different flight, and, ALL of our luggage showed up on time. It was awesome. We first headed for Salt Lake City where we visited with two sisters, one brother, and their cute families full of fun cousins for our kiddos. We played hard everyday and enjoyed some of the best food we've had in a long time, because let's face it, Utah has great food. It was a great start to a great vacation.

Thatcher's Baptism

Thatcher's baptism was yesterday. What an awesome kid! We are so proud of him for his example and the good choices he makes in his life. Just a few details to remember. He invited his friend from the neighborhood, Ryley gave a great talk about the Holy Ghost, and he asked his sisters to sing, "He Sent His Son" as a special musical number. It was a terrific evening.

Eight Is SO Great

Thatcher turned eight years old a few weeks ago. We had a fantastic celebration. He spent the morning at Marble's Museum with Dad and sisters. When they returned home we had a great family dinner at Red Robin, ending with countless presents and an awesome Mario cake. The very next day he started scouts. He had a really nice friend take him to the scout store and show him everything he would need to join troop 725. On the ride home and for hours following we didn't see or hear from Thatcher. He was too busy going through his wolf book to learn all he could about this "great new program".

7 Branch Farms

Horse camp ='s a dream come true for these cute gals. Nine hours a day for five full days, sittin' in the saddle of their very own horse. They learned how to ride, care for their horse, and enjoyed countless other activities like shooting, archery, and crafts. It kept them in horse heaven for one glorious week. They would rate this camp a 10 out of 10 and can't wait to go back.

Girls Camp 2014

A few weeks ago Ryley got her first taste of what an incredible experience girls camp can be. The theme of camp this year was, "Oh, The Places You'll Go"! The leaders did a fantastic job of making it a great experience for our girls. I know I'm a little biased, but, we have such an amazing group of youth. They are incredible, and truly amaze me each day. It was a fantastic experience all around, even though I don't care for bugs and would rather sleep in my bed! :)

 

Awesome Animals

Aloha from NC! We found the coolest zoo a few weeks ago not forty five minutes from our home. The Aloha Zoo! They had some of the neatest animals we have ever encountered, and the Ballard family has visited A LOT of zoo's in our twelve years of having children. Right off the bat the kiddos got to feed goats, lama's, and pigs. After walking around to visit your "every day" zoo animals, they got to pet a boa constrictor and a baby cheetah, feed the giraffe's, and learn all about the behaviors of beavers while one swam around right in front of them and drank a bottle. It was a really fantastic day.

Holiday Happiness

We had a fantastic time celebrating the 4th of July with great friends here in NC. We are a military family and live near one of the largest bases around. We are so very grateful for the many individuals that fought and died for our freedoms, and, are amazed as we witness first hand the awesome sacrifice that individuals continue to offer up in efforts of keeping those freedoms safe and secure. May Heavenly Father bless America.