Fabulous Fourteen

Our eldest child turned 14 a few weeks ago. I will no longer refer to her as a "kiddo" on the blog since she has without a doubt grown up into an incredible young lady. Ryley is a fantastic "big" sister and has a talent of making everyone around her feel needed and welcome. She loves to draw and has a few books started that she adds chapters to each week and hopes to one day publish. She starts high school next year and will most likely join the ranks of public education, but her three years of homeschool have not only been a fantastic growing experience for her, but me as well. It's been so rewarding to be her "guide" and watch her increase each year in learning to govern herself. We love her so much and are grateful everyday that she was sent to our family. Happy Birthday Ryley bugs!

Spectacular Seven

This amazing kiddo turned seven a few weeks ago. We were actually on the Disney boat when her big day rolled around so the lucky duck technically received two parties. Haley has brought such joy to all of our lives. She is an amazing example of "doing hard things" and has a smile on her face no matter what obstacle stands in her way. We are so very grateful that she was sent to our family. Happy 7th Haley J!

 Haley in 2010.

Go Cougs!

Our BYU parties continue with great enthusiasm and loyalty. Due to various obligations on the weekends, some parties are big and some parties are small, but make no mistake about it, there will always be a party in honor of our BYU Cougars!

Disney Fantasy '15

In celebration of Dad's safe return home we pulled the kids from school and hopped on the Disney boat for a relaxing week at sea. We of course wanted to make certain it had "educational" experiences as well, so we took advantage of Western Caribbean hospitality and enjoyed port adventures left and right. Our first stop was Cozumel where we toured the Mayan ruins, then hopped over to the yummy chocolate factory where we learned how to make all things chocolate. Our next stop was Jamaica. Here we climbed the famous Dunn's River Waterfall. It's a 600 foot long waterfall with small lagoons and a few slides along the way. It was an awesome experience, in which not one of us fell (intentionally) during the entire climb. Grandma Darden and Azure stayed to play on the boat for this particular adventure, and once we showed them all of our great pictures they were glad to have done so. Kadyn and I had our first try at parasailing on this trip and we both give it two thumbs up and would return to the sky in a heartbeat. Hours of pool, beach, dance parties, and delicious dinners, we returned home with more amazing family memories to write in our journals. More than anything we are so grateful to have our family "whole" once again.