Part 3 - Idaho

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Our Vacation - Temple Square

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Family Vacation - 7 Peaks

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Flagstaff Fires!

Yesterday a fire was started some distance behind the hotel, Little America.  Two neighborhoods off of Butler (next to our Elementary school) were evacuated and several more (including ours) were notified to be prepared to evacuate.  Fortunately no structures were burned and as of tonight all evacuation orders from this fire have been lifted.    When we went out to our car to go to church at about 12:40 this afternoon we were surprised to see a whole lot of smoke on the other side of Mt. Eldon (which is off of Highway 89 just past the mall).  As we drove closer to the freeway we were amazed at the huge billowing tower of smoke coming from Schultz Pass.  Since this afternoon this fire has burned over 3000 acres and there have been over 1000 homes evacuated.  The fire is still far from being contained.  It is scary to see and definitely leaves a sick feeling in your stomach.

This building (above) is Petco, by the Mall.  

These are a couple of pictures we took this evening. Mark labeled them.

A New YouTube Video

Taige was playing with his friend Dallin Codner over at his house when they decided they wanted to make a YouTube video.  This is what they came up with! Just click on it to view.

Taige eats cinnamon!

Checking Account

Today after Jordynn received her first pay check for the summer from Summit Gymnastics, I took her to the bank and helped her open up her first checking/savings account.  She is wanting to start saving for a car and hopefully college as well! My little girl is growing up! She is loving working at the gym and is really enjoying her teen tumbling class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Slide show of Taige playing baseball

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Hallie following in Aunt Cari's footsteps!

This morning Jordynn fixed Hallie's hair so pretty.  She had a skinny braid on each side, then all of it pulled back into an upside down topsy tail, curled and beautiful.  This morning, I even told her I should take a picture of her.... how I wish I would have!
This evening I decided to engage in blogging, Mark was studying for his presentation for his curriculum training and my other kids were involved in their own individual activities.  Without our knowledge, Hallie was unable to get her pony tails out of her hair and took it upon herself to get a little pair of scissors and remove them herself.
This is what I saw on the bathroom floor ......

She didn't cut out the large pony.  Notice the small band toward the bottom.

She was quite upset - the kids laughing was not helping.  Needless to say, she did not want me to take her picture.  Jordynn bribed her with skittles to hold her hair and let me take a quick picture.

She's never had bangs before - I had been debating if I wanted her to have them or not.  I guess the debate is over.  It's the one side of her hair that I am worried about the most.  I'm just so glad her bangs weren't cut to the scalp! I have a friend who is going to 'fix it up' tomorrow.  We'll post a picture of the new do!

Another First....

Today Chase played his first hymn 'Come Follow Me', in opening exercises in Priesthood.  That's in front of a lot of men and boys.  He said he did well - no mistakes! And, he wasn't nervous like he thought he would be.
Today Abi also got her Personal Progress book.  She's super excited.  She's been reading it all afternoon.  She has even picked out her first goal to start working on.

Nikki's Baptism

Today Debra Nikole was baptized.  We're so glad we were able to go down to Gilbert for this special event.  It is always so nice to be around family.

The Blackwell Family

Garrett, Nikki, Shayne, Bailey, Kinnedy & Cari

Nikki, Grandma Pearl and Cari

Grandma Pearl is my dad's mom.  My entire life I've been told I take after her.  Uncle Bruce would always call me 'little Pearl'.  I sometimes wondered if he even knew my real name.  I love my Grandma, and have always beamed with pride anytime I've been told I resemble her.  My dad built our home when I was in 5th grade on some land behind my grandparents home.  Both my parents and grandma still live in these homes.  I loved growing up right behind my Grandpa Jim and Grandma Pearl.  My dad, grandparents and their family moved into my grandparents home when he was just 3 years old.  It's definitely home! As always, it was great to see my grandma - I'm glad she was able to make it.

Grandma Cindy, Nikki & Grandpa Randy

My parents cause me to beam with pride as well! I realize I am extremely blessed.

Why I love living in Flagstaff

This morning Chase, Taige and I went with Jeanna Hansen and her 2 boys, Jeremy and Jason on a 6 mile bike ride.  Five of those miles were on a mountain trail in the woods surrounded by Pine trees.  I love nature and I love the mountains, and I love the smell of the pines in the crisp air.   And it's all right here in walking distance of my house! The other days this week I enjoyed walks in the woods with Cyndy Mickelson and Jeanna.  I love the summer weather!

An Unexpected Surprise!

Abi received this HUGE package in the mail from her Aunt Lisa and Aunt Joan!

Wow!!!

A pink guitar!!! Abi has a great singing voice and is excited to learn the guitar to be able to accompany herself! Thank you Lisa & Joan! What a fun surprise for her!

EFY - Especially for Youth

Jordynn and her good friend Rylie Longfield went to Provo, Utah and enjoyed a great week at EFY.  It's such a great program for the youth.  I'm glad they had such a fun time.

Here's all of the girls in Jordynn's group.

Rylie enjoying a sub sandwich!

Jordynn & Madi Knudsen

Madi is one of Jordynn's friends who lived in Cheyenne when we were there.  Jordynn was really excited when she ran into her at EFY!

Of all the cute boys Jordynn met, this one was her favorite! His name is John & he lives in CA.  She actually saw him at the Salt Lake Temple the day before EFY. The next day after arriving to EFY, Rylie and Jordynn were standing in line and they saw him get out of his car! Jordynn was pretty excited. They became friends and had a fun time.

Jordynn LOVED her counselor, Nellie!

Pat was the 'guy' counselor in her group.  Jordynn said he was really cool.

She made a pinkie promise with him that she would FINISH her Personal Progress!

Happy 11th Birthday Brooklyn!

Brooklyn got what she wanted! Bendaroos!!! I have to say I've been very impressed with all of the creations she has created with them!

After opening presents first thing in the morning, Brooklyn and I took off in a small rental car to Provo, Utah.  We had to pick Jordynn and Rylie up from EFY on BYU campus the next day (Sat.) at 7:00 a.m.  Since it was Brooklyn's birthday, just she and I decided to make the road trip together.  She got to choose where we ate for both lunch and dinner - McDonalds both times!! 

As soon as we made it to Provo we checked into our hotel and then raced over to 7-Peaks! We went from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.  It was our first time and we had an absolute blast! It wasn't crowded in the least and we were able to slide on lots of slides! It was a ton of fun!

After 7-Peaks, we went back to the hotel and swam and relaxed in the jacuzzi.

Now this is the life! Brooklyn had room service for her first time - a personal pan pizza!

We played a game of cards and she ate and watched the Disney channel.

This is Brooklyn's new birthday dress.