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!