Cash walks and Tanner and Olivia scoot!

Trek 2008

Trek was an awesome experience to be a part of and no wimpy feat. Besides the terrain providing an authentic obstacle course - complete with rocky ridges and sand trails, the 100 degree temperatures are reason enough the pioneers didn't come through Texas! Oh, my!
We had strong youth in our Hickson Family that made it so much more special to share experiences of bonding together, pushing, pulling, breaking, slippin and slidin, spiritual miracles and our own chinese language.

We were in different Companies from Justin and Emma so didn't travel together by day, but great to check in on them morning and night at each camp. The 2nd night I was rousting kids back to their families between 1-2am to find Justin was up partying with his group and any stragglers that came his way. The rest of the ma/pa's were sacked out while youth were sneaking out and Justin was the only other adult up besides me.

This was an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand appreciation for the pioneers - you think you know, but not until you dig in your heels, push and pull the 5-600 pounds, break wheels across rocky terrain, fight bugs and sweat like no other. Much sincere gratitude for those gone before us and more commitment in my steps forward toward the legacy we are leaving.

Meet Jett and Rhett!

Since our babies are all so big now, we decided to adopt two new family members... meet Jett and Rhett. The best kind of kids - always fun and never talk back (just like our other 4 ... oh, and these throw you too - typical kids).

The kids were certain we flipped as we absolutely insisted we get the boat out today and go for a ride, despite violating two big rules ... gale force winds and it is Saturday. But being obedient children they decided to humor their parents and show up at Lake Grapevine where it all made sense. We've been giggling for days and it was as fun as we thought. So now the news is out, Heather, Ashley and Bobby, here's another reason to come home! xo

Ahh, a good day!

Haley's a little fish!

Chris has been diligent to do swim school every day with Haley Mae and she is doing great! She has learned how to swim across the pool, taking a breath when needed and keep going. After class she loves the diving board, jumping off the cave w/ her daddy and catching frogs. Fun days!

It's summer in Texas and the pool feels great!

Even Ginger can't stay out of the water! BTW, she is CRAZY in the pool - we have created a swimming monster. Couldn't get her in, now can't keep her out! She is reckless with no pool manners - gotta watch yer back!

Happy Birthday Andy!

Andy was in Idaho on his birthday, so we delayed a week to celebrate our love for him and another great year.
Haley Mae was a big helper sticking 29 candles into homemade german chocolate cake. yummy! We have had gale force winds here for a few weeks and it is impossible to light candles or keep leaves out of the pool.






Have the cutest video of Haley helping me in the kitchen putting the candles in and singing to her daddy, but it won't upload. If you know of a way, please let me know how. xo

Utah Trip Report

It always feels good to get back to mountains! I can't take my eyes out of the window as we fly into the valley and always sad to leave! So, waste no time! First night we wanted to do a little Trek Training and hike the Y. We thought we'd be alone at this venture but with the first signs of spring in Provo, turned out to be a busy night. We enjoyed dinner on top of the Y and watched the sun set ... doesn't get better than this!

Heather, they took down DT - no more towers!

It seemed normal to see Ash again after leaving her a few days earlier in Chicago, but really makes it ache more to not have Heather in Utah w/ us. Crazy how ya'll have to be so grown up now and don't have the flexibility to hop around with me! Good thing we come to you!

Jenica's Wedding Day!

The flowers were spectacular at Temple Square and sure they couldn't be better even if you went to Holland! A beautiful day!
After the sealing, we changed our clothes in the parking lot and walked to Candy's office to get a birds eye view of all the downtown construction.


The reception was beautiful at Sundance and special to share in these moments with the Stimpson's.

So many squeezes ... so little time! xo

happy moms day to the very best.

"Bearth"day Fun!

Heather is so cute about her birthday and canNOT wait to open presents. Chris sent us with this cute gift (wrapped by Haley Mae) that will remain a memory for all of us. Just before we boarded the plane we shoved it in Ash's bag, and then as luck would have it, did NOT fit in the overhead bin. Ash has overhead-bin-anxiety anyway and this has now added to her trauma - pretty convinced she will never carry-on again! (We already surrendered all of our hair products and were determined we were NOT checking!) So after several moments of laughter weakness and an entire plane jeering at us, we took the present out and managed to get the bag in.

So when we met Heather at her gate, we had gift in hand. She began picking at it right away. While checking into the hotel, she successfully got it undone w/o disturbing the adorable wrap. The guy checking us in took note of our birthday excitement and badgering Heather she had no self-control and ended up giving us a great room on the 36th floor. We dropped off bags and hit the bar for some grub.

When we got back in our room, we found a sweet note to enjoy the birthday weekend with a bottle of wine and WONDERFUL squares of chocolate, with a strawberry on top, sprinkled with pistachio nuts and drizzled chocolate on top. They were fabulous but Heather was quite miffed it was her birthday and couldn't eat ANY of it! (Of course not the wine, and she's allergic to strawberries and nuts.) Ash and I were in drooling heaven. Feeling sorry for the birthday girl, we dug out a smashed twix leftover from airplane snacks for her to enjoy. (It's great traveling w/ 2 beautiful girls!)

Grateful for the memories indelibly printed in my mind of the things we didn't get pics of ... soaking feet in the tub ... jersey boys ... art museums ... $22 cold cereal ... flipped out umbrellas ... precious time together ... many giggles and our souvenir blisters! Can't wait to do it again! Happy 25! xo