Ellie Turns 11

Happy Birthday sweet Ellie!! You bring so much life to our family. We love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday today. I can hardly believe it was 11 years ago they put you in my arms. What an adventure these 11 years have been and we look forward to many more. I love who you are and the young woman you are becoming. Your personality definitely brightens up a room when you walk in. Don't ever forget how much we love you!!!

Happy Birthday Ellie Jeanne!!

Nutcracker Tribute

WOW...is all I can say!!! All I know is how many hours my girls have practiced for the Nutcracker. I have no idea how many hours both Ryan and Robbin put in behind the scenes to help pull it off. This is the second year the Nutcracker has been performed. This is the second year my girls have been a part of it. Because our family is such good friends with Ryan and Robbin I have a small idea of how much time and effort goes into putting this production together. However, I am not aware of the sleep that is lost due to things needing to be done. I am grateful for Robbin and bringing her talent and love of dancing into our family. She is amazing!! Kaelyn and Emerysn look up to her. They both have mentioned how much they love to dance and hope to dance for a long time. Emerysn would like to teach ballet when she gets older. As much as they LOVE to perform, I LOVE to watch!!!

Dew Drop

This past weekend was a big even in the Washburn girls' lives. Kaelyn and Emersyn have been working so hard the past few months preparing for the Nutcracker Act II. They have spent many Saturday's at the dance studio learning their parts. So much anticipation for it to be done within a matter of hours. Kaelyn walked around on Sunday a little on the down (mostly tired) side, sad the performance was over. She has some wonderful friends (Kylee, Saedra, Krista, Morgan) who came out to support her.

How grateful we are for friends who support us!!

Tough Break

This is how Cameron is starting the basketball season... Saturday at practice they had a scrimmage. During that scrimmage Cameron was headed down the court on a fast break and when he stopped to pass the ball his foot rolled. When he called after practice was over he told me we needed to get him from the lock room as he sprained his ankle and couldn't walk. We didn't think much of it.. in basketball this happens all the time. When he got home he showed us where it was hurting and it wasn't his ankle. We had some crutches on hand (we knew Marc's surgeries would come in handy), that is how Cameron was getting around. Finally, Monday with it not feeling any better we took him to the doctor for an xray. Even the doctor said it was unlikely his foot was broken. The xray spoke the truth....BROKEN :( We were immediately referred to an orthopedic doctor.

He came in the room stating he had good news and bad news. My heart about sank when he said he had bad news. After all, we knew his foot was broken... The bad news was just that, his foot was broken. The good news, if you are to break your foot or this bone, Cameron broke it in the right place. Just an 1/2 inch or so and he would have had to get a screw put in it requiring surgery. We thanked our Heavenly Father for the location of the break. Hey, if it has to be broken we would much rather have it broken where it is!

Basketball season started last night. Cameron spent the night sitting the bench, where he will be for the next 6 weeks at least. Cameron getting to play basketball again depends on the foot and how it feels. Now, let's pray for a speedy recovery. Cameron has already ditched the crutches. First step of recovery...CHECK!!!!

Benefits

There are some benefits to having a son get older.... One we took advantage of this holiday weekend was putting up Christmas lights. Marc and I decided to hit the stores and do some Black Friday shopping. What an experience... That is worthy of a post all in it's own. We did not get much sleep but life goes on and Christmas lights need to go up. After Cameron was finished with basketball practice he had a friend come over, Niko Jones. When our kids were a lot younger I hoped our kids would want to hang out here at our home when they got younger. So far, so good... they often hang out here. I am getting a little off track... anyway we had Cameron and Niko put the lights on the house this year. What a hoot!!!! I was laughing at them as they were laughing at themselves. I had no idea putting Christmas lights up on the house could be so much fun. Of course we had to pay them. What better way to pay them than to fill their bellies with a little treat from Dairy Queen.

Thanks Cameron and Niko for putting up the lights and entertaining us all at the same time. We look forward to next year :)

Haircut Funnies

The other day I took Ellie and Emersyn to get their hair trimmed. Ellie wanted her hair trimmed and shaped... Emersyn wanted her hair trimmed and some little bangs. Not straight across your forehead bangs...bangs that are a little longer and hang to the side. Emersyn has been very persistent on getting these bangs. So, we had her bangs cut just the way she wanted them. The next day we were driving in the car and I hear from the backseat, "What..? Where did my bangs go? Mom, they already grew out!!!" The stress and disappointment could be felt through her words and emotions. I had to turn around (when it was safe to) and show her her bangs were there, but had just been pulled over with her other hair. "oh, good!" with a sigh of relief is all she could say.

Halloween Fun

I know that Halloween was a few weeks ago, but I have been so busy running here and there that I am finally taking the time to post these. Aren't they cute????

This is the first Halloween (where she can choose her costume anyway) Emersyn has not been a fairy of some sort. She wanted to be an 80's girl up until a couple days before Halloween. I tell ya, this girl loves to shop!!!! She wanted me to take her to find a different costume. I held firm to this (I am accused of letting Emersyn get everything she wants...I disagree). Do you know how much costumes are these days??? Marc and I were in shock when we went down to purchase costumes. As a matter of fact, I told our kids next year they were going to need to be creative and use the things around the house.

A few days before Halloween our ward did a trunk or treat. It was a good time, but I am happy Halloween is over!!!! I love Thanksgiving :)

Cameron didn't get much of a Halloween this year. School decided to start basketball try-outs on Halloween. You would think because of it being Halloween and I would assume these coaches have children they would have wanted to go home. NOPE!!! Cameron didn't get home unitl 8pm then tried to go hang out with some of his friends afterward. He DIDN'T get any candy. The girls were nice enough to share.

Choices

Boy, this last week we were faced with a lot of different choices. I know that everyday there are choices. However, most of those choices are not life changing. No wonder I was exhausted this weekend.... Tues evening (later in the evening that is) it became apparent something was wrong with Roxy. She was drooling and pacing the backyard. For those of you who know Roxy, you know this behavior is not normal for her. She is mostly inside laying down while snoring occasionally. Marc and I started watching her a little more closely. After a bit, I told Marc we needed to do something. I was afraid if we didn't we would wake up to a Roxy not with us anymore. Thank goodness the internet was invented all those years ago. As we started googling what Roxy's symptoms were we realized fairly quickly we needed to get to her a hospital. Arriving at the vet they took Roxy right back to examine her. Here is where the CHOICES get difficult. I was told Roxy was critical and needed to stay there for the night. She could also need surgery!! At this point, our CHOICES were to either to pay the LARGE bill presented to us or put Roxy to sleep. I could not make that CHOICE to put her to sleep without giving her a chance to recover. I had to give Roxy the night and re-evaluate her in the morning before I could make that CHOICE. Thankfully, Roxy was doing better and we got to bring her home the next afternoon.

One of my children had a tough CHOICE to make this weekend as well. Actually, I don't think it was actually that difficult of a CHOICE but one "she" was faced with nonetheless. "She" was invited to the mall with some friends. When "she" found out who all was going "she" knew the right CHOICE would be to stay home. I am so proud of her for making this CHOICE and that is seemed so obvious to her. I know our children are faced with lots of CHOICES that could definitely affect their future. I am thankful for at least this one time (and hopefully more will come) "she" had the courage to make the right CHOICE.

What To Do....

Being a mom is one of the hardest things I have done and probably will do. It's especially hard when your child is sick, sad or hurt in some way. These past couple of days Ellie has not been able to go to school. This has devastated Emersyn. She NEEDS that comfort of knowing Ellie is at school, even though they typically never see each other while there. Monday morning, Emersyn kept telling me she wasn't a big girl and she couldn't do it by herself. I made such a big deal of it yesterday when she got home from school. I had a Sonic slushy (not like it wasn't cold outside or anything) waiting for her, gave her a big hug and congratulated her on being a big girl.
During breakfast this morning Emersyn was confident and ready to go to school. Ellie wanted to go, but her throat is not looking well, so it's time to see the doctor. Anyway, Emersyn was ready!!! She KNEW she could do this!!! Then with 10 mins left before it's time to go everything starts falling apart. She no longer likes what she is wearing, she decides she doesn't like the pants I just bought her. I think we changed her shoe strings 3 times, her hair was up then down with the headband going in and out. Nothing was right!!!
We finally get it so she is comfortable with what she is wearing then she starts in on how she doesn't feel well and her stomach feels weird. I told her she is probably nervous and that is ok, but she will have a good day today like she did yesterday. She was upset that Kaelyn went down to meet her at the crosswalk. We finally make it to the school (now a little late). She CLINGS to me, so I walk her to her class. Of course she has to be out in the portables making me walk through the whole school in my pajamas. I pointed this out to Emersyn to help bring a smile to her face. It worked...until we got to her classroom.
This brings me to the question.. what do I do? I wish being a mom was easy sometimes!!

Cameron's Birthday

Cameron turned 15 and sad to say I don't have a lot of pictures to show for it. It's not like when he was little, there wasn't a "party" to speak of to take pictures at. He wanted to go out with a couple of his friends; Truman and Nico. So, Marc took Cameron, Truman and Nico to Barro's for dinner and then to a movie. When the movie was over they came back to our house for a night of video games.

We have started a new little tradition in our house for birthday's. We did (and still do for the little girls) the "birthday fairy" for a long time. Marc and I had to figure out how to end that one. It literally could go on forever since a birthday comes once every year. We decided to tell the kids when they turned 13 and became a teenager the "birthday fairy" would no longer come to decorate their room. These last couple of birthday's for the older kids I have struggled with what to do to take it's place. I finally decided this year it would a "candy bar poster". This is a special poster done for them with a special message for them using candy bars. Now, I don't have to stay up till all hours of the night waiting for them to go to bed to decorate their room. I can put it out before they wake up in the morning. Problem solved :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!!

Almost There

This week started try-outs for Mesa High basketball. Although, I would hope Cameron would make the team I guess you never know and still get a little nervous about it. Cameron said there were quite a few people trying out. Since the beginning of the year Cameron's PE class has been basketball, working with the coaches and getting conditioned. Still, for formality try-outs have to be held. Even though we have boundary except Cameron over to Mesa High to play basketball, he played on the summer JV team, he has the PE class everyday, conditioning after school everyday, has done fundraisers for the team and has been fitted for Mesa High's team shoes I still get nervous he is not going to make it. The truth is... he IS going to make the team!!! Now, what team is he going to make is the question. He has been practicing with the JV players and like I said he did make the JV summer team for tournaments, so my fingers are crossed he will make the JV team for the season. Wouldn't that be AWESOME!!!!!
Last night they had first cuts. I didn't know about these first cuts because Cameron doesn't like to give too much information. So, what a relief that he made the first cut. Everyone who is in his basketball PE class is still there trying out including Cameron. We will find out Friday (that's only tomorrow) what team he make's. Then rumor has it, there is practice starting Saturday morning!!!

Ballet

Kaelyn took this photo of her friends with their pointe shoes on

My sweet Kaelyn girl has many talents it seems. She is a beautiful girl with a beautiful smile and personality to go along with it. She loves ballet. When we first signed her up 4 years ago I didn't really think she would like it all that much. Kaelyn has never been a girly girl so to speak. Boy, was I wrong!!! She has grown such a LOVE for ballet and dancing in general. She has many other talents as well, photography being one of them. A few weeks ago in one of her classes at school she was asked to write an essay. Last week, Kaelyn asked if I would proofread her essay and fill out a questionnaire. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to read this essay. I immediately fell in love with it and I hope you will too.

Pointe Shoes
With a face full of excitement, I think to myself, “This is so easy! It doesn’t hurt at all.” Then I hear Ms. Robbin’s voice say, “Kaelyn do these feel okay? Not too big or too small?” Being the happiest person alive at the moment, I replied, “Nope! They’re perfect!” Looking back on that day, I was so ecstatic. So happy to have a pair of pointe shoes that I could call my own.
Sitting on the cold floor of the ballet studio, not knowing what is going to happen in the next 30 minutes, I listen attentively to Ms. Robbin’s voice on how to correctly put on your pointe shoes. Step by step she walks us through the process, and with every step comes more nerves. I slip on the toe pad, then the shoe. Making sure to flex my foot while tying the ribbon to make sure it’s not too tight.
Finishing both feet I put away my things and go to the bar to warm up before we start class. As I was in the middle of fixing my box, Ms. Robbin says, “Okay girls, lets begin.” Then following with, “Remember, there’s a difference between pain and discomfort. If something is uncomfortable, push through it. If something is painful, go sit down and rest.”
The next ten minutes are spent warming up and stretching our feet. By this time, the arches of your feet already feel like they have been running on hot coals with nothing on for thousands of miles. Your toes are cramped up so badly that your great grandchildren’s great grandchildren will feel it! Realizing that there’s still twenty minutes left of class I take a deep breath. In my mind, I’m starting to think that I won’t be able to do this and I’m not cut out for this kind of stuff!
Class continues and before I realize it, Ms. Robbin is saying, “Thank-you girls. You all did a wonderful job for your first day!” Me, about to crawl on the floor and stay there, never having to move again, I walk out of the studio feeling better than ever before! I believed that I could do anything and no matter how much pain these shoes may cause me, I’ll stay strong. That day, after the worst thirty minutes of my life, my self-esteem and confidence skyrocketed. I had never believed in myself so much more then right then, in that moment. I’ve changed for the better thanks to two painful shoes that I was so excited to get; but that I am now dreading. -Kaeyln Washburn

3rd Grade Program

Emersyn's grade had their program for the year. It was all about math and music and how they can combine. The program was pretty cute. Thankfully, it is a program we have never seen before. In years past when we had 4 programs to attend, we would go several years of seeing the same program. Emersyn even had a speaking part. That little girl is starting to come out of her shell. She didn't seem nervous about it all. Now, if we could just get her to go to school at the beginning of the year without crying we would be home free....at least until she hits her teenage years.

Spirit Week

This week our little girls' school had spirit week. It's the week where all students make promises to not do drugs!! This is one thing I hope I do not ever have to face; my children making wrong choices and getting themselves hooked on drugs.

Every day was something different but NERD day and MIS-MATCH day were the only ones we got photos of. These girls had a pretty good time dressing up and showing their spirit.

Cameron 15 TODAY

This is Cameron doing what he loves PLAYING BASKETBALL

Hard to believe it was 15 years ago that Cameron came into our lives. I can remember that day as if it were yesterday. What a great young man he has grown up to be. Happy Birthday!!!

Firefighters Come for A Visit

I have a very bad habit. Well, I probably have lots of bad habits, but this one could have ended badly. As you know, I live in a small house with a small kitchen that doesn't have lots of room for food, appliances and other kitchen necessities. So, when we have a bag of chips or something left over I tend to store them in my oven. There have been times I have forgotten to take the things out of the oven before turning the oven on. However, Kaelyn has had more trouble with this than I have. Normally, it's not a big deal. Although, irritating because we have lost full bag's of chips along with a new loaf of bread. This time seemed no different.

Kaelyn came home from school and decided to fix something for lunch. We have a dish in our oven for the chips to be placed in. I quickly noticed that dish was NOT sitting on the counter like it should be. Opening the oven I noticed there had been a bag of popcorn placed in the oven. Although, it was almost empty the damage had been done. We pulled the bag off the rack as popcorn spilled all over the bottom of the oven. We turned the oven off, got a pan and began to get the popcorn out of the bottom of the oven. I knew a few pieces of popcorn had fallen through to the very bottom of the oven, but didn't really think twice about it.

The next day (these were half days from school) she came home to cook her a friend some lunch in the oven. Thank goodness for her friend. She noticed there were flames in the oven coming from the bottom of the oven. I immediately knew it was the popcorn, but when you see flames in your oven there is a little adrenaline that takes over. Yes, we turned the oven off, but felt we should probably call 911 and have them come check out to make sure we would be ok.

As the fire truck arrived, Kaelyn and her friend, sat giggling on the couch. Glad they weren't as embarrassed about the whole incident as I was.

Costume Shopping

Halloween is NOT my favorite holiday!! I love the colors associated with Halloween and fall but the amount of money we end up spending on candy and Halloween costumes is crazy!!!

Monday night we needed to get Kaelyn her costume. I mean she has only been looking on line for a costume since the middle of Sept it seems, but here we are within a week of Halloween and 2 days before our ward's fall festival and we are out looking for costumes. Thankfully, Ellie and Emersyn already had theirs which helped lessen the chaos while in the store. Have you ever been to Party City within a week of Halloween??? CRAZY!!!!! I seriously try to avoid it, but every year we find ourselves fighting the crowds. Because we were really only looking for Kaelyn it ended up not be too painful. Emersyn found this monkey mask that immediately brought a smile to everyone's face. She knows for whatever reason I HATE MONKEYS so wearing this around was really fun for her.

Kaelyn ended up with a Goddess costume, Ellie a Native American girl (very fitting) and Emersyn an 80's girl (different from the princess she usually is). Cameron got himself a costume, Mario, which I have a strange feeling will not get worn. Although, him wearing that costume with his goofy (nerdy) voice is quite funny.

Pioneer Trek

(Thanks Tracy for taking these photos while on the Trek)

What an emotional weekend this was!! Our stake took the youth on a Pioneer Trek during fall break. They left Thurs morning and returned Sat early evening. I really struggled with this. Although, I knew it was going to be a great experience for Cameron I struggled with sending him knowing he was going to be hungry. The youth were to live as the pioneers did all the those years ago when they crossed the plains heading to Salt Lake City. As far as we know, we don't have any relatives who were part of migration West. Still, their stories of struggles and survival are very touching.
We often wondered what he was doing, where he was and if he was hungry. I knew that no matter what Cameorn would make the best of his situation. He just has that personality where he likes to have fun. Marc and I both told him to have fun, but not to drive his family (they are broken up into families with adults as ma, pa, big brother and big sister) crazy. I guess he had a great time. Little bits of info come out from time to time. We knew before Camerong got home we would not be able to pounce him with questions. That is one thing that drives him crazy. So, every now and then I ask a question or two.
I am so glad he is home safe and sound where I know he will have plenty of food to eat and a warm bed to sleep in.

Pinterest

There is a new thing called Pinterest. I am not sure how to use this thing, but I find myself wasting a lot of time on it. Anyway, I found this cute wreath idea and decided I was going to make one. Last week was fall break and I desperately wanted to do a Halloween craft. It was the end of the week before I got around to getting this done. I am not the crafty type and could never come up with any of these ideas on my own, but copying other people's ideas... that is something I can do :)

Violin

In the 5th grade every student is given the opportunity to play an instrument. It is not a mandatory, but an option. Ellie begged and begged to play the violin. I was not super excited about this. In my mind I was thinking, great another thing I get to fight to get done. Ellie has actually done wonderfully!!!! She is very much enjoying playing the violin. As a matter of fact, I have not had to remind her about practicing yet. Instead, she is always wanting to show me the new things she has learned. I am excited that she is excited about doing something. I strongly feel every one of children need to be involved in something to help exercise the talents they have been given. A few of our children have had a harder time finding out what their interests are while others have not had a hard time at all.
Ellie had her first concert at school a few days ago. Many students, like Ellie, this is the first time they have picked up the violin (or other strings instrument). They did a wonderful job and we look forward to her concert in Dec for the holidays.

Very Happy Little Girl

Our ward had a campout last weekend up at Camp Lomia. This is the same camp our young women go to in the summer. Marc and I were originally not excited about going. We were not able to leave until early evening and had to be home by early afternoon the following day. For the amount of time, the trip did not seem worth it. What we do for our kids.... I knew once we got on the road we would be happy we went and enjoyed the nice weather even if for a short time. Our kids had fun running around, exploring and playing games. As it was time to make the journey home, we had to drive with the windows down. After all it was only 75 and by the time we got home it would be close to 100 if not hotter. Once we got off the dirt road all the windows went down. Emersyn was sitting in the back in between Truman and Cameron enjoying the wind through her hair. As we started to speed up and the wind through her hair increased she said, "Dad, you have just made one little girl very happy."

Marc Turns 40

Marc is officially an old man and turned 40 this year. He didn't want any sort of party or to do anything fun. I finally talked him into having a murder mystery dinner party. I think it went off well and was a lot of fun. I hope it was a lot of fun anyway.... Was fun to see some friends really get into character and play the part.

The Kitchen Makeover

About a week ago or so I was cruising the internet looking for some ideas for my little girls room when I came across an opportunity to enter my mom for a kitchen makeover. I thought what the heck.... I have never done this before, but why not give it a try :)
Within a week or so I had an email in my inbox asking to see photos of the kitchen. Marc and I (between Marc's travels) ran over to my mom's to take some photos. We sent them in and within a few days I had another email in my inbox... This one saying we had made it to the next step in the casting process!!!! We spent the weekend filming and editing a video to send in for the kitchen makeover.
It would be so fun if my mom were to get chosen for this!!! We will keep our fingers crossed......

A Nice Car

Sometimes the conversations the kids and I have in the car are so funny. There are some I just need to share. I think they are so cute and innocent. So, the other day I needed to pick Cameron up from school. It has become Cameron's treat after school to stop by Circle K and get a drink. Whatever.... Well, the other day all the girls were home and decided they wanted to go with me. Come to find out, they all wanted a drink too.
On the way home, I have no idea what started us talking about cars and Cameron being able to drive soon. (Actually, we have this conversation quite frequently even though it's still a year away) So, Emersyn is sitting in the very back seat and she says, "Cameron needs to get a nice car. I don't want him to be driving me to the mall with an ugly car." We all started laughing. I guess there are some of us who have things we are looking forward to when Cameron gets to start driving. Me- he can get himself to and from school along with any quick runs to the store. Emersyn- taking her to the mall.
This may be one of those stories you had to be there, but even thinking back on it, I can't help but chuckle.

Crazy Hair

Every year the student council has a "crazy hair" day to show school spirit. Ellie loves to express herself, where Emersyn is happy being just the way she is. These last couple years though, Ellie has rubbed off onto Emersyn. Emersyn has decided it is kind of fun even though this morning as we were walking to school she told me she felt wierd.
I am not very creative when it comes to things like this. When I see things that are cute I try to make a mental note and use the ideas on days like today. So, a while back one of Kaelyn's friends had put a plastic cup in her hair. It was so cute. The girls wanted to try the cup in the hair for today's crazy hair day. To top it all off, of course, we had to spray their hair green. There is something exciting for the girls when they get to spray their hair a different color.

Preseason

All I can is....it's a dang good thing we had at least one boy and that this boy (Cameron) has a love of sports the way Marc does. Could you imagine if we had all girls? I don't know who would go with Marc to these cool events he gets tickets to. Marc and Cameron have become very spoiled!!!!! Take a look at these pictures to see just how close Marc and Cameron got to the Cardinals players the last pre-season game. Yep, they were down on the field rubbing shoulders with the players and coaches. They were not allowed to speak to the players or coaches though. So, even though they were right there they were not able to get any autographs or anything. When it was time for the game, however, they went up to their seats to enjoy the game.

Ombre

My little girl is growing up. For years Kaelyn has been asking when she can die her hair. Oh, I was not ready to go down this road. She is suppose to stay young and not want these sort of things. I started thinking of how old I was when I started getting highlights put in my hair. I believe I was around 13, which is how old Kaelyn is right now. All I can see is dollar sign with having 3 girls plus myself of course.
Kaelyn always wanted to put red, purple or blue into her hair. I tried to talk her out of it with no success. Of course, I am just the mom and don't know what looks good. Thankfully, I have wonderful friends and family who would back up my opinion. It just so happened not too long before school was starting I had an appt for my hair with some errands I needed to take Kaelyn on, so she had to go with me. Thank goodness for Darcy!!!!!!!
We discussed the desire Kaelyn had to color her hair. This is when we were introduced to a coloring style called "ombre". It is a form of highlighting with the highlights starting farther down the hair. Meaning the color doesn't go right up to the roots. I am sure you have seen actresses with sort of thing and simply thought they hadn't had time to get their hair done....lol :)
This is not a pain free procedure. As the hair is sectioned out, before color is put on the hair is teased first. This is how you get the distance from the hair line. I felt like this was a perfect way for Kaelyn to get her hair colored with the maintenance being minimal. You see the bigger the regrowth the better the style looks. I know crazy, but it looks awesome!!!!! As a matter of fact, I am loving it so much I am trying to figure out how to do my hair without looking just like Kaelyn. She may not approve of that.

Happy Love

On Friday Marc and I celebrated our 17 year anniversary. We don't make big deal of our anniversary, but we do try to celebrate it. After all, this is the day our eternal family began. Marc and I went to Charleston's for dinner. While we were gone Ellie kept calling asking when we thought we were going to be home. There is nothing unusal about this, as she often does this while we are gone. Long story short, after our dinner, Cameron asked us for a ride with some of his friends. We were happy to help (a chance to meet some of his new friends from Mesa High). I called home to let Ellie know even though we were done with dinner we were driving Cameron somewhere and would be home in a bit. She asked if we could call her when we were at the Sonice (almost home). I told her we would... wasn't too much later Ellie calls again wondering where we are, when we will be home and who is with us. We were on the freeway.... Marc and I laugh and wonder if there is something going on. When we got the final call of the evening wondering again where we were I knew something had to be up. It was only Ellie and Emersyn home, so I couldn't even guess what they could be up to.

As we walked in the door this is what we found along with an outburst of Happy Anniversary!!!! The tv was off, the house was cleaned up and the cake was displayed on the island counter. So, this is what they were up to.....

17 years

I can hardly believe it has been 17 years since Marc and I were married. We are definitely not as young as we were that day. Don't look too close as you will see all the wrinkles we have gained over the years. Nonetheless, we have enjoyed these years together and look forward to many more!!

Happy Anniversay Marc!

Grandpa Washburn

This is Grandpa Washburn. He is a great example to our family. Every summer he puts on a great family reunion for all of us to enjoy. We feel like the reunions are not going to be around much longer. Grandpa Washburn decided to pack up and move back to Blanding, Utah so he could be close to a temple. I say "back" because this is where Grandpa Washburn is from. The Boise, Idaho temple closed for at least a year and most likely a little longer than that. Because Grandpa Washburn's love is geneology and temple work he decided he needed to find a temple to be close to. After making some phone calls he decided Blanding, Utah was the best place for him to go. He is only 20 mins from a temple and the traffic is minimal. He has found himself a little apartment there to rent. I do think he is a little lonely though, he sends messages out to family members to get the word out "to come see him".

I am so grateful for these kinds of examples we have to look to.

Love These Boys

Hard to believe these two boys met when they were only 3 years old. Even though Truman's family has moved out of our neighborhood the friendship has remained. However, there was about a year or so where they lost track of one another. Anyway, these two have a bond between them that I hope lasts a lifetime. When they are around each other we find ourselves rolling on the floor laughing.

Thanks for laughs boys!!