Crazy Weather

The weather has been wonderful...wet, but wonderful!! We have had our doors and windows open all week and it has been a steady rain. One day we didn't even get into the 70s. 

Ethan and his buddies ride to school on their bikes through a field. Last month when it rained, we took turns driving them. Because of some miscommunications the boys ended up riding this week in the mud. It wasn't bad. They had a lot of fun on the way home in the mud. Ethan got splashed accidentally by another boy's bike tire and looked pretty messy when he got home.

Can you see the mud on his rear end, legs and back? He took a shower to clean up and his bike needs a washing but he had a lot of fun!!

Activity Days

Now that Courtney is 8 years old, she is invited to attend Activity Days. They hold it twice per month and they learn new things and work on their Faith in God goals. 

Courtney was SUPER excited and yesterday was her first meeting. She and Lia, from across the street, went together because it was the first time for both of them. They loved it!!

Jr. All-Stars

In Pizazz this year they were going to have a Jr. All-Star team. Courtney wanted to try out so we decided to let her. Last week she had a 2 hour tryout camp. There were only 5 girls who were going to try out so I was afraid it wouldn't work out. I got a phone call on Monday afternoon from her coach to tell me that 2 girls had dropped out and so there wouldn't be enough girls to have a team.

Courtney was pretty upset but it certainly freed up some of our nights. Maybe they will have enough girls next year.

The Sock Game

We have a great FHE game called the "Sock Game."  Everyone crawls around trying to pull each others socks off. The last one with socks on wins!!

It was brother against brother!

The kids had a great time!!

The Narrows in Zion

Monday was a holiday and we decided to go to Zion and hike up into the Narrows. I was nervous because I didn't know how the kids would handle it but we all had a blast!!

The water wasn't too high and there weren't a ton of people so it was really a great time!

Ethan kept saying it was the "best hike ever!" Courtney was a bit too adventurous for her own good and wanted to get in the deep water. But we stopped her.

We went back to St. George and ate dinner at Golden Corral. Ethan went nuts on shrimp and clam chowder, as usual!

Sunday Fun & Three Generations

Ethan had a hilarious morning rolling up in a blanket and playing around. Here he is as a human burrito.

Later in the morning Ethan had the great idea to take a picture of the boys. He called it a 4 generation picture but it was only 3 generations. 

I have a better one on the other camera. What awesome Pack men!!

Courtney's Baptism

Last Saturday was Courtney's baptism. She was so excited!!! Grandma and Grandpa Pack and Andrew came on Friday night to stay at our house and the party began. 

Courtney needed to be at the Stake Center by 9:30 am on Saturday morning and she was up and ready long before that!!

She got to wear her pretty baptism dress and we did her hair in a fancy bun so it wouldn't float up.

Ethan wanted to come up early with us so he got ready too. He has been working on tying his own tie but he was in a hurry that morning so Bryan helped.

Then we walked up to the Stake Center to get ready. There were only 2 girls being baptized that day so it was really relaxed. Courtney and Bryan got dressed in their white jumpsuits and then the Stake Primary leaders took their picture.

And then the wait began. Because we were on time and ready to go, we had a while to wait before it was time to begin. We watched our family and friends slowly trickle in. It was great to see everyone who came!!

Our services are really simple. We have an opening song and prayer (which I was asked to give) and then President Leydsman (from the Stake Presidency) gave a short talk. The other ward was then excused for their baptism while we listened to piano music and waited. Then it was Courtney's turn!!

We all walked to the baptismal room and Brother Jones from our ward, who is one of the Stake Baptism Coordinators, had Courtney go up front so she could see everyone who was there to support her. I was amazed at how many people were there!! She had over 50 people there to support her and show her they love her.

Then it was finally time for her to be baptized. All the kids went up front so they could see and Bryan took Courtney into the water. It only took one time and she was baptized!! Lia Galvin, Courtney's friend said, "Good job Courtney!" as Courtney came up out of the water. It was cute!!

I went to the bathroom with her to change her clothes and she was so happy. Her little face was split by a huge smile and she said, "I did it mom!!" I was so happy for her.

We changed her back into her dress and I wanted to redo her hair because it was all wet but she just wanted to be confirmed and didn't want to spend time on her hair. But when we went out of the bathroom we had to wait for Bryan!!

When he was changed the Bishop presided over the confirmation. Bryan invited anyone up who would like to help. It was a large circle!! And Bryan gave her a beautiful blessing. Then she shook hands/hugged everyone and the Bishop concluded the service. I love how our baptisms focus on the ordinances and not on fluff.

We spent the next while saying hi to everyone who had come and charting with friends. Ethan kept asking if we could "finally" leave but I kept talking. Then, showing that he is wise beyond his years, he came up with "woman minutes." Apparently you get 5 real minutes for every 1 woman minute.  Bryan and Mark got a kick out of that!!

When we were finally finished talking we went home for a luncheon. We had sandwiches, salads and cookies. It was great and a lot of fun to talk with everyone.

We missed those who weren't able to come but we appreciated all the effort people went to just to support Courtney. Bryan's parents came from Colorado, I had 2 cousins (with their families) come from California, 1 cousin and her familywho had  just moved the day before from Virginia to Spanish Fork, and my sister came from Phoenix, and we appreciated every one!!

Courtney had a great day and I am so proud of her decision!!