Getting outside again

A few weeks back we spent the weekend at Palisades, car camping style. With kids you take what you can get and Dani and Jason have those twins that are a real hand full. We broke tradition and actually arrived at the campsite early enough that we didn't have to pitch our tents in the dark. When we woke up the next morning, the tents and nearly everything else was covered in frost (it got into the mid to low 20's that night). Of course Jack didn't mind...



The twins were very cold and unhappy for a long time but they eventually warmed up. One of the twins was fighting a cold, the other was happy as a clam (think perma-grin).



Look, a bird, a plane no it is...




My balloon is flying away!



Once it warmed up it was off to the sand box to look for buried treasure.





Clayton had a blast just being with his cousins.

We tried bubbles but the only one interested was Camus.



Clayton managed to overcome his fear of slides while with Jack, Emma and Elli. It was awesome seeing the little guy work up the courage to go down the slide. Clayton is one cautious little dude.



Of course the twins aren't afraid of any slide anywhere. No fear for those girls



The kids played so hard that they completely wore themselves out. The boys (Me and Jason) took the kids for a ride to see if they would fall asleep. Clayton slept but the girls managed to tough it out (they are stubborn Grotepas girls). We had a bit of an adventure while driving to get the kids asleep. Jason decided to see how far his Sequoia could go after the digital read out said No Gas, 0 miles. I was positive that we would be pushing the Sequoia the last mile to the gas station.



It was so nice to get out and camp. We are definitely going to do this again soon!

Grandma's 90th Birthday party

Grandma (wife's side of the family) turned 90 this year! We had a family party to celebrate. Lets just say Grandma has enough family that we could easily take over a small city if we wanted to. Here is Grandma, Nikki and Uncle Sam (from right to left).



Just to get an idea how many were at the Birthday party here is a shot of the Opera house floor.



Of course there were a bunch of empty seats because people were hungry and waiting in line for the yummie food. You can't see it but that line snakes around in a U shape.



I am finding people are more and more willing to let me take their photo (most of the time). There was a bit of resistance from some though (no names).



There were sooo many people that I didn't know. I don't know everyones name so for the most part I won't give any names because I don't want anyone to feel bad when I call Aunt Linda - Uncle Larry or something like that. Of course I am only posting a few of the photos that I took. There really just isn't room to post all the photos (I am showing a few that I liked best or fit the story best).

















Ahh my beautiful wife and rambuxious little boy!



I don't often get a smile for the camera from my little boy as he is just usually way to busy! Man what a cutie!

























I have never seen Terry let his facial hair grow. Is he going for the Evan all mighty look? Will he have a beard down to his navel next family party? Guess we will have to stay tuned and see...







This last one of Jason and Emma wasn't at the actual party but it is cute. Love those one-on-one father, mother, son, daughter photos (if you didn't notice).

Bye Bye Woodscross Drill Team

Sad, how we move onto different things. My wife has been the Woods Cross Drill team assistant advisor for two years now. Anji will no longer be a drill team advisor.





Here is my wife and Ariana hugging. Ariana and my wife have really become good friends as they taught dance to the drill team here at Woodscross high.



The team mom was so much help. The job of being drill team advisor is one of practically no pay and high stress. I know that my wife and Ariana often paid for things from their own pocket, when it came to gifts for the girls etc.



These girls are great and they will do just fine. It sad to move on but it makes room for something new. Some of the girls are graduating and will be moving on themselves. Life has some wonderful surprises in store, I am sure.

Bountiful Temple again!

This past Sunday we went for a short walk around the Bountiful temple. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful place. The temple is a place that always gives us such peace (my wife and I). It was a perfect day!



Sometimes it is nice to go out and take things slow. Take time to think about life and watch a beautiful sunset!

Moving Clayton's cousins

We recently helped my sister and her family move to Payson. Sadly I didn't think to take a shot of the home but I did manage to capture a few photos of the kids. All of Clayton's first cousins live far enough away that visiting any of them is a real treat. Jordan is a real hoot and Clayton loves to hang out with Jordan.

When he gets lazy he sometimes calls her Jorge (it's an affectionate thing).



Of course Brody is still too little to play with but he manages to keep himself entertained...



Clayton though is growing like a weed lately. He really is starting to look older every day. He has lost all that baby fat!

Of course Jordan has always been ahead of her time.



I wonder what Brody is going to be like?



His sister is a little dare devil!



It is exciting to see Becky move (my sister). We are going to have to do a sleep over some time! Clayton will love the chance to hang with his cousin Jorge... uh Jordan.