EFY Girls

When we picked up Wes and he showed us all his pictures, Maddie queried "Were there any guys at EFY?!'


Wes and some cute girl.

A couple of cute girls.

Some more cute girls.

And some more cute girls.

Wes' experience at EFY was fantastic. I think he learned some things about himself, and what things are really important. And, I think he enjoyed the company of his newfound female 'friends.'

EFY

Wes really enjoyed Especially for Youth. Here he is pictured with his 'company' in front of the dorms at Heritage Halls.

The counselors were stellar, with Steve being a total stallion.

Wes met some great guys, this one from Upland. Conner and he really hit it off, especially since they are both water polo players.

And, of course, there was Marshall. The two had a great time, and discovered a few things together. Among other things, they learned that dances can be pretty sweet.

There is beauty all around

Some shots of the sights downtown. Pictured here are the tabernacle and courthouse.  It was a beautiful day!

Sunday Afternoon

What to do on a Sunday afternoon? We had already gone to church, at our old ward in Provo. Hardly recognized a soul! But it was still fun to go back there. Wesley and Maddie were both blessed in that building. And I did get one update on one of the 11-year-old scouts I used to lead: he was getting married in the Los Angeles Temple in three days! And who says miracles don't happen anymore?


We decided to go for a walk around downtown Provo. When I say we, I mean Andrea and I. You can see here how popular the plan was with the kids.

We walked to Center and University to see the Tabernacle and the courthouse.

The old architecture is beautiful and stately.

Zach climbed a tree and catnapped.

Provo

We stayed in downtown Provo for a few days. The kids had a great time at the hotel.

They had an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Of course, they swam in both.

And Wes had to keep up his killer physique.

Back in Arizona

On our way up to Utah, we crossed through the corner of Arizona, where the Virgin River cuts through 'The Gorge.' Our kids begged to get out and set foot, once again, in their beloved Arizona.

We hiked down a small trail to the river, and the kids tooks their shoes off and waded across and through the river. The temperature outside was blazing hot, and the river felt like bathwater.

Andrea shot some pics, and this one looks like it could be a postcard.

After about 30 minutes, we got back in the wagon and carried on.

Hooray! Fireworks!

We visited Diego and Jennifer for the 4th. How did we feel about that night? The cute boy with the binoculars says it all. Aren't they so beautiful?

Zach is 10!

Zach wanted his favorite cookie cake again. He had Layton over for video games and nerf gun fighting in the yard and got some fun gifts that he has been wanting. One if them is sitting on the cake. Lego Toy Story soldiers. So fun! We love this sweet gut so much!

Water Polo 2010

Some of you may know that Wes and Maddie played water polo last year on the city's rec team. They had a blast, and Wesley is now working out with Burbank High's water polo team.

This summer, Maddie is again playing on the city rec team. She says the new coach this year doesn't work them as hard as the old coach did last year. She thinks that may have been a factor in Saturday's loss to Sylmar.

But she is enjoying the workouts and games nonetheless. Here are some shots of Maddie in action:


Considering her options

Challenging the shot

Shot on goal

Wow! He's 14!

Yes, it's true. Wes is 14 and going into high school next month. I can hardly believe it. For the past 3 birthdays my boys have wanted a giant ice cream sandwich cake. It's super easy and so yummy! Wes had Marshall over and opened and gifts and played video games. What more can a teenager want?

The Big Traveler

Wesley has been gone for one week now. He left to Scout camp last Monday and got home around 11pm Fri nt. Sat afternoon he was off again. Today he checked in to EFY (especially for youth) at BYU in Provo, Utah. He's been kinda excited about it, but after talking with him this morning, I could tell he was really happy and excited to be there. He is rooming with Marshall (his buddy from the ward.) I am sure they will have a blast!

Cousins, Cousins, Cousins!

   Aren't they all so cute? It's so fun to be close by and see all these cousins more often.

We love these Sweet Guys

We have had such a fun time seeing all our sweet nieces and nephews (cousins) this last month. They are so fun and all so adorable. We love them so much and are so grateful for our big family.