Another incredible day!

When you first get married, there are some traditions that are carried on from your family and others you start for generations to come. This is one of those traditions we hope our children will carry on. Chris and I decided that when our children turn 12, we would attend the temple as a family and participate in baptisms. The temple is such a special place and we want their first experience of walking through the temple doors to be with us! On June 13th, Ethan perfomed his first baptisms in the Redlands Temple.We extended the invitation to both my parents and to Chris' parents. We were so grateful they were able to attend on this special day. It was a cold and cloudy day, but it still didn't take away the beauty of the temple.

As we were walking up to the temple we passed by this fountain. Chris explained the symbolism of the three tiers to Ethan. Of course, I had to get a picture of him!

As we were driving away, I snapped one more picture to help us remember just how beautiful and sacred our temple is!

Outstanding students!!!

Every year, the elementary schools in the High Desert have specific recognition nights for outstanding students at Maverick Stadium. Maverick Stadium (actually Stater Bros. stadium but that sounds lame) is where our minor baseball team, the Mavericks, play ball. This year, Riley and Ethan both had the opportunity to participate. Ethan, now 12, was too cool to participate, so Riley was on his own. So our little Riley stood in the long line waiting for his chance to meet Wooley Bully and receive his certificate.Finally, Wooley Bully time! Great picture of Riley with his friends Tre' and Michael Kersee. Way to go boys!!

The many faces of our 1st Class Scout!

I have literally given up trying to get Ethan to smile somewhat normal! Somedays are better than others. This day in particular, was not a good one! Anyways, though he may look silly, we are very proud of Ethan. During the court of honor, Ethan was awarded his 1st Class Scout badge as well as....his first 3 merit badges. He completed Personal Management, Family Life and Reptile and Amphibian Study. He's on the road to Eagle Scout! Way to go bud!!!

Pool time fun!

Back when the weather was warm (before June gloom hit), the kids invited a few of their friends over for a swimming party.
Wow! Aren't they attractive! Harli, Claire and Kelsey being their usual "goofy-selves!"

The kids thought it would be great fun to play with water balloons while swimming. We didn't mind as long as they picked up the pieces once the balloon broke. After all, we didn't want to deal with a clogged filter. When I came out to check on them, this is what I found. Kelsey's friend Gary holding a water filled punching bag balloon. At least there was only one...or was there?

It took all three girls to tackle this one!Riley tried to get in on the action but the balloon was just a little too big for him!
And then there's Ethan, no balloon to play with. At least he was willing to pose for mom!

Chris' fishing trip in Bishop,CA

Chris loves to fish! When the opportunity came to go on a 4 day fishing trip to Bishop with his buddies from work...he was outta here! Great shot of Chris' dad, Brent, Hank and Eric. Chris called when they arrived on Thursday and said the weather was just beautiful! The next morning, they woke up to a "Winter Wonderland". As you can see, it didn't stop the die hard fishermen!!

Once the snow melt, Chris was ready to tackle the water and fish via float tube.

Nice catch babe but too bad you don't like to eat them!

In less than 7 years....

...we WILL have a missionary ready to serve the Lord wherever needed! My mother-in-law suggested we take these pictures of Ethan and Austin after Ethan's ordination a few weeks ago. What good-looking missionaies they will make!

Ethan's Ordination Day

Wow! What a beautiful, emotional and grateful day for the Denkers' family. Our young man, Ethan Robert received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Deacon on Sunday, May 31, 2009. He looks so sharp in his new suit! What a handsome young man! Thank goodness we took a few pictures before the waterworks began! At least I still have make-up on in this picture!

Ethan with our Bishop, Bishop Arlan Garcia.Chris and Ethan following the ordination. Our family is so blessed to now have TWO worthy priesthood holders in our home!!

We were only one short in this picture (Tom Hannett - MIA), but these are the Priesthood holders who stood in the circle and placed their hands on Ethan while Chris gave him the most beautiful blessing. Back row: left to right: Grandpa Horvath, Uncle Louis Horvath, Uncle Chris Horvath, Ethan's proud father Chris, Uncle Rey Fast and Dennis Kersee - Ethan's Young Men's President. Front row: left to right: Great-Grandpa Futrell, Grandpa Denkers, Ethan, Uncle Scott Denkers and Bishop Arlan Garcia.

Ethan with Grandma and Grandpa Denkers.

What a neat opportunity to have Ethan's Great Grandparents in attendance also. Ethan with Great Grandma and Grandpa Futrell.

Ethan with Grandma and Grandpa Horvath.

All of our wonderful family that came to share this exciting day with us!

Our proud family: Loma, Chris, Riley, Ethan and Kelsey