Where the wild things are...

I love to take photographs. During our 11 day vacation, I took approximately 1200. Not a typo, yes 1200 pictures. Thank goodness for digital cameras! These are a few of my favorites. I love wildlife!

Chris bottle feeding a newborn calf in Burley, ID. Not really wild, but when feeding a calf for the very first time after birth, they are pretty crazy! Chris nicknamed him Jerry!

Chris spotted this owl on the side of the road while driving through Montana.

Love those Rocky Mountain sheep in Montana!
This one may be difficult to see. It wasn't difficult to see with a telescope. Sitting atop the small patch of snow is a grizzly bear. Yes, a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park! Whoa-who!!

White tailed deer walking along the trail right next to us in Glacier National Park.

Pronghorned antelope that roamed the plains in Wyoming.

Mama burro with her baby along the side of the road in South Dakota's Custer State Park.

And the cream of the crop, driving along the road with hundreds of bison surrounding our car in South Dakota.

Everyday, we were blessed to witness Heavenly Fathers creations from wildlife to wildflowers. What a breathtaking vacation!

Happy Independence Day!

As our nation's holiday comes to a close, I am so grateful to live in this country where I can choose how to live my life. As our family had the opportunity to go to South Dakota and see Mt. Rushmore, I became ever more grateful for our founding fathers and the determination they had to make this country choice above all. Tears streamed down my face as everyone in attendance during the lighting ceremony sung America the Beautiful in unison.

I love the USA!

Oh, the places we've been... (within 11 days!)

Our wonderful trip started on Saturday, June 20th. This is where we wandered!

This concludes our trip...just kidding. We want this to sink in before the pictures and stories come!

End of year concerts and performances

Riverside Prep sure does keep us busy during the end of the school year! On Tuesday, June 16th, we rocked out to 50's music during the elementary Sock Hop. There's Riley getting ready for his big dance number! This is the only picture we have of him facing us! He did a terrific job!!! The next night, we enjoyed listening to Ethan and Kelsey perform songs with their fellow band members.

Beginning band (Ethan) performed first, then Intermediate band (Kelsey) joined in for one song.

Love this picture of Ethan!

Intermediate band was next on the list to perform. Kelsey did a great job but what happened next shocked us all!

As awards were being handed out, Chris and I turned off the cameras and started talking. I know, bad examples!! As Ms. Parker explained how the final award was earned, which was the Patrick Gilmore award (handed out for outstanding contributions to band), she talked about a student who was always prepared for class, on time, someone who would take over the class at a moments notice, a great helper and so on.

With each comment, Chris and I jokingly said, "Oh, that can't be Kelsey...not our Kelsey" and then BAM...this awarded is presented to Kelsey Denkers. We couldn't get the cameras out fast enough!!

This is the award of all awards. She was given a plaque with her name engraved on it as outstanding student for the 2008-2009 school year for middle school. There is a bigger plaque that stays in the band room throughtout the year the will show her achievement for years to come! We are so proud of our Kels!

Of course, we had to celebrate...and what better way then to dive into banana splits at Richie's Diner!

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!!!