The Triumphant Return (although The Exhausted Return would be more appropo)

The 15 days went slowly/quickly by and it was finally/already time to welcome our boy home!  We drew a message for him on the garage door and Isabelle and I colored a sign to take to the airport.  We arrived at the airport a little late and out of breath but fortunately, the boys were later than we were.  So we anxiously waited for the first sign of the "boys with the yellow hats".

 Excitedly waiting

 Ashley and Brig enjoyed playing together while we waited but refused to hold still for a picture. (Have you noticed that most of Ashley's friends are boys??  I have.)

 Although the pictures don't do it justice, these boys were delighted to see each other.

 Actually we were all delighted.  All three of the other kids followed Ryan around the rest of the night vying for his attention.  I think he couldn't decide whether he loved it or not!

 I was so glad to get my boy back.  He's growing up but he's still my little boy and I love him so.

It was a little to dark to see the sign well but at least he knew he was loved.

 While he was gone, Scott and I cleaned and organized his room including a nice new dresser.

 The only birthday balloon that we managed to get a picture of.

 Happy to be home and waiting for birthday presents.

 

Ryan's National Boy Scout Jamboree July 9-24

For the last two years Ryan has been working and saving and preparing for the National Boy Scout Jamboree.  Finally the day arrived!!  He was nervous and excited and I was a little (or a lot) sick to my stomach about sending my not yet 12 year old clear across the country for two weeks.  It was awful and wonderful all at the same time.  There were 6 boys who went from our ward and he went with several excellent scout leaders.  I was so proud of how hard he worked to get himself ready for this trip.  He celebrated his birthday while he was gone and it was kind of a rough day with lots of rain and homesickness.  We spoke with him twice that day and fortunately by the second call he was feeling much better and much happier.  I'm so fortunate to be the mother of this fine boy. 

 They had a special visitor before they left, Taysom Hill (BYU Quarterback) came to talk to them and shared his testimony.  It was a great kickoff for the whole event.

 My cute boy that I insisted on getting one last hug from before he left.

 He's watching us from the left window and was nervously excited to get on his way.

 The moment of truth (for me - I can't believe I dared to let him go!)

Deanne and I commiserated together often while the boys were gone.  I was so thankful that Ryan was able to be with one of his best friends for such an adventure.

Eden Talent Show

We had lots of great talents this year.  There are always a great mix of silly and serious talents. 

 Ammon and Scott reprised their performance as the Adult Onset Siamesia Twins with the help as Mark their personal trainer.  Their push-ups were quite impressive.

 Love these blue-eyed beauties

 Ashley with her bestie Cody

 Ammon and Scott

 The Jon Allens singing

 Amy the Irish Dancer

 Jess with her head cut off (can't get blogger to edit anything)

 Scott and Ryan at the beginning of their M&M toss (complete with hip shaking)

 Jennie's family piling on Peter (seriously I'm irritated that I can't get Blogger to edit or delete anything.)

 Taylor on violin

 Ashley, Cody and Izzy

 Tommy and Serene

 Riley balancing a shovel

 Grandpa on guitar

 White team dance moves

 Blue Team dance moves

 The crew

Red Team's dance moves

Grandma Party 2013 "Freedom"

As is customary, the Grandma party was a spectacular success.  Grandma spent the entire year planning and my kids spent the entire year in eager anticipation.  Especially Ashley, this was her first year and she was so very excited to go.

Each year Grandma assigns "homework" before the party.  This year they were to create a book.  She helped them decorate their covers at her house beforehand and gave them several scriptures and they were to memorize one of them. 

Then they were to add a picture that represented freedom, a poem that they wrote, a picture of themselves and a list of things they would do to protect their freedom.  I don't have a picture of Ashley with hers at the party because I thought she was missing pages and I raced home to locate them.  (She wasn't really missing anything.)

 

Izzy's Poem:

What is freedom?

Freedom is to choose.

Freedom is to love.

Freedom is peace.

Freedom is family.

Freedom is Heavenly Father's plan.

 

 Ryan's Haiku:

Freedom is cool

Agency

Opportunity

Privilege

Always Free

 

Ashley's Poem:

I like to choose my friends.

I like to help when my mom is tired and when I am tired she helps me.

I like to help make stuff like food or writing or funny pictures or any pictures you want.

 

 Ryan and Jake - best friend/cousins

 Ashley and Cody - Ashley loves Cody, she can't wait until they come to visit again!!!

 

 Grandma taught them about freedom using the story of Joseph of Egypt.  Brandon was a great Joseph and Lu was a beautiful Potipher's wife.

 Ryan got to be one of Joseph's brothers and beg for food.

 My Grandma Party crew

 Grandma's fancy tables

Activities at the church.  The kids (and grown-ups) loved the carts.

 

 Blue team

 

Cheeto toss

Twister, Grandma Allen style

 

Practicing skills like Uncle Ammon -  doing things the hard way, like with your elbows.  :)

Treasure Hunt Actvities

 White Team

 I love my mom.  She is amazing.

 My crew

 Fun kids waiting for the dance performances

Can you believe the crew that Grandma lets sleep over at her house???  There were even a few who slept in different rooms!  She is AMAZING!!  My kids can't wait until next year!