Summer Fun

Despite having a really crumby month of July we did manage to squeeze in some summer fun. We've been taking advantage of Annie's pool and swimming a lot, we saw some parades, went to our ward summer party where we decorated our scooters and bikes with a cowboy theme, and cooked in the sun watching Ash play his first year of baseball. This summer has been so busy, I can't believe we only have one more month left!!

Final Farewell

This past week has been a really tough one, but thanks to so many wonderful friends, going through the pain of loosing my Dad seems almost bearable. It was great to see so many friends, I really appreciated so many of you making the effort to come to the viewing and funeral. Everything went well, I don't think we could have done anything better. I was really proud of my sister and brother, their talks were so good. I know my Dad would have been pleased to hear from his children. We were so blessed to have President Monson come to the viewing(he's a friend of my grandpa's) He also gave my Dad a blessing in the hospital a couple days before he died. I was really excited the kids got meet him, what a special memory for them. Now comes the hard part, figuring out how to live our lives without our Dad and Grandpa. I hope these sweet little ones will always have their memories and the knowledge that they were so loved by "Pa" Colin.

My HERO

I always knew my Dad wouldn't live to be 100 but somehow I never thought this day would come. He beat the odds so many times, and although this last trip to the hospital felt different I kept hoping my gut feeling was wrong and he'd beat the odds one more time. I haven't just lost a Father but a best friend as well. I visited my Dad almost everyday. I spoke to him on the phone at least two or three times a day, he was so easy to talk to. He inspired me to be a better person and he kept me grounded. He never let me forget that your family and friends are the most important things in the World. I love that my children had such strong relationships with him, each one unique and special. I hope I can pass on his courage, strength, compassion, work ethic and unconditional love to them. His grandchildren and my mom kept him going for so long.

A special thanks to his amazing doctors and nurses. I'm humbled by the care he received this past week in the hospital, how impressive that total strangers would love and care for someone they didn't even know. And thanks to the doctors that have taken care of him for more than 30 years.

Finally, thank you, thank you, thank you to my Mom. What an AMAZING women! She is definitely a little piece of Heaven on Earth. I never once heard her complain about taking care of my Dad, she loved him unconditionally and was happy to do it. I appreciate the example she has set for me, I love her for so many things but especially for the way she loved my Dad.

Rest in PEACE and pain free, I love you Dad. You're my HERO!

Akumal, Mexico. . . Land of the Turtles

Vacation Highlights:

-Leaving Mitchell with Aunt Colette. I was so sad to leave him home but once I got there I realized that I had made a great decision. Thanks Aunt Colette, sorry about all the bite marks on Gavin.

-Flying there on two different Mexican airlines. They were a thousand times better than the US airlines. What's up with that?

-The Mexico City airport. Wow what an experience.

-Thinking we were late for our connecting flight to Cancun. Ben running through the airport. We were an hour off on the time change.

-The kids on the airplane, they were so good throughout the entire travel process(and it was a major process)

-Watching Ash on the plane. He's getting so grown up, I never heard him complain.

-Throwing a fit about getting the wrong room when we arrived at 2 am then deciding we liked it so Ben told them we'd stay in that room but needed to be credited one night for the inconvenience.

-The most stunning beach I've ever seen!!

-Ava staying in the ocean all day.

-Ava's major sunburn. I felt like the worst Mom(I cried it was so bad), I put sunscreen on her three times but I guess I should have know better. My kids did inherit their Dad's powder white skin.
-Spending time with the Witzel family.

-Uncle Wayne's awesome Pirate map and treasure hunt. The twins still think it was real. Thanks Wayne!

-Ben and I laughing at our cranky kids in Tulum. I think this really ticked the kids off, sorry guys but sometimes Mom and Dad have to laugh or we'll cry too.

-Paying 5 dollars, yes dollars not pesos to take a picture with my own camera of my kids holding a stinky lizard.

-Cam, Makell, and Ashlyn playing with my kids. You guys are so great!!

-Cam dancing with Ava at the wedding reception. So Cute...I hope you become part of the fam too.

-Getting a thousand mosquito bite at Auk Tun Chen.

-Ashton getting bit by the green bird as Ben went to set it on his shoulder.

-Snorkeling with Ben

-Snorkeling with Peyton. I'm so proud of you, you were amazing.

-Watching a huge turtle swim up right next to Peyton.

-Seeing amazing sea life-turtles, sting rays, sea urchins, coral reefs, and so many beautiful fish.

-Watching a major tropical storm roll in then dump rain on us for five hours.

-Spending precious time with my grandparents.

-Reading two books in 4 days.

-Watching my children play and discover a new place

-Relaxing

-Eating lots of yummy food.

-Looking for "she" shells with the twins.

-Watching Peyton play volleyball with all the big guys.

-Spending time with Scott and Shelley and their kids.

-Ben's acting skills during the treasure hunt. Sorry babe but I don't think you'll get the Oscar this year.

-I really missed Ryan and Annie and their families, wish you guys could have been there.

-Melina, such a beautiful bride.

-Ava as the flower girl. She was so excited and looked like an angel.

-Ash, not sure about his ring bearer responsibilities.

-Melina and Bart, so in LOVE! and happy.

-Watching Ava dance. She was in her own little world.

-Watching the entire party watch Ava dance. She was the center of attention, sorry Melina.

-Ash falling asleep in the middle of dinner three times.

-Ash falling asleep at the wedding and everyone talking pictures of him.

-Most of all spending quality time on a much needed and deserved vacation with the ones I love and cherish the most(except Mitch, we really did miss you).

-Being back home in the good old USA!

-My own bed!

The Wedding

Our main reason for going to Mexico was to celebrate Melina and Barton's marriage. Ava was the flower girl and Ash was the ring bearer. They chose to be married in Akumal, Mexico because My Aunt Kris and Uncle Wayne have taken their family vacations to Akumal for the past 10 years and have fallen in love with the land, water and Mayan people. They had a traditional Mayan ceremony, which was very interesting. The wedding and reception were both amazing.

Melina was a stunning bride Sisters...Marissa, Melina, and AmelyaKris and her girls

Handsome Boys

The Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
The Ceremony
The Wedding Party


Ava stole the show...she danced all nightTHE END

Peyton's Big Awards

Peyton has been such a great student this year. He earned straight E's(excellents) on his report card, and was such a big help in the class room. He was awarded the Clove Award for outstanding all around 1st grader in his class and the Sportsmanship Award from the P.E. department. Way to go Peyton!!

Last Day of School

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Peyton loved Miss Angie, She made school so fun.
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