Issue 179

Happy Birthday Ellie!

Ellie wanted a pumpkin flavored, pumpkin cake for her birthday this year. This gluten-free labor of love took four separate trips to the store (it's a long story!)

We had a Halloween friend party on her birthday and a family party the next day when Dad was back from New York. To complete the pumpkin theme, we went to the pumkin patch to pick our own. Ellie wanted a pet for her birthday and settled on a hermit crab named Stripes, who she loves dearly.

Happy 7th Birthday Ellie!

Trax Trip

The kids had a day off school so we rode the trax line all the way downtown. It dropped us off right on the Planetarium doorstep. We had a fun field trip and then rode the train back home. It's exciting to have access to downtown right at our doorstep.

Swim Team for Janey

Janey LOVES to swim! She took swimming lessons this summer and did very well. Since school started, she has asked almost daily to go to the pool. When I realized this wasn't a passing fad, I got permission for her to try out for the premier swim team in our area. She made the team and trains three and a half  hours a week, which she says is "A dream come true!" Her best friend is also on the team, so she is truly in heaven. Looking forward to her first meet.

Karate Competition

Daniel competed in his first Karate Sparring Competition at the South Towne Expo Center this weekend. He won round after round and ended up taking 2nd Place! Way to go Daniel!



Issue 178

Good Hard Work

This week was full of good hard work for the whole family. We have settled into our new fall routine, and everyone is doing a great job working on their projects and goals. Dad pulled 12 to 18 hour days at his new job, and I had a chance to attend a 2 day dyslexia training for math. I'm very excited to implement what I learned with Daniel.

Steve is off to Phili tomorrow and then back to New York! Here's to another great week of good hard work.

Issue 177

Scout Camp

Yes, it's hard to believe, but that is snow! It snowed the whole time at scout camp for Daniel and Dad this weekend, but that never stops the fun!

The Leonardo Gala

 Above, an amazing art sculpture that hangs from the ceiling of the Leo.

Below, my brother Tai and I at the formal Gala. Steve was flying home from Florida, and was sadly unable to attend.

I had the opportunity to a Formal Gala for the ribbon cutting opening ceremony at Utah's newest Museum, The Leonardo. My sister-in-law has worked long and hard for years to help it open. After hearing from the Mayor, the Governor and a Nobel Laurette, the museum was opened for us for a preview. The Leo is a science and art museum, that I can't wait to bring my kids to experience.



Issue 176

New Zealand Family

This weekend we were able to visit with our dear friends, family really, from New Zealand. Auntie Hoki and Uncle Owen have been family friends with my side of the family for over 60 years. They became our adoptive Grandparents in New Zealand and we owe much of our wonderful experience there, to them. We hadn't seen them for two years, (since the last time they came for General Conference) and the children had been asking weekly for those two years when we would see them again! Auntie Hoki brought lollie's for the children and we had a wonderful time catching up and remembering wonderful times. We will miss them dearly until we see them again.

Issue 175

First Week on the Job

 Steve started his first week at his new company in New York meeting with a couple big clients with one of his business partners. He promised Janey this picture of the 9/11 memorial. He came back from New York and went straight to Summit County to work with his other business partner. I love this picture of him working at his business partner's office on a plastic chair and TV table. It's the epitome of a start up company to me! Steve loves his new job and had a very intense and rewarding first week.

Happy Birthday Steve

I can't believe Steve L. is 15! We went to the theaters to see Captain America to celebrate. Happy Birthday Steve!