Falcon Ranch Triathlon

Our neighborhood put together a Triathlon for all kids 18 and younger. These ladies took on a big project and it turned out pretty good. Our kids had fun and it was a great way for Rachel to get a taste for what the Kiwanis Triathlons are like that the boys have been doing. The boys each came in First place in their age group and Rachel came in Second place. We are so proud of them for wanting to do it and for finishing these triathlons by giving it all that they have.

Ethan's Race

Matthew's Race

Rachel's Race

Our three WINNERS...

...and their #1 fans.

Our Pirates!

Ethan's Birthday Fun

I decided for Ethan this year that we weren't going to have a friend birthday. He only asked for one for about a day and a half and then was over it. I think we had a great day together as a family and it ended with a nice surprise.

We started out at Denny's, he wanted IHOP but I had a 20% off the entire bill for Denny's, so he was encouraged to choose Denny's over IHOP. I know, who would choose Denny's over IHOP.... After our tummy's were full, we went to see Star Trek. We actually had to drive a little ways as Star Trek wasn't playing anymore in the theaters close to home and we caught the before noon deals. I would give the movie a thumbs up.

Opening up his birthday cards

Matthew drinking without a straw from the hole in the middle of the lid on his cup. He doesn't like to use forks or spoons either.

Lauren enjoying the whipped cream for her hot chocolate
Rachel enjoying all her whipped cream in her hot chocolate. She is following in her Grandma Cannon's footsteps.

At the movies...

When got home we went ahead opened presents instead of making Ethan wait till after cookies and ice cream after dinner. We also didn't want to hear him asking about them all day. We've only heard about them for the past 2 weeks all day everyday already. Since he now is 11 and is an 11 year old scout who will be going on real campouts, it was time to get him all geared up. So some camping gear was Ethan's theme this year.

Next on the agenda for the day was Ethan's Dinner request, the famous BBQ Pizza. And with every pizza you need Rootbeer. So we also had a Rootbeer Tasting. We were able to find 6 different kinds of Rootbeer to try. Sorry, but we don't have a consensus yet. We will do some more tasting tomorrow.

And to spice the day up and to add a little surprise to Ethan's birthday we did have a few families come over. He had asked in the weeks before if Amber and Mike could come over and at another time, if the Turners could come over. But we had decided it was jut going to be a family day.

However, we invited them both over after dinner for ice cream and cookies (Ethan didn't want cake). We asked them to show up at 7:30 and when they knocked on the door Ethan answered it to a big Surprise. The rest of the evening was full of fun and laughter. Thanks to everyone who thought of Ethan on his special day.

(He is now sleeping in the backyard with his new sleeping bag in his new tent.)

Happy 11th Birthday Ethan

I was able to find a picture of him on each 11 birthdays except for his 5th birthday but it was right before he started Kindergarten so I have a picture of him on his first day of school.

This cute little guy is now entering Junior High. What is a Mom and Dad supposed to do? We are excited for his new adventure and can't believe we have one that old. We also hope he successfully navigates these next few years.

Ethan is a great boy. He is smart, has many talents and some strong morals. We hope this helps him through these wonderful Junior High Years. We love you Ethan and are so proud of you and all you have accomplished and all that you stand for. We hope you will continue to be a great example of righteousness and a leader of integrity.

Birth Day

1st Birthday (Seseme Street)

2nd Birthday (Sports w/ family)

2nd Birthday (Sports w/ friends)

3rd Birthday (Toy Story)

4th Birthday (Toy Story)

5th Birthday (actually first day of school but close enough)

6th Birthday (shared with Lauren's Blessing)

7th Birthday (Speed Boat)

8th Birthday (Baptism)

9th Birthday (His Favorite Fondant cake w/ friends signatures)

10th Birthday (Yes, his own BB Gun)

11th Birthday (His Favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies w/ 11 candles)This cute little guy has turned into a handsome big guy.

Until next year.....many wishes!!!!

Girls Camp Put on Your Armor 2009

Some 4th Years

The Awesome 4th Year Leaders: Baldwin, Spendlove, Bachrach

 Our wonderful Stake YW President-Allyson Felt

 Ivanna Abello and I

Our Super Cute Katy 2nd Ward Young Women (they used to be my girls before I was put in as Stk Secretary)

More 4th Years (Rachel Kirchner, Brooklyn Adelman, Hannah Nerdin, Paige Peterson, Aisha Graham, Brittney Bauer, Rachel Clark, Kassandra Short) I a writing this 7 years later and feel bad I can't remember everyones names.

Getting to do a little work in the kitchen

Craft time was the best because it was cool inside.(Hannah Nerdin)

Our camp theme picture

Secret Sister Pockets, I had fun making.

Some cute girls, that I hoped camp made a difference for.

All the 4th Years

Bun Time! Paige Peterson & Rachel Clark

Lake Conroe

Katy Stake Girls Camp 2009
Girls Scout Camp Agnes Arnold
Put On The Armor of Light
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us Put on the Armour of Light." Romans 13:12

This year I was asked to be one of the 4th year leaders. We had girls from 8 different wards. It is a bit of a challenge trying to get them all to mesh. But it turned out to be a very successful camp and we all had lots of crazy fun together. I have said this before, but there are some amazing youth out there.

I got to work with Eleanor Bachrach and Julie Baldwin (I served my mission with her husband, small world) we had lots of crazy fun together. I learned how to play Farkle, Cups and rabbit... game.

I got up on one ski my first try. I think it has been about 15 years since the last time I skied and since then I had knee surgery. So, I was estatic. It was fun showing off in front of the girls too.

(7 years later and am trying to finish this and what I remember most is being connected to 2 less active girls.  I really grew to love them and prayed they had a good experience and where able to go home with something to hold on to for strength.  I have no idea what has happened to them since. :( )