We had a way-fun Halloween party a week before Halloween. (We had it early because Johnny and Sarah were leaving for Arkansas--but we missed Nathan and Claire in St. George and Ryan in Logan). Here are some of the pictures. Also, for Halloween Daren dressed up as a absent-minded professor. Here is a picture of him.

We had fun on Labor Day last Monday. Johnny brought Sarah on Sunday evening and Monday morning Sharla, Ben and babies came; Nathan, Claire and Norah; Jeanette, Aaron, Brandon, McKayla, Alana, and Amy, Dad and I were also there. Everyone went hiking except Dad and I who stayed home to babysit the babies. Then we had a barbeque when everyone got back. It was fun to have those that could come be here. We missed Scott and Ryan.

The new babies

Sharla and Ben had their babies and I have been busy trying to help. Here are some of their pictures.

Camping

From Thursday to Saturday morning we went camping. We went to Pioneer campground close to Hyrum in Cache valley. Johnny, Scott, Amy, Daren and I went. Everyone else had other commitments and could not break away. We had a lot of fun. Scott was a master at roasting marshmellows and perfected a chocolate-filled giant marshmellow. Amy made perfect roasted hot dogs (pig-in-blanket kind). Johnny went fishing a couple of times and caught a fish which he let go. We did a little hiking (Scott and Amy hiked up the mountain), Dad and Amy went for a long walk-run and we spent time at Porcupine Resevoir. Johnny, Scott and Amy went on a raft to the other side and did some cliff-jumping. Dad kept the trailer working great and I tried to keep us well-fed. We plan to go again this summer and hope everyone can come that time.

It is time to haul hay again. Thank goodness for Dave, Christy and the girls! They were a big help. Jackie (Sarahs friend) helped today. And of course Amy! We are so glad that there is only one field to harvest instead of three with one of them being huge. It will make the summer a little less overwhelming.

Father's Day

Yesterday we celebrated Fathers Day. We enjoyed a dinner together and after different kinds of pies. The boys played tape ball. I am including some pictures. Notice the intensity on their faces. We missed Nathan, Claire, Norah and Ryan.

Last Thursday Amy graduated from high school. I no longer have any children in public schools. That means no more back-to-school nights, parent-teacher-conferences, lunch money, and everything else that goes along with that. I have mixed feelings. I am grateful that all of my children have graduated from high school and have done as well as they have but I am pretty sad that everyone is growing up and leaving me.

We had a great day with Amy. Here are a few pictures. She went to the senior bash which lasted all night. Congratulations Amy!

Pictures with my camera

I took some pictures with my camera yesterday. I am trying to learn how to use it better. Here are a couple of them:

Sharla's graduation

Today Sharla graduated from Utah State with a degree in social work. We are very proud of her and her determination to accomplish this goal. Scott, Amy, Ben, Sharla, Claire, Norah, Daren and I were there. Ryan attended the morning session of graduation. Here are some pictures.

Barbeque

Nathan left for Nicaragua this afternoon for three weeks to do volunteer business training with some businesses down there. Then Nathan, Claire and Norah will fly to New York to stay the summer for an internship. We wanted to have a barbeque and get together before Nathan left. It was raining and cold Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but later in the afternoon the clouds left and we had some sunshine even though it was still cold. We built a fire in the fire pit and cooked hot dogs and grilled hamburgers on the grill. It was a lot of fun and everyone came! Nathan also invited Quin and Paul and Melanie (with Penney).

Today I went to an invitational track meet at Taylorville High with Amy and she ran the 1600. She did terrific and dropped her time by 10 seconds. Her ankle is doing tons better!