Young Women Conference

Jenny and I were lucky to get tickets to the Young Women Conference in the Conference Center this year (we even snagged an extra one for Mom). We took off a little early to check out the new City Creek Shopping center across the street and Wow! was it fun. Can't wait to spend more looking around sometime. We ate at one of our favorite places, The Blue Lemon, and then headed over to the Conference Center. This picture above is of us in line walking in.

It was neat to be there to hear each of the sisters speak but especially to hear and see President Monson. It's always fun to hear him speak and especially see his funny humor at the beginning of his talks.Afterwards we went outside and looked out over the balcony at the Salt Lake temple. We took pictures and played for a little bit before they started shuffling us down.

It was fun to have Mom come with us again this year. I thought about Katy the whole time we were up there. I can't wait for her to be old enough to come too.

There's nothing better then spending time with two of my favorite people. We laughed and talked and shared treats and grew closer. These days are ones to always remember.

The Presidents of the United States by Shawn Clark

Late Night Sledding

We've been a little bummed with such a mild winter this year since some of our coolest gifts for Christmas this year were new sleds. So when our first real snowfall that actually stuck to the ground came at 10:00 at night we had to get out there no matter the hour.

Bret and I got back late from our Saturday night date and told the kids to get their gear on . . . we were heading out to play in the snow while it lasted. Within minutes we were in the car and heading over to the school to try out the new sleds. We could tell they were going to be awesome but were ready for bigger hills. We loaded everything back up and headed to Rock Canyon Park to take on the big ones. We all had a blast. Nothing like sledding at midnight with all the college kids. It was a night to remember.

Shawn even took on the big hill by himself. He was in heaven . . . absolutely no fear.

I even took a spin on one of the sleds . . . screamed all the way down!

Riding Horses in January

Our good friends, the Jorgensens, invited us to go down and ride horses one Saturday in January. Katy was so excited she could hardly stand it. Unfortunately, Jenny and Tyler take a little more after their mom with a fear of horses. Jenny wasn't so sure about the whole idea and Tyler was absolutely against it. Shawn was just ready to come along for the ride.

Bret got Jenny to brush Jake as he and Paden got the saddles ready.Katy and Hannah got their helmets on and were so excited they couldn't stand it.

After a little encouragement (and maybe a little insisting), Jenny jumped on and rode all by herself. I was so proud of her. That's something I've never been brave enough to do. There's something about horses. They seem so big to me.

Paden climbed on and helped Shawn lead the horse by himself. Shawn was in heaven.

Tyler started out riding in the back but got enough courage to lead by himself later.

Katy and Hannah switched off back and forth leading. They had so much fun together.

By the end I was brave enough to climb on, but not without my sweetheart so I could hold on really tight. I knew he would take good care of me.

I was proud of all the kids for being so brave. Especially Jenny and Tyler for riding and leading by themselves. It was a little bit of a milestone for our family (especially for me).

Basketball Season

The girls are playing basketball and they are both in heaven! They couldn't be more excited for practices and games. It's so fun!

They both work so hard and are great teammates. I'm proud of them for doing such a great job and look forward to more busy Saturdays.

Jenny's Braces

The day finally came for Jenny to get her braces off . . . It took 2 years and 3 months but she's finally done. Here are some fun pictures to remember the before and after . . . a little crazy! Where did my little girl go?The day she went in to get her braces on.

October 22, 2009

BEFORE

AFTER
The day she got them taken off (standing in front of the same bush)
January 18, 2012
BEFORE

AFTER

They look awesome! You are beautiful Jen!

We're so happy for you . . . We love you!

Top off the Night with a Jazz Game

After a basketball game, swim meet, sewing class, birthday party,

and last minute yard work before the snow . . .

. . . we left this little lady to make dinner

and we headed out with our tickets to the Jazz game

It feels good to be back in our seats . . .

one game down . . . 9 more to go!

Paintball Target Practice

Santa brought a box of 2000 paintballs and each of the kids a wrist rocket

this year for Christmas. So the day before the kids went back to school

we went out back for a little target practice.

. . . aiming at Osama Bin Laden, Zombies, huge elk

and our own family picture.

Bret was a good sport and added his backside to the targets for each of us to take one shot. Tyler hit him in the back, and then took off running for the frontyard yelling, "Sorry, Dad. Sorry, Dad". It was funny.

Shawn needed a little help shooting but ended up having a pretty good aim.

Jenny thought standing on a chair would help her in some way.

And everyone shot a couple over the top of the shed to Brother Blake's house.

It was a beautiful day to be outside and really fun to all be together.

Just a regular January day in Utah?

January 4th + 50 degrees + no snow = perfect day to take the dogs for a run

Family Pictures

It's one of those things you dread . . .

and it's a fight getting it done . . .

but it's always worth it in the end . . .

I love them, Mom! I'm glad we took the time!

I love you all!