Visitors and Pioneers

Today, June 27, Emily left at 6:00 a.m. for her pioneer trek. I am so proud of her because she wanted so bad to go on this trek. She went to see both of her doctors and convinced them that she could do this. We walked 2 brisk miles every day to prepare for this. She practiced playing "Come, Come Ye Saints" on her harmonica. She got up this morning with a positive attitude and her awesome smile. Working in the Family History center every other Thursday has helped her prepare for this trek. I can't wait for her to come home on Wednesday to tell me all about it.

So here she is in her pioneer wear. She could only take what would fit in her bucket (it's the orange one in the background) and a sleeping bag. She will pull a handcart with the rest of her "family" and cover about 3 miles per day. She will eat off a chuck wagon and sleep under the stars. She will come back with a better appreciation for what the early members of the church went through to get to the Salt Lake valley.

It must be the end of June if the Bitner's are in town. I had the honor of having Luke, Pepper and Adam over for a little visit on Saturday. We updated the picture of the boys for Jeremy's picture frame in his room.

Playing air hockey on the front porch. It was such a beautiful day the boys brought the game outside. They also played soccer, basketball and played on the skateboards. It was fun!

Awards, awards and more awards

It's that time of year again when the school recognizes it's students for one thing or another. On Friday morning Emily was recognized for perfect attendance. This is a great award because she was only one of two kids in her class of 454 to receive it.

Later that night was the band awards. Emily earned her bronze and silver awards.

Jeremy came home from school with an excellent attendance award. He would have had perfect attendance but he missed one day for his MRI.

I don't have a picture of this because they don't give out certificates but Emily also lettered in her Seminary class which is not an easy task. We are so proud of both kids for all of their accomplishments.

Bar-B-Q at mom's

On Saturday we all got together to help my mom finish up the last few things at her new house. The kids watched a movie while they were waiting for dinner.

Rob and Joe hung the new front door. Joe really is on the other side of the door.

Yvonne was helping Dan with swinging the fridge and freezer doors to open on the right side.

The girls finished unpacking the bedroom.

So what do you do when you have no candles to sing to your son? You use a match of course.

We didn't think we should put 13 on his cupcake. We made due with two.

Happy Birthday Jeremy!!

Jeremy turned 13 on May 26th. He was so lucky to get to attend Emily's last band concert on his birthday. Before we went we let him open his presents. He got everything on his list.

Emily bought him sour gummy worms and a new swimsuit.

We got him a new bike helmet and some Cheez-its. He has discovered a new love for these little crackers. I could never get either one of my kids to eat these until now. Now I can't keep them in the house.

Jeremy also got this years Grammy CD. He loves getting this CD every year. As you can see he also got his favorite snacks Skittles and Starburst.

My aunt and cousin met us for lunch at Rain Forest Cafe' and enjoyed a meal and lots of conversation. Jeremy was sung to by the staff and enjoyed a sundae in honor of his birthday.

OWWW!! My Elbow!

This is Emily laying on the floor in the dining room. She was dusting the server when her elbow popped and she started writhing in pain on the floor. Jeremy being the loving brother said " I know CPR...I mean first aid." At that Emily burst out laughing so Jeremy, being the comedian, proceeded to give her arm CPR compressions. He then got her an ice pack and checked her pulse. I on the other hand made her get up and finish dusting.

Mowing the lawn

Jeremy is old enough and big enough to run the lawn mower. He is not, however, capable of mowing in a straight line. We have what looks like crop circles only in grass.

Tiger's game

On Emily's actual birthday Rob snagged baseball tickets so off we went to Comerica park. You have to take a picture in front of the huge Tiger out front.

We made Emily stand in front of the score board.

Too bad the Tigers lost 10 - 1. Rob and Jeremy had fun eating peanuts.