taste of trek.

 

Thought I'd share a few pics 

from our Trek weekend.

June 7-9 in Skull Valley.

 

 Kelly aka IceMan

(he was VERY popular.)

 

 Madison was a "ma" for her family -

here are her girls during the "women's pull".

It made me cry.

 The girls on day 2 - 

after Madison was caught in the dirt devil.

 It took A LOT of water to keep 600 people happy and hydrated.

 ONE of the THREE companies pulling out on day 2.

It made me cry.

 Yup.  A very important part of the plan. :)

 

Almost to camp on day 2.

Happiness.

  

 Lookout Pass on day 3.

Rest and lunch after a hard pull to the top.

It made me cry.

 

 A view of our camp on the morning of day 3.

Pretty amazing.

 

 Gathering at the top of Lookout Pass.

It made me cry.

Honestly, the whole weekend was pretty incredible.

We spent hours organizing, praying, and preparing.

Trek came.

We went.

We were amazed.

The 485 youth were incredible.

They surprised us with their strength and determination.

33 miles of hard.

And they did it singing and (mostly) smiling.

I was humbled to be there and strengthened, too.

hope.

I am just finishing up a talk for tomorrow and LOVE this. 

 I wanted to share it and also put it somewhere that I can watch it often!  

Enjoy.

Prom '12

SHS Prom

"Time of Our Lives"

 Braedon picked up Madison Friday morning for their "day date" that included 10 other friends, brunch and a scavenger hunt at the new City Creek downtown.

So fun.

 

They got changed and the boys picked up their dates and all met back at Braedon's for a photo op - (or two!) before dinner.

 I don't know if it's just Tooele County, or small Utah towns in general, but they have a fun tradition called "Promenade."

The kids learn a dance over a few months and as long as either the boy or the girl is a Junior they are invited to dance at Promenade.

Prom was at the State Capitol and all parents and friends are invited to go watch.

They introduce each couple as they come down the stairs...

They dance.

They celebrate.

And they pose.

Perfect.

What a fun, fun night!

The theme couldn't have been better. :)

spring break - santa cruz style

 

Let's see...

Spring Break.

Fun.

Friends.

Santa Cruz. 

 We headed south to Monterey...

Bubba Gumps.

Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Ghiradelli's.  

YUM.

 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Memories.

The kids relived all the fun they have had there.

And we added some new memories!

 We added Mini Golf to our agenda and had a blast!!

BJK hit a hole in one on the 18th hole and won...

wait for it...

a free Mini Golf Game.

He wasn't thrilled, because we live way too far away.

 Such a great time.

We loved every minute.

Especially those minutes spent with amazing friends

(of course, we didn't take ANY pictures with them, ugh.)

 

It was definitely a great spring break.

We loved being among friends and catching up with them all!

Happy Spring Break!! 

glimpse of a special day

 We are so proud of you, BJK.

What a great choice, to be baptized into the 

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

 Grandpa & Grandma Braithwaite came...

 so did Grandma Duffin!

In fact, you had LOTS of people who love and adore you!

Thank you, Grandpa & Grandma B., Grandma D., Eric & Heidi & Kaitlin, London, and Lydia, Jared & Niccole, Taya and Garrett, Shelly & Brian, Ashly, Tanner and Hallie.

We loved sharing our day with all of you. 

 And Braden, we LOVE YOU!!

8 is great!

We are so proud of you BJK!

Congratulations on your special day.

(Thanks, Shirlee, for the awesome subway art. 

It's perfect!

Wish you were here.)

unchartered territory.

So. Excited.

Braden is officially a cub scout!

He is so thrilled and has read the Wolf book cover to cover.

Here we go!!