Camping Adventure

Easter being this weekend and school being out for two days. I didn't want to be the only one at work. I took Friday off and we were off camping. We anticipated the campground filling up before we arrived. Surprise!! it wasn't and we found our spot. Ate a quick dinner and we were off exploring.

Everyone goes their own pace with Mom bringing up the rear.

Cactus Flowers

Oreo Rock

Follow the path to the river.


The river is running much higher and a lot faster this trip. That didn't stop the rock throwing or stick throwing. However, the hike was longer this time and the kids were worn out. Ryder told us he didn't want to camp again if he had to go hiking.

Oreos and water break. Then it started to rain. Not much at first but quickly picked up. We climbed inside the trailer and settled down. Guess What? The rain stopped.

Who's in my bed? Dave got up with Reganne and let me sleep in. However, within 15 minutes they all ended up in bed with me.

How about breakfast at McDonalds?

2011 Dixie REA Kite Festival

The kids were so excited that the kite festival was finally here and they had completed their reading to earn a kite. Rylee was excited to perform with the choir. Reganne was excited this was her first one that she earned a kite. Ryder was excited to ride the school bus and train. Each one has a special memory from previous years and are eager to make new ones. The afternoon was full of games, friends, and rides.

Rylee and her crazy glasses.

Ryder throwing darts

Reganne riding the strawberries.

Rylee and the Choir

Ryder & Rylee riding the rockets.

What a great big sister riding along with him.

The train

Ryder woke up that moring telling me that he is a big boy and can ride by himself. Much to Rylee's disappointment he refused to let her sit by him.

If was a fun afternoon with lot's of sun and dust. We really like that we shared this fun filled day with Grandma JeanAnn and Grandpa Chris. I believe they went home and slept the week away.

Spring Soccer: The Gray Unicorns

Soccer Saturday dawned really early this week. We were the first game of the morning. There was still a chill in the air and everyone slowly arrived. It was the Ladybugs vs the Gray Unicorns.

Defense

Throw In

GOAL!!

The girls had a fun time and played really well. They have learned alot the last couple of practices in scrambling for the ball and then defending it. Reganne said she would only make one goal because we made her go to bed early. However, she surprised everyone including herselft and scored 4.

Soccer Practice: Special Guests

Reganne received a letter from Coach Oscar that there were special guests coming to visit their practice. Everyone needed to be on time and dressed in their uniforms. When we arrived they were greeted by the Washington County Sheriff Corey Pulsipher and one of his deputies. The girls were a little unsure but quicky warmed up when they were able to climb in the truck.

Coach Oscar arranging the girls.

Sheriff Pulsipher, Savannah, Ellie, Reganne, Bella, and Taylor.


The Ladybugs & the Sheriff.

They has so much fun, but serious work awaited them on the practice field.

SkyWest Easter Egg Hunt

This is the third or fourth annual Easter Egg Hunt for SkyWest Employees and their families. It almost didn't happen due to past years and bad feelings. At the last minute it came together much to the delight of the children. We almost didn't make it due to our early soccer game.

Get Ready...Get Set...GO!!

I got alot of eggs!

This is hard work. They hid them really well for the older kids.

Reganne was scouring the sitting area. They were taped to the walls, hanging from the trees.

Look how many we got!!

It was a successful hunt this year if you judge by the smiles.

Exploring Warner Valley

Last weekend when Grandma JeanAnn & Grandpa Chris came for a visit the weather was perfect. Dave decided after dinner that we needed to go exploring so off we went towards Warner Valley and the dinosaur tracks.

Official Marker

Footprint discovered by Rylee.

Wow! Look how big they are.

Grandpa Chris & Ryder explored together.

It was a fun adventure for a spring night. Ryder loved it that he and grandpa discovered dinosaur poop.

LV Choir Spring Concert & Art Show

Have you ever noticed as spring arrives the school year is going full steam ahead with activities, field trips, and projects. I have decided that they do this by design so we will look forward to summer vacation with anticipation. This week has been one of those weeks. Rylee had choir practice each morning at 8:00. Class fieldtrip on Tuesday, Field day on Thursday, and Spring Concert / Art Show on Thursday as well.

Waiting to start

Performing...

Rylee & her picture

Reganne and her picture

Each one did an amazing job and loved showing off what they had accomplished. They also gave out cookies. What better way to end the night but with treats.

Spring...

What is the saying April showers bring May flowers. Springtime in St. George means crazy unpredictable weather. Dave has slowly started working in the yard and it looks wonderful. Each day when he trims, prunes, or removes old died plants it looks even better. Last fall we decided we would try a garden again. This time we would plant it in seperate beds on the side of the house that gets the least amount of direct sun. The hope that the plants will survive the heat and produce this year. So this past week Dave, Reganne, and Ryder bought the plants and planted them.

Backyard... Dad, is the swings supposed to move when we swing? It is time to replace the swingset. Darn sun damage.

Cucumbers & Squash

Tomatoes

A Rainy Saturday

At the being of the week the weekend was so full of activities and very spare time. The one sure thing about spring time in Dixie is don't make to many plans because the weather will dictate what you will be doing. Sure enough just as was predicted the rain, wind, and cooler weather arrived on Friday and stayed for the weekend. Soccer was cancelled. So onto Plan B .... It was free craft day at Michaels' Craft. They were able to color Toy Story 3 pictures with new markers. Ryder was finished in 2 minutes, Rylee in 5 minutes, and Reganne 30 minutes later. She really loved to sit there coloring and creating with the markers.

Look at the concentration!

We then were off to a benefit carnival, silent auction, and bake sale for friend with ALS. This awesome guy was diagnosed less that a year ago and the disease has progressed quickly to where he is in a motorized wheelchair and can move only his one finger. He talks very quietly, but with a smile on his face. Kreg has always had a positive attitude and that continues today. It was scheduled to be outside at a local park. Luckily the churches were not booked and they moved it inside. It was great to see old friends and ward members supporting one of their own. There was such wonderful attitude of service and volunteering to help that was awesome.

Rylee and Ryder doing the bean bag toss.

Reganne getting her face painted with a pink butterfly.

Rylee with her little dog.

We made it home to tiny rays of sunshine.

LV Choir @ Tuacahn Spring Festival

The Little Valley Choir was invited to participate in the Washington County School District Spring Concert @ Tuacahn this week. Wednesday morning they boarded the buses all 130 members and traveled to Tuacahn to practice with 8 other schools from across the county. They practiced, learned new songs, and made new friends. The concert started at 6:30 with a chance of rain. When I asked Rylee if they would cancel the show if it rained. Her reply "Mom, the show must go on rain or shine." There was no rain, but no sun either.

All 9 choirs together on stage.

Little Valley Choir...Rylee is on the front row second in from the end.

Once again all the kids singing their hearts out together.

The kids all had a great time and enjoyed performing together. They sounded awesome.

Happy Birthday Rylee #9

This year's birthday dawned at the campground at Cedar Pockets at 5:00 am wanting to watch the sunrise. Then with a chorus of Happy Birthdays from everyone. Her day was all planned and we must follow through. After soccer we headed for Chuck A Rama for lunch.

Then a quick shopping trip to Barnes & Noble for a Birthday Treat and a Birthday Book. The wait began for her party, presents, and cake.

Finally time for presents with friends & family and a little help from little brother.

Pokemon cards and holders, Shrink e Dinks, Tangled, and a Ladybug Pillow Pet.

Grandma Johnson's Chocolate Cake .... AKA Birthday Cake

Make a wish and blow out the candles.

She had a great day full of activities, birthday wishes, and treats. I am amazed at how fast the nine years has gone and how she is growing up.

We Love You Rylee Bug!!!!

Saturday Soccer: The Butterflies

Saturday soccer started out cloudy, but quickly changed to sunny and hot. This week we played the Butterflies. This was our first game of the season due to the rain last week. It took just a little while for them to remember what to do in a game. They quickly remembered and were off.

Kick Off....New team mate Savannah

Go Bella, Reganne, and Ellie

Out of Bounds

And they were off to score a goal.

This team was a challenge for us. Reganne scored 1 goal.