Juniper Springs

On Sunday after we went to church and came back to our hotel Dave and I took a long drive to Juniper Springs.  It is a state park in Florida that has a pool at the natural springs that bubble up in the river there.  The water is a constant 72 degrees and crystal clear.  Unfortunately about 10 minutes after we got in the springs for a swim, lightening was spotted and the park rangers made us get out.  So we explored around the trails and grounds and drove back to Orlando.  It was  beautiful place and I'm glad we got to visit it.

Disney World 2017

Right after school got out we started our summer vacationing off!  We headed to Orlando Florida to explore and enjoy Disney World.  It was an amazing 4 days there, riding rides, eating food, and spending crazy times together with our two youngest kids.  The first day we explored the Magic Kingdom (just like Disneyland, but more spread out) and enjoyed our hotel pool.  We met up with some friends from our Michigan days, the Petersons, for dinner and enjoyed catching up with them.

The second day we explored the Epcot center and really enjoyed the Animal Kingdom.  The new Avator area and especially the Flight of Passage ride was AMAZING!!  It felt like you were really flying on the back of a live animal.  You could feel it breathing and moving as you soared and swerved through the enchanted land!  So much fun!

Sunday we really needed our day of rest and enjoyed the Dinsey Wilderness hotel we stayed in.  Dave and I took a drive up to some natural springs and enjoyed exploring that park in the rain.  Mostly we rested our tired feet and bodies for our final day Monday at Hollywood Studios.

All in all we had a great time at Disney World.  It is now checked off the bucket list!  Luckily we still had more Florida fun to come in the second half of our vacation...

McKinley's hair!

McKinley was wanting to get her hair lightened and we did it.  My hair lady did such a wonderful job and McKinley loves it.  Such a beautiful girl all around!

Memorial Day breakfast

One of our Memorial Day traditions is to gather as a family for a breakfast.  This year we gathered at Wasatch park and had such a beautiful breakfast.  We had french toast and bacon and potatoes.  It was a perfect morning, with warm sunshine and clear skies.  Gathering as a family for breakfast is always fun and we miss those who can't attend.  It was another successful breakfast.

After breakfast we all head to Grandad and Nana's to do a yard cleanup.  With all the helpers we are able to really get the huge yard cleaned up.  We also go and visit the graves of Dave's family members who are buried in Draper and nearby cemeteries.  A good mix of Memorial Day celebrations and work.  It was a great day.

Ethan's Mother's Day Skype

Twice a year missionaries are able to Skype home and talk with their families...Christmas and Mother's Day.  So on Mother's Day we got to Skype with Ethan from Brazil for just over an hour.  It was the best Mother's Day present ever.  It's so good to see his face and hear his voice in real time.  I enjoy emailing with him each Monday, but seeing him and hearing him is another thing.  We were all so excited to hear his stories, hear him struggle with his English, and share experiences and stories with us.  He is so happy and loves the people of Brazil so much.  He is learning Portuguese very well and doesn't struggle with it as much as he did at Christmas.  In fact, he has more trouble speaking English these days!!  We had a hard time hanging up, but wouldn't have missed it for the world.!!

Evan's 16th birthday

Evan turned 16 and enjoyed a wonderful birthday with the highlight of getting his driver's license.  Evan is such a fun kid and is a kind hearted and thoughtful young man.  Evan has passion for soccer and friends.  He's an active, go getter.  He's super smart and very loving.  It's so fun to be his mom and I can't wait to see what God has in store for him as he continues to grow!

Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival

I am so glad I decided to go with some friends to the Tulip Festival.  It was cold and raining when we left, but the weatherman promised the rain and clouds would "burn off" and they did!  It turned out to be a beautiful crisp Spring day.  And the gardens were so beautiful.  We wanted acres and acres of gardens that were just breathtaking.  What an amazing place of beauty.