Emily's Senior Homecoming 2023

 Emily enjoyed her last homecoming dance with Liam and her friends.     Liam (I'm sure with a little help from his cute mom Kim) asked Emily in the perfect way for this drum line/orchestra duo.  

Emily really wanted to respond using a real door but lucky for Liams parents she was unable to find a one.  Instead this was her clever reply.

For months Emily talked about and showed me a few pictures of ideas of what dress she was going to sew for herself.    She finally locked in on one with ruffles and once she bought the supplies it was official.   As the dance drew closer I officially began to stress that busy, involved with too many things, Emily wasn't carving out enough time to sew the dress.  I finally had to break up with my stress and allow Emily the chance succeed or fail.   I figured she could borrow one of her friends dresses at the last minute if needed.   

In the literal eleventh hour she and Alix busted a move and pulled an almost all nighter and both made magnificent dresses.  Emily even made her date Liam a tie out of the same material.   The dress turned out perfect!!!

They enjoyed All star bowling  and arcades for the day date.   She got ready ate at an Italian restaurant for dinner and afterwards took these photos at Wheeler Farm.

  

After the dance they headed to Marcus' house and enjoyed some time around his backyard firepit.    His mom sent out this photo to the parents.    As. you can see, at this point Emily's fuel was running out and exhaustion was setting in.    I suppose it's the price one pays for being "extra"!

20th Dark Valley anniversary

 We looked through the Dark Valley Journal and discovered it has been 20 years since we started all getting together at Dark Valley and Elk Horn each  Labor Day.     A few of the years newborns and health concerns kept us away but for the most part we always made it a priority and my kids look forward to it year after year. 

This year thanks to my older sisters and my adult nephews putting forth extra effort to haul all the toys up the mountain, we had enough side by sides and 4 wheelers to all go together on a couple of rides to and over the top of Boulder Mountain.    Riding at 11000 feet through the remote bumpy passes was spectacular.  The clouds felt so close it was almost as if we could touch them.   We rode pass Jacob's reservoir as well as a couple of natural lakes that were so blue  it was like looking into the eyes of Heaven.   The depth ness at the overlook near Rim Lake reminded us of the vastness of God's creations.  Recent storms left the mountain so green and the wildflowers and mushrooms were plentiful.  It also provided the trail full of mud puddles which added to the adventure.   

Everyone always enjoys hanging around the cabin.   The weather was a bit wet and chilly but it cleared enough for all the kids to enjoy playing in the huts in the woods,  toting around on the motorcycles and exploring the woods.   Raquel introduced us to the game Left, Right, Center.   My mom pitched in 20 bucks for the winner.  Spencer was mighty surprised and proud he won!   The last night all the cousins pitched in and helped the older nephews cut down a couple of trees to stock up on firewood for the cabin as well as wood for Sarah's wood stove in the winter.  Then we all went home with thoughtful gifts from my mom.  

Spencer's mentioned a few times how boring it is to look around and not see any dirt, trees, grass or mountains.   I think he misses the beauty of Dark Valley and Boulder Mountain.  Good thing it's not going anywhere and there's lots of next times to experience!

Last of the Firsts

Today is the beginning of a year of celebrating the last year of Emily as a "child" in my home.   Since her first day of kindergarten her independent spirit compels celebrating new adventures instead of mourning the loss of how things were.    *I do look back at those pictures of Emily and her hair cut in a Bob and sigh with love for that cute little girl.   She's still just as adorable with her luscious curls*

So hold on tight my Momma heart.  This girl is going to see miracles this year as the Lord directs her major decisions that will take her to the next adventures that await her! 

 

Back to School 2023-2024

Emily Age 17
Senior Year at Alta

 

Jane age 14
Freshman at Alta High

"Best Buds Forever"  as quoted by Emily age 5 in a home video

Bagel stop before school.  An early morning high school tradition with Emily and Alix.  Sweet Girls invited their freshman sisters along!  Love that my girls were also planning on eating lunch together.   Makes me happy they get to share a year together in high school.  

Aaron Age 10
5th Grade at Sprucewood Elementary
Teacher:  Miss Petshe 

Spencer age 7
2nd Grade at Sprucewood Elementary 
teacher:  Mrs. Lo

Last year these 2 get to ride the bus together.   So happy they look out for each other