Hiking Zions Part 2

In June we went to St. George with the Harris Family and spent a day hiking in Zions National Park. I posted about our trip earlier, but found these pictures of our hike and had to put them up. Zions was absolutely beautiful and we had a wonderful time! We can't wait to do it again. In this picture, we are just starting out on our journey waiting for the shuttle to arrive.

Broyden had the easy ride most of the way!

Stopping to look at chipmunks!

Oh! There he is!

Still enjoying the ride!

Bryce, Rotciv, and their cute kids!

Our family... still smiling!

Grandpa Harris and Uncle Jeff

Cooling off in the water!

Enjoying the scenery

Hey, how did I get the little rascal on my shoulders?

Oh, somebody took Broyden's spot!

Nap time!

We made it to the end of the trail!

Demarie and Stephanie! If the younger ones get a ride, then she wants one too!

Please don't let me fall!

Beautiful lookout! Worth the hike!

Dance and Gymnastics

Demarie has been taking dance and gymnastics. In June she had her first real recital. The company she has been taking classes from is called Kids In Motion and they rented the big theatre there. This is a picture while waiting in the back for her turn to perform. She was so nervous and did not like it one bit! She said her shoe came un-done at the beginning of her dance but she did a great job covering it up.

Congratulating the STAR after the performance!

Preslyn has also been taking gymnastics. She is getting to be so brave! Coach Dave is helping her walk up the balance beam.

Wow! Preslyn up-side down!

Broyden can't wait for it to be his turn. He loves watching his sisters and will try to do tricks too! He's pretty tricky!!!

Sister Sleepovers

This summer has been filled with lots of sister sleepovers. It usually starts out with them both in their own beds and then Preslyn coming out of her room to ask if she can sleep with Demarie on the top bunk. I love sitting outside their bedroom door and listening to them talk at night. It brings back so many memories of sharing a room with Mishel and Milisa and then later Milin. It's funny how many of my childhood memories take place after the lights went out.... I hope Demarie and Preslyn remember these moments someday too!

Simmons School Carnival

This is a little out of order, but I found these pictures and realized I forgot to blog about the Simmons School Carnival! In May, Demarie's school had a carnival on a Saturday and I volunteered to dress up like a clown and tie balloon animals. They had a great turn out and every one had a great time.

The kids liked playing the carnival games and got lots of prizes!

Enjoying some good carnival food! Makes me hungry for nachos right now!

Sister Get-a-way!

In April, I met all of my sisters and sister-in-laws in St. George for a girl weekend get-a-way (except Daisy, we missed you!). We were able to do sealings at the temple, which was a neat experience. It was nice to spend time with everyone and the trip really made me appreciate family and the importance of not taking them for granted. I love each of my sisters and sister-in-laws and am blessed to have them be a part of my life!

My birthday surprise!

By birthday surprise: A rocking bench for my front porch. Thank you Aaron!!!

(Demarie was the photographer!)

Tenting in the Backyard!

In July, we set up the tent outside and went "camping". When we pulled it out, Demarie said, "Wow! I didn't know we had a tent!!!" I think it's time we got it out a little more often! We didn't get much sleep, but we had a great time!

Preslyn, Demarie, and Broyden. Can you see the extension chord in the grass running from the tent? I'm embarrassed to admit it, but Aaron went to the store and bought a fan for the night. I know what you are thinking... Marlaina had to have a fan in order to agree to sleep out in a hot tent in the middle of July. However, I do want to make it clear that it not the case! I am not the baby in the family, but I'm sure you can guess who is... and he's bigger than all of us!