St. George Vacation

We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Butler in St. George for spring break.  We love having another reason for visiting southern Utah! They took good care of us. We ate lots of good food, hiked, watched a movie and visited.  

Grandpa came with us to Pioneer Park.

Carter, Scott and Ryan hiking the slot canyon at Pioneer Park.  Bethany and I were too claustrophobic to go inside.

We spent two days exploring Snow Canyon State Park.

The entrance to a lava tube.

Teacher Daddy

We saw many beautiful wildflowers like this red penstemon.

We were fascinated by these round stones we found everywhere.  They are called Moki marbles. The surrounding rock weathers around these harder spots leaving them exposed until finally the marbles break off.

 The marble "nursery".

Scrambling up petrified sand dunes.

The kids loved the sand dunes of course!

"I'm drowning!"

 Carter, Ryan and Bethany loved running and jumping down the dunes.

Easter

Ryan and Carter went with the young men in our ward to the local care center to have family home evening and pass the sacrament.  They are growing up to be compassionate young men.

Bethany showing her true colors!

A blustery Easter afternoon.

Trading time...

My brother Rex came up for Easter dinner.

Ryan got asked to Junior Prom!  

The pizza had "prom" written in pepperoni.

Ryan's answer

Chemistry Teacher of the Year

Scott was named the "Chemistry Teacher of the Year" by the Utah Science Teachers Association.  We are so proud of him!  He works hard to learn the best way to teach difficult material to his students, often working 12-14 hr days.  Best of all I appreciate that Scott works so hard to balance his work, church and family responsibilities.  He is a great dad and husband!  In this picture, Scott and Camille are supporting Bethany at her play.

Bethany participated in her first community play, "Bye Bye Birdie" in February.  She loved it and hopes to be in many more.  It was hard to get her to all the practices, and help her balance homework but it was worth it to see her do something she loves.

Bethany is on the far right in the pink top and white sweater.

My sweetheart!  We have been trying to show more affection in front of the kids.  Bethany obviously likes it because she usually calls out, "Kiss her again! Kiss her again!"

Carter switched from the trumpet to the baritone.  He sounds great!

Bethany's new haircut.  Isn't it cute? It's also very easy to take care of which is a relief to both of us.

Spring!

Merlin and Ringo

Camille can enjoy snuggling Merlin if she takes an allergy pill and washes her hands.

Ringo and Merlin are buddies.  They roughhouse every morning, it's great entertainment!

Happy Valentines Day!

We tried to make Merlin an inside cat, but he discovered the birds...

Nothing's better than dirty laundry!

Sledding etc.

We found a great sledding hill during Christmas vacation.  

Bethany definitely didn't get her balance from her mother.

Condolences...

Bethany's winter dance recital.

 

We love, love our pets!

The most important event in January is that Ryan gave a talk and blessed the sacrament, both for the first time!  He did a great job at both.  This is nothing short of a small miracle.  Ryan has never been shy in person but has always balked at any sort of public speaking.  We are so happy for him.  I'm grateful that our church gives our youth so many opportunities to stretch and grow.

Christmas

Bethany's 4th grade class has been learning about Utah history.  They finished their studies with a Mountain Man Rendezvous and a Pioneer Christmas.

Camille and her roomies at a ward activity -  Grammys Night

FHE

Ryan turned 16!

Rex and Bro. Thomas joined us on Christmas Eve.  We had the kid's favorite soup, Zuppa Toscana, bread and a yummy salad for dinner.  After dinner we read the Christmas story and sang Christmas carols.  We finished the night with wassil and Christmas goodies.

Christmas morning the kids were up at 12, 3 and 5am but kindly waited to open anything until the magic hour of 7:30.  Magic,  meaning when the parents finally rolled out of bed.  It was a long night.

Goofy smiles...

We drove to Joy and Aaron's house to spend the rest of the day.  I love visiting with family! Carter, Ryan and Bethany were excited to finally to see the rest of their cousins.