July happenings

Summer is seriously the best and is seriously going by way too fast!  This past week Connor had his crossover ceremony in scouts, even though he's been in scouts for a year, he isn't technically considered a boy scout until he turns 12.  It was the same ceremony they did when he left cub scouts and got his arrow of light, but it was really nice and the scout leader read a list of attributes Connor has that make him a good scout.  Just a few things she said is that he is kind, loyal, a good friend, hard worker, and good example.  Since I've been in the cub scouts for over a year now Matthew knows all about the scouting program and had to help with the flag ceremony, it was so cute.  

 

These past 2 weeks the kids have been doing swim lessons...  Connor and Kadee were in Shark, the highest level of swim lessons they offer.  They both passed this level last year but wanted to do it again.  This is actually Connor's 3rd time passing this level so I told him this was his last year of swim lessons.  I told Kadee she can do it one more year, and of course Matthew and Kinlee have lots of years ahead of them.  All the kids did so well this year.  I was so impressed with Matthew.  He listened to his teacher and worked really hard and passed his level.  What a difference a year makes.  Last year he was a mess and I really didn't think he would be interested in lessons at all this year, but he certainly proved me wrong.  The Miller family had lessons the same time as us, so it was fun to see them everyday.  Kinlee and Kaydree got to be in the same class so they were very happy about that.  

On Friday and Saturday we had the Clark Family Reunion up 9 mile canyon.  As always we had lots of fun and made lots of memories.  Friday night we had dinner with individual families and were able to visit with everyone.  Saturday morning we had breakfast, played minute to win it games, made family flags, played life size jenga, and a really fun dice game called Liar's dice.  We did a lot of visiting, a lot of eating, drank a lot of homemade root beer and did a lot of laughing.  So grateful for my wonderful family and all my blessings.  My favorite part was cuddling Ashlee's baby Aubree and visiting with grandma and grandpa.  The cloth they are holding in the picture below is the family flag we made, complete with Curtis written by Derrick in Japanese.  Love these people of mine.    

 

He's a Deacon!

Sunday Connor was set apart and ordained a Deacon. A deacon is an office in the priesthood in our church.  A boy is normally ordained a deacon when he turns 12 and is then able to pass the sacrament and collect fast offerings.  He also worked really hard to receive his Faith in God award. This award consists of a variety of activities they do from the time they are 8 until they are 11, including memorizing all the Articles of Faith.  He has been very excited for this day and has had a countdown going for quite awhile now for when he will leave primary and go to Young Men's.  He also worked super hard in scouts and will be receiving his Second Class award and several merit badges at the next court of honor.

    

Happy birthday Connor!

I can't believe this kid is 12! He had a very easy birthday party this year, basketball and wiffle ball at the church. It was funny watching him and his friends interact, they are at a really fun age.   After his party we took him to dinner at Dairy Queen and then he had an interview with the bishop to get the priesthood.  He has grown into such an awesome kid and I am so proud of him.  He loves basketball, the X Box and his Ipad.  He loves playing croquet with the neighbor kids and is always polite.  He is an awesome big brother and very seldom gives me any attitude.  This is his last year of swim lessons (although he's already passed the level he's on 2 times) and is registering for middle school in a couple weeks.  I'm so grateful to have this kid in my life and am so impressed by the example he is to his little sisters and brother. 

4th of July Fun!

I love camping!  It is so relaxing (not getting ready or coming home, but the in between) and there are no electronics, or distractions.  The kids are forced to play with one another and we are able to spend good, quality time together.  This past weekend we had our annual 4th of July family camping trip.  We camped up Trough Springs, just above Scofield, and had an amazing time.  Derk and Debbie and Chris and Myles and all their kids stayed the entire weekend with us, but we had lots of visitors throughout the weekend.  Matthew and Kinlee loved playing with Candra's twins and absolutely enjoyed rolling around in the dirt, they were filthy!  Saturday was Pleasant Valley days in Scofield so we drove down to Scofield and watched the parade.  That evening we watched a magician and juggler perform then went to the dance to wait for the fireworks.  The kids had a blast at the dance, they danced until they were all worn out.  The fireworks were supposed to start at dark, but we waited until 11 and they still hadn't started so we went back to camp.  We found out later they had some problems and didn't set the fireworks off until midnight.  Sunday we visited the Scofield cemetery to see all the old graves from the mine disaster.  Monday we left early, but not before the annual Branch family parade.  This is when the family marches around with pots and pans, in all sorts of patriotic attire to celebrate grandpa Denny's birthday and the 4th of July.  It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to go camping again in a couple weeks.      

Camp Invention

Happenings this week:  Kadee saved her money and I paid half for her to spend a week at a science camp called Camp Invention.  She had a blast and I was so impressed with the topics they covered and the things they made.  Her main invention was an led water filtration system.  It even had a motor to cycle the water through.  They took apart computers, alarm clocks, etc to see how they work and made solar powered crickets.  She loves science and I'm so glad she was able to go and have a positive experience.

Matthew started coach pitch baseball.  He isn't sure he likes it that well this year.  The first game he batted and then came to me on the stands and said he was ready to go.  He hits the ball like a champ though and is so funny to watch.  His favorite thing to do is sit on the base and play in the red dirt.  Oh and the snack at the end of the game.  This is probably my favorite age to watch because they are so easily distracted, everyone goes for the ball, and they are so funny!  

Connor had his first week long scout trip last week. They went up Joe's Valley (grassy), pitched their tents, fished, and learned wilderness survival.  Rory went up Friday and stayed the night in his hammock.  Friday night Connor had to make his own shelter and stay in it, so I'm so glad Rory went to keep an eye on him.  Rory took the boys fishing at Joe's Valley and he caught this monster tiger muskie.   

Kinlee has been enjoying summer but has had a feisty attitude.  I took her to a pediatric gastroenterologist for her constant vomiting and she was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome.  The doctor wasn't too concerned and said she should out grow it in a few years, but it is in the same family as migraine headaches, so she could develop those when she gets older.  Fingers crossed she will out grow it quickly and won't suffer long term.   

Family pictures- May 31, 2016

Manti Miracle Pageant

Friday we took a trip to Manti to see the pageant they do at the temple every year.  We went with the Miller's, Derk, Debbie, grandma Rhea, Kella, and Valyssa.  We got there early to get good seats and grab a bite to eat.  As soon as the sun went down it cooled down and the pageant started.  It was amazing, I was very impressed at how well the production was put on, considering they were all local actors.  Kinlee fell asleep almost as soon as the show started and ended up peeing all over Rory.  He didn't see the humor in it, but I did :)  Matthew had a hard time sitting still but eventually fell asleep on grandma's lap.  The rest of us stayed awake and loved it.  One of the best things I've seen in awhile.  We drove home super late and there were hundreds of deer and elk near or on the roads.  We had to go slow so the drive took longer than usual, but it was a beautiful night and I have never seen that many deer and elk in one place.  

Saturday my beautiful mama came over and we took the kids to Finding Dory.  It was such a cute show and Kinlee loved sitting next to Nana.  It's so awesome my kids have great grandparents to make lots of memories with, I'm so grateful!