MTC open house

I was so excited for today…they’ve added on some new buildings at the MTC and they let you tour the old (still in use) and new buildings. Not only are my parents here, but I get to see where Laun went as a 19 year old for his mission training 20 years ago!

They have a huge map on the wall and what I really wanted was a picture of Laun pointing to Florida, but instead we got this, which I guess is more appropriate for this phase of his life, wife and kids.

I just love seeing Laun with our kids, showing Carter all around.

The bunks- I’m sure most those young men didn’t make their beds at home!

Getting their exercise in-

The new buildings will allow them more room to meet in, I’m sure with the age change, the MTC has been crazy full!

I loved all the different flags, these missionaries will be sent all over the world!

Waiting to watch a little video:

I love this huge mural and Carter’s silly face.

Marlee and Carter staring up at the world.

A mini set up of the old and new buildings.

“I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two”…

Waiting for our ride to take us back to our vehicles, I love Syd touching my dads face.

I love how high my dads hair is, there must have been some good wind on our ride!

 

These kids adore their daddy & keep us so busy.

It is surreal to see her standing and walking.

The stain is reddish and I wanted dark brown. Maybe someday I’ll do another dark layer of stain over it. It looks so much better, now that Clayton sanded it and Laun fixed the arm rests and other parts that needed to be fixed.

celebrating

What a way to celebrate a birthday, Clayton is now taller than Laun.

He requested crème brule:

We had a rough go today, being a teenager and parents is hard and sometimes you question the best way to handle things. No matter what though, we love each other and we keep trying. We love you T.

helpers

I’m grateful to my mom for coming out and babysitting. I love when my kids have time with their grandma.

Clayton is done sanding my rocking chair and the staining has been done. I’m thinking of getting darker stain and doing it again.

Laun took Clayton out for his birthday lunch to the Art Trolley.

Clayton is 15

15 Things I love about Clayton:

1. His smile.

2. The way he reacts when he scores a goal in soccer.

3. How cute he is with his little siblings.

4. His desire to do fun or new things.

5. His animal catching skills.

6. The way he learns anything he can from Laun about vehicles, wilderness, etc.

7. His love for outdoors: fishing, hunting, hiking, soccer, etc.

8. His willingness to serve others.

9. His good attitude towards babysitting, so Laun and I can go on dates.

10. His love for home (AZ) and family.

11. His desire to hang out with Laun, even over his friends.

12. His amazing memory.

13. His brilliant mind and ability to think out of the box.

14. His wood working capabilities: he sanded my Grandpa's rocking chair & made me wooden state key holders.

15. He gets along with all sorts of peoples and does well in many situations.

Park City

Laun had a work conference in Park City. My mom came to babysit our kiddos, so I could join him. He is so busy at these conferences, but it is fun seeing people swarm around him to pick his brain, he’s one smart man. It is fun that Jamie now works for IFA, so I could see Rachel. We went on a walk one night downtown with them and it was nice to be with her at the spouses lunch, while our husbands were in meetings. Good food, good company and good room. I didn’t read as much of my book for book club as I thought, but it was lovely to take a nap.

Sightseeing-walking with Rachel and Jamie Allen:

Our hotel room, we even had a jacuzzi.

Enough space to do my workout!

Home on Clayton’s birthday, but he isn’t, he’s off on high adventure with the scouts, to go fishing. Happy 15th birthday T, we love you!

the littles

Swim team has been great for Marlee. They practice 4 mornings a week, great workout and something new to learn.

She is a great swimmer now!

I love watching her balancing and how proud she is of herself.

two cool

She is a tad crazy!