pioneer trek

Laun and I were asked to be part of our youth stake trek. We were one of the stops for the "handcart pioneers", we told them stories about the pioneers losing their babies along their way. We also talked about our experience of losing Cooper to an early death. Then we told them that their babies (dolls) had died and that they would have to bury them. There was four different groups that came throughout the day so it was a little emotional to keep re-telling our story. It has almost been 1 year since Cooper passed away. But I really like to talk to others about Cooper because he means so much to me. It was a great experience for Laun and I and I was glad that we were able to be part of it.

the babies graves:

My good lookin' man:

We had to dress the part of pioneers- I even got to wear a stylish bonnet.

Mutton Bustin'

Clayton got to participate in the Tucson Rodeo-Mutton Bustin'. It was pretty cute to see a 5 year old boy trying to ride on a sheep & hold on as long as he could.

Here's the cute cowboy before his turn:

They gave him a bandana & spurs to keep for participating-here he is checking out his spurs:

Here is Laun & Clayton going over strategy techniques:

Clayton did a great job holding on:

Walking back after his ride:

He gave it a big thumbs up:

Clayton & his proud Mommy:

Clayton holding his sheep trophy:

Porter might not have his own pair of spurs but, he sure is proud of his cowboy boots:

Porter & Daddy laughing about something:

This ain't no coco-cola cowboy:

Cousins, Anna & Clayton:

Turley grandparents & Rachel came to see Clayton in the rodeo:

Kettle corn is always a big hit:

Grandma Lucy came too:

Clayton has been wanting a black cowboy hat so, Laun bought him one at the rodeo today:

Clayton & Aunt Rachel

Porter with his Daddy:

It was a great day at the rodeo & it was so fun to watch Clayton hold on to a running sheep.

relocating turkeys

Laun went with John Larsen today to help relocate turkeys. John works for the National Wildlife Turkey Federation and they were asked by Game and Fish to help relocate some turkeys. They picked up the turkeys between Patagonia and Sonoita and released them at Mount Lemmon, Rose Canyon Lake.

releasing the turkeys

Show Low trip

We have been having a great time in Show Low at the Larsen’s house. We went to the Snowflake temple with John & Jennette & then out for dinner & pie. We also celebrated Jennette’s birthday with ribs & cheesecake.

Today we stopped by the Show Low cemetery. The headstone the boys are sitting on is Grandpa Mike’s & the rest are Cooper’s headstone.

bowling night

We met up with the Glauser’s tonight for some bowling.

family drive

1st day back to school

Today was my first day back to college since I’ve been a mother. Last time I went to college was over 5 years ago when I was pregnant with Clayton. I am going to UofA & taking 12 credits. I am in English 101, Geology, Art History & Criminal Justice. I will be going every Tuesday & Thursday from 8am-1:45pm. Laun & I will be switching off…he will go to UofA Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. This way we can both go to school & someone will always be home with Porter & to send Clayton off to kindergarten.

Laun made me breakfast & took pictures for the special day:)

award assembly

Clayton earned two awards in the assembly today. I am so proud of my boy.