"Heritage" Day

So mom's ruse of a "Heritage" day really just disguises a "work" day out at Moccasin. We know what we are really gathering together to do, but somehow calling it a heritage day reminds us all what really is happening at these gatherings. We are remembering our past, enjoying the present and strengthening our future. I love these heritage days! This year mom and dad had a new drain from the kitchen to the garden on the docket. With all these boys on the detail, the job got done pretty quickly!

The thing I kept thinking was "Wish my dirt in Panguitch was as easy to dig, hardly a rock in sight!"

Such a handsome digger!

I think Addison must have been seeing how a worm must feel. Look at how clean that trench was dug, straight sides and bottom. I think those boys have been trained well!

The adult crew of the diggers. The real decision makers of the crew. Oh, oops that's really mom, but we let the men all think that they are really in charge!

Two cute cousins enjoying each others company!

Mmmmm, notice where my assigned detail is! FOOD!!! There are few finer things in life than great dutch ovened potatoes! OK, maybe more than a few, but gosh, they are sure good!

This is the life, work hard until lunch, have a break and enjoy the afternoon. It seems like that is how it often goes out at Moccasin - work until lunch and then relish in a good project done and each others company.

A respite from the work - Ninja Destruction. Notice how all the guys show how much they have helped - ie: dirty pants and note how clean and spotless McKenna is! I'm not implying anything, just stating the facts!

Some hand game that even the little kids could get in on! I guess even if she didn't get dirty, McKenna played her role by providing the entertainment!

Graduation X 2

Addison graduated from preschool the other day. I can't believe she is 5 and going on to Kindergarten in the fall! Addison and her best friend - Jaci:

Addison and her most favorite teacher - Mrs. Owens:

Later the same week, Garrett graduated from 6th grade. There is something to be said for having kids so spaced out, we will be going to graduations until I am 55 and Jeff is 60!!!Garrett is on the back row and almost in the middle. There are 40 kids in his class, a big class for Panguitch - McKenna's has only 27!

Receiving his diploma from Mr. Barney and Mrs. Tebbs:

The boys of 6th grade:

Thanks!!!

I would just like to thank everybody that has contributed to help get me to Chicago! We have been busy going to different business to collect funds too. These are some pictures of us (and mom) going to Bryce Valley to present our projects to the school board. Mom driving us to BV.From left to right: Chelsee, Jacie, Maryn. These amazing girls rode with us to BV.

My partner Baylee Palmer and I outside of BV's high school.

Temple Day

McKenna has been quite busy lately and asked me to take her to the temple to help her refocus her priorities. So whilst (I feel so Jane Austen-y) McKenna was in the St. George temple today, the girls and I met up with my sister Nancy and her daughter Marissa for a while this morning. Jeff was on call and Garrett was at a scout camp out so it was really a girls morning out. It was a quick trip down and back but a wonderful morning. I am so glad McKenna is paving an incredible way to show her sisters her love of the temple. She is a brave girl to walk in the temple alone and ask if she can participate, just because she felt a desire to be in the Lord's house. Thank you McKenna, we all had a great time!

Happy Little Girl!

The above picture is just for Grandma Finch - she bought Leighton this cute little sun dress! How adorable!

She is happy to hold her toes when we help her find them!

Bald is beautiful! McKenna just remarked "Your poor kids!" But how can you resist kissing a bald headed baby! McKenna was our only baby born with more than a scruff of hair (the bald baby curse - so she says).

Sisters and great friends!

Long Lost Visitor!

My sister Elizabeth spent a well deserved break from the Alaskan winter visiting her kids in Utah. I invaded that time for a bit and met up with her at my mom's where we snapped a 4 generation picture: my mom, Elizabeth, her daughter Analee, and Analee's son James. Addison, Leighton and James cousins once removed. James is 2 months older than Leighton. Fun that since she is the last grandchild, at least there are great grandchildren her age!

Oops!

The other day after working the night shift and a few hours of sleep, I finished up the laundry and had the kids put theirs all away. Addison got her basket to the top of the stairs with hers and Kimbers laundry all folded when it tipped down the stairs and left a trail of destruction on it's way down! Oh well, after helping her put them in the basket, she took them in their room and put them all away! Can't ask for better help than that! She may not look happy in this picture but I think it's because Jeff and I just chuckled about it. Murphys Law: if it can tip and make a mess, it will!

A Tradition Continued

After John poured Leighton's hand three times, Dad finally got it right! I guess he's just a natural (sorry John). She didn't think it was too pleasant but I am positive she won't even remember it! And look at the wonderful results!

I have never had a child straighten out their fingers when we've poured the mold. This is one of the ones that John poured and in all three she did this. Her fingers in the back were up against the side of the cup, so we were going to count them as a loss but Dad fixed it and saved it. I think he loves a good challenge - especially when it involves a grand-daughter! Thanks John and Dad!