Timp Cave 2009

Sunday, I wanted to do something with the kids that was out of the ordinary. Barry has been wanting to hike Timp Cave for awhile now, because Kade has a new fascination with rocks and crystals, and says he wants to be an archeologist like Indiana Jones :) I, on the other hand, have always dismissed the idea because of my extreme fear of heights. I attempted this hike when I was around Kade's age, and only made it around the first couple switchbacks before turning back. I am glad I decided to go for it, because it was an amazing day!

Abby volunteered to help the guide hold a flashlight on a ladder that was 40 ft up. Some early explorers had tried to climb down the ladder into the cave, but when they realized the ladder wouldn't reach the bottom, they had to leave it behind.

Walking up and down this trail with my family was a spiritual experience for me. I had conquered a 22 year old fear, and got to share it with my kids. I was able to teach them in that one experience, that fear only stops you from experiencing amazing things, that no matter how hard that hike got at times, great things come to those who work for it. It truly was an amazing day.

Starstruck

Saturday night, the girls performed in Dancing Under the Stars at the Scera theater in Orem. This was their last performance with their current company, before they begin the new year. It was a lot of fun! We even got to meet a couple stars from So You Think You Can Dance!

Getting ready to perform on stage

This routine is called Hoe Down after the song they used by Miley Cirus. It was a mix between hip hop and line dancing.

After the show was over, we were able to get some pictures with some amazing dancers!

Randi Evans from season 5 of SYTYCD. Next to Kayla, she was our favorite dancer from this year!

Gev Manoukian from season 4 of SYTYCD. He is probably the most AMAZING breakdancer I have ever seen! He did some pretty crazy stuff during his performances.

This was a busy and fun year!! I look forward to the year to come. Good job girls!

Oh Sweet Freedom!

I can't believe it! Abby started first grade today, and now both of my kids are in full time school! God almighty, I'm free at last! ;)

All joking aside, it was a bittersweet moment for me. My kids are growing up so fast, and although they still like me to accompany them to their classes the first day, one day, all too soon, they aren't going to allow me to go near the curb! Part of me felt proud of them, and what amazing kids they turned out to be; the other part wanted to break down into tears! We have to cherish these little moments for as long as we can!

"Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,

let 'em sleep in the middle,

oh, but let them be little."

-Billy Dean

I think by the time we got to their classes, they were done with pictures :)

Karaoke Night with the Girls!

Sunday night Karaoke at the Tavernacle! We had so much fun!! I haven't sang karaoke in so long. We met good friends that we don't get to see very often, and a few of us sang our little hearts out!

Me and Melissa have known each other since we were tadpoles! We were best friends all growing up and then lost touch a little after our family moved to American Fork. But no matter how much times passes, when we get together it's like nothing has changed. I've missed her tons!

Leah and I have also known each other since we were kids. We decided to sing a duet of "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. An oldie, but a goodie! I love singing!

Audrey, Dani (Leah's girlfriend), and Leah. Dani is a sweet girl, and it turns out that she went to school with Candice! Small world

From left: Kari (Melissa's sister), Melissa, and Mary Beth

Tori sang some Cheryl Crow

It was so much fun remembering all of our funny moments together! Like for example, Melissa and I went to girl scout camp when we were kids and we both hated every minute of it, but Melissa was SO homesick that she would puke almost every day! Good times :)

The 3 musketeers: Mom, Audrey (Leah's mom) and Heidi (Liss and Kari's mom). My mom and Heidi have been friends since they were 13!

It was so much fun reuniting with everyone! It's so hard to keep in constant touch with people when life is so crazy, but no more excuses. We're already planning our next venture! Thanks for such a fun night guys, love you all!