Happy #10day

So . . . It's been 10 years since this little guy completed our family!

He's sweet, funny and smart as a whip . . .

(actually, a lot smarter than a whip)

Sometimes he has an attitude.

(like when he's busy eating his s'more & doesn't want his picture taken)

But mostly he's lots of fun!

His new obsession -- I mean -- interest is 

F I S H I N G

So for birthday #10, he & Dave took a twilight cruise off Dana Point.

Every minute of that day, waiting until 4pm, was an eternity for Porter.

But the time finally came.

And it was worth the wait.

Here's some of the catch!

(all calico bass)

And here they are, fillet-ed and ready to be go home.

Mmmmm, these made the best fish tacos we have ever had!

We ate them later in the week 

before one of Porter's hockey games ... and he scored TWO goals.

A personal best!!

Of course there was more celebrating to be done at Grandma & Grandpa's!

The theme was

F I S H

and we celebrated Jack & Harriet's birthday as well!

The main course -- of course!

Porter & Jack chillin' with their yummy fish/rice/salad/fruit dinner!

Post-dinner festivities included a little rope braiding of a cute cousin's hair.

and Jack couldn't stand to be left out of the fun!

Happy Birthday Porter - we love you!

Here's to the next 10!!

Sweet Dance!

Check out this performance by Abbie & friends
at Youth Conference last May.

Betcha can't guess which one she is!!

You have to watch 'til the end to find out :-)

ok -- it's long -- she's the cute pink one

Here's a few other things that went on at this year's Youth Conference
themed "Be Strong and of a Good Courage"

The kids dug huge holes, and planted 15 huge trees --
And they are still alive, now 3 months later! (the trees, I mean :-)
well, and the kids too, as far as I know

Here Kenzie demonstrates her s.t.r.o.n.g. and impressive
WHEEL BARREL SKILLS
hauling the dirt from the holes

A job well done! (below, not necessarily above)

Abbie (left) on the zipline across a ravine

I don't look tired, do I?

(sleeping was not high on the list of activities that weekend :-)

Abbie & friends enjoying the dance

It was 'almost' as enjoyable for me as a chaperone, but not quite, just sayin' :-)

In the Blink of an Eye

It happened so fast   .  .  .  .  and so suddenly.

(nothing bad . . . she just grew up!!)

We're going to have to get accustomed to 

not seeing

Kenzie around here so much.

Here's a photo-journal checklist
of some culminating events of this stage in her life.

Senior Prom (check)

Senior Trip to Disneyland (check)

Seminary Graduation (check)

High School Graduation (check)

Pic with the family (minus Abbie...)

Abbie's missing because she was somewhere out there in that crowd :-)

Hugging the adoring grandma's . . . and a little fist pump with grandpa!!

She also was elated to be chosen to sing the national anthem at graduation

Below is my attempt at taping it.
(she's the one in the middle; singing mostly melody)

And yes, we were THAT far away.
(even though I sat in the BOILING sun for 4 hours before graduation
holding a golf umbrella while saving our seats)

She stuck around after graduation for a couple weeks, then headed off to travel
to the opposite side of the earth

to fulfill a dream she's had for a couple years!

Her volunteer work in India was truly a privilege for her,
and reading her blog about it has been a privilege for us...
not to mention the highlight of our summer!

If you haven't checked out her blog . . . it's a 'must-read' :-)
Click here to read!

This is Aravind Raj A. --- a little boy who lives (mostly) at RSO.
His family lives in a leprosy colony.
Kenzie developed a special bond with him,
and convinced us (easily) to become his sponsors :-)
She is certain he is destined to do great things in his life!
The education he is receiving at RSO will allow him
the opportunity to do just that.

Kenzie is home now . . . readjusting to life in the U.S.,
missing India - but so blessed to have had the experience,
and preparing to be dropped off at BYU-Idaho in 2 weeks!

We'll miss her around here,
but we're very happy for her to begin this next phase of her life.