Alyssa

Yesterday, on Sunday, June 22nd I took Alyssa to the Mount Timpanogos Temple to take pictures of her in her white baptism dress. It was fun picking out the dress on Saturday. She looks so beautiful all in white. It was really sunny and in many of the shots she was squinting her eyes. I thought these photos turned out great, though. Joshua was with us because he really wanted to come. He kept telling Alyssa she was lucky and that he wanted to be this lucky, too. Alyssa and I kept telling him that in 3 years it would be his turn to be baptized. I think he felt like that was a long way away for him. But, I know it will be here before we know it. Just a reminder: Alyssa's baptism is on July 12th at 11:15 am. We will be sending invites.

Father's Day 2008

Josie is wondering whether Dad will share his fig newtons. . .of course he will because he loves you Jos! Michael is a fantastic father and husband. Here are seven great things about him: 1) I have my own computer customer service guy right in the home, 2) I have a trained body guard with his brown belt in Jujitsu, 3) He plays the piano for the children every Sunday as they attend Primary and for our Monday family home evenings, 4) He can cook, really quite well. I never need to worry about dinner if I'm not home. Plus, he'll watch Food Network shows with me. 5) He adds fun to mealtime when he gives impromptu lessons in Spanish, 6) He recently took ballroom dance classes with me and 7) He teaches the Gospel to our children, honors his priesthood and loves us all!!! We love you, Mike.

Swim Lessons 2008

We had swim lessons at the AF Rec. Center during the first two weeks of June this year. It was the first year that I did a "Mommy and Me" class. Josanna just loved the class and the water. The other three kids loved going to class also. These pics were taken on the last day when they got a certificate and a lollipop.

Alyssa's 8th Birthday

Alyssa had her eigth birthday party at the Mayan restaurant in Sandy. The girls loved watching the diving show. She had five friends (Megan, Alyssa G., Hollie, Sydney, and Lydia), one special cousin (Jaycie), a very helpful grandpa Bob that helped with driving and her family there. The meal was good, but we would've enjoyed the chips more if they had served us salsa! They had signs posted that because of the tomato scare they had no salsa or pico de gallo---bummer. It was a lot of fun, though.

Cabin at Reunion

Judy rented a cabin at Downata. We spent the night before the reunion there. The cabin appeared small from the outside, but more spacious inside. It had a loft that the kids loved. Josie was climbing up and down the steps more often than we wanted her to. We forgot the Pak 'n Play, so Josie ended up sleeping in bed with Mike and I. She head-butted me by accident during the night when she was trying to get comfortable. Ouch! Her little cuddles made up for it, though. The cabin had a nice full bathroom and full kitchen and a flat screen TV/DVD on the wall. The kids watched "The Tigger Movie". Dinner was hot dogs, chips and pasta salad. Breakfast was cereal, toast and strawberries. It was a nice place to make some memories together.

Pierce Reunion in Idaho

During the first weekend in June we went up to Downata Hot Springs in Idaho for a reunion with Mike's side of the family. We swam in the 92 degree water. Josanna loved it.
Maddie spent a bit of the morning playing Solitaire in the cabin. This shot reminded me of all the times I played solitaire up at the Lungren cabin.
We had smores' (toasted over the stovetop). Josie loved the chocolate. We couldn't go outside because it was so darn cold that weekend (in the 40 degree range by late evening).
Judy took the kids around the hot springs area on Uncle Von and Aunt Ramona's 4-wheeler. Here is Alyssa taking a turn.

A Tribute

Highland City has been finishing the cemetery near our home. It is really becoming a beautiful area. We have gone on several Sunday evening walks as a family into the cemetery. One special spot is the Veteran's Memorial. The statue is of a local teenager who is supporting his grandfather, who in turn helped another soldier walk during a long march in the snow during WWII. Above them is an angel giving heavenly assistance through the storm. It was the Eagle Project for the Highland teenager in the statue. It is quite remarkable. As part of the project families can purchase stones to engrave a tribute to loved ones, particularly war veterans. Mike and I purchased these two for grandpa Greene and his brother-in-law Max. We want to puchase one more for Mike's great uncle. The children can go to the cemetery and find the stones and remember the freedom that their forefathers fought for. We would love to show extended family the stones the next time you come visit us.

May Piano Recital 2008

Madelyn and Alyssa at their piano recital on May 31st.
They both memorized their pieces and did very well.