Tom, Becca and the Churches come to visit. We had a great time. Took the kids to candy breakfast at CVS - no worries Laura it was all organic candy.

EJ and Johnny played in a bball game together. Sam and Brooke dressed up together. Kate and Danny jumped on the tramp together and did monkey bars and Ty always makes it interesting.

Now that I have this working.......

This is Chase and Olivia on their first day of school. Chase is in the fifth grade and "hates" school. Tonight, I was talking about organizing his day, so that he can get everything accomplished. I told him middle school will be a lot harder, with a ton more homework. "What?", he said. "All I want to do is play sports". So he has decided to become a famous athlete for his profession! As long as he takes care of his mama!

Olivia is in the first grade this year. She wasn't really ready for the all day gig. I think she still thought that she would come home 1/2 way through. She falls into her bed every night and is asleep in seconds. She came home sad today because she had a terrible day. When asked why it was so bad, she responded.... "The teacher told me not to touch the window, in front of the whole class and I was so embarrassed". She doesn't take to public discipline well. But she is loving her teacher, despite the tough upper hand.

Ok, so I should get some credit for trying to update our family on this blog. I havebeen having some technical difficulties. I finally had Anne help me so now you have to endure my pix obsession! It may take a few tries to get it right, just bear with me.

Our summer went by really fast. June flew to July, August came all to fast and all of a sudden the kids were going back to school. But we had a great summer.

JULY..... the LYONS came to visit the East Coast! We had so much fun with our cousins. I really think my kids are still going through withdraw symptoms, from their departure. They had so much fun with them. We were able to take a quick trip to DC. They, along

with hundreds (maybe thousands?) of Boy Scouts, walked the museums, saw the monuments and took pix of the White House.

It was 104 degrees that day! We toured Philly a couple of times and got cheese steaks, of course. A stop at the Jersey Shore for some cold water and ultimate people watching. Lots of eating, swimming, walking, swimming, laughing, sleeping, and catching up. What a fun visit. We are hoping they make it a yearly visit!

We were finally able to get some pix taken of our family (in July) that are a little more updated. I would post more.... but I don't want to put you completely asleep.

JUNE....... Olivia had her ballet recital also. She danced the cutest dance to, You are My Sunshine. She is a full head taller than the whole class so she is always in the middle. I am not sure if I told everyone but, Olivia was

diagnosed with scoliosis last year and has become really aware of her height difference. I keep telling her it will serve her well .... in the future.

Chase had his most amazing season so far in baseball. He has really grown to love baseball and this year was a big year for him. They called him RBI Rothey. We were beat by the best in the league (after beating them once) in playoffs. What a great season. Our family loved to go and cheer Chase on. It wasn't a kind season, due to weather but luckily it ended before the triple digits hit.

The very last day of June... CHRIS TURNED 40!!! He still can't believe it. He keeps saying "yeah, but I am forty", about everything. It is his new come back! We were able to have a nice dinner out to celebrate, with family and friends. Anne and Jess were able to come help join in the party! I kind of made a large banner to announce his birthday that hung over the driveway.... I don't think I will be in town when I hit the 4..0!!

Jess had a conference in Lancaster and so we tagged along. We had so much fun exploring the beautiful farm area. The boys climbed giant trains, swam in the pool, rode a pony named Andrew, and raced their cousins at a farm. On the drive home we played a game of who could spot the most Silos. We lost track of counting after one hundred. I think we all felt like our little getaway ended much too soon.

Spring time festivities

Great picture from some awesome memories at Disneyland with cousins. We had such a nice time and it was so worth the 12 hours on the road + 2 for traffic and getting there and back past midnight right Amy and Heather???


We had a rainy and cooler spring here in Arizona which means it was the best ever. The hiking trails were beautiful and in full desert bloom. Now of course it is well over 100 and these pictures are just to look at with longing.

Ryker is having a great summer at his football camps. Go Tyke!!!

BYU's indoor practice facility Wednesday was the home for about 400 football prospects in an invitation-only Nike Camp. An impressive group of athletes were able to home their skills and receive additional training by Nike officials, who tested the athletes on their SPARQ ratings, one on one abilities and agility drills.

A storm of Division I hopefuls stormed BYU's practice field and indoor practice facility with a buzz of activity on Wednesday. The athletes were representing the states of Calif., Utah, Oklahoma, Nevada, Texas, Oregon, Arizona and Washington, just to name a few.

Offensive Lineman

Among the top offensive lineman performers was Ryker Mathews. Coming in at 6 feet 6 inches and 270 lbs. Mathews dominated in every category the camp had to offer. He was clearing the best offensive lineman in attendance.

BYU Nike Camp MVP's

OT - Ryker Mathews - American Fork High School, UT

Sam's final softball game. She had a great season. Sam hit the only two home runs of the season. Her coach is very proud of her.