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.

We had Kate' 5th birthday party this weekend. Kate could not have been more excited. Kate is thrilled to go to kindergarten next year and be in the same school as Sam.

Jacobsburg

This is one of our most favorite places to go when the kids. I don't think there is a place where they are happier than here at Jacobsburg. We have taken the Warner and Church family here before and no matter what, we almost always end up in the river at the end. Can't wait to share our favorite place with our Lyon cousins really soon!!!

JUST JACK!

Ok, so they're not amazing photos of the poor kid, but they're snapshots of what he does best--lay like a slug. Lyon and Church family, here's baby Jack.

We came across this place called Freddy's Farm that had a free petting zoo and mini golf and a driving range next door. The boys had such a great time. Then we went and got homemade ice cream in Freddy's store afterward.

Pictures from Sam's Ballet performance. She did a great job. She is becoming a good little ballerina.

Maya's Blessing

Ok, so we'll respond to the challenge. Here are some pics from Maya's blessing day in Pennsylv

ania. We had all the East Coasters at the house for Saturday night. And Grandma Tutu and Grandpa Hoto made their way east for the special day (and to visit the Warners for a week). Kelly's mom, Grandma Suzanne, also flew in for the special day.

Some went out and played baseball when evening hit. It was fun all around.

More picks from Bethlehem PA. I just checked over the blog and apart from a couple of great posts from Laura no one else has posted. Come on guys your cousins here in NY would love to see pictures of you.

Jack's Blessing in Bethlehem PA. Jess out did himself again and made a great spread. We had a great time.