March 2011

Big News: Regan is now 45!

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Yep, it's true. He is deciding what mid-life crisis purchase to make... Looks like a sports car - I'm wondering where the $$ is coming from to pay for that! He may have to consider other options... Like when the basement is finished getting new TV and Blu-Ray (not as fast and dangerous!).

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Happy Birthday Regan!

SPRING BREAK 2011

10 days - 2,400 miles - 4 states

What a great vacation we had!

It all began on a beautiful Saturday morning, the first official day of spring break. We loaded up the van and began driving to Monticello, Utah. We stayed with Regan's parents for the weekend. We were excited to see the just-born calves (Katie rode this calm calf she named Flower).

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On Monday morning we packed and loaded up the van, this time off to Saint George, Utah. On the way we stopped at Cove Fort, an interesting church history site.

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In Saint George we stayed at the Marriott Towne Suites (the kids loved the hot tub and pool). We went to the Temple grounds and the Tabernacle, hiked in a red rock park, and ate at some yummy restaurants, one of which is where Regan's sister Delta works. It was fun to see her. Regan's parents and brother Jason & family also came to St. George, which is where his parents served their mission over 20 years ago.

Wednesday we packed, loaded, and drove to Las Vegas. We stayed with Regan's niece Celise & family. It was great to spend so much time with them, his sister Sheila, and with Sister-in-law Liz & family. We had a great time in downtown at the MGM Rainforest, M&M World, NY NY where Regan, Wendy, & Brandon rode the roller coaster, Caesar's Palace we saw the statues come to life and the amazing aquarium, the Bellagio garden and unfortunately the water show was cancelled due to the very slight breeze... we did however see it driving down the strip later. We saw the lights on the strip at dusk. The next day we went to Mirage to see the Dolphins and White Lion and Tigers. And what's Vegas without an awesome buffet?! We went to Fiesta with all the family in town - what a crew!

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Saturday we packed and loaded again. Said goodbye for now to all the Vegas family and hit the road again. We drove first to Hoover Dam, kids were impressed, and drove over the new bridge/hwy that extends over the canyon. We continued on to Flagstaff, Arizona and checked into a very nice SpringHill Marriott. The pool was chilly - bummer.

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Sunday we enjoyed the free breakfast - mmmm! and then packed and loaded the van and we were off to the Grand Canyon! Wendy kept telling the kids the Grand Canyon was a huge hole in the ground... What an understatement! They were very impressed. We hiked, stopped many times to take in the views, and ended our time there at the Watchtower and had ice-cream. Everyone was tired - it was a full day! We continued our drive to Monticello.

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We stayed in Monticello just that night and then packed and loaded the final time to head home to Colorado. With all the driving, all the activities, all the late nights, everyone had a great time and built some great memories together!

February 2011

Superbowl XLV Packers vs. Steelers...

We had a fun family party and rooted for Trey's favorite team - the Packers!

Jarrett finished his 4th grade basketball season. They finished 8 wins and 1 loss. Had they won their third tournament game, they would have played in the Championship game. It was a hard loss - but they played great! Regan was an awesome coach and Jarrett is already looking forward to next season with Regan coaching again. Brandon was the assistant coach. (Jarrett is front row left, in front of Regan, Brandon back row right.)

January 2011

Happy New Year! We all look forward to another year of exiciting events, learning, and growth. Regan continues to work on the basement in his spare time. Brandon and Jarrett eagerly helped with the electrical wiring of their rooms:



Fun times included Movie Night. Kids in their sleeping bags, ready for the show to begin!

And Wendy made a trip to New Orleans to visit her sister Mandi (and two adorable nieces).


The French Quarter: Walked part of Burboun Street and enjoyed the famous Beignets from Cafe Du Monde.


Barataria Preserve: Swamplands with Egrets and Alligators!


St. Charles Street aka the Garden District with amazing homes.

December 2010

December is such a great time of year! Brandon completed his 7th grade basketball season and Jarrett began his 4th grade basketball season. Both Jarrett and Trey had their school musical/plays, and all the boys wrapped up the school semester. Wendy's parents came for a visit, and of course it's Christmas-time, which brings fun music, goodies galore, decorations, lights, and presents. We are indeed grateful to remember more fully the birth, life, and mission of Jesus Christ.

With Wendy's parents, we visited Santa, made cookies, played games, went to the Flying W Ranch, the Denver Zoolights, the Spaghetti Factory, and shopping in Manitou Springs. We had great weather and really enjoyed the time together as a family.

Visiting Santa and Mrs. Clause.

Wendy, Katie, and Kathy (Grandma).

Christmas Morning: BEFORE........and AFTER! What fun!
Wendy's dad spent Christmas day with us, opening presents, playing, eating, and watching a movie. We also enjoyed a visit that evening from Regan's brother and family.

November 2010

The highlight this month (aside from Thanksgiving of course) is Katie's birthday! She is FOUR already! She celebrated her last day of being three by riding a horse at a friend's house. She loved it - and Barbara is a great lady for taking the time and showing and teaching Katie how to feed, brush, saddle, and ride Charisma. Katie grinned the entire time and was a little saddle sore after at least a half hour in the saddle. Her birthday was marked with lots of birthday wishes, cake, balloons, and presents.

October 2010

Jarrett's 10th Birthday!

A decade old - can't believe it. He celebrated with friends, food, movie, gifts, and a donut tower!

Monticello Visit

We made a quick trip to Monticello to visit family for a family reunion. Regan's dad's side of the family gathered for food and reminiscing. While there, Wendy ran a 10K race in Canyonlands with some family members. It was a beautiful day and fantastic race. Wendy finished 13/76 runners, 1st in her age division (25-39 years), with a run time of 45:23, her best 10K time!


Denver Zoo

Halloween
We celebrated on Saturday by going to our community center and then to the church for "trunk-or-treat". The kids all got a load of candy! On Sunday night we had the kids dress back up for pictures and with all the lights out we watched a halloween movie while eating treats and candy. It was a fun night.

September 2010

Labor Day - Wendy ran the American Discovery Trail Half Marathon for the third year in a row. This was her best time yet, 1 hour 44 minutes! She was 2/45 in her age division, 9/235 women, 61/467 overall.


Hike in Monument - Beautiful day for a hike with the family. As we were leaving, after being warned of a bear nearby, we saw the bear saunter over to the pond we had just passed and watched him get in for a swim. Glad we didn't cross paths!


FOOTBALL SEASON! Go Firebirds! Brandon #80!


It was an undefeated season for the 7th grade football team, 8-0. They outscored their opponents 178 to 28. Brandon played in each "A" team game. He was given the "Goal Setting" award: His goal, to have 3 interceptions during the season. Brandon's stats: 20 tackles, 1 strip with fumble recovery, and 1 interception (during the last game). He played corner back, back-up wide receiver, was on the kick off team, and extrapoint team. He had a great season - Way to go!