Emi's Favorite Dance

This is Emily's favorite dance this season.  She starts with a solo.  Click on the lower right hand corner to make Full Screen.  Enjoy!

Kayla #21

 We love watching Bingham Girls Lacrosse.  Here is a clip of Kayla scoring off a great pass.

Frozen Rehearsal

Brenna will be performing in Up With Kids production of Frozen this weekend.  

She plays several part, including a dancing & singing snowflake, a pea pod (shown above & below) as well as the Medium-aged Elsa

She loves perform and being able to express herself freely on stage.  No holding back for her.  It is pure pleasure!

A glimpse into one of her Elsa scenes.

Wonder Woman

She loves her Super Heroes Dance this season.  She seriously feels like Wonder women - invincible, when she gets out there and performs.   

After 6 years of dance, this has been her favorite year so far.

Emi Super Hero Dance

This is Emi's most recent Jazz Dance "Super Heroes" She is the one in the center who does the toe-touch.  She stays front and center with all the facials, and does the count off at the end.   Sorry about the videography - not my best work to say the least.

Hobble Creek Canyon

What to do when Emi has an all-day dance recital in Spanish Fork....take your bikes and enjoy a good ride to Hobble Creek Canyon.  We wish we got out on our bikes more, but we'll take advantage of any opportunity we have.  We still caught all 4 of her dances, but this was a fun way to fill the down time. 

Kayla scrores from Draw

Kayla is having a great Lacrosse season.  She is the JV Team Captain and does the 'draw'  (which is like the jump ball in basketball), except it is done after every goal scored.

Here's a clip of her taking the 'draw' and scoring - all in one play.  Awesome Kay!

Daughters to Work at TDA

It's Take Your Daughter to Work Day.  The girls were sooooo excited to go to work with Robert and spend his 40th birthday with him.  There were lots of perks of being in the office.....including free popcorn down in the break room

And a free photo shoot in one of the studios were they produce Education products for TDAmeritrade.

Look at those beautiful girls!

Some games and activities in the 2nd floor Conference Room.  Robert did a Q&A session with he and some of his directs and the kids got to ask them all sorts if funny questions.  One thing Lindsay learned, was how much fun Robert does have at work with his employees.  She thought it was all just work at your desk and be stressed out, and though there is some of that, he has really tried to create a positive and  upbeat work environment for everyone.  She liked how much he joked with Adam & Paul about their jobs and some of the funny things in their lives.

Lindsay having Dad carry around her SWAG while she enjoyed the lunchtime pizza party. 

Brenna likes hanging out in the corner office with the view.  Though the girls may not fully understand all that Robert does at work, they do appreciate that he provides so well for our family

Happy Birthday Song

Today is Robert's 40th Birthday as well as Take your Child to Work Day.  To kick-off the morning activities, Emi led a fun filled 'Happy Birthday' song in the conference room sung by all the employees and their children.  Everyone knows how much Robert likes being the center of  attention, right?    Thanks Emi!

Robert's 40th B-day

I know 40 is a big birthday, but Mr. low key wanted to keep it low key.  He was able to have the girls with him at work today, which was a fun change.  We had a quick dinner at Toscano's before heading off to meetings.  Once everyone was home, he opened presents.

Here's a picture of him with his favorite present.  I put together a photo album of his life since we met, so age 15 and up.  It was fun to look back through the years to see how our family has grown and how our lives have changed.  We wrote 40 things we love about him and hid them throughout the house.  Once her completed his scavenger hunt, all of the notes were put into the remaining album openings, so he can always keep them with him.

.  

40 years old....I don't know if we ever imagined what our lives might be like when we were 40, but we do love our lives.  We are so grateful for our good health, our family, and the continued opportunities life gives us to grown and develop.  We are all so grateful for Robert and all that he does to keep our family strong and moving forward together.  Here's to many more birthday, most likely celebrated in the same simple ways.  Love you Babe!

Lindz Bright Smile

Miss Lindsay Lou got her braces off today!  Yeah!  She has been anxiously waiting for this day for several months now.  Oh, to be able to glide her tongue across her smooth teeth....and be able to floss.  She is beaming and smiling everywhere she goes!

Neuro-Opthalmologist

A few weeks ago, we didn't even know this type of specialized eye doctor existed ....but now we feel like small experts in the area of neuro-ophthalmology.  It all stated with this brief questionnaire, or rather large packet we had to fill out about Aubrey's life from in-utero through today.   The warned us that this appointment would take 3-4 hours, and we were afraid we were going to spend half  of it in teh waiting room filling our the booklet, so we divided it up and both tackled different potions of it.  

What brought us to this point and place today?  A very hard Lacrosse ball.  

2 years ago Aubrey received a mild/moderate concussion during a LAX game.  We followed all of the protocol for a concussion including ZERO brain stimulation for several days.  She wore sunglasses and laid in her bed, with no music, homework, TV, no thought provoking anything, so that  her brain could rest and recover.  It was nerve wracking to know that she was getting behind in school, but we knew she had to fully wait this thing out to help avoid any further complications.  

Fast forward 2 years.  She is getting a routine physical and the Dr. noticed she had some issues with her eyes.  Nothing that is bothersome to her daily life, but something abnormal.   He sent her on to a Eye Specialist.  That Dr. saw the same problems, but wanted someone with more expertise to she her, so her enters the Neuro-Ophthalmologist, that specializes in the connection between the back of the eye and the nerves to the brain.  The type of specialist they were looking for under our insurance plan was only found in Denver & Los Angeles, but with a few extra phone calls, the insurance agreed to cover a visit with a specialist here in Salt Lake City.  Thank You.  

Here's what we learned.  Aubrey has Nystagmus.  Now that is what the first 2 doctors originally thought, but because it is normally a symptom of other underlying eye or medical problems, we had to go the full gamut with her diagnosis.  Her nystagmus is a direct result of her concussion 2 years ago, which though that is not a great thing, it did rule out some of the other fears we had, such as the on-set of Multiple Sclerosis.  

It's been a journey, but in the end, we are all still good. Unless Aubrey's symptoms begin to interfere with her daily life, she is cleared to play and participate in all activities, though another concussion could cause more serious harm  to her eyes and brain.   We recognize how truly serious and severe concussions are, and that they CAN impact you for the rest of your life.  If we had boys, they would be permanently banned from football.  For now, we just hope our girls are safe playing Lacrosse.  

AJ Tumbling

Tonight was Aubrey's first night back at the gym since Cheer Tryouts.  Though she was a little reluctant to go, she was so glad she did.  She loves tumbling with Johnny and I just reminder her that she truly does love to tumble and cheer.

Webber Cousins

I couldn't see that I blogged this picture back in January, so I wanted to make sure I added it.  These are some of Grandma Zelda's great grandchildren, from 5 different grandchildren, who live in 4 different states.  Those who had met before, hadn't seen each other since they were little.  I'm grateful for special occasions. like Kate's wedding, that bring families together.

Lax Highlights

Kayla's teammates were the highlight of the season.  

Such a great group of girls who are kind, fun, lovable, laughable, work hard, play hard, and build each other up.  Love these girls!

Another highlight - Kayla being called up to Varsity for the final 3 games of the season.  Sad to leave JV for a few games, but happy she is progressing and playing well.



And RAIN...these girls Love play Lacrosse in the pouring rain.

Musical Theatre Production

Lindsay was part of 2 musical theater productions this Spring.  'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' and 'Cinderella'.  The loved being part of the whole process, from choosing the plays, to costumes, set design and construction, microphones, lighting, etc.  There is so much that goes into each production. 

The best part though, may have been her director, Mrs. Parker. and the cast.  Mrs, Parker really puts her heart and soul into these kids and their plays, and you can tell,  A few days after the final show, she delivered her 1st baby, a beautiful little girl.  Thanks Mrs. Parker!

Musical Theatre Night 2

Night 1 was "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - no pics 

Night 2 was Cinderella - not great pics, but there she is in the braids.










 And we so love how her friends came out to support her and Jillian.  They have such a great group of friends, and that has a major impact on their lives.  Great job Lindsay!                                                      

Snow....Finally

After an extremely mild winter, the girls finally got to walk to school in some snow today.  Brenna's hoping to come home and build a snowman, but I worry it may be mostly melted by then. Maybe next winter.

Money Egg Hunt

Easter egg hunts are a big deal here.

For a few years, we were doing 1,000 egg hunts with neighbors and friends,

and now were back to just the 5 girls and I think only 40 eggs.  :(

Since we had so few eggs, we had to hide them really good.  It took awhile before they could locate all of them.

Then to the fun.....finding out what treasures lie within them

This year was mostly money eggs, so there was no melting

Being that the girls don't get paid for chores, this is a good exercise in sorting,counting, tithing, and budgeting their new money....and it's a fun tradition!

Dayton

While we were in Arizona I was able to connect with one of my friends Dayton, you may recognize him as the triathlete who was on the cover of the New Era one issue. He is such a strong man and we love being able to feel his spirit when we visit. He had a really tough year with a lot of operation including one where the doctors inserted a metal rod into his back. And look how straight he sits now!! Love being able to see his happy face. Always looking forward to the next time I get to spend time with Dayton.

AZ Sun

We Utah folks were definitely ready for the AZ Sun.  It really was a mild winter here, but there's nothing like playing pool side in the hot sun.

Kyana & Aubs

You would think she saw a fish? maybe a scorpion?

Can't wait to open our pool when we get back

A little snooze after a day of fun in the sun

Easter Pageant 2015

One of the great things about visiting cousins in  Arizona around Easter time, is being able to see the Easter Pageant that takes place on the Mesa Temple Grounds.  

The 14 year old gang - Michaley, Lindsay & Anna

                                                            

A beautiful sunset with these 2 beautiful girls

Before the show started, performers visited with audience members.  These kiddos were drawn to the  performers with animals.  I think the sheep liked Brenna's hair.

Part of our 22-seat crew that night awaiting the show.  So grateful we got to spend this evening with all the cousins and sister. 

I love watching the Easter Pageant.  It is a reenactment of the final days of  Jesus Christs life and what took place after his Crucifixion on the cross.  It  remind us of the Peace, Hope and Joy that comes from the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection.  Because of Him.....we will all live again, and can continue to grow and progress as eternal family's.  The Resurrection is a vital part of our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness.  I know that our Savior Jesus Christ lives, that He was resurrected on the 3rd day, and provides that gift to each and every one of us.  When we die, our bodies and spirits are separated for a time, but every person who ever lived on this Earth will be Resurrected, and through that reunion of body and spirit we will be able to experience full joy and complete happiness.  I love Easter. I love the promise that we have that Because of Him...we will all live again. 

Gilbert Temple

Robert & Aubs heading into the Gilbert Temple

It had been a rough week, and we know that temples are a place where we can go for peace, to serve and to commune with our Heavenly Father.  We are able to leave the cares and worries of the world behind, as we enter into His Holy House. That was exactly what we all needed today as we had questions and desired to have our hearts and spirits ready for General Conference. 

Hopefully, each time we enter into a temple, we come out changed in same way.  Better aligned with the will of the Father, or with a better understanding of His plan for us.  Testimony's strengthened  and with a desire to better follow the Savior and live His teachings.  This day, we all came out of the Gilbert Temple with renewed faith and confirmation that he is aware of us individually and that He talks to us through the scriptures. and this is the scripture that came to our minds:    Proverbs 3:5  

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."