ROARING SPRINGS; June 28
I absolutely love the Lowry Family. Our friendship started a few years ago when our families were both involved in a summer craft camp. Our children met then, and became fast friends; however, what solidified their friendship was that we were both dealing with similar situations in life. We both had a kindergartner whose home school was Deseret Sage, and we both had older children who were attending Amity. Because of the lack of space at Amity, our younger children were unable to attend Amity. So, in an effort to help one another with the same goal, we began carpooling to the other school, and through it all our children became good friends. It was our hope that someday both of our children would be accepted to Amity, and now two years later...they are attending Amity, and they are the best of friends. We have been so fortunate to have built such an amazing friendship connection.

Jacob, Garren, Brooklyn, Kortlyn, Hailey, & Amber

MILLER FAMILY REUNION; June 2011

I absolutely love our family! Every summer we get the opportunity to gather together for a weekend and simply enjoy each others company. I absolutely love the memories shared, the relationships strengthened, and the amazing  family traditions.

TRADITION #1~Capture the Flag

Bryan told Jake that if he would bring back the flag from the other team, (even though Jake happened to belong to that team) then he would give him a bucket of ice cream. In this picture, Jake is trying to convince Amber that he is in dire need of that flag. He was actually angry at Amber for not allowing him to give Daddy the flag. He was thoroughly convinced of Daddy's sincerity and of his need in the situation--he had absolutely no understanding of the game. CRUEL trick by daddy. (It was actually quite funny.)

The Winning Team

TRADITION #2~Boat Races

Every boat is the best, and every boat is important...or so it is to the person it belongs to...
Imagine. Adults and Children, old and young--yelling at wood, pine cones, twigs, cow poop, and anything else that can be fashioned into a boat. FUN TIMES!

The RACE is ON! (Hailey's square is in the lead.)

The WINNERS!

FAMILY TRADITION #3~Family Pictures

Tradition #4~Four-Wheelers

We love to ride four-wheelers while at the cabin. This year, Chewy, brought up is miniature four-wheeler, and Jake got to experience what it was like to maneuver the machine all by himself. I was a bit nervous, but he had a great time!

Chewy and Jake riding together!

TRADITION #5~CULVERT

Coming out of the Tube

Jumping off the Tube

Waiting in the Tube for the RUSH OF WATER

Happy Birthday with Grandma JO

Grandma Jo gave Hailey an American Girl doll for her birthday. Hailey was absolutely thrilled! Both Hailey and Amber love the American Girl dolls. They love the stories, the outfits, and the whole nine yards...and perhaps...mom likes them just as much! It appears we have convinced Grandma of their awesomeness!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Hailey!!!

June 11, 2001

Hailey

I absolutely adore my 10 year-old little girl. Yes, "little"--she will always be my little girl no matter how big she grows. I have to keep telling myself this, because as the days turn into years, time is passing too fast. Hailey is my constant in any storm. From day 1 she calmed my spirit when grandma passed away with the news of her arrival, and she continues to calm my heart in every action she takes. When faith is described as a rock--it is describing the kind of faith Hailey demonstrates. She believes all things, and she backs up her beliefs with her actions. Just recently Hailey made the choice to forgo playing in a soccer game because it would be held during General Conference. Prior to this decision she turned down a spot on a competitive league because the teams in that league played on Sunday. She knows what is right, and to her--that is the most important.

I love spending time with Hailey. She is not only my daughter, but a friend. When Hailey was two I struggled with my communication with her. Not just the normal 2 year-old struggles, but I knew I needed to fix some things. I took my struggle to the Lord, and my answer was simple--Hailey was my twin. She was my personality. My good. My bad. I'm not sure why it was difficult to cooperate with someone that was my little replica, but it was hard, and once I understood--doors opened. Now, many years later, we are a pair. I absolutely love my sweet Hailey. Our time shared is genuine fun! And I know that each day I have with Hailey is a blessing! Happy Birthday, Hailey! We love you! We are better because of you!

IN CELEBRATION OF HAILEY's BIG DAY, we planned a day in Jackson Hole, WY. We bought a package, which allowed us several rides on the Alpine slide, miniature golfing, and a ride up the mountain on the ski lift.

JACKSON HOLE, WY.

The boys riding the chairlift to the Alpine Slide.

We had so much fun playing miniature golf. It was the first time for our kids, but they seemed to catch on fast.

We met some friends in downtown Jackson. The antler arch is a must-see picture spot.

Jake doesn't know how to smile, so he helps himself by pushing his cheeks up in the shape of a smile.

 

Our family at the top of the mountain.

 Michelle's Cabin

We met my family at my sister's cabin, and celebrated with my nephew, Easton (it was his birthday too).

Hailey got "Just Dance" for her birthday! We had a lot of fun rocking out to all different types of music!

YELLOWSTONE PARK; June 9-10

For our family vacation this year we decided to go to Yellowstone Park. We visited Yellowstone last year; however, we felt like we needed to see more of the beautiful sights. We were not disappointed. The majesty of God's creation is astounding. There is something about being close to nature that brings my heart closer to God, and my family. Our trip will never be forgotten by myself or the rest of my family. We had so much fun exploring, laughing, and simply enjoying God's creations.

Buffalo Sighting

GEYSERS AT OLD FAITHFUL:

Yellowstone Waterfalls:

 

Jake absolutely loved the waterfalls. Everytime we saw a waterfall, he danced and yelled with pure delight. We tried to capture his reaction on camera, but we were always a bit too late.

 Yellowstone PLAYMILL:

At the end of our first day, we enjoyed  HIGH SCHOOL Musical at the West Yellowstone Playmill. It was absolutely fantastic! All three of my children were captivated by the performance! Hailey was even more thrilled by the entire night, because the singers/actors sang her "Happy Birthday" (...or at least she enjoyed embarrassment...)!

DAY 2; YELLOWSTONE

A dear friend told me that if we drove through Lamar Valley we would see more exotic wildlife (i.e. bears, wolves, etc...). Although the drive was longer, we decided to heed the advice. We were not disappointed! By the end of the day we saw: 7 bears (two of the seven were cubs), 1 wolf, and many, many buffalo. I have never seen bears before in Yellowstone (I grew up coming to Yellowstone every summer), so it was a neat experience to see so many.