Gymnastics

GYMNASTICS

Amber competed in the Gem State Invitation and took first place in the All-Around Competition. She placed 2nd on Vault and on Floor; she placed 3rd on beam; and she placed 4th on bars. I was proud that Amber didn't lose her determination. She started the meet with her favorite event (bars), and received the lowest score she has ever received on bars. I was worried that she would allow the event to determine the rest of her meet; however, she shook off her disappointment, and pulled out a first place finish. I can't imagine what kind of determination and willpower Amber had to muster in order to overlook her mistakes at the beginning of the meet--especially when those mistakes happened with her best event (she usually depends on her bar score to pull her in the lead). I'm proud of her for not giving up, for working hard, for finishing the race! 

Featherville

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY=
NO SCHOOL

It was Martin Luther King day, the kids were out of school, and Bryan was out of work--it seemed like a good time to go sledding at the cabin. We snagged two (Lowry) kiddos to join in our fun, and we were off! A day off from life, at the cabin--is good for the soul. I am grateful we have a place we can escape to, and enjoy each-others company. The time we spend at the cabin is better than any other trip. When my kids are old and gray, they are going to look back at the memories we shared with them at the cabin with great fondness. This place is an intricate part of their growing up. I truly believe that the bonds we have formed due to the time spent at the cabin, will provide fortification.The cabin is part of our Miller Wall (like the wall Moroni builds in The Book of Mormon to fortify his people) that builds and protects our family. I am grateful that the cabin can be this for my family. 

Bryan blazing the trail...
After I confirmed that he was okay, we all had a good laugh at his roll down the sledding hill.

Amber demonstrating the outdoor warmth--never-mind the snow, and it being winter...

The sledding hill is a bit steep, and I was a bit nervous to go down.  (I must be getting old.) Hailey started pushing me towards the hill, and I held on to her for dear life--I didn't want her to push me over the edge. I wanted to go over on my own terms.

Hanging on tight.

"I'm Hot and Tired!"

...And then Garren ran him over...(not on purpose), and because he wasn't hurt--it was slightly funny!

These two boys filled the tubes with snow, and then crushed the snow by stomping on the filled tubes, so they could make the snow nice and slushy for a snow cone. YUMMY!

Making Snow Cones

It really scares me to ride double with Bryan, because we go really, really, really fast.

We played this game ten trillion times. The girls didn't want to quit. Brooklyn kept saying, "Just one more game". It made me smile every time she said it.

Utah Trip for Gymnastics

UTAH

After spending all day Friday at a gymnastics meet, we were able to spend the evening with Roxanne and Kendall. We then we spent all day Saturday playing! We were able to go to the Dinosaur Museum, and the Discovery Museum with a dear friend, Jill Simmons. We were then able to meet another friend, Liz Dalley. And finally, we finished the day by watching a Dinosaur Show in SLC. We were planning on driving home after the show; however, because the roads were bad, we stayed at Jill's parent's house (we were so grateful for their hospitality). 

DINOSAUR MUSEUM

Jake was in heaven. He has been asking to go to this museum for over a year. When he heard we would be going, he couldn't stop asking when we would arrive.

These kids made a dinosaur park! 

Museum of Natural Curiosity

Outdoor Zip Line

Water World

CLIMBING

MUSIC

...and water again

Funny moments from this weekend: 
When we were entering the hotel parking garage, Jacob jumped in front of Hailey, protecting her with his widespread arms, and yelled, "I'll sacrifice myself for you, Hailey!"

When we were handing out water bottles, and we were one short Jake said, "It's okay--I'll take the last one."

SLC Gymanstics

TEMPLE SQUARE

Temple Square is one of my all time favorite places to visit. I could list a thousand reasons why I love temple square, but probably the most important reason is the spirit. Every time I have visited temple square--I have felt the spirit, and this time was no different. In addition to basking in the spirit at temple square, I absolutely love watching my kids feel excited about gospel principles. While we were in the North Visitor's Center, Jacob couldn't believe how many different languages The Book of Mormon has been published. He spent forever picking up each book marveling at the sameness yet the difference. A sister missionary read from the German Book of Mormon one of Jacob's favorite scriptures. There was a spirit of truth as she read, and although we couldn't understand the words--we knew the words in English. This Church is true! It is God's church, and being God's church--it must be delivered throughout the world! He loves us--all of us!

The kids thought it would be funny to pretend a proposal in the same spot where their daddy proposed to me.

Gymnastics Meet

Amber competed against more teams than she ever has before. She placed third in every event except Floor, which she placed 6th. She placed 3rd in the all around competition. I am so proud of Amber's hard work and dedication.

Hailey was so nervous that she couldn't watch. She used the magazine to cover her eyes.

9.25-3rd Place

3rd Place

Beam-9.25

Vault-9.15

Bars-9.05

Floor-8.875