ARIZONA

We went to Arizona for the Hirschi Family Reunion. This is the first time in almost 2 years that we have all been together. It was great to have all us all together, even if it was overwhelming for Bryan to have us all there.

Saying Good-bye to Bryan

Family Picture

(most of us, at least all my sibling with my parents)

Bad picture, we are looking at the sun

Kassida at the Splash Park

Everett at the Splash Park

Kendyl at Splash Park

Adlyn at Splash Park

Cousins at the Prescott Zoo

Adlyn with the Peacock

We had such a great vacation.

Thanks Bryan for letting us come visit.

Until next time!

Old Folks

I guess Steve and I are moving up to being old folks. Yesterday, Steve was ordained a High Priest. We are not sure why exactly, except he got the call from the Stake President. It kind of makes you feel old, but in this area there are lots of young couples in the same situation.

Thanks everyone who came to support us. We had a really good day.

Quote for the Day

The great Roman philosopher Epictetus said, “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: some things are within our control, some things are not.”

Epictetus also said, “Circumstances do not rise to meet our expectations. Events happen as they do. People behave as they are. Embrace what you actually get.”

WHERE WILL WE FIND EVERETT NEXT?

Everett has not mastered walking yet. He has been walking around the walls, couches, and pushing anything for months now, but for some reason he refuses to walk on his own. I guess he will do it when he is ready RIGHT?

Everett has mastered the stairs both ways and now he has moved on to climbing. He climbs up onto our little indoor tramp and jumps. He will climb up onto our fireplace. He will even push our little stool over to the couch and climb up on that and then to the couch. He gets the biggest smile and thinks he is the greatest.

Today this is where I found him.

He opened the drawer and climbed right in.

He is having a great time.

WHERE WILL WE FIND HIM NEXT?

The Giver

The Giver by: Lois Lowry.

It is a must read. In this short book you learn so much.

I won't give to much of it away, if any of you haven't read it. I wanted to write a little about it and what I learned from this great book.

Quotes from the book:

"If every things the same, then there aren't any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things!"

"I know it's not important what you wear. It doesn't matter but it's the choosing that's important, isn't it."

With sameness, you won't make wrong choices. That is a great concept. It is safer for everyone. But I am so glad that we have a Heavenly Father that decided that even with the pain of our wrong choices the benefits of making our own choices out way the safety of the sameness. With sameness there is meaningless and no concept of love. That is not worth living with right?

In the book there is a memory about Christmas. I got the biggest goose bumps on my arms and the greatest feeling when the memory was described. Christmas brings warmth, happiness, family and most of all LOVE.

With sameness there are no emotions felt you are just told what to feel. That is a weird concept to grasp. Emotions do not need to be told but felt.

And the worst part of holding a memory is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared. I honestly believe that with all my heart. I think that is why we were sent to families so we can create and share memories.

I know my thoughts are probably scattered everywhere. But it made me think that the plan our Heavenly Father is so true. It was well thought out and I am so grateful for that understanding. I am even grateful for the pain and hardship that comes with it, because with out it we would never know the happiness and love that comes with making our own choices.

You all need to take the time to read this book, if you haven't all ready.

Normal Days

When you wish you had a better day or something more exciting, especially when it comes to your kids. Think of this quote:

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return" by: Mary Jean Iron

I treasure my normal days with my kids. I think that is when I learn who they really are and learn from them. I want to treasure the time I have with kids, because I know it won't last forever. So bring on the NORMAL DAYS!

Spring Break

Everybody had been planning on this one for a while. It was great, we went to a hotel in West Valley and as far as the kids knew, we could have driven 400 miles. They were so excited. It was stinkin' cold outside, so we were glad to have this indoor water park. The swimming was perfect. The hotel let us check in a little early. So, after enjoying some early lunch pizza, we were off to swimming. Then, we swam until about 3 when Bird and Rhett were out of gas. We all went up to the room. Birdie said she didn't want a nap, so we talked her into just sitting down for a little rest! Everybody's been there. About 30 seconds later, she was having her nap.

When Kass, Ady, and Steve went back to the pool, it was a whole different world. The hotel had turned on all the water sprayers. Water was spraying everywhere. It was great. Kass says we got ALL WET!

After dinner at Chili's, we went right back to swimming. The only down side was that nobody except Steve and I were tall enough to go on the big water slide. But, that didn't matter, by 8 or so, the kids were ready to crash. There were a few people there, but it definitely wasn't crowded.

The next morning we quickly determined the kids were all "swam out". So, we had a nice hot breakfast, left the girls brand new swimming suits in the room, and headed home.

Yes, you read it right. We're convinced some cleaning maid out there is enjoying new swimming suits for her girls or something while claiming she didn't see them. Oh well, I guess fifty bucks in swimming suits is better than $100 in gas!

Somewhere behind all the water is Ady.
We're pretty sure Birdie drank almost as much water as she swam in. I guess it was her way of taking in the whole experience.What can I say here?
When it comes to swimming, I don't think there is ever a time that Krazy isn't smiling.