Fifth Grade Graduation

 Ellie opening her Gradutaion gift before getting ready for graduation.

 Jake, Ellie and Elena on the way into Graduation

 I am so proud of this beautiful girl and all her hard work this year.  Ray and I are lucky to be her parents.  She will surely go far, with her dedication, and personality.

 Ellie with her teacher Mr. Esplin

 Ellie and Principal Chadez

Ellie got a camer for Graduation.  She loves taking pictures just like her momma, but now wont have a need to borrow moms camera.  Mom thinks this is the greatest gift Ellie could have got.

LIFE

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

 

Seems like life is just buzzing right by, and I am missing it by trying to keep it organized and sane.  I am going to stop.  I am going to stop making plans and try and enjoy the small things. 

Missing my Momma

Missing my momma today.  Sometimes it seems like it will never get easier having her gone.  Love you mom! 

Headstone

We went to Idaho and saw Grandpa and Grandma Westfalls headstone that was finally put in.

Family Outing to Mendon

 We headed to Mendon for a picnic and family fun.  We love Mendon, and love going to the park to play and make lots of fun, silly memories. 

 Ellie has been "practicing her posing" and is now sure she has it mastered.  She is such a beautiful girlygirl, and I love being able to take her picture anytime she will let me!

 This girl loves her daddy.....

 Such a nice picture of my kids and their dog!

 This momma lover her Ellie!

 No family outing would be complete without Maddi.

This kid sure knows how to smile good for pictures.  I love him so much.

 I love how happy simple little things can make this kid.  He makes my heart smile!!!

 Elena is always so good to play with the kids make them happy.

Road pile on Elena!!!

 Elena had been nice and spent time swinging the kids so then Jake told her to jump in the swing and he would push her for a while.  He had a struggle, but I think in the end was able to get her moving.

5th Grade Science Fair

The Science of Mummification

 Ellie took part in the Science fair at school.  She worked her fanny off, and did as much studying as she could on the Science of Mummification and mom took lots of pictures.  The day of the fair Ellie was quite sad because she did not get as many people to come to her display as she was hoping, but her Teacher was very impressed with her hard work and the effort she made to do her best.  She got a first place ribbon, and her dad and I could not be more happy with and for her.  CONGRATS Ellie, you deserve that Blue Ribbon.  We love you!!!

Ellie's New Hair

 Ellie has a very tender head, and her dad got tired of her crying everytime I tried to do it, so one day while we were at WalMart he took her to the hair salon and had them chop it off.

   I about died when I came to see what was going on and realized that all her hair was gone (it was down passed the middle of her back).

 She looks so cute with this new style, and I am hoping it will be easier to do her hair every morning with less drama.
  

Cove Fort

 On our way home from Jake's baptism weekend we stopped in at Cove Fort to let the kids rest and learn a bit about some of our Utah Pioneers.  The kids enjoyed touring the Old Fort and I enjoyed taking a break from the fighting in the car.

 I LOVE THESE THREE KIDS OF MINE!!!

 Ellie's long hair before her dad had it chopped of the very next day.

 I love this picture of the Old Fort.  I put in rustic black and white to capture the feel of the old days!

 A display at the fort of the many different languages the Book of Mormon is printed in.

 I love how each kid is posed in a different way.  Each showing their personality.  LOL

 Sweet, sweet Elena loves to pop in on my pictures now and again.  She is such a goof, but I love her!

Ray was telling Jake a story, and Jake was obviously interested in what was being said.  

Jake's Special Day

Jake asked Grandpa Oliphant to Baptize him, and he asked Uncle Mike to Confirm him.  Ray and I gave Jake the option of daddy doing it at home with no family around, or out of town with family and he could ask someone else to do it.  He chose to be baptized with cousins and aunts and uncles around.  Ray was fine with this as he knew if he did it with a crowd of people around he may die.  ;)

 We went to Southern Utah to share Jake's special baptism day with Stetson.  The boys decidced they really wanted to be baptized together and since we had needed to postpone Jake's special day several times since March, we decided this would be a perfect time. 

I love this picture of Jake.  He is such a great kid!  I am so thankful I get to be his mom.

I had already done Baptism pictures for Jake, but Stephanie asked me to do some for Stetson before the baptism and so I took both boys out again and snapped some great shots. 

Jake's three favorite guys.  Grandpa Oliphant, his Daddy, and Uncle Mike

 

I made up the program.  I think it turned out pretty good for not knowing what I was doing. :)

Jake and Stetson had a great turn out of Family support.  It made him feel so good to see so many people show up to support him in his very special day.  He told me afterwards that he did not know that all those people really loved him so much.  I told him of course they did, they are family and family loves each other all the time no matter what. 

Gossip session at the Grandpa Oliphants house.  (gotta have one of those each time we get together)

I am so glad I have a family that is willing to support my kids on their special days.  It meant more to Jake to see such support than I think anyone will ever even know.