A Piece of Me that is Missing

Dear Samantha,

It's been a year, yet it feels like a week. My heart is still broken and I don't feel like it will ever be healed. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you constantly. You will always be the missing piece that makes me a whole person.

I spent the day with Mom and Dad, my kids and James up at the cabin. We remembered you by planting flowers, and telling stories. It was a good day mixed with laughter and tears. We all ache and miss you.

I wish that we could have grown old together, that I could have been the aunt to your kids, like the aunt you were to mine. O the memories that we could have made. But I will remember the ones we did make. I will remember and look forward to the day when we see each other again. I love you Samantha....can't wait to see what you have been up to!

Your Twin

Melissa

Vallecito Colorado

We have had the most amazing two days! The Bishop invited our family up to his cabin in Vallecito Colorado. The cabin sits on the edge of the lake and has the most amazing view.
The kids loved to paddle around in the canoes on their pond that had fish in it. James even got out there and while racing with Elijah fell in (HA HA). After a few races which included: me and the bishop's wife, James and the Bishop, and James and each of the kids, we headed for the mountains.

The bishop has quite a few ATV's and we hopped on them and headed up the mountain. The kids and I have never been on one, but it was amazing. I never thought that I would like to go four wheeling but I had the best time. When we got to the top of the mountain we had a fantastic picnic, and the view was unbelievable.We are so grateful to the Bishop and his wife, for helping us make one of those memories we will never forget.

The only thing missing was my camera!

She Made It!!!

Olivia tried out for the club soccer team here in Farmington and SHE DID IT!!!

She is so excited to be on the Venom team! It requires a lot of traveling to Albuquerque...we shall see how it goes?????

What Kind of Flower Is It?

So....I have been driving around town lately and I keep seeing these flowers blooming. I had to stop and take a picture. I need to do some research, but I can honestly say, I have never seen these flowers before, and for sure not in San Diego! They are beautiful in a unique way....Just thought I would share.

Cooking Class Camp

Olivia just completed her Cooking Class Camp at the college this last week.

She loved it. She learned how to make: Peanut Butter shakes, Fruit Burritos, Muffins, Pizza, Cookies, and Fruit Salad.

She says that she definitely wants to do it again, and is even willing to give me a few tips!

La Plata Canyon Camping

Our first attempt at camping in the New Mexico/Colorado area did not fair well. The wind was blowing so hard it was nearly impossible to set the tent up. No one got much sleep. I kept waking up, worrying if the trees were going to fall on us. The ranger told us that they were having gusts up to forty miles and hour!

As you can tell by the picture Elijah is pretending to be pretty tired.....I didn't have to pretend.

Cub Scout Camp

Another year of Scout Camp completed!

As you can see, Michelle who had to go everyday, was quite thrilled when the last day came!

Ethan did well, passed off so much, and helped his mother's stress level go do.

He only has a few more requirements before he finishes his Webelos, and Arrow of Light.

NO MORE BLUE AND GOLD, PINEWOOD DERBY, OR PACK MEETINGS.......can you hear my excitement!!!!

A Summer Tradition

TOP TEN REASONS WHY WE LOVE GRANDMA AND GRANDPA'S CABIN

1. Going to the Hot Springs (We went to two different ones this time. The first one was pretty nasty (Mom wouldn't even go in). The second one is a tradition and super clean!)

2. Biking. We took the bikes with us this time and the kids loved it.

3. The Creede Silver Mine. Okay....maybe it wasn't one of Elijah's favorite things to do, but the rest of us loved the mine tour.

4. Going to the movies. We saw Robin Hood, and like the mine, it wasn't exactly a hit with Olivia, but a great movie.

5. Water fights! The kids got some squirt guns, and the hoses around the cabin and they had it out. They got really wet, and really dirty, and really loved it.

6. Junk Food! There was an endless stash of "Mounds", "Hersey", and "Dove" Bars, and "Otter Pops". Grandma and Grandpa never let them go without!

7. Biscuits and Gravy. Grandma will prepare her famous Biscuits and Gravy at least one time while we visit, and if you have never had the opportunity of trying them.....you have really missed out!

8. Being on the look out for the bear. The bear is officially awake and causing havoc in Southfork. He seems to always get into the trash, or knock the bird feeders off the trees, so it's always fun to see if we can hear him outside.

9. The Scenery!!! New Mexico is the land of Enchantment (which I am still waiting for all that enchantment), but Colorado is "Colorful Colorado" and so true. It was fun to drive up with Elijah in the front seat and have him comment on the different colors of trees, or how high the rivers are, and how fast they were rolling along. Colorado is beautiful!

10. Making memories. Although I don't think that my kids realize this now, I have a huge prayer in my heart that they will remember the fun times that they have when they go to Grandma and Grandpa's cabin, and have stories to tell their children.