Women's College World Series

June 2-8, 2011

This summer I was able to fulfill a long time dream and attend the WCWS in Oklahoma City. My best friend, Lisa, was able to go with me which made the experience even better! We left the spring snow of Utah and endured six days of blistering heat to watch a game that I love! I can't describe the excitement I felt as we walked into the ball park on the first day. I know this may not sound like a great vacation to most people but it was a dream come true for me!

Here are a few pictures from the trip. Enjoy!!

 Lisa and I on the first day at the park!

The Alabama team getting set to play

A view of the field

The ESPN comentators...Michelle Smith, Jessica Mendoza and Beth Mowins

Lisa and her favorite player of the tournament...Michelle Moultrie (Florida)

Kelsi Dunn--pitcher from Alabama

The field before the championship series

Ron and DeeAnn Hill--My softball coaches from my time at CNCC.

I was just watching the crowd and saw them. After I talked with Dee for a few minutes, they came up and we talked for 20 minutes or so. They live in Kansas and brought their daughter's team over for the games. It was fun to talk with them and remember things from that time in my life.

Go Gators!

Flag presentation at the final game

Arizona State after winning the championship

Dream come true!

We took a boat tour of downtown Oklahoma City.

Ate lunch at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill

Bronze statues along the canal (saw these on the tour) 

Triple A ballpark...

Triple A game we saw a bit of

This was a wonderful vacation and one that I will highly consider doing again!

Lexie and Levi

On May 14th, Lexie and Levi were married in the Bountiful Temple. It was a great day and good to have so many family members there!

Sleepover with Aunt Jodi

I will start by saying that I didn't take any pictures to document this fun day! What a lame aunt I am!! Kristian and Addi got to have a sleepover with Aunt Jodi on Friday. I sent them a little invitation in the mail. They called me to tell me that they had gotten those and said that they could come sleep over.

(I borrowed this picture from Amanda's blog. Thanks!)

We raced cars up the freeway. Kristian kept tell ing me he was driving the orange car that was kicking my butt. He was already waiting for me in the driveway. I asked him if he wanted to meet Addi and I for dinner and he said yes but he had to wait for his girlfriend to come.

We had dinner at Pace's...corndogs and tater tots! Within 5 minutes of getting to my house it was totally trashed with Rescue Rangers. Just about bed time Grandma Jan and Grandpa Brad showed up to also sleep over. Kristian adores his Grandpa Brad and they sure had a good time together.

We had pancakes for breakfast then the boys went to Home Depot and the girls went to Kohls. We played at the park, played go fish and dice (a game grandpa and Kristian made up), watched a movie and played games on the computer.

Later in the afternoon we met Amanda and went to see Rango. It was a cute movie but the kids kind of lost interest in it. We ended the night with Kristian showing me how cool it is to play Kinnect.

Thanks for the great sleepover you two! I love you both!!

A Fun Filled Evening

Last night I was able to spend some time with Amanda, Jon, Kristian and Addie. They were kind enough to give up their plans for the evening and we all went to Chuck E. Cheese for some fun. I know some of you are thinking to yourself "Why in the world would you go there?" but to go there with a 5 year old and a 3 year old makes it truly a place where a kid can be a kid.

Thanks Middleton Family for the fun evening. We need to do that more!

Life...

These are the emotions that I can feel in any given day. Wonder why life is so hard sometimes?

Dallin's Mission Call

I have been meaning to post this for a while but have never made the time to do so. In November, my youngest brother, Dallin, received his mission call. He is going to Indiannapolis, Indiana and leaves in February.

I was able to travel with him to my mom's house in Wyoming to be there when he opened it. A mission had always been in the works for Dallin but my mother knew nothing about it being this far in the works. The call was a HUGE suprise to here. Here are some pictures and a video from that night!

This video is long because it is Dallin reading his mission call. The beginning where she show my mother the call is PRICELESS!

You can read more about this day on Dallin's blog.

Back to School

Most of you know by now but I made the jump back into the classroom. What a journey it has been so far! About a week before school started, my principal found out that they could hire another teacher and I volunteered for the job. I soon found out that I would be teaching a 3rd and 4th grade split class and had just two days to through a classroom together. With the help of many wonderful people, I was able to do just that!

I have 8 fourth graders and 15 third graders. They keep me busy. They are extremely high spirited and full of energy. There is never a dull moment. We have had our share of trials and I have shed more than my fair share of tears. Am I crazy? Some people would say that and I would agree at times. However, I know that this is where I am supposed to be. I know that I can make a difference in the lives of these 22 kiddos. It is a day by day journey and one that will have a great reward at the end!