Pinewood Derby 2016

Last night was our wards pinewood derby for the cub scouts. This was Matt's first year, he was so excited about it. His dad and him have been working on the car for the last couple of weeks.
We are thankful for a wonderful neighbor Tom ,that helped us get the car cutout and sanded in his shop. Then Delwyn started trying to get weight off the car by drilling holes in the back and bottom. At one point we thought he had ruined the car but it turned out alright.
We helped him get it painted and the stickers put on, then came the hardest part getting the right amount of weights added back to the car.
At the derby they did 5 heats with 5-6 cars in each race. Matt's car came in 2nd in the first race and I was excited for him. Then it became funny when he came in 2nd in each of the remaining races but 1, and that race he came in first.
When the derby was over Matt ended up in 2nd place and got a trophy for it. He was so excited and wanted to share it with his grandparents, that he called them when he got home. He wanted to thank Tom and share it with him also, but he had to wait until today when he got home from school.

 Matt with his car and trophy.

Provo City Temple Open House

February 28-29, 2016

I really wanted to go down to the new Provo City Temple open house, but couldn't find a weekend that would work for our family. Delwyn and I decided to pull the kids out of school for a day and take them down. The kids were not very happy about missing school, because they wanted perfect attendance, but we thought it would be a worthwhile thing for the family to do.

The only appointment that I could get was at 7:15 in the morning. We didn't want to get up at 3 in the morning so we made it into a mini vacation. We left Sunday morning at about 8 AM and headed for Salt Lake City. It being Sunday I wanted to do something that would be spiritual, so we took the kids to Temple Square. They loved the North Visitor Center and getting to see the Christus. I will admit it is also my favorite spot at Temple Square.

We also walked around the Conference Center. We didn't take a tour but we were able to climb the stairs halfway up to the first landing and see the view, it was pretty. The best part was the weather was great and we didn't even need jackets most of the time.

The kids wanted to get to the hotel so they could swim. We tried to explain to them multiple time that we couldn't check in until after 4 pm. When we finally checked in they didn't have our reservation. I don't know what happened but I was glad that I had printed off the confirmation because they gave us a room for the same price we had found it online. We made the kids wait til after dinner to swim, and they weren't very happy about it. We took them to Denny's for dinner, the food was good but they were really slow. The best part was that all the kids ate for free, so it was the cheapest meal we had on the trip.

Finally it came time to swim. Aleeya begged me to bring my suit and get in the pool with her. I was nice and did as she asked. When I went to step into the pool. it was to cold for me so I spent all my time in the hot pool. The kids all had a great time playing in the water with Delwyn. Aleeya was so happy that she could walk in the shallow end with her head above the water.

On Monday morning we got up early to get ready for the Open House. None of us slept very well so we were all tired and had a hard time waking up. 

When we got to the Temple we were able to walk right into the theater where they showed a short film about why we have temples. After the film we were able to do a walking tour of the temple. They had beautiful hardwood throughout the building along with beautiful stained glass windows. The one thing that could be said about this temple is there are lots of stairs. Delwyn's favorite thing about the temple was the spiral staircase from the instruction room up to the room with the vail. Matt complained about the stairs and how his legs were hurt but then when asked what his favorite part was he said "The stairs".

At the end of the tour they had a place where we could have a picture taken in front of a picture of the temple. We then exited up through the gazebo that had a miniature Christus and were able to get a family picture there also.  We all had a great time and were glad that we had taken the time to go down and see them temple.

On Sunday we got to Provo early so went to make sure we could find the Temple

On our way home we drove up Provo Canyon and saw Bridal Veil Falls. It was pretty but I had hoped that it would have had more water flowing down it. 

We got home about 3 pm, just in time for Jessica to rest up before going to track practice at 4. 

Camping over Labor Day Weekend

For the first time in 2 summers we were finally able to go camping. The kids were all excited, especially Matt. He cried when I let him know we wouldn't be leaving until Saturday morning.
We went up to the Klingler farm in Newdale. It was so cold and windy but the kids still had fun.
On saturday the kids rode the 4 wheeler, borrowed from my dad, shot the BB gun and broke lots of glass bottles, Jessica was getting pretty good at shooting, and watched a couple of movies in the farm house.

Riding the 4 wheeler for the first time at camp

Jessica shooting

Matt shooting

On Sunday it was a little warmer so we took the kids on a hike. We drove up to Kirkham hollow and hiked the canyon creek trail. It was a pretty hike and the kids did great. Aleeya kept wanting to go back to get her rocks we made her leave on the way down, so it took us longer to get down to the creek then to climb back out. The climb out was mostly uphill and I was amazed how well the kids all climbed without complaint. In total it was about a 3.2 mile hike.

Aleeya had to have her picture on this rock along the trail

Canyon Creek

Family picture at the end of the trail, thanks to my tripod

Just a little steep coming out.

We then went back to the farm and had lunch with the whole Klingler family. It was fun to have Grandpa and Grandma come up. Grandpa hip and back were hurting a lot but we were so grateful to have he there with us. We love them both. Delwyn was able to talk his parent into letting me take a picture of the family in front of the house, it turned out great. Only Wesley was missing because he is on his mission in Arizona.

The family Farm house

Grandma and Eileen, so Glad they came

Blaine and Helen Klingler Family

Monday was the nicest of the days. The kids enjoyed Snow cones and Cotton Candy thanks to Gary and Alene. They ate so much sugar I was sure they would be on a sugar high but they did alright. The treats were even fun for the adults.  We let the kids each  go on the 4 wheeler ride before going home. Delwyn taught them how to drive it. It was a great weekend full of good memories.

Making Cotton candy

Ky loved the cotton candy

First day of School 2015

For the Klingler family today was full of firsts.

1) Aleeya had her first day of Kindergarten. She was excited but scared. She kept asking if it was time to go out to wait for the bus. Then while she was waiting she kept running back up the driveway to give me hugs and kisses. She asked me at least 5 times to no be late picking her up. She cried a little bit and said she didn't want to go. But she seemed to get on the School bus with a big smile.

Aleeya, so cute with the curls, that is also a first she never wants her hair curled.

With Butterscotch, she really didn't want to leave her cat home without someone to play with him.

My brave girl getting on the bus.

2) Matt had his first day of 3rd grade and this is the first time that he is the oldest sibling in the school. He has promised Aleeya that he would walk her to class or her teacher. He is such a great big brother. He was the first one away this morning, right after 6 AM and asked if he could get dressed. I think he was all excited for school to start.

What a handsome 3rd grader

3) Kylynn is starting 5th grade in the Middle School today. She was nervous about finding her way around, since she didn't get the 5th grade orientation at the end of last year d/t testing. I had to remind her that we had found all her classroom at registration. This is also the first time she doesn't have any siblings in the school with her. But I also know she was excited to get to see all her friends.

Cute as always Kylynn, in her Famous shirt

4) Jessica is in the 7th grade and entering the Jr. High. She was excited but nervous as well. She had her orientation yesterday  and was able to find all her classes and got her locker. This should be a fun year for her.

Jessica all grown up and ready for Jr High

5) Mom, this is the first time I have had no kids home with me. It is a little quiet in the house, after the noisy summer. When Matt left he asked me if I was going to "Organize" I told him probably not today. But I think that is one thing I can to do to pass the time before Aleeya gets home around 11.

Look how big they are, seems like yesterday I was sending Jessica off to Kindergarten.

Trek to Martin's Cove

What an amazing experience it was to go on Trek. Jessica, Ky and I were all so glad we went.
We left on Tuesday June 30 at about 6:45 AM to drive over to Martin's Cove, WY. I didn't want to drive so we were able to ride with Barbara Summers. It was a long drive but pretty. It took about 7 1/2 hours to get there were several bathroom breaks.
When we finally arrived at Martin's Cove we had to wait for a while for everyone else to arrive. Once most of us were there we headed out with out bucket in the handcarts and trekked 3.2 miles to Cherry Creek Campground, where we set up camp.

Waiting for the rest of the ward to arrive at Martin's cove.

Trekking Family

Ky doing the stick pulling, she won.

Square dancing at Martin's cove.

On Wednesday we trekked to  the sweetwater river and crossed it with the handcarts. This was the first of several spiritual experiences we would have. It was so hard to pull the cart through the sand out  in the middle of the  river and just when you thought you couldn't go anymore someone would reach out and grab the cart to help. I could see why the pioneers would cry and almost refuse to cross the river each time they came to it.

Crossing of the Sweetwater river.

We then trekked  through Martin's cove, we got to leave the handcarts behind, which I was thankful for.  I was a pretty place.

 Us at the statuesto remind us of the 3 young man that carried pioneers across the river.

Trekking through Martin's cove, so hot and tired

Martin's cove

Trying to find some shade to eat or lunch.

After lunch we headed back to camp but stopped before we got there to do the Women's Pull. This turned out to be my favorite part of the whole Trek. We only had to take 5 of the 11 carts up. We divided into groups and as it turned out Jessica was with the first cart, Ky with the second and I was with the 3rd.  As Jessica's group started up the trail and got to the hill, I just started to cry and so badly wanted to run up to help her but I couldn't. The same thing happened when Ky's group went. The spirit spoke to me about how sometime we want to help out children out when they are going through hard things but that we have to let them experience it on there own, and just stand back and watch. I was so emotional by the time my group headed up that I don't know how much help I was, I just put my head down and dug my feet in the sand and pushed. It was an amazing experience, that I hope I never forget.

Womans pull

On Thursday, we packed up to move over to Sixth Crossing. The trek family we were assigned to, The Reynold left that morning to go to a family reunion. This left me and the 2 girls by ourselves with the handcart. I thought it would be alright since we only had to carry out water bottles and the 5 gallon jug of water. As we were heading out the ward rallied around us and helped us pull the cart. It brought back to me what the pioneers must have felt when they left family behind or when family died and they were on there own. I felt like just like the ward helped me that I'm sure the pioneers also helped each other out as much as they were able. I was thankful for this experience and it taught me that the Lord will never leave us alone.
Once we made it out we got to walk over to Devil gate and see it, then drove to Independence Rock. It was so hot that we didn't climb it but enjoyed the shade of the trees at the reststop.

Us at Devils gate.

Jessie and Ky at independence rock

Friday was the hardest day for me because I just was done with the heat and trekking and wanted to go home to my bed.  We trekked on the original Mormon, Oregon, and Pony Express trail. That was neat to know that I was walking where my ancestors walked, I was truly walking in their footsteps.  As we continued up the trail we made our way to Willie's' meadow and learned about it. We then trekked back to camp for lunch and to finish packing to go home. The final trek was to the Sweetwater River to cross it again. This time it was easier since we didn't have to bring the handcarts and the bottom was rocky and not sand. It was still a great experience. After they let us play in the river for about 30 minutes to cool off before heading for home.

Cooling off in the spring at Sixth crossing.

Walking the Pioneer trail.

I was so glad that I got to experience the trek with Jessica and Kylynn. They were so strong and walked the whole way and didn't complain too much. Jessica's feet held up with only a little pain but it didn't stop her from trekking. We were all so glad to get home friday night at 9:45. We all showered and looked forward to a good night sleep in  our own beds. I was grateful also to see Matt, Aleeya and Delwyn, I truly missed them.

A Fun Day In Yellowstone

On Saturday we took the kids up to Yellowstone National Park. It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. Delwyn wanted to go to Old Faithful first and then work our way back to the the West Entrance.
He must have been inspired to go to Old Faithful first because we had only been there about 5-10 minutes before it started going off, usually we have to wait for a long time.  Matt had a great time taking pictures of it.

We then walked around the store to find some batteries because mine were dead in the camera. The kids had fun trying to get us to buy them things. We managed to get out of there with only one cup that cost $0.99.
We then headed to the Black Sand Basin and saw a couple geysers we hadn't seen erupting before. We then head up to Biscuit Basin and did something we had never done and that was go on a hike to Mystic Falls. It was a pretty hike through the woods. The kids only complained a little bit about being tired and hungry. When we made it to the fall I think they were all glad we went, I know I was.

Family at Mystic Falls

Jewel Geyser

 The next thing we did was feed those hungry kids and stopped to have a picnic lunch that I had packed.
After lunch we went to Midway Geyser Basin and had to wait for a long time in a line to get into the parking lot. It was crazy. I'm not sure what the hold-up was because we had no problem finding a parking place. The kids had a great time counting all that hats that were out in the thermal areas as we walked around. By the time we made it all the way around they had counted 21 lost hats. I'm just glad Delwyn's hat stayed on his head and didn't add to the mix, with the wind gusts we occasionally had. 

Midway Geyser Basin, where we say some of those 21 hats.

We finished our day with a trip to the Playmill Theater to see "Mary Poppins". The kid all liked it, Aleeya spent more time going in and out to the bathroom then anything else. She would sit still when they were singing songs that she knew, but other than that she was very interested.

Waiting of the play to start

Aleeya enjoying her popcorn

It was a long but fun day for the whole family. 

Beautiful Sunset to end the day.