Lake Powell 2013-Part 1: The Boat

We got invited to go to Lake Powell with Todd & Andie Pedersen this year. Let's just say we did this trip with style! The boys all drove down with the toys and boats. The girls got to ride in the plane and get delivered to the dock by a limo.....

The middle deck for tv watching and lounging.

We had a great camping spot in a little canyon all by ourselves.

The view from the top deck

New Family Pic

We got a new family picture last weekend. It was our last opportunity to have one taken before the kids head off on missions. I was convinced that they would not turn out at all because of so many things ----howling wind, hot temperatures, not the best lighting and Emerson not feeling well. But I thought they turned out quite well. I think everyone is happy about them but Emerson. 

Missionary Montana

Well, it's official. She is now Sister Brian. She was set apart tonight and will enter the MTC tomorrow. I feel like I'm in a fog-----the day we have all been anticipating for so long has finally come. 

I'm sure she would love a letter or an email. Even just a quick little note. This address is good until Jun 17---she leaves on June 18. Dearelder.com is a great way to send a note and have it delivered to her the same day.

Sister Montana Brian

JUN 18 WA-SEA

2000 N. 900 E. Unit 100

Provo, UT 84602

montana.brian@myldsmail.net

I will be posting her letters and photos on her blog which you can find here. Or you can let me know your email and I will add you in a group to receive her letters. 

No longer a teen....

Montana, the birthday girl, wanted to start the day out right! Amen to that!

Next, we headed out for a pedicure party.

Followed by a very brief hike with 2/3 of the family.

Her day ended with balloons, sugar cookies, flowers and a date with Stephen Hawks. I think it was a pretty good way to celebrate being 20!

And one last pic with some of the England littles before she heads out on the mission!

Finn's Graduation 2013

On the big screen

Grandma and Grandpa England

Graduation day consisted of me trying to hold back tears ALL day. It was so fun to spend time with family and friends and watch Finn enjoy this carefree day. High school has been such a wonderful experience for him. He has had so many good, close friends sharing it with him and I am so appreciative of their examples and friendship to Finn. 

Montana's Farewell

I have had continual reminders of my blessings these last few weeks. The good things my kids are doing bring me such joy. And I feel so surrounded with love from family and friends! 

Montana's farewell was yesterday and it couldn't have been more perfect. Her thoughts were sincere and well thought out and, most importantly, filled with the spirit. I know she is prepared to serve with all her heart! 

Then to have so many loved ones come over to our house after the meeting was the perfect way to end the day! I am so appreciative of those who travelled a long distance to be there, of those who so generously helped with the food and their time and everyone who came to be a strength and support to Montana and our entire family. 

It truly was a happy day!

State Final vs. Bountiful L 2-0

What an exciting chance it was for our boys to play their state championship game at Rio Tinto Stadium! They were so excited and ready to win!

Unfortunately a win for the Tigers was not in the cards this year. They played so hard and clearly had possession the majority of the game but Bountiful was lucky enough to score a goal off a free kick and another off a penalty kick. 

But win or lose, I'm so proud of their play this year. They truly deserved to be in this final game. More importantly, I'm so proud of all these boys and the good people that they are! I look forward to seeing the amazing things they will do in the future!