Stake Youth Trek

About three weeks ago (time flies), Carey and I were honored to participate in our stake's youth trek as a ma a pa. I won't take the time to recount all of the details and wonderful experiences, but will mention a few things that make me grateful to have participated. In no particular order:

• Having both of my boys participating. Dallas went as a big brother to the Crump (older) family, and Dylan as a son in the Pottle (younger) family. Although we didn't have opportunities to interact with them much, I am grateful they both made the decision to go.
• Sharing a common experience with the Beeson's, the McLean's, the LaMunyon's and Jarret Sharp.
• Being with my Stake President, fellow counselor and other stake and ward staff and friends. I am only as good as the people I surround myself with and for four days, I was surrounded by the best.
  
• Walking.
• The Sabbath. I love being outdoors and I love Sunday meetings. Combining the two is icing on the cake.
  
• And last, but certainly not least, having 14 wonderful youth as our "children" for four days. They were awesome! They loved each other, they helped each other, they had fun together and they made their ma and pa proud.
  

Our stake's youth are amazing.

Dylan's sweet jump

Here is a sweet jump by Dylan during a recent trip to Wet Beaver Creek. Nicely done.

Havasupai 2009

Same place, many of the same people, lots of different people, some different scenery, but still a great time.


The newly created "30 Foot Falls." Not as beautiful as Navajo Falls used to be, but still a great place to jump and swim. Maybe even better than Navajo was.








Base of Havasu Falls. Not quite the same swimming hole it used to be, but still a great spot.









Dallas, looking cool at 30 Foot Falls.







This was a fun trip, but also brought back some bad memories for me, personally. I think it is time for a new hike next year.

Dallas' Graduation

I'm getting old(er). There, I admitted it, kind of. Dallas graduated from high school last week, making it harder for me to deny this simple fact.

We're proud of Dallas. He is a good kid. Very independent; a bit stubborn; sometimes the cause of much anxiety but still a good kid.

The graduating class.

Dallas, walking up to the stage to receive his diploma.

Dallas, walking off stage, diploma in hand.

My sister-in-law, Jen. And she thinks I'm weird.

Dallas' graduation present, a trip to Eloy, AZ to skydive.

From the two "thumbs up", I'd say he was having a good time.

We love you son and are proud of you!

Carey's Graduation

I want the world to know how proud I am of my wife. At 32 years old (not really, but she'd kill me if I put in her real age), she achieved one of her goals, to obtain her Bachelor's Degree. She graduated yesterday from Arizona State University with a BA in English.

Isn't she beautiful? I must admit getting a little choked up when I saw her walking.

Kelsey and Kamryn entertained themselves with a tic-tac-toe game made from rocks

The announcement of the name and handshake.

Kamryn, Carey, Kelsey

A proud husband.