August 2014

Dad and Mom

Well - I guess I don't have much to report. We spent the first of August with Mary and Rachel. We finally got to Dollywood and the girls seemed to be obsessed about getting me on the Ferris wheel (with a lot of additional razzing from your Dad). I did it - can I just say I don't like heights?!? They even got me on one of the roller coasters but I drew the line at that one. I know they would have had lots of fun with friends and the rest of their family.

We headed up to Wisconsin, to take them home on the 11th or 12th. We certainly enjoyed having them and hope they'll return soon. I know their families and friends missed them. Joshua wouldn't leave Rachel's side when we got there and I know it wasn't long before both girls had friends in the mix as well. I have some pics but again, don't know how to get them onto this email. I hear that Apple has a thing coming out that will sync all your devices and so whatever is on one is on everything else. I know...your Dad tells me that isn't such a big deal because of the "cloud" but I don't get the cloud and at least I might have a fighting chance!

Our trip to Wisconsin was a quick turn around. We only spent one day there before heading home. Your Dad, Phil, and Hannah went to see the new planet of the apes...I wasn't interested and Wanda had a school activity she had to attend to and Robert probably would have liked to go but they had a friend of Ruth's come, along with her family, for dinner and for a first discussion with the missionaries. I don't know where things will go with them but the Dad gave Ruth such a terrific compliment. I guess Ruth had decided to give her friend a Book of Mormon and when she delivered it to her friend, it was her Dad that took it and listened to what Ruth had to say. He was touched and he started reading it and could feel the power of the book immediately. He was in tears as he shared how much her simple act meant to him personally. Both parents shared that they could feel something special about Ruth and had always felt that way about her. Quite a compliment and a great reminder that we may not see our light - but others really can.

When we got home we quickly seemed to fall back into old routines, as if we'd never been gone for the summer or had the girls with us. It's amazing how fast that happens :)

This past week I've been pretty sick - I'm pretty sure it was pneumonia. My chest hurt and breathing was difficult. However, a course of antibiotics and I'm feeling much improved. Still coughing, but that may be with me of a few weeks. I have been trying my best to not be around your Dad as I don't want him to get it. So far he hasn't.

We also started the Book of Mormon challenge together on Labor Day. I see that some of you signed up to join us. I hope all of you will. Wouldn't it be awesome to have our whole family read it by the end of December???? Four pages a day! :)

Well - that pretty much covers our August. I'm looking forward to reading about all of the things you have been up to. I'm still missing pj info from a few of you and I really need the previously mentioned docs for family history. However, know that you are all in our prayers and we love you all so very, very much! Mom

Robert and Wanda

Robert is the new Branch President of our unit. He’s really excited, and really humbled. Wanda is still plugging away in primary and working to get the kids ready for school (they don’t start until Sept 2).

Joseph had his dental appointment for his missionary papers and is now just waiting on his medical appointment in September. Rebekah is excited to start her senior year. She has 8th hour study hall and since she’s a senior she can come home early. Rachel loved school supply shopping. She kind of a nerd about pens and office supplies. Mary is a freshman and gets to start seminary this year with the other girls.

Ben is getting ready to start soccer again. I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. Didn’t soccer just end? Sam is excited to start school with WIVA again… he can’t wait to take the beginning of year assessments. Ruth will be the first one of my traditional schoolers to start school again.

Moroni doesn’t want school to start again. We’ll have to see if we can change that attitude. Adam signed up for Reading Eggs over the summer and has surpassed Moroni’s ‘level.’ He loves to play it. He’s really disappointed that he has to wait another year for school. Hyrum starts school on Sep 3. He will be going Wed and Thurs for 2.5 hours each. I’m a little anxious. Joshua has started dragging people by the shirt to take them to what he wants. We’ll have to teach him to take us by the hand.

Joey and Carlie

August has been busy for Joey as he has a new Commander, though otherwise uneventful.

Carlie has been working hard getting a key spouse program up and running for the spouses in Joey’s squadron. It should be easier, but sometimes it has its high school drama. She is getting to work with a lot of different personalities, some pleasant and some tough.

Gideon finally started his sophomore year of high school. He is currently enrolled in online drivers’ ed for his permit. He also started youth orchestra again and will have several difficult oboe solos throughout the year.

Glory got accepted into a charter school and has been preparing to return to school for 8th grade. Scarlett will be attending with her for 6th grade.

Levi started 2nd grade and has returned to cub scouts for the fall. He is participating in a community pack as the ward pack conflicts with his karate schedule.

Reah has lost all of her friends this summer and there haven't been any move ins her age.

This past month Monterey and Pebble Beach hosted the Concourse d'Elegance, a very ritzy car show. We don't even know how many lamborghinis and ferraris we've seen.

We also all went to AT&T Park in San Franciso for a Stadium Spartan Sprint. Joey, Carlie, Gideon and Glory ran the full 3.1 mile obstacle course while Scarlett, Levi and Reah rand the junior race. Levi an it four times for a total of 2 miles.

We also had a great Labor Day weekend at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Ok --- that's everything from us

Phil and Hannah

It seems to me that August was kinda a crazy month. But I don't think we really did anything, so I am not sure why I feel like it was crazy. Lets see, nothing new with Philip. Still working and doing young mens. William is excited for school to start. Orion is not. Although he is super excited that I bought him an alarm clock so that he can wake up on his own this year. Oliver had a cough most of the month, so I finally took him to the doctor. He has pneumonia. Poor boy. Winston is Walking!! For the last 12 days of August we are watching a couple of girls from our branch while their parents are on a cruise. Wow that has been exhausting! Especially since morning sickness is kicking my butt! Only a few more days, and then they will go home. A few days after that school will start (which I am NOT ready for!), and things will quiet down around here. In theory.

Mike and Desi

We got back from a very fun family reunion for Mike's side of the family on the 12. The kids started school on the 18th. Mordecai is in 1st grade and got the same teacher that Emily had, Mrs. Welch, and we LOVE her. Emily is in 3rd grade and she has Mrs. Larson. We only heard she was nice, and so far we LOVE her too. Emily and Mordecai also go soccer assignments and started their first weeks of practice this last week with their first games this Saturday. Emily also started the braces process. She had spacers put in the week we got back from Utah, a week after that they made an impression mold of her mouth to fit for an expander, and last week they installed it. It has been a little difficult thing for her at first...cranking it, and talking a little different with extra salivia, but this is a good thing to her and Mike and I to remember that we can do HARD things. Ruby and Ivy had a hard adjustment when the older 2 went back to school, but they have figured out they get Mom all to themselves and that makes for a fun time. Mike and I are heading into our 3 month of P90X3 but pausing for a dew days so we can get over the colds we have. We also bought a sleep number bed when we got home from our trip, but are still testing it out because we thought we would LOVE it but come to find out we like it, but don't LOVE it. That's the news over here.

Dan and Cherstin

This month has been busy with back-to-school, finishing up unpacking, extracurriculars for the kids, etc. I'm sure you all know how it goes. So, down the list I go...

Dan - Dan's work has been same ol', same ol'. He has been sick most of this month with a sinus infection which has kept him from flying. I'm not complaining. He spoke in church and then the week afterwards, they asked him to give the prayer. LOL He was also extended a calling, but has yet to be sustained.

Cherstin - I've been busy unpacking, sorting, coordinating family pictures (check my facebook), planning school, and keeping everything going. School has been going easier than I thought it would most days. Dan gave me a blessing before we started school with some inspired directions that I've been trying to diligently follow. When I do all of those things, our days go smoother. I'm very grateful for the Priesthood.

Abby - Abby started piano again this month. She told her new teacher (yes, NOT ME!) that she didn't remember anything, but when she sat down for her lesson, it was like she had played all of those songs for the last year. I guess she'll fly through the first little bit of the book. For school this year, Abby is learning Latin and absolutely loving it. Between teaching Dan her new Latin words, drawing and writing stories, writing to her penpal (in Australia!), and playing at the park, she is pretty busy.

Emmett - Emmett is very motivated to get his schoolwork and chores done of late. He wakes up and cleans everything he knows he's responsible for so when it comes time for a break, he can be out and riding his bike. Emmett also had his first swim meet of the season this month. We are so pleased with his new team and the improvement we've seen. His coach says he's got some beautiful form and a whole lot of talent. He still loves swimming and practices as hard as he can. He had a week or so where he was in a funk and not swimming much, but his coach knows to get him in the water and keep him busy and he does great.

Ellie - Ellie tried out swim team and was capable of swimming a whole 25m on her own. However, she's decided it's too tough and she doesn't want to do that. She doesn't know if she wants to do swim lessons, gymnastics, dance, or what. Until she asks for something a few times, I'm going to just let her continue to be in nothing. She likes to play outside as much as Emmett, but she is not as motivated to get her things picked up to be out there. She's kind of in this funny stage where she is willing to play with Hyrum and participate in the younger kid games, but she's also just as willing to hang out with the older kids. I guess she's a true middle child.

Hyrum - Hyrum is loving that school has started and he constantly sits behind the older kids' chairs pointing out their letters, sounds, or whatever. He's also been known to sound out a few words and "help" Ellie with her phonograms. He is nerd to the extreme. He's also working slowly on potty training. I haven't changed a stinky diaper of his in over a week. Still, if I put underwear on him, he potties in it. So he spends a lot of time naked at home and in a diaper when we're out.

Enzo - He had a spell of good where he was happy and playing with everyone and not on top of me. For the last few days, though, he's been running a fever and REALLY CRABBY. I have no clue what's wrong with him. If he's not better by tomorrow (day four with a fever), he'll be seeing the doctor. I'm waiting for him to talk a bit more. He only says a few words: go, gone, bye, night, Mom, and hello. He does babble in conversation, though.

I can't wait to read everyone else's updates. I'm sure there's big news somewhere in there!

Tom and Felicia

For once, you will not be waiting on me! Haha

August has been an eventful month in the Bibber household! At the beginning of the month we took a trip to Denver so we could see Ray Lamontagne in concert at Red Rocks. The concert was great but it would have been better if we hadn't had to deal with people smoking Mary J. I guess we shouldn't have expected anything less in Colorado, eh? While we were there we also purchased a new couch! On the 13th I started work part time at the Hospice agency here in Rock Springs. I will be doing assessments to look at people's ability to grieve and cope mentally as they approach the end of life. It will work out so that for the most part I don't have to leave Noah with anyone other with Tom. On the 15th Tom and I celebrated our two year anniversary. it still feels as though it was yesterday that we were in Nauvoo which it kind of was but kind of wasn't. This last Monday on the 25th I was at work and a double tanker truck got stuck in the narrow streets up by my office and ended up backing into my car. One of my windows is completely smashed and there is a giant hole in one of the doors but the other guy is taking care of it and we are just thankful no one was in the car when it happened. Other than that Tom and I have been busy packing as we are moving in to a bigger apartment on September 1st! Noah is getting bigger every day. He started crawling last month and we are hoping that he will soon start pulling up and walking. Hopefully that way he quits getting beat up by other kids his age. That's all for us! Hope everyone is doing well!!

July Newsletter

(I'm going to start taking over posting these on the family blog since it's a pain in the neck for Wanda. If you've got any pictures you'd like to include with your post, you can email or iMessage them to Wanda or me and we can get them inserted here. -Cherstin)

Mom and Dad

Well - I'm kind of wondering what there is to report since I've been with family since our last newsletter! lol

We left Tennessee on June 2nd for Oklahoma. We were pretty tired heading out as things had been pretty hectic to get to the point where we could leave and I'm supposing things will be just what they are when we return as there isn't much to be done about it anyway.

The trip to Oklahoma was uneventful and we arrived late at night/early morning so we just got a room at the local Hawthorne Inn. We knew that Dan had a briefing in the morning so we worked it out for Cherstin and the kids to could come over to the hotel for breakfast as we knew they would have little in the house. My thought was that the kids could come swim in the hotel pool while some of us went back to the house to do the finish loading prior to our departure...but Dan's brief was much shorter than we anticipated and he ended up with us at breakfast and we ended up all heading to the house so we could just get out on the road ASAP. It was a little bittersweet for me...sometimes I think I'm more attached to OKC than they are! lol

By late afternoon we were on our way. We stopped in Hays, Kansas for the night because we had stayed in a hotel once that was pretty old but had a great pool and water slide and thought the kids would enjoy it after a long car ride. we got in too late for the pool and the next morning the pool was pretty cold - but Abby and Emmett didn't mind much.

We got into Desi and Mike's the next afternoon. Desi had prepared yummy stromboli for supper and the kids all seemed to enjoy seeing one another. Felicia, Tom, and Noah all arrived late that night too. The next morning we prepared for Abby's baptism. I'm grateful for Desi's Bishop and his counselor - he has presided at Noah's blessing, Emily's baptism and now Abby's. They were as gracious as could be, especially considering that two of these events were for our family and not even in their ward. Abby was baptized and confirmed by Dan. And, both grandfathers were the witnesses. Two of Dan's brothers and their families were able to be there and of course, Felicia, Tom and Noah were there, along with Desi and Mike and Family. It was a beautiful occasion and afterwards we all headed to Red Robin to celebrate.

Sadly Felicia and Tom had to be back in Rock Springs for Sunday but Cherstin and Dan were able to stay around until Tuesday before heading off to Alaska. But - before they could drive out of town Rich had to take the kids out to Krispy Kreme for donuts. I don't know who enjoyed it more - Rich or the kids! lol

We stayed with Desi and Mike for another week before heading out to Rock Springs. As usual, we enjoyed our time immensely and were so grateful for Emily sharing her room with us!

At Felicia's we relaxed and enjoyed learning about Rock Springs - the following pics are the BLM's wild horse adoption pens. A person can buy a horse through the BLM's program for about $125! That was just amazing to me...and there were plenty of foals there too!

We also spent a couple of days working on a couple of skirts that Felicia had bought fabric for and was interested in making. They ended up being adorable. Felicia could sent anyone the tutorials she used if you're interested. Sadly, I thought I had some cute pics of them on my phone, but not surprisingly, I didn't!

We then headed west to SLC so that we could attend the wedding shower for CJ and Sarah given by Brittany and Julia. It was a lot of fun to be able to see ALL of my brothers and their families, except Mike and Shauna who were in Lake Powell.

We spent a week there and I visited cemeteries and checked out the house (it's been sold) and rummaged through a few of the many boxes left to go through. And, of course, my brothers and sister-in-laws (except Jim and Maria this time) had dinner together one evening. It really was fun to see everyone and catch up on what's happening in our families.

On Friday (in the early, early, early morning) we headed for California. Levi was having a promotion ceremony for his karate - to yellow

Sunday we had the opportunity to go to church at the military installation. One of Joey's callings is to be a Serviceman's Group Leader there. He provides sacrament meeting and Sunday school for any of the service men and women that come. On this particular day I played the music, your Dad blessed the Sacrament, Gideon passed the Sacrament, Joey conducted the meeting and spoke and Carlie gave the prayers. Joey also taught the Sunday School lesson. All of the family attended. It really was a beautiful service and once again I was reminded of how grateful I am for the Priesthood which allows all to feel the love of our Savior and partake of the Sacrament.

Yesterday Joey, Carlie, Reah, and your Dad and I headed down to Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. We had some lunch and then headed over to Pacific Grove where Grandma and Grandpa Pehrson had lived before and after his deployment to Japan. I had the opportunity to drive with them when Gideon was blessed as they were here for that event. I tried to remember exactly where everything was but will probably need to go back to the old photos to be sure.

This is a couple of pics of Reah standing with a statue in the park we went to yesterday...isn't she cute?!?!

On Saturday Levi will be baptized. He is pretty excited. Joey told me that they will be purchasing a cake with a rainbow on it from Costco (I Like To Look For Rainbows), when they asked him whether he wanted chocolate or white he was, "WHITE!!!! I'm getting baptized!" Duh!!!!??? lol

I know that this is more of a travelog than anything else...but we have had a great time and will be here a few more days and then be wending our way home back through Utah, Rock Springs, Colorado, Wisconsin, and finally to Tennessee. Wanda reminded me a few days ago, as I was commiserating about the frustration of getting your Dad's INR done at labs all across the country, that we are son fortunate to live in a day and time when we are able to do this. And we are. I'm really grateful that we are on this jaunt and hope that this finds everyone hale and hearty. We love you! Each and EVERY one of you!!!! And, see you soon!!!! :) And, thanks to Gideon - he helped me get these pics on here....just need to do it a gazillion more times to know what he/I did! lol

Tom and Felicia

Not much to report here. It was good having mom and dad come visit for a week! Other than that we're just loving life. We're looking forward to the 4th and being able to enjoy the few months of nice weather WY actually has. Noah still isn't crawling but he gets closer and closer every day. We're looking forward to celebrating his first birthday at the end of the month! Where did the time go?!

Dan and Cherstin

We have been BUSY this month... obviously. We left Oklahoma on the third of this month and arrived in Alaska on the 18th. We have a four bedroom house on base. Get a hold of me if you desperately desire our new address. We would prefer to live off base, but our housing allowance is such that we get the most space and most house on base. It is what it is. We camped mostly as we drove up here and it was quite hectic, but a neat experience. The drive up the Alaska Canadian highway was quite cool with lots of wildlife and pretty scenery.

The kids are having a few issues adjusting and getting used to the new area (some positive, some negative), but I think they're getting along fine. I'm happy that, while our house is two floors, our stairs have a landing in the middle so that means my kids will only fall down half a flight of stairs when they fall. LOL

Abby - Abby got baptized on the fifth of June. She was happy to do it in Denver where lots of family got to be there. We all enjoyed spending time in Denver with Mom and Dad, Mike and Desi, and Tom and Felicia. She's excited to go to an Activity Days' Girls camp they do up here. She is excited to start piano lessons (NOT from me) and maybe take part in some sort of drama class.

Emmett - Emmett was a big help on the move up. He is the strongest and most willing to work most of the time. He has his own room in the new house, which I thought would be a privilege he'd enjoy. However, one of the first nights here he had a really creepy nightmare and is sometimes afraid to go to bed. He's working on that with prayer and some "monster spray." He did try out for a new swim team today, and while he was nervous, he did a great job. This team really focuses on strength and endurance and Dan and I think he'll do well with that.

Ellie - Ellie is still loving her reading lessons. Dan and I don't always love it because she can't sit still and pay attention half the time, but still begs to do it. She is happy with her new primary class. The only thing she DETESTS is that she is not old enough to go to the park on her own like Abby and Emmett are.

Hyrum - Hyrum has finally given up the bottle. YAY! It took him forever, too. We are now teaching him how to get dressed on his own in preparation for eventual potty training. We haven't had to explicitly teach a child to do those things since Abby.

Enzo - Enzo is same ol', same ol'. He's nearly fifteen months and likes to scream for what he wants. With our loud crew, it adds just another layer....and grates on our nerves...ESPECIALLY when he's screaming at Church. I can take him around the halls sometimes, though, and he points at the pictures and says, "Jesus."

Dan - Dan checked into his new squadron today. He says it's a very laid back squadron and is happy he'll have time in the mornings to devote to exercise. He is looking like his desk job will be working stan/eval so he should have a good office.

Me - I sure am looking to having all of our furniture and household goods so we can get our things and figure out where they go and how things fit and a new routine set up in this house. I enrolled the kids in a public charter that will give us funds to still homeschool the way I want. It'll be good for the activities they provide, I think, as well as paying for our internet (because it is NOT unlimited here - $70 for 60 gigs a month!) and extracurriculars we want.

So...things are just rolling along. We're excited to read what everyone else is up to!

Mike and Desi

I guess the biggest thing that was exciting in June was all the family that was here! Cherstin and Dan and their family stopped here on their way to Alaska. The really neat thing was that we got to attend Abby's baptism. Mom and Dad, and Felicia and Tom were also here.

Mike is still plugging away at work. Good thing he enjoys it. He still loves his Saturday morning bike rides and can't wait to start p90x3 that His awesome wife got him for Father's Day/anniversary present.

Desi is excited to start p90x3 with Mike too. We a enjoyed a movie night out to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. It's been a while since we have been to a movie without kids. She will also start the pathway program from BYU-I in September to finish her schooling. She looks forward to the religion class you have to take the first 3 semesters but not so excited that she has to do basic math and english again to transfer her previous credits into BYU-I online courses.

Emily still has her singing group and piano that she participates in. Perhaps the biggest thing for Emily this past month was the passing of her sweet friend, Kalynn Colon. They have played soccer together and her dad, Marcus, was the girls’ coach. She was playing with sheets and making forts/hammock in her bottom bunk when she got tangled up. We don't know if she suffocated or strangled herself. Emily and Desi attended her memorial service and both had a hard time. It's a hard thing talking about death with a kid when it's someone who shouldn't have died. Emily still tells us once a day that she can't stop thinking about it.

Mordecai is still a ball full of energy. He is constantly driving desi crazy! He was a trooper this month with allergy testing. He cried and asked them to "please stop" but he did it. He is for sure allergic to peanuts and most likely tree nuts. He's also allergic to dogs and Bermuda grass. I guess we won't be getting a dog anytime soon ;)

Ruby is still a feisty one. She is currently learning to ride her tricycle, and loves it! She is so funny with the hand on her hip attitude and the grown up phrases she uses.

Ivy is constantly learning new words. Her favorite is "Ruby". She likes to pester Ruby one minute but then turn around the next and be her best friend.

We are headed to Colorado Springs for a little family vacation and get away. We will be there from 6/30-7/3. When we get home Keith and Kim and their girls will join us for the fourth of July...And then some time after that mom and dad get here again. That's it for now. Until next month.

Phil and Hannah

Wow, what a month June was! Hannah celebrated her 30th birthday, Winston turned 1, and William turned 5! Hannah’s parents came out to visit for 10 days and we put her dad to work doing lots of odd jobs around the house. Hannah’s sister Jada is staying with us for the summer and having a live in babysitter is wonderful! At the beginning of the month we went to Jamboree with the Husteds. The kids had a lot of fun and Orion displayed some mad skills by climbing up and over this rope wall thing. William and Orion also started gymnastics. Orion is SOO excited and overdoes a lot of the exercises. The kid needs to slow down and do it right instead of just trying to do it as fast as he can! Overall, we are doing really well and looking forward to a fun filled July.

Joey and Carlie

Reah - still 4... She changed the words to the song "do you want to build a snowman?" to wanting to play with Carlie's phone. She also sang Katy Perry's song "roar" to me yesterday. It is awesome to listen to her sing!!!

Levi - He was promoted to yellow belt this week in karate and is looking forward to getting baptized on the 5th. Carlie found a rainbow cake at Costco for his baptism and asked him if he wanted chocolate or vanilla, he wants vanilla. He said it had to be white.

Scarlett - is having a great summer with many friends, though she has been sad to see her best friend leave. She wanted to go with to North Carolina, if it had been three weeks earlier we may have let her and she could have come back with grandma and grandpa.

Glory - worked all day out at the Spartan Beast and earned a free race entry

Gideon - he ran the Spartan beast and then he spent the first week of summer vacation at chawanakee for summer camp,came home and spent the next week getting everything ready for his eagle project and thine turned around and spent another three days hiking and camping.

Carlie - is happy June is over and Gideon's eagle project is done

Joey - ran the Spartan Beast, top 25%, is happy June is over and Gideon's eagle project is done

Robert and Wanda

I thought things would get easier now that school is out, but boy was I wrong. I do get to sleep in until after 6!

Joshua is turning into a little stinker. When he plays with the shape sorter and I show him which hole it goes in, he’ll try all the others first. Hyrum is learning more and more ‘words,’ he can do just about any with ‘reduplicated syllables’ (think mama, beebee, papa). I’m having to keep Moroni and Adam busy. They’d play online and watch minecraft videos all day if I let them, but they’re also happy playing in the pool and on the trampoline.

Hyrum’s therapists are working on teaching Ruth how to run some of Hyrum’s programs. She’s always trying to get in on the therapy sessions and tries to do what they do, so they’re going to teach her how to do them correctly. Sam just went to scout day camp and nags me to do Webelos stuff. Maybe he’ll be a scouter we don’t have to nag.

Ben and Joseph are house-sitting for a family in Blue Mounds and Ben is getting ready for scout camp - Joseph is relieved he’s done with scouting. Mary enjoyed Youth Conference this year and is looking forward to girls’ camp (unlike her sisters).

Rachel has been doing a lot of personal progress. Rebekah just bought a new-to-her yellow bug. She’s grateful to have her wings back.

Joseph had his graduation with WIVA. It was kinda cool to go to the graduation ceremony… my first graduate! We took him out to Red Lobster after and it was really apparent that he doesn’t get out much. (“Should I have opened my silverware already?” “What’s a virgin drink?”)

Robert and I always seem to be short on sleep and running tight on funds (new back door new water heater). But… as they say… “They’re cheaper by the dozen.” (Yes, we threw that in here to see how many of you read all the way to the bottom.) March 6, in case you’re wondering, and yes, that’s why I’ve been extra diligent on getting this newsletter out. :)

June 2014 Newsletter

Tom and Felicia

Nothing much is new here. We loved getting to see Joey down in Denver at the beginning of the month! He and Desi somehow convinced me to run the Spartan Race with them, which I did pitifully at, but it was still fun! We just returned from Denver again where Tom ran the BolderBoulder with Desi on Memorial Day and we look forward to going back in two weeks to see Abby's baptism! Tom and I are both trying to move to a healthier lifestyle with more active activities and healthier eating. We're definitely looking forward to Summer! Noah still isn't crawling or even scooting BUT, he has gotten quite effective at rolling from place to place. :) We're hoping the others follow soon.

Dan and Cherstin

Good news: Our house is under contract. We are waiting to hear back from the prospective buyers on what repairs they really want as their list was over the contracted $500.  We had the appraisal this week and the appraiser found no major repairs or issue with the agreed-upon sale price.  We pre-sign our closing papers on Tuesday. Prayers would still be appreciated that this sale goes through and the house is one less thing we have to worry about.  I'm hoping this is HF blessing us and trying to have faith that it will work to our best interest.

We have packers coming Monday/Tuesday (2-3 June) and they will load the truck Wednesday (4 June).  Things are really starting to happen and it's rather hectic getting it all done.

Abby had her interview with our bishop tonight and she is all set to be baptized on 7 June at 11:30.  She just had her birthday and was excited to celebrate with friends at an adventure place where they do a ropes course, belaying, kayaking, stand-up paddle boats, etc. She had a great time. She also recently earned her very own (plain) Kindle and is ecstatic that she will be able to take it on our road trip.

Emmett said goodbye to his swim team this last week. It was very bittersweet for him. He has had such good friends and amazing growth in the last year. We are sure he will find a good team in Alaska as well.

Ellie is continuing with her reading lessons when I can fit it in.  She is doing really well. She also had a gymnastics performance where she was given a medal and was very ecstatic to have her very own medal after watching her brother get some for the last year.

Hyrum turned three last week.  We took him to the science museum and a library party.  He still insists it's his birthday, though.  

Enzo is FINALLY walking.  Sometimes I think that helps his demeanor, but sometimes not.  Today, for example, he wanted up, then squirmed to get down, got down only to be Angry because he wasn't up.  He is the kid that is going to be a pain for the three weeks in the car, I'm sure.

Dan has work off basically this week to help with packers and movers which is awesome because I'm not sure I could manage ALL THE THINGS on my own.

There are other things going on, but nothing like the giant move staring us in the face.

Mike and Desi

I don't feel like there is much going on here...

Mike is still busy with work, that's a good thing, but things aren't as stressful since their customer meeting last month. He is excited that our temperatures have warmed up so he can go out and ride his road bike early Saturday mornings, though he's only gone a handful of times. He is also eager to use the pool for early morning swims before work.

Desi had fun running the Bolder Boulder with Tom and her good friend Marci this past Memorial day. She had a goal of running the 6.1 miles non-stop, which she is proud to say that she DID!!!. She didn't beat her previous 10k time of 70 minutes, but she is a firm believer it was because she didn't stop to walk which gives you a recovery time to run faster when you start again. By the way her Bolder Boulder time was 1:15:05. Life is also really busy for her because now she has all 4 kids nonstop because of summer.

Emily finished the play this past month and she did WONDERFUL...but of course we are biased. She is still plugging away at piano and this past Saturday auditioned and made a chorale group (Young Artistry) for this summer. The group is kids from 3rd-8th grade and she is so excited to learn some new songs and choreography for her performances. School officially ended on the 28th and she is sad that it is over. We have felt very blessed with the teachers she has had. She is also excited for the pool to be open.

Mordecai is also plugging away at piano. Mom has slowly been teaching him and this past week he had an assessment piano lesson with Cheryl, Emily's piano teacher. She said that he is doing well and is slated to start in the Fall. He seems to really have a talent for it, just like his sister and Dad. School also ended for him on the 28th, and he is now a 1st grader. He wasn't nearly as sad as Emily was. In fact when Emily said she was so sad school was out Mordecai piped up with, "WHY?!?! I'm not! School is boring".  We plan on working hard this summer so he betters is handwriting before school starts. He is also enrolled in swim lessons at the neighborhood pool. He grew leaps and bounds last year with it, so this year we just want to make sure he can do the deep end with confidence.

Ruby is thrilled to have Emily and Mordecai home all day to pester, which she does a lot of. She is finally old enough to start swim lessons this year which is a good thing because she loves going to the swimming pool and playing in the big pool.  The last few weeks in nursery they take the older children in to participate with the primary kids for closing exercise.  Ruby feels like a big kid when she gets to join in with them.  Ruby is excited that she is big enough to get onto a swing by her self.  She also loves to hang on the monkey bar and loves to show off for people.

Ivy is finally using a few more words that we can understand but we are eagerly awaiting more so we can get over the crying for things.  She does well going to nursery.  I think having Ruby in there helps.  Ivy loves to play with the big kids no matter what they are doing.  She loves playing outside and pointing out dogs by barking.

Everyone is excited for Summer, and all the visitors we are expecting.

Phil and Hannah

May was a pretty busy month for some of us!

Phil got a promotion at work!! WOOHOO!! AND, we finally got a scout master called in our branch, so Phil doesn't have to fill that role on top of his Young Men’s duties. He is super excited about that! He also was a trooper and took the three oldest boys to the Father and Son camp out. It was rather cold that night, and I don't think Philip took enough blankets, so he froze all night. But the boys had a good time.

Orion had a field trip at school. That morning, he was in tears because he didn't want to go on the field trip. It took a little bit to get out of him that he was just nervous because he had never been to the Children’s Science Museum and he really wanted me to go with him the first time so that he wasn't scared. I was a super mean mom and made him go anyway. I talked to his teacher and told her to call me if she felt like Orion wouldn't be able to handle it. He went. He loved it. Hopefully next time he won't be so scared. I don't know why he had a sudden fear. He goes places without me all the time . . .

William has been really busy this month! He finished up his Let’s Play Music class, and had a recital on the 10th. I was a huge slacker and forgot the camera. William did . . . ok. He can't hold still to save his life and was super fidgety while the other kids were playing. He also didn't know all the words to the songs as well as he could have. (Again, it is because I am a super slacker and didn't work on them enough with him.) A few weeks later he had his Spring Sing concert at school. He was so much fun to watch there! (And again, I forgot the camera!!! Poor boy is going to think he isn't cute enough to have his picture taken!) He also got to dress up as a cowboy one day for school, which I did get a picture of, and was super excited that the eggs they have in their classroom started to hatch. He got to watch a baby chick come out of its egg.  He was really sad when they had to send all the chicks to a nearby farm.

Oliver has just been hanging out with me. He asks everyday if someone is going to come over. If I say no, then he asks where we are going. He doesn't really like the days when no one  and no where are the answers.

Winston is doing well. He has gotten super speedy at crawling, and is cruising a lot more. He loves to play peek a boo and patty cake. And really, he just loves playing with his brothers. Where ever they are, he wants to be. He has recently discovered playing outside and LOVES to be outside! Really loves it! He just had another weight check today. He is putting on an average of 18.8 grams a day!!! This is HUGE! We still need to keep him on the high calorie formula, and make sure he is getting 3 meals and 2 snacks a day sitting at the table. We will go back in two months and weigh him again. If he is doing really well, we will switch him to whole milk and start weening him off of his medicine. If he isn't doing really well, we will switch him to whole milk fortified with half and half, and keep him on the meds.

I have just been busy being a mom. Wanda and I decided to put our piano playing talents to good use. We are going to go to a nursing home and play. I have been spending lots of extra time at the piano practicing, which I am loving! It has been so nice to play something besides just the Childrens Hymns. Mothers Day was good. Philip wasn't feeling well, so I got up with the kids. Orion was so excited to give me the mothers day present he made for me in school. Philip made me some chocolate covered strawberries, and bought me a rose bush. And I bought myself a puzzle. It was a great day, and I am so glad that I get to be a mommy. How blessed I am to be entrusted with these little spirits who bring so much joy to my life.

Joey and Carlie

Reah still lives the life of a four year old.  She is not in school or pre-school, though we are trying to get her into transitional kindergarten this year, she wants to go to school so bad.  

Levi, May is his month.  He has been so excited for his birthday, 31 May.  On his birthday he got a donut breakfast and then a fun evening at Chuck-e-Cheese with a few friends. He had a blast.  He is looking forward to getting baptized, though kind of disappointed he has to wait until July.

Scarlett had her first band concert and boy was it terrible!  Scarlett is learning to play the flute and she did great, the terrible part is from the format the school district did it in, California is terrible.  

Glory had her tonsils taken out at the beginning of the month, so she was quiet for the first half of the month :)  Glory has been prepping for girls' camp coming up.  

Gideon has finally gotten his act together, a little and planned and gotten his Eagle project approved.  Joey told him he doesn't get a driver's permit until the project is done and no license until the Eagle is complete.  He also had his third and final orchestra performance for the year.  He will still have some private lessons over the summer and will audition for honors' orchestra in August.

Carlie has been very busy the last few weeks.  She has taken on the role of key spouse mentor in Joey's squadron.  It has included some training and attending several briefs and fun get togethers with some of the other spouses.  She worked one Saturday at a Military Appreciation Day activity at the mall and scored us 7 tickets to a San Francisco Giants baseball game.  The kids made it through the entire game.  We were pretty high up and they didn't know what was going on, but they still had fun.

Joey is always busy... between work and church it doesn't seem like he ever has any free time.  When he does get a few minutes he's running a Spartan race or taking some stupid motorcycle safety class, will it ever end.  He went to Colorado at the beginning of the month and ran a Spartan race with Desi and Felicia, he loved every minute of it and was so happy to spend time with his sister, in case you couldn't tell from the pictures.  He just wishes Ivy would warm up to him like Noah did (Noah didn't really warm up, but he was content to sit with the strange guy that wanted to hold him.)

As a family we've been busy too.  As mentioned earlier we went to the Giants game, but we also took time to visit with Nena and see her new little baby, Vanora.  We spent about 3 hours hiking in Pinnacles National Park on Memorial Day, Reah hiked the entire 2.7 miles like a trooper.  We were also able to visit a the San Juan Bautista mission settlement on our way back from hiking.  The family hiking is fun and serves as great prep for Carlie as she's prepping to hike Half Dome in October.  Gideon will be doing Half Dome in July with his Scout Troop.  Joey is hoping to summit Mt. Whitney in October with Gideon and Glory.  Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48, 14,505 ft.

Robert and Wanda

Robert and I have been busy with more of the same.  Robert’s trying to get his feet under him in his new calling and I’m plugging away as mom.  I, like Hannah, am excited to play at the nursing home in Dodgeville.  It’s nice to have something to aim for.  

We enjoyed our branch campout this month.  Robert went home with Joshua and Hyrum and I stayed in the tent with Mary, Ben, Sam, Ruth, Moroni, and Adam (Joseph and Rebekah had work and Rachel stayed home to study).  I think I got the better sleep. hahaha.  Jamboree, our end of school year campout (in a lodge) in Waupaca is this weekend.  The kids that are going are sooo excited.  

Joseph graduated from seminary on Sunday.  He really didn’t want to go, but we kinda forced him.  Now it’s just finals this week and we’ll have a high school grad!!!  Of course, we’re the typical parents and are never satisfied.  Time to get him cracking on those mission papers!

Rebekah is almost done with her finals.  Since Mt Horeb graduated their seniors on Sunday, any classes that had seniors in them had their finals early.  Fortunately she’ll be able to take Friday off and babysit Joshua and Hyrum while I take the bulk of the kids up to Jamboree.  

Soccer is done for Rachel.  I think she had a good time this year.  It was definitely different than rec soccer and the team was barely starting to mesh by the time the season ended.  She also didn’t like her coach as much as her rec coach.  The nice part was the bus that took them to all of their away games.  The sad part was not being there to see the away games.  I think I got to see two of her games this season (the first and the last).

Mary has taken up running.  She wanted to know how far she’s been running each day so we google mapped it… 4.2 miles round trip, and she just started!  I told her to start timing herself so she can start dropping her time.  Unfortunately she mistook the intention and ran hard the whole time.  She was sore for a couple of days after.  Oops.

Samuel is excited for the end of school.  He was sad that his field day is on the same day of Jamboree.  He’s elected to stay home for field day and just go to Jamboree next year.  He’s had a lot of fun at school, especially with Wordmaster, Chess Club, Math 64, etc., but he wants to return to WIVA next year.

Ruth is also excited about the end of school.  Her class has piled up all kinds of field trips for the last couple of weeks of school.  She had two last week and two this week.  She will be skipping school on Friday and go to Jamboree with us.  She cannot wait!!! Her favorite part is the beach with all the inflatables.  The last day of school is June 10th.

Moroni is learning leaps and bounds.  It’s always fun to see the explosion of knowledge when it hits.  He’s still a great big brother to Joshua and is learning how to teach Hyrum.  The therapists have been working with the four younger boys and teaching Hyrum how to play with them and teaching them how to play with Hyrum.  It’s been interesting to watch Moroni use some of the phrases that the therapists use to teach Hyrum.

Adam took quite a beating at the campout this last weekend.  His back was eaten by the mosquitos and then he’s a bit red from swimming at the lake.  He looks like he has some kind of weird disease.  Adam is connecting a  little more with Hyrum too.  There used to be a clear attitude of ‘pesty brother’ that is now turning into an attitude of mentoring.  

Things will be changing for Hyrum, our new three year old.  Emily, one of his therapists has been promoted to a senior therapist.  This means that her hours will be dropping. Also Thom, another therapist, will be taking on another job.  They’re still trying to retain him for a couple of shifts a week, but we’ll see him half as much now.  ACT (the therapy company) is in the process of training two new line therapists.  We’re really happy with all of the babbling that Hyrum is doing now.  He even babbles a lot in letters.

Joshua is finally a full walker now that he can stand up in the middle of the floor.  He also got his first haircut, two molars on top, two more coming through on the bottom and finally the last of his front bottom teeth, all at once.  Everyone, except Hyrum ;), completely dotes on him.  

Dad and Mom

Hmmm....this month has gone by quickly...in fact the whole year has.  So, what's new on our front?  I guess the best thing is the knowledge that your Dad's heart is in good shape and that there's no real damage from the heart attacks 4 1/2 years ago.  I can certainly say that is a relief but the news of the pulmonary hypertension sure knocked the wind out of me for a little bit.  However, we're getting our bearings and doing everything we know to do, to exert as much control as we can.  The real test will be over the next two months while we're on the road.  We're trying to tightly control diet and exercise, as those are the factors that we can do the most to improve, and will result in improving his condition hopefully.  I suspect that our visits to each of you will be somewhat inconvenienced by this, but I suppose it is the price we pay :)

My time has been spent in the gardens, sewing, dr and PT appointments, and working to improve my organ skills and Primary.  It's nothing new, I know!

I'm still requesting copies of birth and marriage certificates PLEASE!!!  

Got news a couple of weeks ago that your ggrandfather, Emmett Bainbridge's remains are at a mental facility in Salem, Oregon.  They are seeking family to claim them.  Who knew?  I don't know any of the back story but I'm trying to find out what I can and perhaps have the remains sent to us.  I'll keep you posted on that! Lol

CJ is being married on the 6th of August in the Logan Temple.  Maria said that they will be having an Open House the week before.  Does that seem weird to just me?  Sarah has applied to graduate school in Logan and CJ has another year to complete his BS.  It is my understanding that he is still planning on medical school after that.  

We are excited to see you all on our trip.  We only have two firm dates - Abby's baptism on June 7th and Levi's baptism on July 5th.  I guess we're "fluid".  We wish we could make it to Joseph's graduation on the 12th?  It's hard to believe he's that old already!  Perhaps we'll be able to make it to the temple when he takes out his endowments.  

We love you all!  Hope things are going well for you all!  See you soon!!!