Rogan's Big Baptism Day

Handsome Dudes.

Rogan with The Kennard's
(Babka surrogate grandparents)

Dad, Rog, Mom

Rog's best friend, Trevor.

The cousins!

Rogan had a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends when he was baptized.  He turned 8 years old in May, and was baptized by his big brother, Hayden.  It was such a special experience for him, he was filled with emotion and there were many tears.  He was so touched, and happy it actually took him quite a while to stop crying tears of joy.  One of the sweetest experiences I have witnessed as a mommy.  Such a great day!  Yes, we had to party after...

Duke's Wonderful Temple Day

Hayden's amazing mullet.

The Babka Men

Duke and The Bonner's

Duke and The Spendlove's

He's so freaking cute.

Aunt Kiki trying to get Jason to smile!

Duke and his "Ma".

"Pops", Duke and "Ma"

The whole gang.

Us, and the cutest ever Kilie (Hay's love)

Ki, Duke, Hay

The best Kiki ever and Jason (one of Duke's fav friends)

Our oldest son, Duke was able to go to the Draper Temple in preparation for serving his mission.  It was a special experience shared with our family, and closest of friends.  I will never forget the tears streaming down his face as he sat in the celestial room with all of us gathered around him.  I asked, "What are you thinking?"  His response, "Absolutely nothing."  He was so overwhelmed with the peace and love from those he was surrounded by.  We had to eat after, of course  :)

What a Summer!!!

It has been a whirwind to say the least for us this summer!  Duke is preparing to serve a full time LDS mission in San Antonio, Texas and leaves July 27th.  We are trying to make sure he has all that he needs to make that happen, which includes lists of things to buy.  Beau is busy working for Lyric Motion, and loves it!  I have been busy teaching for the Utah State Office of Education for the past 3 weeks, and am excited to actually start my summer.  Hayden is in the thick of football, Jace up to his elbows in lacrosse.  Jackson had a spill on one of the lyrics.  Actually, the trauma doctors at Primary Children's Hopsital assume that he was hit by a car.  Jack has no memory of the event.  A broken collar bone, a broken scapula, road rash, and a lost toenail, but happy to be alive!  If ever you question wearing a helmet...do.  The End!  Sadie and Rogan are fish (just like their mommy) and live at the Riverton pool.

We just spent one night up at Spruces campground up Big Cottonwood Canyon, and had a blast.  It is amazing the connections, and conversations that happen when you disconnect from cell phones, tv, etc. and actually interact with each other.  We have a family tradition of laying in the tent and each person takes a turn letting every member of the family know one thing they really like about each other.  Hayden won with the most "votes" for the best hair (he is strutting a mullet these days) and my heart was filled to the brim with gratitude for the amazing family I have been blessed with.  Jackson wasn't with us, he is with his "other family" (The Bonner's) in Lake Powell this week.  I sure missed him...our tent was way too quiet without his sleep talking!