This year, both of our kids went to the Mormon Prom (a huge dance sponsored by several stakes here in the East Valley). Kelsey was asked by Chip Hixon and Kohler asked Lexi Olsen. They didn't go to the dance together as they each had different dinner groups, but they had a really fun time! Take a look . . .
Marli's sister, Jalin, is a genius at "up-do's!" So pretty!!!
I still can't believe my two little twerps that were my "Oregon buddies" are now old enough to go to the prom.
Kohler and Lexi met at EFY a few years ago and have been good friends. I loved their colors!
Of course, he drove his dad's shiny black car.
Kelsey knows Chip from our ward. We have been friends with their family for years. The boys organized a Hawaiian Luau for dinner, complete with a fire show and everything!
We were happy to be a part of it and make Hawaiian Shave Ice for the kids!
Kelsey looked radiant that night! I just love the happy look on their faces.
A few weeks earlier, Kohler went to the Perry High School Prom with a good friend, Baylie Bowman. The theme was "Field of Dreams" so after the dance, they planned an outdoor movie and I provided treat bags with a baseball theme for each couple.
There was Big League Chew gum, Cracker Jack, sunflower seeds, bottled water, etc. Lots of fun things for them to snack on.
Most of these kids Kohler met through EFY and they have just stayed in touch over the years. They are a great group of LDS kids!
Again, there are those happy faces. I just love great high school memories!!
This is one of my most favorite photos of Kelsey! I just had to throw this in there because she is so beautiful inside and out. Love ya Kelsey!!
Then, the day finally came. This is the day that every kid anticipates for but every parent (well, at least this parent) she knows the day will come but wants to slow down time . . . GRADUATION DAY. I always get choked up when Pomp and Circumstance plays. For some reason, when I hear that song, I get emotional because it represents SO many things to me. It is a culmination of hard work, determination, perseverance, and lots of prayers! It is a day when we can pause and look back on all the struggles and realize that it really was WORTH IT! Anything of real value takes some sort of sacrifice to achieve when it comes from yourself. That is the beauty of it . . . we learn and grow along the way. It's the "climb" as the popular song says---the climb along the way that is really what it's all about. When I held this sweet little boy in my arms for the very first time, I knew there would come a day when I would have to let him go out into the world and he would face things without me by his side. That day came all too fast for this mama . . . I have enjoyed raising this son more than I can express. Yes, he has been extremely hard at times and some days I just wondered what the heck I was going to do with him! ha ha! But looking back, I have LOVED being his mother and wish him the very best as he achieves his dreams. I will be there every step of the way cheering him on and thanking God every day that I could be his mother!
The week before Graduation we were able to attend the Baccalaureate for Campo Verde High School and we were so impressed at well done it was. The music was beautiful and the speakers were inspirational. It was a fantastic meeting and gave the graduates something beautiful to remember.
This graduation diploma probably means the most to me. Seminary Graduation!!! I am SO proud of Kohler for completing seminary I can't even tell you. He actually really loved seminary and enjoyed his teachers which was such a blessing to me. I never had to force him to go or beg him. He loved learning about the gospel and it was truly a nice break during the day for him to focus on spiritual things. Way to go, Kohler!!
It has been a dream of mine to take my children to see the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York. I was privileged to visit there a few years ago when I was touring with the BYU Folk Dancers and to this day I can still remember the great, spiritual feeling I had walking through the grove. I wanted my children to have that same experience . . . especially Kohler before he leaves for his mission. So, my sweet husband consented and we planned a trip for all of us to go. Of course, we had a lot of fun along the way, stopping in Toronto, Canada and Niagara Falls!
This is the Toronto Canada Temple. It is a beautiful temple and another one we can add to our collection!
Here is our family at Cumorah's Hill. What a sacred place this is. It really is something to look out over the vast valley from the top of the hill and imagine the great battle that took place here between the Nephites and the Lamanites. I try to think of Moroni, running for his life, hiding wherever he can and writing such powerful words as he tried to survive all alone. It is a humbling experience to stand where we are standing.
This beautiful white farmhouse belonged to Joseph Smith. It was one of several homes he lived in as a youth.
The Sacred Grove is right behind us and this more rustic home was the home from where young Joseph Smith left to pray to know which church was true.
The Palmyra, New York Temple looks over the Sacred Grove and has beautiful stained glass windows of the First Vision. It was closed so we weren't able to visit inside the temple but the outside sure was beautiful! Tom and I were so pleased that our children enjoyed this trip and were able to appreciate and feel for themselves, the sweet Spirit that dwells in this holy place. I think it will be a memory that will last for a lifetime!!!
These chicken wings in Buffalo, New York were actually not that great . . . We like Buffalo Wild Wings better in Gilbert, Arizona ha ha!
(This was a Father's Day Chair we got for Tom :)
