Caleb came home

 This time we made sure that we made it to the airport before the missionary. We were early and got to hang out for a few minutes.

I actually brought my nice camera and took a few pictures with it, but I mostly used my phone.

 These kids are getting so big.

 Everyone was in a good mood:)

 Lots of people came home to show Caleb some love!

And then he came. . . . . .

 I was chasing kids around and got an up above view.

 All excited to have him home

Missionaries coming home really is the best.

Peace out airport!

It has been so fun to visit with Caleb and see how his mission changed him. He gave a great report to the high council and also a great homecoming talk. I love to see and hear about the lives he changes and the people he helped come unto Christ. There were challenges and trials but those souls he helped convert will forever be grateful for Caleb Brown. My parents also got a couple of letters from members in the areas Caleb served that talked about the impact he had in their ward. It is always so nice to hear other people praise the ones you love. I am so glad I was able to travel home for this special occasion.

Fast two years!

This kid comes home on Tuesday!!!!!!

I have been so crazy with summer work that I haven't had a chance to get excited, but yesterday it really hit me. Caleb will be home. I love Caleb. I am excited to see how is mission has changed him. I hope that it has helped him learn some lifetime habits that will influence the rest of his life. He served in one area for almost 10 months and the bishop there just sent the nicest letter about Caleb and the difference he made in that ward. Going on a mission is hard. The preparation can be hard and the experience has so many challenges but man the Lord blesses you. Love this kid and I can't wait to see him step off the airplane Tuesday at 4pm!

The last month via pictures

I am not doing very well at this blogging thing this year. Starting this week I have a lot of fun planned so maybe that will help me be better. Who knows?

I got a new dress. I feel kinda like a hippie in it but I like it.

 Moki and I have continued to hike the Y. It's close and convenient.

 We had a little family BBQ for memorial day.

 And a walk on the shoreline trail!

I went to Lagoon for work. I really do enjoy the rides. This year the lines seemed extra long so that was annoying, but it was free so I am not complaining....just saying.

 Last day of school. It is always so hard to say goodbye to my 9th graders. Three years of my class is torture for anyone but here are some girls that made me smile and laugh everyday!

 I started summer off with a nice hike up Rock Canyon. The weather was gorgeous and it felt so good to be out enjoying it.

I have worked everyday so far this summer so I am feeling like I haven't really started vacation. June 1st and 2nd I had all day training on a new evaluation system and then The boys PE teacher and I have been collaborating from 8-11 everyday. That doesn't seem like a long time, and it isn't, I am just grateful I get a real break now. Time away from the school is really good for my SOUL!

The weather has been amazing and I have been trying to balance both biking and hiking. Moki and I have had some great hikes and we have even tried out some new ones.

 We hiked up Big Springs. It was gorgeous and not as intense as most Utah hikes, meaning not straight up. There is still lots of up but it was more friendly.

 We hiked Y mountain one Saturday. I love the view from this lookout. This is up above the Y.

All of a sudden  Andrew likes the backpack. He wasn't so fond of it when we were in Arches.

 We like making crazy faces.

 We found a dog friendly trail in Salt Lake. It was a nice short trail where dogs could run off leash. Moki was in heaven. We got rained on so we were not in heaven.

 Finally hiked to the campground from Rock Canyon park. That is a nice little 6 mile hike. Had to try out my new selfie stick.

 I think it will do the job for my summer trips:)

I took Andrew swimming. We went to the Provo Rec Center. He let me take him on all the big water slides. He giggled the whole way. Then we repeated the big slides many times. So much fun. I got him a slurpee after, you know I have to work hard to keep my #1 status. (totally kidding about the #1 status).

 Just playing with the selfie stick. You know doing important things.

 I finally biked up the canyon. It's a longer ride and all uphill one way so I put it off. I love the ride up south fork. I need to do it more often.

 The views are incredible.

 Angelee came to town. I didn't take a single picture. That was silly. It is always a treat to see my out of town friends.

Donated blood.

I am trying to learn to cut Moki's hair. Let's just say I know why they charge so much. It is not easy and it takes a lot of time. Her hair was really long. Once I finish I will probably need new clippers.

 I don't think she approves. The picture below is the half way point for the night. Moki has so much hair. It is ridiculous.

 You can barely tell she is missing any hair in this picture....it's depressing.

 I filled the garbage can half way full just with hair. I finished after only doing about half of her. I was so tired and frustrated. She was tired and frustrated. It was hard work.

I have done a little more since but I am hoping I can convince my mom to help me finish it. This is one big project. I wish I could sell her hair:)

 Amber and I hiked Silver Lake Flat. This is the lake at the start of the hike, silver lake.

 It's 2.5 miles to a little glacier lake, silver lake flat.

 Amber forced me to jump in the lake. It was FREEZING!!!! I hate the drive to the trail head. You are on a very annoying dirt road for a long time, but you are more than rewarded for your drive with the beautiful landscape. This week as I have been out enjoying Utah I have been overwhelmed at the beautiful place I get to live. It is so pretty. I love the outdoors and am so grateful I can spend so much time there. Yesterday I got to bike 45 miles and just enjoy another day in the outdoors. I couldn't stop reflecting on all that God has given us. I had a chance to work in the temple last night and I just came home feeling so loved and blessed.

This morning Moki and I walked to the site of the new Provo temple to get some pictures. It is such an amazing building. I have loved watching it change as the construction continues. The stain glass windows are amazing!

 Can't wait to go inside someday!

a summary

 Jana and Michelle (and their husbands) were nice enough to allow Shannon and I an opportunity to have a girls night out with their REAL Salt Lake Soccer tickets. I have been so busy and so tired but it was so fun to have something to look forward to:) They have great seats. Notice those clouds rolling in.

We ended up spending an hour huddled together with all the other fans while we waited out the lightning. Yes, it was a school night! That made for a late night but it was still worth it.

 Speaking of soccer we are just working on training the next great little player. This guy gets more fun every time I see him.

 This was on Mothers day. We got to hang out while his Mom and Dad went on a walk.

 Mothers day was great. I am so glad I have an amazing mom. I love that lady.


Moki and I try to get out and go for a nice long walk on Sundays. Recently it seems to be the only day without rain. I know we need rain but man I hate it.

 I needed to borrow a tool that could cut a lock. I went to my neighbors and they were butchering chickens that day.  I had to do this chore as a child and I seriously hated it. Well we just had to pluck the feathers off the dead chicken. AND YOU THOUGHT YOUR CHILDHOOD WAS BAD!!!! Gross. My neighbor had this machine that pulled the feathers off. I feel like this would have been much more convenient. This picture is mainly for my dad....sorry.

 I usually weed my backyard twice a year. This year spring came so early that the weeds were huge before I took care of them. It was a big project

Oh you couldn't see my grow boxes. It is so nice to look out my window now.

  Dan had a birthday so obviously we had to celebrate. It fell on a super busy day but we all sacrificed a little and made sure the celebration happenned.

 I ordered the worst nachos ever. That was super disappointing.

 Provo now has a dog park one mile from my house. I am so happy.

 Moki and I still usually get out and exercise in the morning but I can take her to the dog park after work for a half hour and then not feel bad about running errands or doing other things, like go to the gym.

 Every 5-10 minutes she always runs back to me and checks in. One day I moved and she didn't see me. She had a little emotional barking breakdown until I realized she was barking because she thought I left her. She has issues. The park is only a mile from my house and so when there is time it is awesome to walk there and back.

Dan and I made some pizza in a dutch oven pan. So delicious. Can't wait to try it again soon. I love pizza. Homemade is even better.

So this personal training company offered one month free training to any teacher because of teacher appreciation in May. A co-worker and I finally signed up and went today. It will be three days a week for a month. It pretty much kicked my butt. I am good about doing cardio but I am horrible with strength training and stretching. It showed today. My entire body is rebelling as I type this. I am excited to see how I feel after one month. Since I have had Moki I have done a lot more jogging and hiking instead of fitness at the gym. Recently I started going to the gym again as well. I have been trying to bike, run and swim at least three days a week, usually all three in one day. It has been so good for me. Sometimes I like to stay a little too comfortable in my workouts so I am excited for these changes! Two weeks left of school!!!!!!