Love me a mother's day phone call . . .

Got to skype with this cute boy on Mother's day!!!  He looked and sounded terrific!!

Isn't he handsome?  He's now serving as an assistant to the president and is somewhat awed by his duties and responsibilities - but he's so faithful and willing to do whatever is asked of him.  Can't believe that was our last call of his mission - he's due to head home on December 12, 2012!!  I've said it a million times - I miss him so much and love that he's on his mission.  You're the man, Bret.

Domestic traveler . . .

Daren's been pretty close to home lately - taking a bit of a break from international travel.  But he did have a lovely, picturesque, and productive trip up to New York - visiting lots of sites along the Niagra River.  So beautiful.  Next stop . . . Boston . . .

On my honor. . . .

                                    

Chap and Max are getting their scouting achievements knocked out - little by little.  Chap is finishing up his merit badges - and Max is finally a life scout.  Both boys have selected their eagle projects and have begun the administrative parts of those efforts.  We hope to be holding some eagle courts of honor in the next few months!

More lacrosse . . .

We had a great time a few weeks ago watching some great college lacrosse.  We pulled the boys out of school, picked up Les from the airport, and headed down to South Carolina for the MCLA national lacrosse tournament!

We had fun from the spectator side - good weather, good company, good entertainment.  BYU beat Virginia Tech in the first round and then beat Chapman University the next day (Chap loved it when the spectators from the other team yelled things like "Go Chapman" and "Yay Chapman" - quite the ego boost!)  - in a really exciting comeback!  The team then lost in the semi-finals to Colorado State - a disappointing loss.

Tanner didn't play as much as he would have liked - but when he was in the game - he had an energizing performance (hard, legal hits!) that led to a good momentum shift.  Always great to see this guy having a good time.

And also always good to see the spiritual culture that is present in BYU programs.  This is a great group of guys - and it was always refreshing to see them kneel in prayer before and after games.  So glad we went - can't wait for next year!!!

Mad Huskie Lax . . .

It doesn't happen very often - but when brothers get to play together on the same high school team, it's tons of fun.  Max and Chap represented the Huskies this year on varsity lacrosse - and had a great season.  Both started and both did well.  Chap, who usually played defense, even had a hat trick on attack near the end of the season!  They each love the sport.  Even at home, it was rare to see them without a lax stick in hand - whether they were inside or out! Already looking forward to next year . . .

He's jazzy . . .

So Marcy's not the only musician in the house . . .  Max can really wail on that sax.  He had a stellar jazz concert the other night - great music selection, great implementation, great jammin'.  Even though he's such a natural talent, Max is hanging up his saxophone at the end of this year - but at least he went out with a bang!!

On Tour . . . .

Marcy's been on the chorus circuit lately.  First, she sang with all the 5th grade at the 5th grade D.A.R.E. ceremonies.  Good solid performance - fun music.

Then, along with the other 4th and 5th grade chorus members, she performed several great songs at the mall - a really good show.  Shenendoah, Don Gato, Changed for Good, Do Re Mi - just to name a few.  Here they're performing a favorite - Shake the Papaya Down!   I love a good musical performance - and having Marcy in the ensemble just makes it all the better!

She's a graduate . . . .

Look at that Les - a college graduate!!  We're so proud of that sweet girl and her new college degree.  We weren't able to attend her commencement activities - but were content in knowing she was surrounded by great people.  Those 2 book ends?  Her wonderful parents - Kathy and Jim.  The cute one to the right is sister Mary.  And that's Tanner, of course, on the left.  You go, Les!!!