Youth Conference 2012

After Taylor's party, I packed up and drove to Capital Reef for our ward's Youth Conference. I missed the day's activities but I arrived in time for a devotional and night games. We woke up the next morning and us Mia Maids presented a devotional, ate breakfast, and then we hiked the Sulfur Creek Hike. It was a five-mile hike that, for most of it, was walking down a stream. There were a few of us leaders that tried to stay dry as long and possible and we did very well until we reached the waterfall. The waterfall that we had to slide down! I'll admit that I was nervous that I was going to slam my head into a rock, but it was fun...and refreshing. Afterall, it was a hot day! After the hike we returned to camp. Soon after dinner I left early for my next activity in my busy week (look for the next post). I was only there for 24 hours, but we made many fun memories and I experienced things that I wouldn't have otherwise.

 The leaders that experienced Youth Conference.

A video of one of our leaders going down the waterfall. It looks less dramatic than it really was. I'd like to find the video that proves I did it.

Taylor's Gr-eight Bike Party

On Taylor's actual birthday we held a bike race party for the birthday boy and his friends. The guest list grew and grew until there were 18 kids invited, and there was only one that didn't show up. I guess that's the perk of having summer babies...all parties can be outside instead of 17 kids tearing apart the house. 

 The kids were instructed to visit the pit stop table at any time. They each had a water bottle with their name on it and snacks to eat.

The Sweet Birthday Boy

We strung a checkered banner from my outdoor light to my neighbor's and that became our finish line. 

 Each guest decorated their spokes with cut up straws and zip-tied a custom license plate under their seats.

 They performed all sorts of relays...who can ride slowest, who can ride the fastest, who can stay between two narrow lines, etc.

 My sisters were so sweet to stay and help with the details that one person cannot handle alone. Thank you, Laurel and Stephanie! My parents left the MTC early and were headed to the party but sadly, their car broke down on the way. :(  Apparently we sisters think alike. I guess it was a turquoise kind of day. :)

 After the relays, Taylor opened presents....

 ...and more presents...

 ...and more presents....

 ...and more presents. I like Taylor's demonstration of how to shoot a Nerf gun. :)

I was lazy and didn't want to make two birthday cakes, so to go with the theme we decided on "spare tires" for his friend party. Taylor was more excited about having donuts than about anything else. Each party guest went home with a candy-filled water bottle. Taylor doesn't love the spotlight but I think he enjoyed it on this day. He is a sweet kid that loves to make others happy and he does a good job of it. We love you, Taylor!

Taylor's Pre-Birthday Party

Our family celebrated Taylor's birthday the night before his actual day. He was kind enough to let me go to Youth Conference even though I should have stayed with him. So he got his presents early and I left on the afternoon of his birthday. He decided on a bike-themed cake and it just fit nicely to make it into a figure eight because he turned eight!

 He blew out the candles and we quickly hid the motorcycles because Ryan would not stop saying "mocycle...mocycle", over and over and over. :)

 I don't even know what to say about McKenna's hair except that I didn't do it. :)

 No birthday in our house would be complete without Legos.

Great-Grandma Eddington's Traditional Card...she never misses a birthday.

Taylor's pre-birthday party was a success, but the real party would begin the next morning.

Elder and Sister Eddington

I'm starting to believe that my parents are serious about going on a mission. They decided to go about a year ago, but I didn't believe it would truly happen. However, considering they received a call, gave farewell talks, held an open house, were set apart, and are now currently in the MTC...I think I'm starting to believe. My parents have been called to serve in the Laoag Philippines Mission as rescue missionaries. Sunday was a big day for our whole family. They were set apart as missionaries. I was overwhelmed with the spirit as soon as the stake president started my mom's blessing. So powerful! I didn't hear much of my dad's blessing since I was trying to contain little Ry Guy. But I have to admit that the baby has some great dance moves. :)

 Almost the whole family with the newly set apart missionaries.

 My parents' bishop and stake president.

 It's becoming clear to me why they decided to leave us. Right, Dave? :)

 My sister and her family moved from Colorado to house-sit while my parents are gone. McKenna has been so excited to have her cousin so close.

 My dad and Grandma Eddington. I'll bet she never thought she'd be sending him out on another mission.

 Yep, it's very very clear.

 The Filipinos have no idea what's coming...ha, ha, ha...no, seriously. I'm a little concerned.

 Elder and Sister Eddington

Don't leave me! I promise to be good!

I have no doubt that my parents will do amazing things on the other side of the world! The people are going to fall in love with them. And my mom is going to fit right in...she might even be "tall" for once! :) But can I have one request...will your next mission be a vacation destination, please!? :)

Hey Mom (if you're reading this)...Haagen Daz! Cookies and cream!

Go, Red Rider!

What is a Red Rider? Well, let me explain. A Red Rider is someone who has diabetes and rides in the Tour de Cure. Dave was one that rode his bike for 60 miles on Saturday in Brigham City. Your next question might be..."I didn't know Dave was training for such a long ride"? And my answer would be..."that's because he didn't train". And Dave's answer would be..."I trained. I rode 18 miles on Monday." I really am amazed with the goals that man sets for himself. And amazed that his body keeps up with these goals. :)

 The kids and I drove up a couple hours after the ride started and waited at the finish line. I love going to these events. It almost inspires me to try one myself...almost. :) The kids got a kick out of these red foam hands. There were many hi-fives and McKenna found it was comfy to sit on. They did really well sitting on the curb for two hours. The lady next to us complimented them on how well-behaved they were. I've got to celebrate the little victories. :)

Dave's brother has done these rides before and it was nice that he had someone to ride with. I enjoyed listening to their stories afterward. Apparently Dave's entire pedal arm thingy completely came off during the ride. They found the missing part and stuck it back on, but he had to give it a kick once in a while when he felt it starting to slip off. Nice. He really enjoyed the pit stops (which is where he later got the pedal fixed.) They had all sorts of drinks and treats. I asked him how many calories he thought he burned after 60 miles and he figured he broke even with all the Rice Krispie Treats and fruit snacks he ate. :) I love that man! Way to go, Red Rider!