Lake Mead

Our family had the opportunity to vacation

at Lake Mead with family and friends.

We had a great time! The girls keep asking

when we are going to Lake Mead again.

On the drive down we stopped in St. George

to break up the long drive. My girls don't

do long drives very well. However they made

it there and back with out puking. Yeah!!!

We met up with Jeff and Rachael and ate out at

Cafe Rio then took the girls to see the

St. George Temple. They get so excited to see

any temple we happen to pass by.

We then relaxed in the hotel hot tub.

The next morning we all headed the rest of the way down

to Lake Mead. With 2 boats, 5 vehicles, 13 adults, 2 teenagers,

and 4 kids. When I say "We" I mean Grandma and Grandpa

Gardner, Katie and Spencer, Jeff and Rachael, and the Payne

family. Who are the Gardners friends from Farmington.

We've vacationed with them before to Lake Powell. They are

tons of fun!

The first day we scouted out the lake for a good beach and

did not have much luck. So we anchored the boats together

and had lunch on the boat. If any of you know Sierra, you

know that the does not eat much and it is funny to see

her holding an entire sandwich. But to our surprise she

ate the whole thing.

We found a beach and of course the first thing Riley did

was grab a bucket and search for sea shells.

Grandma is also so good to search for shells with her.

Paige's and Riley's mouths full of goodies.

All the kids took turn driving Grandpa's boat. One of their

favorite things to do.

Each day when we docked the boat the kids watched all

the carp fish. The fish were huge and they had fun

feeding them chips and bread.

The boat ramp was very long. So the kids would ride

in the truck on the way up instead of walking.

You can't go on a trip with Grandma and not eat good!

I my self had too many BBQ beef sandwiches.

The girls had never seen a palm tree. They

thought it was pretty cool!

Sierra playing in the sand.

Spencer and Riley climbing the rocks.

Riley and Paige looking for "treasures" to take home.

Blowing Bubbles.....

Sierra

Paige

and Riley

Grandma always remembers the fun stuff!

We finally convinced Riley to try skiing. We have been

asking her all summer. She has been a little nervous to

try. I made Riley a promise and told her if I tried

slalom skiing then she would have to try. That was

a big sacrifice for me since I have only gotten up

a few times before. I'm not very good at skiing and

prefer boarding. Anyway it was worth seeing Riley ski.

Grandpa held her steady until the boat pulled her up.

Brandon drove the boat. And Spencer held the other end

of the rope in the boat. And I was the photographer.

Riley loved it and wants to go again!

We are so proud of you Riley! You did it!

I have no doubt she will pass me up with talent

in water sports.

A big Kiss from daddy!

Oh she didn't just ski for the excitement. Grandpa

offered 10 bucks if she did. Nice deal Riley.

Getting paid to have fun!

The water was so nice and smooth Brandon

couldn't pass it up. He usually boards but

felt like a good ski run.

Okay so he tried boarding also.

Sierra, Grandma and Katie chilling on the beach.

Paige

Sierra and Josh

On the way back to the marina Sierra and Paige

fell asleep in Grandma's arms. A hard day

at the beach I guess!

It was so nice to get away and have fun!

Thank you Bob and Lisa for the fun trip!

Michael and Skyla's Wedding

My little brother tied the knot!

He married Skyla in the Rexburg

temple on Saturday the 26th. I got to be Skyla's

escort which was so much fun! They were sealed

by the temple president. It was amazing!

I have always loved going to live sealings.

It makes me reflect back when I was sealed,

and think more about my marriage.

Their first moment walking out of the temple

as a married couple. I'll never forget how my

brother acted when Skyla walked out of the dressing

room in her dress. He was in awe!

They make such a good looking couple!

I was not sure about the white tux at first

but I think it looks so nice! I guess that is the norm

in Alaska, where Skyla is from.

All the sisters with the Bride and Groom.

Michelle, Kami, Kristie, Michael, Skyla, Karissa and Kate

All the ladies in the family.

After the temple we headed off for the ring ceremony.

Riley and Paige lead the way for the wedding March.

They were such cute flower girls!

Skyla and her Dad

Michael and Skyla exchanging rings.

The cake.

The wedding colors were, Lime green, yellow,

orange and chocolate brown.

Uncle Mikel with the flower girls.

Michelle and Patrick

Me and Skyla

Sierra giving eskimo kisses to Michael.

Paige and Michael

Me and my little brother.

Me and Bran

Skyla is absolutely gorgeous!

And my girls completely darling!

Their first dance.

Michael dancing with Mom.

Cutting the cake.

They got a little crazy. And cake went everywhere.

At least they wiped each others faces off.

Michael's favorite part! Going for the garter!

Skyla throwing the bouquet. Paige had no idea

what she was doing.

The wedding was beautiful!

We wish the happy couple the

happiest years to come.

All Together

We went to Idaho for my little brothers wedding.

We were able to see my nephew, Aiden for the first

time and my niece, Maddie for the second. Sierra and her

cousin are only a month apart in age. They became good

friends even though they probably don't remember

each other from a year ago.

My cute Nephew!

Giving loves!

Later that day we helped set up for the wedding

Michael and Skyla decided to have a ring

ceremony after the temple for her family.

Later we went out for dinner at a Chinese

restaurant with all the family.

Unlike my Sierra who does not eat much she

had enough sweet and sour chicken for the whole

table. She also like the surprise in the fortune cookies.

Fall Soccer

This was Riley's first game for the season.

We have been out of town so much. She only

gets to play 4 out of the 8 games this fall.

She did really good her first game. Her and

her friend Hallie both made goals that game!

She has a wonderful coach. Her team

name is the "Pink Butterflies"

Riley enjoying the Italian Ice that

Grandpa bought for the girls.

Utah State Fair

Riley was the only one who would dare

pet the animals.

This was the biggest bull we had ever seen.

These four wheelers were too cute!

Just their size.

The girls loved them!

The girls in a the shark cage.

We watched a cool shark show. This guy dived in

with the sharks and played with them.

The girls were mesmerized.

After the show we ended the night with the

fun yellow slide. Last year Paige was not so

sure about it. But this year the girls wanted to

keep going. It was pretty fun!