Idaho Siblings Weekend

Matt, Benson, Uncle Bryan (my brother) and I ventured up to Idaho for a fun and festive Labor Day weekend with the Jenkins siblings and their families.  Scott and Haley came from Rexburg, and Dave & Summer and Natalie & Scott with their families now live in the hub, Meridian, and who planned the entire weekend, hosted, and made it all happen!  Thank you!

We left on Friday afternoon.  The five hour drive was a little tricky for Benson since he no longer takes long naps in his car seat, and would much rather be out walking and exploring the world.  Matt is the best dad - he sat in the back for most of the trip entertaining and calming the little man - they make a great team.

We got to stay with the Tidwell's at their beautiful new home in Meridian.  Never a dull moment at that home!  Saturday we exhausted ourselves boating at Black Canyon Reservoir, a picinic lunch near the dock and playing in the sand on the beachy shore.  Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins joined us that evening to watch the BYU football game and for carne asada tacos at the Tidwells.

We went to church with the Tidwells on Sunday, had a wonderful dinner at David and Summer's that night, and a delicious breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa at their home in Nampa Monday morning (after the guys played a round of golf).  We even met one last time in Boise at Anne Morrison Park for lunch and to let the kiddos run around together.  Benson LOVED playing with cousins and it is fun to see the gap closing between Bennett, Benson and Macy as they mature.  It was difficult to say goodbye.  The only thing that could have possibly made the weekend any better would have been having Missy, Mom and Dad with us!

Clockwise upper left: Benson, Bennett and Macy playing in a pan of bubble solution (which ended up in their eyes - oops!); Benson embracing Bennett (or trying to go up the slide as Bennett was coming down - oops again!); G&G Jenkins with great grandchildren Collin, Macy, Ryan, Benson, Bennett, & Jason; Benson plastic spelunking; Summer & Dave; Aunt Haley & the Macy lady.

The Wonderful One!

Benson is 1!  His birthday was officially on August 22, 2013.  It is incredible how fast the past year has gone and how quickly this little guy has grown.  On his Birthday, Benson woke up to a beautifully decorated kitchen with stringers running across the ceiling and a nice big milar happy birthday balloon attached to his high-chair.  Lisa made some delicious blueberry pancakes with smoothies and Benson was in heaven.  That night, we made some Shish-ka-bobs and opened presents.  Of course we had to get him a BYU cougars shirt in preparation for the upcoming season.  Other fun toys followed as he curiously studied each wrapping job before carefully opening them.

That night, we took him Cold Stone for his first real dessert.  Mmmm.

On Saturday, we invited friends and family over for his cake smashing.  We originally wanted to see the kids playing out in the sprinklers, but the rain took care of those plans.  Hot dogs and mingling inside until the rain stopped.  Towards the end of the party, we dished up cake.  Benson put on a pretty good show.  He started out by testing the texture of the cake, massaging it with his hands and squishing it between his fingers.  After finally tasting it, he was willing to stuff a few handfuls in his mouth and even lean over to lick the plate clean.  It was so fun and Lisa did a great job hosting.

Here are a few things the Benson loves at this stage:

• His Mom and Dad.
• Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
• Music - Especially the Piano.
• Steering Dad's Car around the Cul-de-sac.
• Smoothies, Pears, Blueberries, and Garden Vegetables.
• Reading Books - or at least, page turning with whoever would hold the book for him.
• Yelling "Hi!" to each and every person in the grocery store and bringing a smile to their face.
• Walking, walking, walking.
• Things with lights and noisemakers.
• Laughing at himself in front of the mirror.
• Bathtime. 

And so much more!

Benson has brought so much light into our home.  Since the day he joined our family, we have known that he belongs in our home.  How grateful we are to have this sweet, kind, happy spirit added to our family.  Each day brings a new adventure and a new accomplishment.  Each day brings a fun story to share.  And each day brings with it a reminder that the family is more important than anything else available to us in this live.  Thank you Benson for blessing our lives and letting us share your Birthday with you!

Here are some pictures...

August 22nd - Birthday with the Family

August 24th - The Cake Smashing

A Splash of Green

This summer has been so fun.  When we moved into the home we are currently in, the McFarland's informed us that the back yard corner was a phenomenal place for a good strong garden.  It had great soil and full access to the sun.  So, we decided to give a garden a shot.

We planted corn; lettuce and spinach; roma tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, and sweet one hundreds; zucchini and summer squash; onions; carrots; red, yellow, and orange peppers; jalapenos; watermelon; cucumber; and pumpkin.  After a lot of early attention trying to get our customized irrigation system down pact, the garden took off.  At times, it was overwhelming - but it was also so delicious.  We are beginning to fully enjoy the garden and for every vegetable we pick, it seems another grows in its place.  Unfortunately our pumpkin plants started to get a fungus on the leaves, and in fear that it might spread to other plants, we decided to pull these ones early.  Benson especially loves to get out there and garden right along side us.  Hopefully someday we can teach him the difference between an edible vegetable and a delicious handful of dirt.

Summer Camping

Our goal this year was to get out camping at least twice.  Depending on your definition of camping, we may or may not have met our goal as we've slept in a tent 3 times.  First: we tested out Benson's ability to sleep in a tent in our backyard.  Second: We tented it during the Ahlstrom Family Reunion.  The tent was on a nice lawn though ... so maybe not true camping.  Third: This weekend and it was the real deal!

So I've got a place several friends and I went to a couple of times during our college years.  Utah is often one of those places that is hard to find a good secluded camping spot.  Most sites are either right along a busy road, or in a large campground with no privacy.  This spot is close enough to the road that you can get back to your cars in a short jog, but far enough away that you don't hear all of the noise of other camping neighbors.  I've got maps and directions on how to get there below (mostly to remind me).  It ended up being a little more difficult camping with the family as we had coolers, firewood, a pack-n-play for Benson, and other stuff to ease the camping experience for the little man.  It was still so fun.

Hiking up, a scout troop warned us that they had seen a cave with some huge paws hanging out of it.  Yikes!  We decided to brave it anyways, resolved to make sure our cooler was clamped shut and placed well away from our tents.  Bryan slept in a mosquito mesh tent and we were happy to have him as obvious bait in case something big did end up coming around - no, but we were happy to know that he was okay in the morning.

We spent the night, Lisa, Benson, Bryan, and I, enjoying hotdogs over a nice campfire, nectarines, grapes and 'soldier mountain bars.'  While there was a chance of rain, the evening turned out to be beautiful and the temperature just right.  As night fell, the stars came out in all their brilliance.  The food was great and the company better.  We love camping and wish we could enjoy it more often!

Directions: Go up American Fork canyon and take a left at the first real intersection (about 5 miles up).  This will put you on American Fork Canyon Road.  Continue up this street for miles until you reach Tibble Fork Reservoir (2.5 miles).  At the far end of the lake, the road splits.  Stay to the right.  At this point you will leave the paved road and continue on this dirt road for 1.3 more miles.  At this point, you'll reach a point where there is a bathroom and a turn-about.  This is the starting point.  Just south of the turn-about, there is a log bridge that leads to a trail.  Head across the river by way of the bridge and continue only for a couple  hundred yards.  Using the maps below, you'll eventually leave the trail, cross the small riverbed, and head through some trees to find a small open meadow.  That's it!  So fun!

From Tibble Fork Resrvoir up to the trailhead.

Treasure map for finding a fun, small little camping spot.  Note: it's kinda tough to find!

Benson Takes His First Steps!

Well, Benson definitely didn't learn to walk over night, but sometimes it feels that way!  These little guys grow so quickly!  He never really grew out of the natural reflex to walk so from about 4 months he has wanted to be on his feet walking with our assistance.  Now out of habit, he has had a hard time letting go of our hands to walk on his own.  Last week we started walking him around holding only one hand.  Then today, when Matt was out of town, Benson and I went to Emily's house to play with Chloe and Easton.  I noticed Benson was more confident standing for longer on his own, mostly as he watched Chloe walking around.  When we got home, Uncle Bryan, my brother (who is staying with us), walked Benson around the yard hanging on to only his shirt sleeves.  Tonight after I got Benson ready for bed, I walked him down the hall holding on to the back of his pajamas (barely), and when I let go he kept walking for about 5 steps on his own!  I can't even describe how excited I was, I screamed with delight!  Then I suddenly felt so sad that Matt wasn't around to see it!  So Bryan filmed a few more attempts for Matt to see when he returned tonight.

I debated showing Matt the video and thought I would just help Benson walk in the morning and have Matt think those were his first steps.  However when Matt got home I couldn't help but show him the video.  Now we can't wait for him to wake up and try it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next!  He is such a joy!

By the way, Benson LOVES to be with Uncle Bryan (you can see it in his eyes in this video) and he lights up whenever he is around - they are becoming great buds.

A Homemade Slide

Lisa and I were talking the other night about how fun it would be to have a slide for Benson.  We had a small mishap with our toilet (ha! "mishap" - Lisa interjecting here - Let's just say this "mishap" caused flood #3 in our basement!) and while we were at Home Depot looking for a repair part, we found a scrap bin of some wood that was just enough for a basic slide.  The original plan faltered and we had to rig it up to work, but it seems to be okay.  Someday, we'll put a better finish on the MDF surface as well as properly cover the 2x6 rails down the side.  For now, Benson is loving learning how to use it! Here's a quick look at his slide.

Hogle Zoo on Pioneer Day

Happy 24th of July!  In Utah, we celebrate Pioneer Day.  We celebrate the date of July 24, 1947 - when the pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley after a long and difficult journey from the East.  They have forged a lasting legacy of courage, hard work, and perseverance that we will forever be grateful for.

Today, Matt took work off to join Lisa and Benson at the Hogle Zoo.  Unfortunately, when we arrived, certain animal exhibits had been closed due to the rebuilding of an African Safari.  We assume that the Lions, Zebras, Camels, etc. are all apart of that exhibit which will be complete for next year.  There were still many animals to see though and Benson was in awe as he watched each of these different animals move and make their noises.  He especially liked the monkeys as they jumped from tree to tree as well as the sea lions/seals gliding through the water.  The zoo also had a Lego Exhibit.  There were several stations (5 or 6?) where animals had been built from Legos  Check out the polar bear in the picture below.  It took thousands of Legos to make him!

We finished the day off going to the Butlerville Days firework show (Cottonwood Heights 24th of July Celebration).  The fireworks were fantastic and we were lucky enough to find the Haycocks nearby to share the time with.  Happy 24th!

Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir Hike

Our family has set a goal to go on a hike every available Saturday that we can. We are so blessed to live so close to the mountains where trailheads are only minutes away. With an 11-month old who needs to get back for his morning nap - we couldn't ask for anything better.

This week we went to Lower Bell Canyon Reservoir. A good friend in our ward recommended it to us as a close and  short hike. and so we threw our gear into the car and up we went. The hike was a little steeper than expected, but nothing difficult. The lake in the morning sunlight was beautiful and the ducks from all across the lake came to greet us as we made our way down to the waters edge. From a ridge just west of the lake, we were also able to take a couple of panoramic pictures. Beautiful place!

Panorama of the Salt Lake Valley

Panorama of the Mountains

Directions: Just 50 yards east of the intersection of Wasatch Drive and Little Cottonwood Rd in Sandy, UT, there is a small parking lot. This is the Granite Trailhead. Once on the trail, it is very straightforward and you just hike along for about .6 miles to the small lake up top. You can stop there or continue up Bell Canyon another mile to find several small waterfalls and eventually the Upper Reservoir.

All I Want Are My Two Front Teeth

Benson's getting his first set of teeth!  The front two, bottom row have finally cut through and are making their first appearance.  He really started drooling about 3 months ago and we would blame any kind of fussiness on teething.  Apparently we were wrong as they came in a lot later than we expected.

Here's a quick picture.  They look cute and adorable, but watch out ... their sharp!

A little tidbit about baby teeth: Generally, there are 20 primary teeth (baby).  This is compared to the permanent set of 32 teeth that later replaces the baby set.  When referencing individual teeth, dentists use an alphabetical system (A through T) for baby teeth and a numerical system (1 through 32) for permanent teeth. Benson's two teeth then would be teeth O & P, or the lower central incisors.  As you can see in the chart below, he was a little late in cutting these (he's almost 11 months) and he only gets to keep them for 5-6 years before they are replaced.

When you have a Hygienist for a wife ... you have to learn these things.  Knowing the reference for each tooth is very practical too.  In a restaurant, all I have to say is "numbers 8 & 9" and Lisa understands that she has something between her front two upper teeth.  This way, I can let her know without drawing any attention to the situation as no one has any idea what I am talking about.

Basement Flooding! ... Twice!

It's true.  The basement has flooded ... not once, but twice!  On Friday, July 5th, our family was on its way up to a large Ahlstrom family reunion (Lisa's Mom's side).  We had planned to camp, but became a little concerned when the weather warning system cut in on the radio - warning of torrential rains and lighting bringing up to 1 inch of rain in 30 minutes, possible hail of 1-inch in diameter, and up to 70 mph winds.  This was serious!  The warning system even recommended that everyone get to the lowest place in their homes and away from windows until further notice!

What were we thinking at the time? - What a Blessing! It sounded like the rain was going to be quick and short and would pass over by the time we got to our reunion.  It could have been a disaster if we had already had our tent up.  Well, the storm did hit - and there was a lot of rain - and we were perfectly dry sleeping in our tent that we set up after the storm. :)

We returned home Saturday night, and it wasn't until Sunday afternoon that we noticed it.  Our basement had flooded during the storm.  About 200 sq/ft. of carpet had been soaked in our entertainment room, and water had lightly covered both our laundry and storage room floors.  We spent that whole evening and night vacuuming up the water from carpet and pad.  We pulled the carpet back and ripped out the pads after vacuuming and were able to carry the pads upstairs.  All-in-all, we vacuumed 25-30 gallons of water out of the carpet/pad.  Our good friends the Ashtons were kind enough to let us use their Air Movers (carpet drying fans) and we were able to get the carpet dry within a few of days.

How did it happen?  We weren't quite sure.  When we moved in, the McFarland's (home owners) informed us that they had had flooding before.  They warned that if the rain gutters were not kept clean, they could clog and the water would spill over into the flower bed - flooding a window well leading into the entertainment room.  We had made sure that the gutters were clean, so the only logical answer is that the rain was just so significant that it overwhelmed the drain system as is.

Pads in the Garage, Lisa vacuuming at 2 AM (not happy), Pulled-back Carpet, Moved Funiture, etc.  Fun!

Yesterday, it rained again.  Not as hard as the first - but a lot.  Steven called and informed us that the weather warning systems were again warning of flooding and torrential rain.  We were in the kitchen and could see the rain gutters from the kitchen table.  Nothing.  The rain gutters worked great!

Except ... as I went out and sat on the front porch to observe, I noticed that all of the rain gutters for the front of the house drained into that very flower bed that sits just outside the entertainment room.  As I watched, I saw the water begin to pool ... then flow ... then rush towards the house.  I scrambled to get the Wet-Vac and buckets in place again - and by the time I was ready, the water was already 4 inches up the window.  So ... Lisa and I spent the next hour or more vacuuming up the water as it seeped through the window cracks.  Of the 40-50 gallons that we ended up carrying back up the stairs, only a couple ever hit the floor, and none of it got the carpet (as we already had pulled it back).

Lisa Vacuuming, again.  Notice the waterline on the window!

Benson cheering us on.  We didn't have time to put him to sleep, so he stayed up to help.  Thanks Bud!

Sean McFarland came over at 10:00 pm with some 4-inch black tubing that we attached to the end of one of the rain gutter downspouts and we temporarily corrected the problem.  We'll have to find a more permanent solution later, but we're sure glad that we can now rest easy that we won't be vacuuming water in the basement any more!

Note to self: If we ever serve a mission when we are older, make sure someone is living in our home.  This could have been much worse if the home had been left vacant.

Two floods in Ten Days!  Crazy!

Saturday Play

Last Saturday morning we hiked Donut Falls with our friends, Richard and Allison Mathews - our second attempt this summer.  Our first attempt was last May when the weather was over 80 degrees at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the hike is only about 10 miles up the canyon.  When we reached the top, however, the trail-head was snow packed, our breath visible, Benson's hands were blue and I had only brought a light hoodie for him.  So we had a beautiful hike to the trailhead, but didn't go any farther.

This time, we were more prepared and made it to the waterfall!  It was still a little chilly, but definitely doable and absolutely beautiful, quiet and peaceful.  We came back to the parking lot and enjoyed some delicious donuts and milk from Dan's market (they have the BEST chocolate bars locally) thanks to Allison and Richard!  Even the chipmunks loved them.

Later that day we took Benson to a splash park that also has mini toddler play equipment.  He went down the slide with very little assistance and had fun climbing up it and going down over and over.  His favorite part of the whole park?  The bark.  We just couldn't keep it out of his mouth!

4th of July Getaway!

We had an awesome time in Park City with the Riries during the week of the Fourth, thanks to my generous parents for letting us use their time share at The Canyons Resort.  Matt, Benson and I arrived Monday night and spent a couple of days by ourselves.  Matt still had to go back to Salt Lake for work on Tuesday, but we were still able to squeeze in lots of play time.  We went hiking, swimming multiple times, walking, and tried a new restaurant, Fuego Bistro and Pizzeria (absolutely delicious!).  The morning of the 4th, Matt, Benson and I watched part of the Park City Parade on Historic Main Street.  It was pretty much just as we had expected for a small liberal ski town, but we're glad we went!  My favorite part was the Scottish bagpipe band.

The Riries joined us the morning of the fourth for a few more days of fun.  We hiked the beautiful mountains behind the resort, swam several times, played tennis, ate dinner at Cafe Rio and walked around Newpark Resort (which Matt's brother, Mike, helped design), ate vanilla ice cream with fresh blueberries and raspberries (from our garden), introduced the Riries to Diminishing Bridge (a traditional Jenkins family card game), and watched what seemed like endless episodes of Chopped Chef. We had a memorable time with Riries.  Thanks Mom and Dad Jenkins for the great experience, and thanks Riries for making time to be together!

Here are some pictures from Mike's (the hike) and Steven's (Mike & Lincoln swimming) phones:

Farewell Mom & Dad!

The month of June was one continual farewell party for my parents before they left for their mission last week.  My dad is the new mission president of the Arizona Mesa Mission (Spanish speaking) for the next three years.  For those not familiar with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its missions, the Arizona Mesa Mission is one of 405 missions (geographical areas) around the world to which young men, young women and Senior couples are assigned as missionaries to serve for an 18 - 24 month period. There are currently 69,000 missionaries serving from the Church worldwide, and that number will increase to 85,000 by the Fall of 2013.  Of those 69,000, about 175 are currently serving in the Mesa Mission.

The weekend of June 8 we traveled up to Idaho for a farewell party with my parents' close friends and family.  Aside from the party we went boating at Lake Lowell, cheered on nephews at a soccer game, played on the slip and slide in the yard, checked out Natalie and Scott's new home, and went swimming at the Price's (my sister in law's parents' home).  Not to mention yummy food and homemade treats all weekend long.  Matt had to go back to Utah Sunday to travel for work, so Benson and I stayed a few extra days to "help" my parents pack (which turned into more like: pack for two minutes and help Benson for half an hour, then pack for two more minutes and take care of Benson for another hour - OR - I pack for half an hour and my mom takes care of Benson).  Ha ha!  I guess we weren't much help, but it was so fun to be with Mom, Dad and cousins for a few extra days.

This was only the second time Benson has worn this "12 month" size swim shirt.  Unbelievable that it is the same size as the swim shorts!  I guess we need to be buying 18 month tops and 12 month bottoms.  

A "quick" stop at King's Pro Tire shop on our way to Lake Lowell to repair a flat tire on the boat trailer - after driving on it while flat for about 7 miles, as evidenced by the photos!

Learning to wake surf...

More boating...

Swimming, parks and unbeatable Idaho sunset from Mom & Dad's front porch.

The next party occurred a few days later when the whole family came down to Salt Lake to be present for when my parents were "set apart" for their new calling, a Priesthood ordinance in the Church where you receive authority, direction, and blessings to fulfill a new assignment.  Dad was set apart by Elder David Bednar, an Apostle for the Church, and Mom was set apart to be a full-time missionary by Elder Tad Callister, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy.  It was an unforgettable experience to participate in that special day.

The next Saturday morning we picked up Mom and Dad from the airport and drove them to the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) where they stayed for the next week to receive training.  It was a quick drop off in the parking lot, and quick goodbyes, but we did squeeze in a photo before leaving!  They left from the MTC for Arizona on Thursday and we have missed them terribly already, but know they are doing great things in Mesa!

Happy Father's Day, Matt!

Benson and I had fun celebrating our AMAZING husband and father yesterday!  Because we were getting together with Matt's family for dinner, we had a delicious breakfast (no, Matt didn't drink the root beer for breakfast! Though I'm sure he was tempted).  I couldn't have dreamed up a more wonderful father than Matt has been for Benson!  We love you!

Father's Day Gift

I found a fun idea on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/95560823315000027/ (one of the few I've followed through with from the thousands I've pinned...) and decided to tweak it for my dad for Father's Day this year.  The original used the letters D-A-D with the kids holding each letter. Instead, I wanted to create a collage with the word GRANDPA and have each of the grandchildren holding one of the letters.  Only one problem - there are only six grandchildren, and to my knowledge no one is expecting another (anyone want to fess up before Sunday?).  So, since my parents will be serving a mission speaking Spanish for the next three years, we thought ABUELO would be appropriate for their new home.

I am no expert when it comes to photography, but Natalie and I had fun taking the pictures and Matt rescued us with Photoshop.  Some time I will post all the comical bloopers we encountered - they are comical.  Natalie will assemble them in a black rectangular frame and give it to Dad on Sunday, so we will update this pic with the final after she assembles it tomorrow!

Memorial Day Weekend

What a great weekend!  I just finished up a long couple of weeks providing training up in Park City. Lisa and Benson came to stay in the hotel at the Canyons a couple of the nights that we were up there and took advantage of their swimming pool.  Benson apparently loves the water!  This last weekend has been a great relaxing weekend and an opportunity to spend it with friends and family.

Steven Update
Steven entered the hospital mid-week last week.  In 9th grade, he was hit in the back while playing football.  This early injury caused temporary paralysis of the legs which he quickly recovered from.  Since then, Steven has been fighting back pains and the injury flared a couple of years ago while Steven began his mission training in the MTC, precluding him from being able to get to his assignment in Santiago, Chile.  At that time, he received some light rehabilitation and consulation with some very good doctors who recommended that he avoid surgery at all costs.

This week, something happened and Steven was admitted to the ER at Utah Valley Medical Center.  After several doses of morphine and, later, the hospitals 'most potent pain killer' - he remained in severe pain.  After MRI and CT-scan results were received, two things were obvious - 1) a disc in his lower back had shifted and was putting significant pressure on his spinal cord, and 2) due to the loss of feeling in his lower body, he was not aware that his bladder and filled to 5 times its normal fill limit (which was the actual cause of his severe pain).

With miraculous intervention, the right people were available in the very hour that Steven needed them most.  A blessing was given and Dr. Reichman (renowned neurosurgeon) was able to perform surgery that same day. This is the same doctor that Steven waited 8 months to see because of how busy he is!  He has been in the hospital now for a week and a half.  Last Tuesday, the day after memorial day, he was admitted into the hospital's rehabilitation center where he is re-learning the basics of getting in and out of bed and walking.  With time, he will regain his strength and feeling, but it may be a long road.

We have been able to get down to Provo to see Steven a few times now.  He is so optimistic and so outwardly appreciative of the wonderful people about him as well as his Father above who has guided much of this process.  On Friday (24th) we were able to see him for the first time.  Then, Memorial Day evening, we went down and had a BBQ with the Ririe Family and finished the night playing Scattergories in the hospital with the poor guy.  Lisa and I were able to go down and visit again last night and watch Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals (NBA).  We are hoping for his discharge from the hospital on Tuesday (June 4th).  What a trial.  Thanks Steven for being such a great example of optimism and gratitude!

Playing Scattergories in the Hospital with the Ririe Gang.

Other Memorial Day Weekend Activities:
The Sunday before memorial day weekend, we took a quick stroll through the local cemetery.  They do such a beautiful job and there seemed to be flowers at every headstone.  At the entrance of the cemetery, there were 40 flags nicely arranged with a small plaque to commemorate every Utah soldier who has died in the war on terror.  We are so blessed to be in this incredible country!  We often take the freedoms that we have for granted - but on this day, the memory of all those who have laid down their lives so that we might have a better one - those freedoms become so much more real.  Thank you to all those who have served and are serving in the armed forces!

Memorial Day at the local cemetery.

As a part of the weekend, we setup our Tent in the backyard for a fun 'camping trip.'  We used the long-exposure capabilities of our camera to try to test out our ability to draw with flashlights.  We started out with some words - then moved to an advanced drawing of a camper roasting a marshmallow from his adirondeck chair.  My brother Mike did something similar a long time ago and this was our best try at copying it in 15 seconds.  It was a lot of fun!

Playing with Light and Cameras.  BYU, Stickman, Camper roasting marshmallows, Love, Mountains, and the Next Morning

Camp Kostopulos

Yesterday was friends and family day at Camp Kostopulos.  Matt, Benson and I went to visit Bryan who is working as a group leader there for the summer.  The camp is located a few miles up Emigration Canyon.  During the summer months the camp accommodates handicapped children, youth and adults, who come at week long intervals to experience therapeutic recreational activity and education.  The campers enjoy horse back riding, swimming, ropes courses, a beautiful playground and park,  basketball, canoeing, fishing, and arts and crafts.

We were able to try out the ropes course where BJ was belaying for the day.  Matt went first while I watched Benson, then we switched.  The course is on average 20 ft off the ground, some sections higher than others,  I felt so confident watching Matt from the ground - he made it look so easy!!  But when I arrived at the top I felt like I was going to die!  I haven't done anything exhilarating like that in awhile and forgot how my adrenaline rises when I'm in the air.

We are so excited to have Uncle BJ close to us this Summer!

Now I Can 5K

Today, our family ran the Now I Can 5k.  The race is to provide awareness and financial support for the Now I Can Foundation (http://www.nowican.org/).  The foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to providing intensive rehabilitation to children with disabilities – many of which are severe musculoskeletal disabilities.  Using the latest techniques and the ‘Neruosuit’ (an orthotic suit worn by the children to teach the brain and body correct patterns and posture of movement) the group is able to teach these children to do things that they could never do previously – encouraging the end response, “Now I Can!”

Matt’s brother, Mike, has been leading this organization for about a half of a year as its Director and had worked so hard to make sure that this race was a success.  As his senior project in the BFA program at UVU, he selected this organization to highlight and try to bring additional publicity to the group.  He spent some time with children and documented through photography their struggles and victories.  These images were then compiled in a beautiful book and exhibited in the Orem library for a period of time.  During the exhibition, KSL even took a few minutes to highlight his work on the evening news.  Upon graduation, the organization was so pleased with his passion for the organization and his other skill set that they selected him to act as Director for the Foundation.  He has done a wonderful job as evidenced by a great race and happy kids.  Several of the kids were able to walk the mile and finish through the finish line with a loud round of applause and cheering.  How inspiring and fun!

We met a lot of good friends at the finish line.  Mom and Dad Ririe, Steven, Ashlyn, and Mike & Natalie's family were all there.  Lisa's brother Bryan also came in hopes of winning the overall prize.  He finished 6th with a sub-20 minute finish.  Not too bad!  Also, MGIS, Matt’s current employer, was a corporate sponsor for the group.  As a result, a handful of MGIS employees ran/walked the 5K and we were able to take some pictures.

All of our Family (Matt, Lisa, and Benson) ran the 5k.  It was our first race with the jogger stroller which worked just fine – but it definitely uses some different muscles and is a little bit more tiring having the jogger to push for 3.1 miles!  At the finish line, we pulled Benson out to let him jog across on his own.  Great job Benson!  All in all, it was a great day, with great people, and a successfull race!  Thanks Mike!

Benson at 8 Months

Benson is growing up way too fast!  We feel so grateful to have this little bundle of happiness in our lives.  Literally – he is a bundle of happiness.  His smiles and laughter are contagious.  It takes Lisa an extra half hour to get through the grocery store because of how social he is.  He looks at every passing customer and just lights up.  It’s so fun to watch the reactions.  Each person’s life seems to get a little better.  It’s not rare for someone to stop and just stare and start to talk to him.  We probably get asked several times a week if we’d be willing to give him out on loan (or permanently).  He is just lovable and we love him so much!

Every once in a while, a passerby will lower his/her head and avoid eye contact.  Maybe their day had been bad or something had happened - but they consciously avoid this ray of happiness staring right at them the whole time.  It is a good reminder to me of how our Heavenly Father might sometimes feel as he reaches out and seeks to bless us - but because of our own pride, we turn away and avoid that contact.  There is so much to gain if we let these good things in our lives - and sometimes all it takes is to look up and say hi to a little 8 month old to improve your day.

Last week, we took a couple of pictures of him in his high chair.  We found a couple of his common expressions and thought we’d share.  He has learned to feed himself now and doesn’t want anyone putting a spoon in his mouth if he feels he can do it himself.  We’ve given him his freedom at the expense of some mess every time he eats.  Hopefully this is just a phase!  No teeth yet, but he seems to be able to get at least some food in.

Meal Time!  Benson and his many expressions demonstrating satisfaction for Mom's cooking!

Today, after church, we took a couple of pictures in our front yard.  It was a beautiful day and we couldn’t help but try out our camera for a little ‘photo’ shoot of the little guy.  We don't have any official 6 month pics, so we thought this one would do.  We think we got a few good ones and they will be going up on the family wall as soon as we can get them printed.  Enjoy!

Benson Photoshoot

You're so loved Bud!

Bryan Graduates From BYU - Idaho!

We had the awesome opportunity to be in Rexburg last Friday to celebrate my brother Bryan's graduation  (Exercise Science) from BYU-Idaho.  My parents, Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins, Scott and his wife Haley, and David also attended.  Bryan will be working this summer in Utah while he takes the MCAT and applies to medical schools.  We are so happy for him!

We were relieved at Benson's performance sitting through both the commencement and convocation ceremonies, especially considering both were after his bed time!  When he is in a room full of people now, there is no way he will sleep in public - there are too many people smiling at him and he loves the attention!