Arizona

My granny turned 90 this year and they had a big party for her down in Arizona. Of course we couldn't miss it. It was a quick trip but we had a lot of fun. Our family stayed with my sister Becky and her family so our boys could have more time with her boys. They had a blast together. I am so glad we stayed with them.Me with my grandparents. I am so grateful for the influence they were on my life. I have so many fond memories of Cornville (where they lived for quite some time). They really taught me the importance of family.

I was asked to share a few of my memories with Granny. I talked about how she loved all of us. But my main point was about my blankie. It is a blanket that Granny made me for Christmas of 92. At first I didn't really like it. There was no pattern. I didn't think it was pretty. Weeks later I realized all the squares were their old clothes. At that instant it became invaluable. I have used it for nearly 20 years and the back needs to be redone but the top will live forever. It was all their old polyester clothes.

Me and my cousin Misty. We grew up together and did so much together. Our other cousin our age couldn't make it. Melissa, Misty and Melanie all the way! You had to love it when our parents got mad at the three of us. They couldn't get our names straight. My aunt Linda (Misty's mom) had the hardest time when she was trying to get after us.

We went by the Temple grounds in Mesa. Since I grew up there I really want my kids to experience a little of Arizona and Mesa. I want them to have the opportunity to see things that were important in my life.



After standing in the 95 degree heat for about 20 minutes we headed over to Bahama Bucks for some shaved ice. Yummers. The ice is shaved so fine and then to top it off (literally) they put cream on top of your flavor. Sounds good right now.

The boys were so excited to get umbrellas in their drinks.

Since 6 of the 7 kids in my family were down in Arizona we thought it would be a good idea to have a lunch and pool party. Becky was kind enough to host and did a fabulous job. She made this really yummy pulled pork and several pasta/potato salads. Thanks Beck for all the work you did.

I love Carter's turtle goggles. Since we were staying with them Miles and Carter wanted to get in the pool as soon as they got up. They did get in around 9:30 and were in until about 6:00. We reapplied sunblock several times but Carter still got a little burnt. Miles just got darker brown.

Carter and Miles ate and ate and ate watermelon.

Carter got so brave he would even jump off the side. He had to work up to that. First he sat on the edge and lowered himself in. Then he sat on the edge and fell in. Then he stood and kind of stepped in. He finally got all the way up to jumping in. So brave.



I know this is totally inappropriate, but I couldn't help myself. This picture is titled "Why I Like Travelling With Boys - subtitled Ranch Exit."

Temple Square

I love Temple Square in the Spring. Tulips are my favorite flower and they are everywhere up there and they are so beautiful. I had really wanted to go so we met up there after I got off work. It was a good family home evening minus the fact that I had a killer head ache.


Carter loved smelling all the flowers. I think he helped pollinate the entire area.

Miles and Carter sure love their dad. And he loves them. Quinn is such a good dad and husband. I am always so grateful I married him. Or he married me.

Carter is such a silly boy.

Miles wanted to pose everyone for each picture. So there are a lot of back to backs and hugging knees.


Awwww... cute.

More back to back.


I think it is mandatory that every Mormon family have a picture in front of the Christus. I don't know that we had one yet. If we did it was before Carter was born. My family has one from when I was probably about 6. My sister Becky would have been 4 and the picture is so sweet. We are all facing forward and she is looking up at Christ. You think how sweet it is until you hear the rest of the story. My oldest brother Jason who must have been about 9 told her that "Jesus is gonna get you". So she didn't want to turn around for the picture.

Miles' Baptism

Miles turned 8 in April and got baptized May 1st. It is exciting to see your children grow up. I hope Miles will always be the sweet boy that he is and make good choices.
The day I got baptized my mom wasn't there. My baptism had been scheduled three times. We were living in Panguitch and had scheduled around the possibility of grandparents being there. They weren't able to make it so it got scheduled for July 17th. That morning my dad told me that my mom had had my baby sister that morning. I broke into tears thinking that I would never get baptized. They had decided that if I started crying (which they knew I would - have you met me?) they would go through with the baptism that day and my mom would have to miss it. On Miles' baptism day I really realized what a sacrifice it was for her to let me do that without her. I love my mom.

My boys. I love em.

Miles had seen this Liahona at Deseret Book and really wanted it. We decided to give it to him for a baptism gift to remember to follow direction and do things right so he can get direction.


We had a little brunch at our house afterwards. It was nice. We got to visit with family and friends and celebrate Miles' special day. Aren't we such a good looking couple?

Grandma and Opa Rollins

Granny and Papa Riding

Miles turns 8!

Miles turned 8 on April 19th. He is getting so big and I am so proud of him. He is a good kid. Still a kid, but a good one. He loves to learn and play. He is always asking me how something works or how it is made or why things happen in nature. I usually respond by saying one of two things. 1) Ask your dad. 2) Ask uncle Seth (the engineer that can answer all his mechanical/power questions).

On his birthday we went to Granny and Papa's house for a little barbecue and played croquet.

This year I gave Miles the choice of inviting lots of kids and doing something at our house or just having a few kids and going bowling. He chose to go bowling. We took Jacob Bartschi, Carter, Jackson Cole, Miles, Adam Wynder and Alex Bartschi.

Miles' birthday cake. They keep getting simpler and simpler each year. :)

What! What! Kids from K-town are IN DA HOUSE!


Me and my birthday boy. I love that kid so much. I'm so grateful to be a mom and grateful for the two wonderful boys I was blessed with.

The Living Planet Aquarium

My final off track outing was to the aquarium. I had never been there and thought it would be fun for the boys. I went with my sister in law Sarah and her two kids Tate and Grace. It was extremely fascinating for Miles. He was soaking up all the information he could get. Miles and Carter on a big ol' frog. Miles, Tate and Carter in a sea anemone. Miles and Carter just exploring. Miles, Carter and Tate "petting" the sting ray. They could have stayed there for hours. We did get to see a little bit of feeding time which is kind of interesting to watch. It was also weird to watch them come up out of the sides right by people.

The Farm at Thanksgiving Point

I am trying to spread out all the things we did while the boys were off track. Ok, really I'm just not the best blogger. My theory in blogging is better late than never. Look at those cute boys. For the most part, they really do love each other. I am very grateful for that and that we can go do things together and they have fun with each other.
This was so funny. The cow kept sticking it's head out and licking the boys jackets. They both got "slimed" from the cow. We had to wash the jackets when we got home.
Carter was cute petting all the animals. Miles wasn't as interested in petting all of them as Carter was.
And of course we had to do the pony ride. Miles looks so big this year. I think the first time we came here with him I was pregnant with Carter so he was just little.
Carter had a blast riding the pony. He wanted to do it again and again. Unfortunately, it was just the once.