Cousin Bonding

 There's nothing wrong with a little male competition between cousins...

 I think they both won once, so no harm done.

 We went to this extreme sports place three times.  The kids couldn't get enough.

 Flying off the trapeze and landing in a huge pool of foam.

 Jumping off trampolines into foam.

 Running and flipping as fast as you can down long trampolines.

 Climbing huge rock walls and then falling...

 into large foam pits.

 It is a child's heaven.

 I was so sad that my back was hurt, because I think it could have been an adult heaven too!

 I wanted to try so bad!!  Mark went once, I was sad I wasn't there to witness and take pictures!

It was a fun place for all ages!

 Then Jessie taught the girls some cheers that she was learning on her cheer team...

 "Make that V, dot that I, curve that C-T-O-R-Y..."

 "Shake it to the left, shake it to the right..."

 "Stand up, sit down, fight fight...

 "...FIGHT!"

Return With Honor

 It was time for one last goodbye to Dakota.  A big dinner, with lots of family and friends.

 Cory, Lori, and Payden were able to come. It was fun to see them one last time before we left.

 Cousins that I haven't seen in years and years were their...

 Karen and Kas having a little bonding time.

 Some final hugs...

 Savannah just couldn't say goodbye.  :)

 After Code was set apart, Rob was his companion for the remainder of the time until he went into the MTC.  They woke up and had companion scripture study, I thought it was pretty cute.

 Speaking of pretty cute...

 My kiddos, sending Elder Dakota off.

Love ya bud!  The people in Mexico are really lucky to have you for the next two years!!!

Old Friends

We didn't get to see everyone we wished we could have, but we saw a few...

 We didn't get to visit for very long, but we saw Shane, Elise, and their cute kiddos for a couple hours.  Mark and Shane were mission companions, college roommates, and Shane was Mark's best man at our wedding.  We love laughing and catching up with them!

 

 Rachel has 4 boys and then just had her cute little girl.  Mark and Curtis (her husband) went to the same mission, and then we went to Utah State together as couples.  We had our first kids at the same times, and helped each other through the new craziness of being first time parents and first time home owners. I love ya Rach!!

 

 Emi was my neighbor, babysitter, and adopted daughter for a long time.  Then they abandoned us and moved to Utah. 

 It was so fun to Lelani and Emi for lunch.  We miss you!!  Move back to Texas!!!

 Bailey was being silly, and she was refusing to give Emi a hug...

But Emi conquered in the end.

 

I am already planning my next trip to Utah to see all that I missed and see everyone else again.  Love you all!

Temple Square

 I love Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  It is one of the most beautiful places!

 I loved showing our kids the conference center, so that next time when we watch General Conference on the computer, they will remember where it is at.

 Bailey loves to request being photographed.  She cracks me up.

 The Murdock clan.

 Parker loves Dylan... 

 Fun cousins... 

 Making wishes...

 My favorite spot, the Christus.

I love walking up the ramp, with the murals of the stars and clouds, and then seeing the huge statue of Christ. 

I love the Spirit that is on Temple Square.  We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives.  I have the blessings of the Temple, and the knowledge that I get to be with my family forever.  I am so blessed!

Great "Gamma" Taylor

 Reilynn was fascinated with Great Grandma Taylor.

 She would climb up on her lap and give her hugs and inspections...

 "Gamma, what dat dot right dere?"

 "Gamma, here your gasses."

"I luv you Gamma!"

Back to the Murdock's to overstay our welcome.

 Jessica organized many lemonade and cookie stands with the kids.  They were elated to earn a couple bucks.

 And then we have Uncle Rob...

 He looks mean on the outside...

 But really he is a big soft teddy bear on the inside.

 He wanted everyone to think he was happy when we left...but I know he shed a few tears. :)  Right Uncle Rob!?!?

 Dakota, showing Parker some new moves.

 This one was definitely Parker's favorite.

 Swish!

 Aunt Karen painted the little girlies' fingernails.

Addison and Kasidee went on an expedition to find snails...and snails they found.  Gross!