Bromley's Birthday...Better Late at Posting than Never..

Bromley's Birthday - July 17, 2009. He turned 12 years old. We are normally in Oceanside, CA for his birthday and so I totally spaced posting his birthday this year because we were actually home for the first time in like 6+ years. Bromley is really into building model cars and what better way to celebrate his big day then to go to the F1 racing track and drive the race cars. He invited his buddy Jack Knight and Trellany invited her big sista Annie Wirthlin. We had a lot of fun and even Mom got in and raced the boys. We then went to his favorite restaurant 'Red Robin' had gourmet hamburgers and then back to the house to open presents. Like I said he loves building model cars so it was fitting to get him some more challenging models. I first started out with the typical cars that normally take 2 - 4 hours and Bromley is building them in less than an hour. Crazy...so I asked the guy at the model store to give me a more challenging car. So he gave me a Peugot that should take about 2 - 4 days. I thought great this will keep him busy for the week. Well I was wrong...he had the car built less than 4 hours. I was shocked and amazed. Way to go Bromley...You're a Rock Star. I love you and Happy Happy Birthday.

Jack, Annie, Bromley & Trellany

Bromley & Trellany

Jack and Bromley

Mom, Bromley & Trellany

One cute boy..and we love him to death

Trellany & Annie

Ready to let the racing begin...these girls are studs

Bromley waiting for the green light to start...he's so excited.

Mom getting the final instructions before the race begins.

Thumbs Up...I'm ready...let's RACE.

One more model car..

This is the 2-4 day project car that he completed less than 4 hours...crazy kid.

When there is something he is focused on...there is nothing that can take him away from completing it...he's amazing.

Here's the car almost completed...just has to put it all together and then paint it. Way to go Bromley...you're a Rock Star and we love you so much!

Family Fun...

We're often asked 'What do you do in the Summer'? because it's sooooo HOT in Arizona. My reply is well we're backwards from all the other places. Just like the areas that are cold, snow, wet and freezing during the winter they hibernate, we hibernate in the summer. There's only so much swimming you can do before the water heats up and then you feel like you're in a Jacuzzi..so we hibernate in the summer. We love to bowl and Brunswick built a beautiful new complex just west of us with a big arcade center, 24 lanes of bowling, restaurant, bar and grill. We found a super special thanks to Trellany that allows you to bowl for 2 hours includes shoes, pitcher of soda and up to 6 people bowling. It's so much fun. So here's some fun shots of us bowling.


Trellany & Bromley testing out the driving game in the arcade waiting for our buzzer to go off to tell us our lane is ready.

She is so good with Bromley...they truly love each other. Here's she's playing the 'Hoops' game with him.

Ready, get set...

She's nice but NOT that nice when it comes to winning...she's still the competitive Diva.

Now the true competition begins...let's see who wins.

If he just isn't the cutest...always a smile on his face. You can't help but be happy when you're with Bromley.

Here I go...this really is a lot of fun.

Just doesn't get any better than these 3..

Looks like I've still got it...STRIKE...oh yea baby!

My Angel..

My Twin, My Hero...I just love this kid so much!!

We Love The Water!

Growing up I was fortunate to have the best of both worlds. I lived in Arizona during the winter and Coeur d' Alene, Idaho in the summer. Although I went to school in Mesa...my fondest memories are the summers in Coeur d' Alene and spending the majority of our off time (we owned a golf course and had to work a lot) but when we weren't working we were on the lake water skiing, knee boarding and spending time at Arrowpoint where they made really great hamburgers, de-railers. It was THE place to be if you were a local, which we were since my parents owned a home and my Dad spent 6 months out of the year running the golf course.

It would only be fitting to share that love with my children, and over the past few years they have grown to love the lakes here in Arizona. It's no longer water skiing as that has been replaced with Wake Boarding and Wake Skating. Both Trellany and Trennon have become addicts and if they could spend every waking moment on the lake that's where they would choose to be. (So much like my twin brother and I).

Bromley learned just this summer how to get up on the wake board and he's now starting to really enjoy it too. The lake to me is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy and bring back all my wonderful memories of summer.


Trellany Joy

Trennon John

Bromley Kent

Here we go...

Catching some air..

Cousin David...showing how it's done.

This was an insane shot and I loved how the camera caught the action - even if it's a little blurry. I think it artistic in nature.

This kids is a natural...seriously.

Wanna play...

To watch Trellany fly across the wake, and really excel considering all of her knee injuries is just a joy for me to watch. She loves it.

Great style...

Getting ready to clear the wake

Not bad for a girl

Bromley's first time up...go B-Man

You're doing so good Bromley...whoa hoa

Annual youth water ski trip...I think we broke a record for how many we could get on a inner tube. This was crazy.

We even pulled them a ways before they all started flying off

here they go...it's going under

omh...are you kidding me

Bromley and his friend Andrew getting ready to tube wars

Hayden and Brycen...

Brooke and Kristin kicking it with the girls

Brycen...this kid has no fear

Trennon - wake skating

There's an art to this..looking good

wow...

Sh'es our joy.

I love this shot

clearing the wake

she got some serious air

that's nuts

Trennon really catching air

he flys

clearing the wake

one last time

you go girl

hey Mom I can fly

having fun

crazy

Canyon Lake

In the midst of all the fun...this little guy decides to show up

pure happiness

that's right...uh huh.

Summer Fun In The Sun '09

Oceanside, California has become our tradition for 'Summer Time Fun'. This is our 7th year and all I can say is 'memories are made that will last a lifetime'. Each year we stay at NorthCoast Village or better known to the regulars as NCV. We stay in G116 which has become our home away from home and typically we always have extra kids with us (friends for Trellany, cousin for Trennon and this year Bromley was able to bring his two best buddies (who happen to be brothers which made it all the more fun). Trellany this year invited her friends but at the last minute they had to work...so she was bummed until she found out that her friend Kaitlin Gray and her family would be at NCV. What a total blast we had. Kathy and I took the kids out for Oceanside's famous GIANT pizza. This pizza is the largest I've ever seen...it literally took up the entire table. It was so yummy.

The whole gang..Trennon, David, Bromley, Kaitlin, Trellany, Kaylee, Chelsea, , , Garrett.

The Girls...Kaitlin, Trellany, Kaylee, Chelsea

The boys...Trennon, David & Bromley

The 'GIANT PIZZA'...crazy big.

Brother, Sister - they really are close.

Bromley & Hayden - Best Friends

The whole gang...waiting to eat at 'Rock'n Baja' at the Harbor.

Brycen & Trennon...waiting to see the 'Amtrak' come flying through the train station. It's crazy and they let you stand on the platform and watch this train come zooming by and insane speeds...it's hard to explain until you experience it and then it's like 'OMG...are you kidding me'.

Two of my beautiful kids...I love them!!

Kathy and I took the girls on a bike ride around town...we had so much fun.

The girls visited the San Diego temple.

Kaitlin & Trellany - and the jumping begins...

and I say..'JUMP'...and you say 'JUMP'

Shopping..'The Closet'..what girls do best.

and I said 'Jump'...and you say 'Jump'.

My baby girl, my Angel.

Tie Dye time...this is becoming a tradition whenever we go on vacation.

Lifeguards on duty...watch out 'BayWatch'.

Photo shoot...these girls are adorable.

Riding Bikes...pit stop for photo op.

Hat Club...Hayden, Bromley, Kaitlin, Trennon, Brycen, Trellany

Hayden getting ready to 'Boogie Board'.

Trellany ready to 'Boogie Board'.

Bromley giving the 'thumbs up' for a great ride.

Brycen...this ROCKS!

What's up?...these waves are the 'Bomb'.

Brothers by birth...friends by choice.

Two Thumbs...Up...it's really good out there Mom.

'Hang Loose...baby girl'.

My favorite thing to do...sit on the beach, listen to the crashing waves and read a really good book.

My stud...rocking a six pack.

Trennon and Trellany doing what they love..'Volleyball'.

Trennon..you're so amazing..

Oh yea...VB is the Best!

I could play this forever.

Even when it's just for fun...Trennon still goes 'All Out'..which is why the coaches love him.

Cool cats.

My twin...

Photo time...Kaylee, Kaitlin and Trellany

Trennon being Mr. Cool.

The boys..Hayden, Bromley, Brycen & Trennon

Hey look Mom...it's a snail. I love this shot.

My pride and joy..

Dogpile..

Can we say 'cheese'..cute kids.

Great looking bunch..

The Studs..Bromley, Trennon, Brycen & Hayden

Strike a pose and let's get to it...

oh and did I say 'Jump'...

My 'Angel' Joy...

Doesn't get much better than this.

The models...Kaitlin, Kaylee & Trellany

Trennon John

another 'Strike a Pose'

Hayden...Mr. Summer '09

Brycen...Mr. Oceanside '09

Trennon...Mr. Baywatch '09

Seriously...sick sick ABS...

Now this is really 'Strike a Pose and let's get to it'!

From Boy to Man...

Brothers forever..Bromley and Trennon

My amazing family...I am the luckiest Mom in the world to have these three beautiful, wonderful and incredible children who are the light of my world and the love of my heart. Thank you for being mine and for blessing my life with so much good. I love you with all my heart.

Colorado Hike - Young Men's Summer High Adventure

Trennon's Varisty Scout troop went on a 'High Adventure' week long hike through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. They boarded the bus Monday - July 11th at 3:00am and drove to Durango, Colorado where they entered the trail. There were 16 young men and 6 leaders. The goal was to reach the Summit that was 14,000 feet elevation. They made it to the 13,500 elevation mark and it was simply amazing.. This hike was about 35 miles through the beautiful mountains of Colorado. The stories they came home with are amazing. The first night they didn't get as far as they hoped so they set up camp about 5 miles in on the bank of the river. I'm summarizing the story for time sake (it literally took them and hour and half to tell us when they got home). Trennon started unpacking his pack while his friends were setting up their tents and getting dinner. Trennon heard an 'Oh my gosh'...and that was it so he kept unpacking. Once he was finished he stood up and looked over at his friends and they were standing there frozen. Trennon looked around and noticed there was a 'Bear' walking through the trees about 50 yards away. Trennon very casually said 'hey guys' there's a bear...the guys said 'a yea..and it walked right by you...it was like only 10 feet from you'..Trennon was like WHAT..ARE YOU KIDDING ME...a No...didn't you hear James say 'Oh my gosh'...yea but..yea well James saw the bear said 'Oh my gosh...and DOVE into his tent and zipped it up. I guess he thought that would protect him...LOL. Anyway...the bear had some fun with the boys as it took one of the boys packs and then climbed the tree where the other food packs had been hoisted 20feet up trying to protect them. The bear was pretty smart and got away with 3 food packs to feed her and her cub. If you want to know the whole story just ask Trennon or one of the boys that went...it was pretty scary.

At the start of the Hike...geared up and ready to attach the Mountain.

Hiking through the wilderness..it's beautiful.

Trennon and the front leaders...they were always way ahead of the rest of the pack.

Z-Bo - Trennon's best friend Zach. He moved to Utah last summer which has been really hard but he was able to come back and do this big 'High Adventure' hike with all his friends. Trennon was so pumped to have Zach on the trip with him.

Looking down at the river on day 2 - on the way to the summit.

The three leaders...James, Zach & Trennon. Taking a break to give the others time to catch up.

Camp set up on the river banks.

What was left over from the 'Bear'. They said it was like she took each pack and carefully used her claw and opened each pack like a can-opener and then ate the food and moved over to the next pack. I think she's done this before.

You can only see this amazing country by hiking through it...no vehicles of any kind are allowed.

The lead crew..

on the way to the summit..

Zach and Trennon...looking a little tired.

They said because of the elevation you could only hike so far and then you would have to take a break. Due to the difficulty of the hike the lead group was about an hour and half a head of the last group. It ended up that the second group didn't make it to the point to stay on task to reach the summit so they ended up splitting up the 2nd night because they just couldn't make it.

At the top of the summit, the tree lines are gone but they found these beautiful lakes at the top. Amazing..who would have thought there would be lakes at the very top of a mountain.

On the way to the summit...the lead group went on the 3rd day to the summit as a day hike while the second group continued to make it to the 2nd day camp.

Mountain Goats were EVERYWHERE...Trennon said there were hundreds and they had little babies that were really cute but so annoying because they sounded like those 'Potted Plants' in Harry Potter that when you pulled them they screamed like crying babies. We laughed. Not to mention that whenever you go 'pee' the goats come running. It was told that they like the salt in your urine...so the boys were told to go on a rock instead of the grass but the goats would still come running. Trennon said they were so annoying...he said 'Mom it was terrible...nothing like taking a dump and having 10 goats around watching you'. We laughed so hard.

This is a great picture that depicts Trennon's point about the goats were everywhere.

A view from one of the break points as they head to the summit.

James, Trennon and Zach...almost to the top...tons of snow on the ground.

They are pretty cute (when their babies). It's also shedding season so as you can see the Mom is losing her coat.

too bad they grow up...

Trennon's the stud alongside his friends Chet, Zach and James

I guess the days were beautiful, but the nights were a little chili. So here they are warming their hands.

He's such a cutie..

Father, Son

The whole troop back together again.

Wow...we made it...waiting for the train to take them back to Silverton to come home.

It's a REAL old fashioned train...

The roaring river...

They made it back safe and sound..no injuries..and what an accomplishment. Way to go Varisty Scouts...this will be a trip you will never forget.

SENIOR TRIP '09

My how the times have changed. When I grew up there were no such thing as 'Senior Trips', now it's just one more tradition. Trellany and her 8 bestest friends planned their Senior Trip to Oxnard, California. Well they started out with the criteria that they wanted to go to the Beach. After researching several different areas in California from Mission Beach, Oceanside, Dana Point and Oxnard it came down to the almighty dollar. Then they found out that you had to be '25' to rent any week long vacation rental and so that required a 'Chaperon'. I was so lucky because they asked me to be their 'Chaperon'...it was truly an honor and privilege to spend a week with these beautiful, wonderful young ladies. We found a nice 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo just a few steps from the beach in Oxnard and it was wonderful.

Beach at 'Sunset'

Four of the eight (Courntey, Brianna, Cheyenne & Trellany)

First night arriving we went to 'In and Out Burger'. That was an experience in itself. We walked into this really busy 'In and Out Burger' and I'm not kidding you the restaurant was packed and when these 8 girls opened the doors to enter...the whole room stopped, went silent and looked at my girls. I knew then I was in trouble (especially since we had been travelling all day and totally were scummed out). It wasn't to soon that I looked over and one of the boys Basketball teams from Ventura had them all circled around them talking and inviting them to hang out with all of them. I thought...oh boy...here we go.

Sunday we took a day trip to 'Solvang' a quaint little town about 80 miles North near Santa Barbara. Courtney's parents told us about it. It's a little 'Dutch' town where a family came from the Netherlands in like 1920 or something and settled this beautiful town. It is built like the Netherlands, tons of little shops that feature Dutch and Swiss antiques, artwork and delicious bakeries and Dutch food. It was so much fun.

Overlooking the Santa Barbara area.

'Booty Call' - 8 bathing beauties.

The beach was beautiful, soft sand, great waves cool weather. The weird thing was that there wasn't a sole on the beach the entire week we were there. I think we may have seen 10 people the entire time and 5 of those were on Friday before we left. So the girls had a mile of beach all to themselves. They set up field lines and played 'Football', Frisbee etc.

Trellany, Kylee and Brianna entertaining themselves doing handstands.

Now let's do 'Cartwheels'...

Not sure what it is about 'Jumping' but this seems to be a necessity. I don't think we have a trip without a 'jumping' shot.

This is another 'tradition' that we've gotten into whenever we go on a vacation. 'Tie Dye'. So here the girls are making their 'Tie Dye' T-Shirts so when we go to Magic Mountain I won't loose them.

Seagulls on the beach..the girls had fun feeding them chips and crackers and then watching them fly and fight to get to the food.

Here's all of us in 'Solvang'...Someone offered to take the picture so at least I could be in one and prove that I was there with them...I joked with the person and told them I was the original 'OctoMom'...because these were my 8 - 18 year olds....heheh.

A little store in 'Solvang'. Even 'Edward' had visited.

There was a childrens store in 'Solvang' and when I walked in this adorable 'Little Piggy' was center stage of the store and it just was the cutest thing ever. So I couldn't resist snapping a picture.

Can you imagine walking around with all these beautiful girls...they really did make an entrance wherever we went. It was crazy..

Driving back to Oxnard and the girls thought it was pretty funny that there was actually a 'Santa Clause' Lane.

'RockBand' - these girls are really good.

I was so lucky - I got to go to 'Magic Mountain' with them and I actually got a picture for once with my daughter. It's a miracle.

The gates opened and the girls took off to get to X2 - it was crazy. Sneed one of their friends drove all night to join us at Magic Mountain as this would be his last crazy adventure before he left for his mission. Needless to say...I think a lot of boys were envious that here's this guy with 6 beautiful girls all to himself. It was a lot of fun.

Sneed on the beach one last time before he took off to go home.

Here we go 'Jumping' again.

What I do best...WORK...can you believe it...on vacation and I'm working...somebody HELP me.

Kylee, Diane, Trellany & Whitner - boy am I glad the beach was quiet. They are all too cute.

Now it's 'Long Boarding' time...seriously this could be an AD for 'PACSUN' or something.

There they go..cruising 'Oxnard' - Long Board style.

'Le Freak'...for one fun night they put together a dance routine to 'Le Freak' by Chic...it was absolutely hysterical.

Kylee, Diane, Trellany, Brianna, Cheyenne, Whitney & Courtney

Hall pose...seriously can you get anymore wilder & crazier than this? Such wonderful memories.

The girls at their best...playing in the ocean...it doesn't get any better.

Diane, Cheyenne, Trellany, Brianna, Jessica

Group Hug...they truly are the bestest friends.

Jessica, Trellany, Diane, Cheyenne, Kylee, Whitney, Courtney and Brianna

Photo Time...how fun for me to be able to take a few hours and photo shoot these girls. They are all so photogenic. The beach and landscaping were perfect for a fun photo op.

The girls...

Loving each other...well loving Trellany..

Beautiful girls.

Strike a pose and let's get to it...

and I say 'Jump'..

Someone built this awesome little boat...so of course we had to get a picture before the surf washed it away.

Row Row your boat..

Jessica, Diane, Trellany, Cheyenne, Whitney

Brianna, Courtney and Kylee

This picture truly depicts who they are to each other..I love this and will see where they are all at 10 years from now. I think a 10 year reunion would be fun.

Whitney, Trellany, Cheyenne, Diana, Jessica

Brianna, Courtney & Kylee

Graduation 2009

May 21st, 2009 - Was a very special day. Not only was it my 44th birthday, but it was Trellany's graduation from Gilbert High School. It's hard to imagine that 18 years ago this beautiful little baby girl was brought into this world and now she's grown into this amazing, wonderful 'Angel' of a daughter. Not only did Trellany graduate with a 4.0 GPA but also was awarded the 'Stake President Award' for Seminary. She has become such a wonderful young lady. Although her journey through child hood and teenager years as come to a close her young adult and adult life is just beginning. Trellany has had an incredible 18 years and I know that the next 80+ will be filled with just as much fun, joy and engergy that she has because the one thing Trellany knows how do to, and that is ENJOY LIFE...the sky is truly the limit for her and I know that no matter what direction she chooses she will find "Joy In The Journey", because that is Trellany Joy. We love you so much baby girl and you will forever be our 'Angel'.

Congratulations and this great accomplishment...here's looking to the next phase of your life.


Graduation night, just before she received her diploma.

Even in the rain..you are beautiful.

Receiving the diploma.

Attending 'Baccularette'

Diane, Whitney, Tava and Trellany

Whitney, Trellany, Nathan Smith & Diane

Trell, Whit, Alexa, Diane, Tiffany

We are so proud of all that you've accomplished.

Diane, Trellany, Nanna & Courtney

Senior Dinner Party with all the friends and family that Trellany has grown up with. It was so much fun. Nanna gave each of the girls a blown glass necklace to celebrate their graduation accomplishment.

These are the Best Friends that made it all the way through high school.
Whitney Dunn, Trellany, Kylee Jarigan, Cheyenne Hickle, Diane Tomoschiwozk, Jessica Bowyer, Brianna Carter (not pictured Courtney Sorenson) she had to leave early for her EVIT graduation.

"Rigatony & Cheese" - These guys are amazing and they came and entertained the girls for a few hours at the dinner.

Trellany, Diane & Whitney - getting ready to go to graduation. Celebrating that they are graduating in 2009 with their fingers.

Graduation stage...who would have thought that the end of May we would have to worry about the 'Rain'...well it decided to rain and the question is what do you do with 800+ students. You do your best and hope the 'Rain' might just sprinkle during the ceremony. Well it rained not too hard so we weren't too wet by the time it was over, but it will definetly be a memorable night. Where the sunshines 300+ days a year and the one day we needed it to not rain, it rained. Oh well, it at least kept the weather cool where we could have been sitting in 110+ degress and dying from heat stroke, so I'll take the rain any day.

Nanna sitting in the rain - and of course everything has to color match even down to her umbrella. Oh Nanna...we love you so much.

Trennon and Papa John enjoying the cool weather.

Trellany taking her graduation walk. She's in the first line walking, 1st one on the left (or closest to the photo.

Diane, Trellany & Cheyenne

Coach Grover with his Stat girls from Volleyball - Diane & Trellany. They absolutely love Coach Grover. He's the BEST!!

Brother & Sister - We will be here again in another 2 years for Trennon.

Brother and Sister - we'll be here for Bromley in 6 more years and then we are done.

Trellany & Cheyenne - beautiful girls.

Trellany & Tiffany - Volleyball buddies.

Trellany & Brianna - I love this pic as it truly shows how much they love each other. They will be best friends forever.

Trellany & Kylee - Best Friends.

The 'Boys Varisty Volleyball' team. Even off the court they adore their 'Stat' girls. Congratulations to all of those who graduated.
You are ALL Winners!!