Turkey Trot Triathlon

Savanah did the Turkey Trot Triathlon in Orem.  She did a great job and we were so proud of her!

Savanah Driving Permit

Savanah passed her driving test!  She now has a permit and can drive with the family!  She has loved being behind the wheel and I will love having the help when she can drive on her own.

Piano Recital

This years piano recital was a little crazy.  Emily and Savanah's teacher had a baby about 6 weeks before the recital so she need to take the time off.  Unfortunately without lessons many of the kids were unprepared.  Savanah decided to play and did great.  Emily did feel ready enough to preform in front on the group so she skipped this time.

Spring Soccer

 Family support!  Aunt Sandy, Jared, Sunny, Drue and Jade came to see Emily and Savanah play a soccer game

 Emily, Savanah

Ethan, still like the treats after the game :)

All five kids played Spring soccer again.  Not sure what happened to Justin and Kate's picture but they all loved it!  Emily and Savanah decided this would be their last season playing, they are getting too busy with school to keep up the practice that soccer requires.

Emily and Savanah's coach sent me this email when they finished the season:

This has been a special team that has improved from week to week.  The difference from the start last fall until now has been so fun to watch.  I really appreciated Emily and Savanah's dedication - they were some of the most consistent.

Emily had a lot of self-doubt initially (Her and Makenna, my daughter were very similar) but it was wonderful to see her really light it up this spring, playing hard - more decisive - and faster.  She was a lot braver than even I thought she would be and was core to the best defense in the league.  Only one score during regular play all season!!! And that in some severe wind.

Savanah's knowledge of the game really improved a lot.  It was really noticeable this Spring.  We had a lot of our success because she was in the right spot at the right time, doing the right thing.  I ran her a lot but always knew I could count on her to with that transition from defense to offence.  Mid field can be rough and tiring but I don't think I ever heard even a single complaint from her.

They will both be missed at our last game.  We'll get together again after the end of the season and hope they can join us.  I also wanted to say they are some sweet girls.  I know many girls at this age are backbitting, hurtful, etc...what really made this team so special was how kind every player was to everyone else.  From our best players to the ones that had the most to work on, everyone was  accepted fully.   Emily and Savanah played a VERY big role in this teams chemistry.

Thanks for letting them play, I will miss them.

Steve Holm

Young Women Recognition

We are so proud of Savanah!  She has worked hard and finally earned her Medallion in Young Woman's.  It was a lot to do but she stuck with it and I enjoyed helping her along the way.

1st Talk

Savanah gave her first talk in Sacrament Meeting on service.  She was more than willing to speak when one of the counselors in our bishopric asked her.  So glad I have one child not afraid of public speaking :)  She did a great job!

One Direction

Savanah's friend Katy invited her to go to the One Direction concert!  She was so excited - 5th row seats!  I was so nervous :)  I will admit it is HARD to let me my kids grow up especially when they are doing things that don't involve me or another parent.  I had a good talk with Katy's mom before they were off which calmed my nerves and totally embarrassed Savanah.  Katys older sister and friend also went with them so I felt like there was some supervision :)  They had a great time and I was glad Savanah was able to go and see what a concert was like!

Spring Piano Recital

Justin and Emily far left

Unfortunatley Savanah was home sick during the Spring Piano Recital.  Ethan was a good sport and stayed home with her so Jeff and I could both go hear the other kids play their pieces.
Emily played Under the Sea, Justin played Jessica's Theme and Savanah was going to play Black Forest Polka and Yankee Doodle Boy.  They did a great job!

Girls Night Out

This year while the boys were at the Father and Son's I thought it would be fun to take the girls on an over night trip!  Of course it would involve a hotel not a tent :)  As soon as the boys pulled out of the drive way we were off to Park City.  First thing we did was shop!  Then off to dinner, swimming in the pool and some movie time before bed.  It was so much fun just being with the girls!

Youth Conference

 Addy, Emily and Grace

 Addy, Emily, Grace, Ally, Kimmee and Savanah

 Kimmee, Savanah, Ally, Emily, Addy and Grace

 Addy, Sis Vawdrey, Kimmee,  Grace, Ally and Savanah

I was called to be the Laural Adviser in our ward one week before youth conference!  I was off with the youth to Manti for a fun day.  We visited many historical sites, played games, ate the famous turkey dinner and watched the pageant.  I hadn't seen the pageant since i was about nineteen years old, and sadly I didn't like it at all.  This time I enjoyed it so much - clearly in a different, better place in my life :)  We are excited to take our family down next summer so all the kids can go!

Spring Piano Recital

Savanah and Justin did great at their recital...even though I got to watch them preform through video :( Emily wasn't feeling good so I stayed home with her and the little ones.  Too bad when you have to miss a recital you have practiced so long and hard for!  The kids are all doing great in piano and secretly I think they do enjoying playing even though they tell me different!

BYU Soccer

Jeff, Emily and Savanah got to go with their soccer team to a BYU girls soccer game. They had a great time watching the girls play!

They're 12!!!

Emily and Savanah are 12 and loving it!!! The best part they say about turning 12 is no more primary - they love Young Woman's! This year the girls were going to have their first boy/girl party but a few days before the party they realized it might be a little awkward having the boys over. Instead of a party they invited their girl friends and a few boys from the neighborhood to play night games and have smores - it turned out great and they had a fun night!

Brace Face

Savanah had braces put on! She was so excited, even though it was a little painful. Emily is anxiously awaiting her few last baby teeth to fall out so she can join Savanah's new look!

Winter Piano Recital

The kids did great...except Ethan and Kate. I tell myself every recital I should have left them home! But the older kids played their songs so good, it is always fun to see their hard work pay off. They even had surprise visitors come see them perform - Jennie and Chandler!

Emily played "Away in a Manger"

Savanah played "What Child is This?"

Justin played "Frosty the Snowman"

Swim Meet

Savanah finally decided to try participating in a swim meet! We are still working on Emily and Justin to try. Savanah took 1st in her heat and 6th over all!