Reed & Raquel Sealing Day

Well, the day finally came and what a great day it was.  We all were able to spend a two days at the Timpanogos Temple.  Day 1-Endowments and Day 2- SEALING!!  Just thinking about it makes me tear up.  I had the AMAZING opportunity to be an escort for Raquel and I gotta tell you, it is one of the biggest honors I have had!

The room was filled to the brim with tears and whether the guys like to admit it or not, we all pretty much bawled like babies.... sorry guys.

It's always a tough road no matter which walk of life you take, but when you finally are able to bring your family together to be sealed, is a feeling indescribable.

I think out of all the pictures, this one gets me every time.  My baby brother and his beautiful wife with their arms outstretched in front of the temple, calling for their Jace......   (hold on, I need a tissue)....   Even though this shot wasn't posed in any way, definitely embodies the love and beauty that family is...

Love you guys....

To see the rest of the pics, please visit my photobucket...

First Day of School!

School has officially begun!  My little cabooses are now gone for a half day of school to go mingle and learn with their peers.  *tear*  They couldn't wait and they have been counting down the months and days until they could go to school for at least 6 months now.

They both picked out a Mario Bros. backpacks.  The house is now so quiet for 3 hours Monday through Friday.  At first I didn't know what to do with myself, I just hung out missing them and waiting for school to end so I can see them again.  Now I take advantage of the free-time to get stuff done!  (do you realize how much quicker you can get through a grocery store without kids in tow?)

(Koen)

Although I am proud of myself for not losing it when I dropped them off for th first time.  I started, but quickly realized I didn't want to be *THAT* parent and send my boys mixed signals on a day they considered to be one of the happiest of their short little lives. 

(Kael) 

Up until the Christmas break they were disappointed when the weekends came because there was no school.  I kept having to say to them.. "You can go to school, but no one is going to be there."  With every milestone that comes I welcome it, but miss what I lost. 

My beautiful babies are now my beautiful boys. 

Love my guys! 

Denver

We're finally on the last leg of our crazy-extended-super-awesome-summer-vacation.  After traveling non-stop from Bear Lake to Texas, back to Bear Lake, and up to Denver with a 24 hour turn around or less... we arrived at our last stop, Denver.  Now Denver made the list because we had a new member join the Michaelson clan.  The Ben Michaelson clan to be exact.  Little Tru.  We all made the trip to meet the little guy and be there for the blessing.

Since we the ENTIRE Michaelson clan was gathered we took advantage of the opportunity, since it doesn't happen nearly as much as we'd like it too seeing how we're not all neighbors, and took a bunch of family pics.

The Money Shot!

The Michaelson Family numbers... 3 kids and 12 grand kids, and counting....

After being in the car for several hours (over 3 weeks time for some of us) this shot was not only necessary but therapeutic as well (in fact, I should have had more people strangling me here and Barry's groping was far too friendly).  After all was said and done the fact still remains... THIS FAMILY ROCKS!

The lil' kids with Grandma and Grandpa Michaelson

Boyz

The Originals

The newest form of a merry-go-round which seems to operate much more safely.  In fact, I'm happy to report that everyone who played on this modern day spinner was able to get off without any cuts, scratches or broken bones.  This version is much more user-friendly.

Kael

Koen

The kids LOVED this park.  We brought the kids here a couple time to help them get their wiggles out..... and bathe.

I had to grab a cute shot before the kids got too soggy.  LOVE IT!

Bridal Veil Falls

After Bear Lake we had a 2 day layover at home and we brought everyone with us!  While we were recuperating before our next departure we decided to go take in the beautiful scenery at Bridal Veil Falls.

Dallin playing in the pool at the bottom of the falls.

Aidan

Koey

One of the best sister-in-laws ever!

Hayden having a blast watching everyone play.

Andrea and Co.

The rest of the photos are on Photobucket... ENJOY!!

Back up to Bear Lake!!

So the twins and I returned home from Texas with a 24 hour turn around...again.  This is trip 3 of 4, entering into week 3.  This time we took everyone!   We met Barry's parents and his sister and her family there to work on the house and or course... play!

We all shared a condo in Garden City and this is the boy's first time in a jetted tub.  Let's just say there was lots of giggling coming from the bathroom.

Kids unwinding outside in their pj's.

Hannah and Hayden! Cute Cousins!

The next day we took the kids to Minnetonka Caves.

Kael was a grump from the beginning because he had slept on the way up the canyon and was awoken from his beauty rest.

On our way to the cave...

This trip through the cave was MUCH more enjoyable.  The first time we went, we were all the way at the end of the cave, thousands of stairs in, and Dallin says he had to go potty.  Well, Barry packed Dallin and I held the twins and we were nearly sprinting out of the cave with Hannah trailing close behind.   And yes, we made it in time!  (Note: we did all use the potty before heading in as well, so this was an unplanned potty trip).  So this time was relaxing and we got to see all we wanted to see.

Just outside the cave, squirrels usually hang out and try to show off for the tourists in order to get treats.  We totally fell for it.... including Barry!

After Minnetonka we hiked up to Bloomington Lakes.

The first lake...

Near the 2nd lake.

The 3rd lake.

Yes, he did make it to the shore safely.

I got to hang out with Hayden while all the big kids went to the other side of the lake to play on the glacier.

We ate treats and I made her a flower crown.  We had a good time, us girls just chillax-in'.

Grand kids!

3 of my most favorite people in the world in this shot!

Rayburn family

Shot of the Michaelsons.

There's plenty more pictures.  You can check them out on Photobucket at...