1st Term 2011-12 School year--Emily's year

As I write this I think it is Pro-Emily--nothing is wrong with that, unless you are Ashley & Meagan. I am sure their day will come, but these past few months much of what has happened has been based on Emily. We love them all though!!

Back to School --Emily started high school at Davis, Ashley is in 8th grade at Kaysville Junior, and Meagan began 5th grade. Emily acclimated nicely, partially because she had marching band all summer long. She had a great support base of friends. Ashley & Meagan are really enjoying school this year also.Emily turned 16 the first part of September. Her best birthday present was getting her driver's license. She is a great, cautious driver, she is counting down the days until she can driver her friends. We surprised her with a BBQ with friends and family, she wasn't expecting anything. On her birthday her dad arranged her first date with a great guy in our ward, our buddy Jake. Jake and his mom took Emily out for yogurt. We love Jake, and I am pretty sure this was the only person that Brian would have let Emily go out with on her first date.




MARCHING BAND--We officially band parents, which at Davis is an elite club. Brian has enjoyed going to load the truck before competitions, taking tickets, parking buses, and his favorite is setting up before a competition. I prefer to sit and watch. Davis band is amazing and I have learned to love and anticipate their show. Unfortunately now we have to wait until next year for any more events. Concert band will have to do for now. This year for Marching band she decided to switch to the piccolo, but still plays the flute for concert band.

HOMECOMING--Emily turning 16 meant that she was eligible to date. She was excited for what this meant. After a late night band competition, she arrived home about 11:30 am, to find a bag of flour left for her. I had to talk her into going through it, she was really tired. After just about going through all the bag of flour and not finding any notes or clues, there was a knock on the door. She found a rose and not that said, "Oops, I delivered the wrong flower". She was excited, but still very tired.

She had a great time answering back and searching for a dress and shoes. Did I tell you she was excited to go on this date? Homecoming was after a competition, so I went and picked her up at the competition and we drove fast to get back to home so she could get ready. Thanks to her friend Melissa for helping her. She looked amazing!! Parker and Emily had a great time!!

Sullengers and the Six Bears

Once upon a time....Brian was anxious to go to Yellowstone again, so when the Randalls called with an opportunity to rent a cabin with them, he jumped on the opportunity. His plans did not sit well with the girls, he was intent on getting up at 5:30 so we could get into the park and see the wildlife. They started praying that we would see all the things they needed to see the first day so we didn't have to get up early the next day. After consulting some co-workers who go frequently to see animals, we set out at 5:30 am. There was many bison as we entered the park, this was fun to see, but we wanted to see bears, wolves, elk, and others. We stopped at some hot pots and water falls, but were set on getting to Mammoth Hot Springs. Just before the springs there is a drive that takes you to the top of the hot springs. We decided to take it and were not disappointed. A small tour bus was stopped just before us, and there was a cinnamon black bear. We opened our door so we could get pictures, but as he came closer we got nervous and shut it, which made him run right in front of our van. So cool. Prayers were answered, but they must of been praying really hard. From Mammoth we went to the petrified tree (another little turn off), and there was another black bear. This time there were 4 hikers not to far from him. It was scary and exciting to watch him and them. A ranger finally came to help them. Then we went to the Lamar Valley. Not only did we see many bison (swimming across a river), but also some elk, a badgar, and a pair of grizzlys playing. We stood and watched them for 15 minutes or so. So great. Total 4 bears, for sure we don't have to wake up early again.
As we came towards Tower Falls, we spotted bear #5, this one was on the road causing a traffic jam. A ranger was following him as he walked by our van again. Awesome, it wasn't even noon. We rounded another corner and saw another black bear on the hill, but no place to stop. #6 this was great!!
There was still tons of snow in the park over the passes. These 6 bears were the only ones we saw, but we did go back into the park the next day. It was a great trip, nothing beats our bear sightings. We could not believe we were so lucky.