Back to school 2013

I'll catch up on summer photos later, for now... first day of school pics!

 Graysen first day of high school, 10th Grade.

 Naomi first day of middle school, 6th Grade.

Gordon first day in the drawer, and discovery of the candy stash!

Almost there!

Hooray, Gordon is 11 months old!

What's In A Name

I've been intending to write this post for a long time.  I keep thinking about how to describe these two wonderful people, but luckily... Naomi did it for me!  A week ago she wrote a talk (all on her own) for primary and I love what she said so I'll just post it here.  

*she used different pictures in her talk*

"This is my Great Grandpa Bronson.  He died three months before I was born.  This is my great grandpa when he went to war.  I'm proud of him because he helped defend our country.  I know he was such a kind man and I wish I could have met him."

(Jay Jay, Grandpa and Erin on our epic trip to New York 1992)

"But Heavenly Father has a plan for us.  In The Family, A Proclamation to the World, we learn that 'The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.'

Because of that I will be able to meet my great grandpa Bronson.  All my relatives say he was a great guy.  We named my little brother Gordon after him.. I hope when my little brother grows up he can be like my great grandpa."

"I'd like to bear my testimony that I know we can be resurrected when we pass away and be with our families forever.  I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us and I know that I'm a child of God." 

The two Gordon's in my life hold special places in my heart and thank you Naomi for for so beautifully sharing your thoughts and feelings. 

Joyful Christmas

Wishing all a JOYFUL December and Merry Christmas!  Feel free to laugh along with Gordon.

Worn Out

It seems like the past week or so has been extra busy.  I can't even count how many times Naomi has been up until 10pm doing homework and Graysen even later.  Added to all the normal activities, we've been trying to get Halloween cleaned up and the yard ready for winter.  We had only a few good days to get all the leaves raked and yard toys all put away before the rain and snow hit this morning.  This picture of Gordon from last night sums up how we all feel.

A Photo Buffet

 A day at the zoo.

 Kory and Naomi hiked to Naomi Peak.  Naomi loves having her own special place!

 Grandma Pitcher's 80th birthday celebration.

 Graysen impressed the aunts when he was able to rock Gordon to sleep.

 Naomi sometimes wishes she was the baby of the family.

 At the Pitcher family reunion every summer there is a flyby where an airplane drops bandana parachutes tied to bags of candy.  The kids love it!

 Graysen brought home fun things from Ecuador.  He'll do a separate post when he gets all his pictures together.

 Naomi's first day of Fifth Grade!

 Gray's first day as a Freshman!

 The kids and I drove up Logan canyon a few weeks ago to check out fall leaves.

Moab Getaway

The kids had a few days off school so we packed up and headed on our first vacation with Gordon.  The weather was perfect and we could have used another week to actually fit in all the things we wanted to do.  

 We stayed in the cabins at the Moab KOA. 

 I love these two pictures.  Gordon really wants his cheetos!

 Getting ready for a short hike.

 Lots of photographers were gathering to take pics at sunset.  I'm amazed at how many people are camped out all over the park hoping for the best shot.

 While the older boys biked Slickrock, Naomi, Gordon and I went mini golfing and chilled at the cabin.

 The kids favorite place to play - Sand Dune Arch.  They call it "the slot canyon" cause they spend most of their time seeing how far up the narrow canyon they can get.  I remember as a kid that you could jump off the arch into the sand but there's not enough sand to do that anymore.