He's a Life!

Parker has been working pretty hard in Scouts.
He was able to achieve the rank of Life as well as many merit badges

He is well on his way to getting his Eagle in the next Year! 
Parker has wonderful Scout leaders that help keep him organized and on track!

Preparing

The Stake has planned a Pioneer Trek for their spring Youth Conference.
Miranda made her bonnet and skirt to wear.

I'm pretty impressed with her sewing skills...she didn't even want my help :)
She's pretty excited to go on the Trek in March!

Never say Never

When Ryan started out on his hunting adventure in 2003 I told him that the trophy mounts were to stay in their designated place in the casita.
And for a while that worked.
But then wall space was limited, so a bunch of the mounts went to a local Sportsmans Warehouse.  That worked out quite nicely for a while...until they closed :(
So, since then we've had a little menagerie in our upstairs loft

Exhibit A -

 Exhibit B (this is now in the loft with the other animals instead of on the chair in my bedroom)

The kids have done pretty well not to complain when they get poked in the head by a Gemsbok when they are playing X-box or when they can't sleep in the loft because there isn't enough space. But seriously....these animals need a home.

So, when we got our new shutters a while back, I cleaned off the pot shelf right above the entry door... I was ready for something different up there anyway, but I just haven't found the right decor yet.

So, seriously in jest, I suggested he put his leopard up there.  Little did I know that Ryan would jump on it (I don't think he heard the jesting tone in my voice)

That night when I came home from errands, he had a ladder leaning against the wall and had tried to put it there himself, but no luck. 

And so, not only did I give permission for the leopard to be there, but I had to assist with the placement as well.

It was really quite a sight to see us trying to get the log then the leopard in place. 

Thankfully the kids didn't try to take any photo's of the process.

But now, we have a leopard perched above our front door ready to greet any guests we may have...

I of course had to add a little touch of Ginger with the greenery and pots.

And here's a shot just to give you the BIG picture...

So... I will admit that the colors go nicely with the decor :)  

Ryan has his sights on the wall on the right,  but I think for now the hippo will be staying in St. George at Sportsmans Warehouse

They Don't Know

Here is a video of Miranda's song as Mrs. Meers
She was soooo amazing!!!
(be sure to turn off my playlist so you can hear it)

Dedication

This is the dedication I came up with (with help from my digi-talented sister Natalie) to put in the Millie Playbill...

I've been a slacker and missed deadlines in both her other plays.
Hopefully she knows how wonderful I think she is with or without a page in the playbill :)

There's no words

I don't think words can express what a wonderful experience Miranda had doing the play.
Here is a slideshow that will hopefully give you a glimpse of the experience she had.
(sorry it's a long one, but I promise it's a good one!)

Happy Birthday Ryan

For Ryan's birthday this year, we celebrated by attending Miranda's play :)
Nancie and Raynold came to town and Nancie made her famous Contrata cake for Ryan. (so yummy)
After the play, all the gang went to BJ's for dinner

Then at home we had Nancie's yummy cake and Ice cream....

Complete with candle and singing "happy Birthday"

I'm not sure if I should post this or not....(Parents, mind you children)

But, Grandma Sanders gave Ryan a classic birthday card this year.  She always give humorous cards for birthday's and this one she picked up last year and couldn't wait to give it to him for his birthday...

YIKES!  Seriously.... I really do look like that too :D
Happy Birthday Ryan!