Summer's off with a BANG!

OK - it's already three weeks into summer and we (or I should say "I") haven't been home!! What's wrong with this picture?? The first week of summer was spent moving all my classroom stuff and cleaning up then going to a training seminar for our new reading program (can't wait!). That weekend we took off up to Benjamin's (my brother Brett's oldest child)baptism in Yakima, WA. We met up with my parents and nephew in Mountain Home and had a fun road trip. The scenery was wonderful. When we lived in Lewiston, I had to brag about the drive north - once you get PAST Boise. Kaylee and Kendall headed up to Rock Springs, WY to help Grandpa Jack (Whit's dad) with renovations on Ray's (Jack's father-in-law) house so they did not come with us but they had quite a bit of fun as well.

After Yakima, we headed to Lewiston, ID early in the morning so we could attend sacrament meeting with our old ward. It was so fun to see everyone and we were able to stay for a day and visit with our friends. On our drive home, we just had to take the old road we used to travel so often that goes through McCall and follow the Salmon River. Talk about a river being high!! There were places where the rapids were quite high. It was exciting to see and we miss floating the river with our youth group but not this year!!

We got home from this trip, did some laundry, then we headed up to Park City, UT to spend some time with Whit's mom and step dad. His step dad had been in the hospital for a month so we were so grateful that they were able to spend time with us and that he is doing better. We enjoyed good food, games, and just being together.

Back from Park City, off to Stansbury Park for Davis' farewell!! He's off to Nicaragua!! You better write us bud!

This week I participated in a seminar called NUPATHS. It's funded by the federal government to help teachers master social studies curriculum (esp. US History). It was spectacular! I learned so much about our history, some of which you won't find in textbooks. If I could be a professional student for life, I would. I love learning, discussing, and creating. We also have been quite American by attending baseball and softball games for the kids. You gotta love this cooler weather for those games!

We hope you all are having a terriffic summer! We would love to just travel and spend time with you all. We're there in spirit AND our door is always open to you --that is ... IF we are home!

PS - PICTURES TO COME LATER!!!

Memorial Day

For the past couple of years we have gone with our scout pack to the Logan Cemetery the Sat. before Memorial Day to put flags on the graves of veterans. This has been a wonderful experience for our family as we honor those who have fought for our freedom. As we look for the tombstones that are marked as veterans, we find out many interesting things. This year we found a grave for someone who had come through with the Martin Handcart Company. There is also a famous poet buried there and a whole section for infants who have died. One woman is surrounded by 6 children who had all died within a couple of months of their births. The kids get very reverent and the desire to touch tombstones with your finger is amazing. We also look at dates and find dates of our own birthdays.

I took my 4th grade class there this year as part of a UT history unit I taught. The kids went on a "scavenger hunt" to find certain dates and the graves of some key historical members in our community and state. These students loved this activity and held the same respectful behavior. A few students cried as they came to the baby section of the cemetery. It was a neat experience to see fourth graders pondering the meaning of life and respecting those who have left a legacy behind them.