Soccer Tryouts

SOCCER TRYOUTS...

Taylor had tryouts last week. There were over 50 kids there trying to claim a spot. I'm sure you guessed since I am blogging about it that he made the team!!! He is now an official member of the Arsenal Soccer Club. It is a AAA soccer league and we will be doing some traveling for his games. We are all SOOOOO proud of him, he has always loved soccer and this is a great opportunity for him to really excell. Good job Tay!!!!

Zac's 9

Pinewood Derby

Thursday Zac had his annual Pinewood Derby! Zac and Grandpa Beagley made a car called the

"BONE CRUSHER". They worked really hard at cutting, sanding, graphiting and spinning. I never knew how much work really went into making these cars!

Thanks Grandpa for all the help!! On the first heat Zac took 1st place, but this is Zac's face after the second heat and he took 2nd instead of 1st......(ha ha ha)

Here's Beecher (our neighbor and Zacs scout leader) getting the cars lined up for the third heat...

This is a pic of some of the kids lined up watching the races.

Taylor ~ Reagan ~ Jackson ~ Colton ~ Zac ~ Kinley ~ Devin ~ Jake ~ Valyssa ~ Allison

ALL the kids in the neighborhood know Valyssa!!! They all fight about who gets to sit by her and hold her. I love it!!! When we go outside the kids all yell BOOGA!!!

One more snapshot of Valyssa with one of her buddies :)
Zac took 4th place overall, he had a really good time (even though the only pic I got of him doesn't look that way)!!! This pinewood derby was just our ward but there were 22 cars competing... so CONGRATULATIONS ZAC!! You did a great job!!

You've gotta see it to believe it

This is a picture of SOME of the kids waiting for the bus in front of our house in the morning before school...they usually kick around footballs, play 500 or play tag. The kids go outside to wait about 15 minutes before the bus comes just to get a little playing time in before school. The bus has arrived and the kids start loading in. I was trying to get this picture snapped before any kids boarded but I wasn't quick enough. So you can feel free to imagine a few more kids in this line up. There are almost 30 kids on a regular day.

This bus stop only picks up the kids on our block!! And there are not any Junior High or High School kids on this bus, just good old Elementary kids!

Still going....
We feel so lucky to be here. I have had so many people in the neighborhood tell me that they cant believe how well my kids have fit in. You wont ever see one of my kids without something to do and someone to do it with. We are truly blessed. We are so grateful to my parents for giving us this opportunity. We love them so much.

Just a phase...

My little sweetheart Valyssa has gotten into an annoying little habit of getting herself dressed. I just wanted to share with everyone how well she has picked up on my totally envied style...

This one is a classic 'pink and brown' outfit. She starts off strong with a pink nightgown and brown pants, white socks and to top it all off... black church shoes. You go girl!!!

Here she is trying out another variation, still starting off strong with the pink nightgown but this time adding a brown belt, (who'd a thunk?) pink striped pajama bottoms, pink leg warmers (I know you're jealous) and blue socks. Notice the pink shoes just tie it all together.

The perfect Punky Brewster outfit. A salmon colored shirt topped off with an orange vest shows off the color of her hair. Then to bring out her eyes, blue polka dot Capri's. The finishing touch is of course the purple trim on the top of her socks (which end about 1/2 inch under her Capri's). Taa Daa!!!!

Anyone up for a bike ride??? Well that's where we were headed this day. Her pink pajamas look awesome with these brown slip on's. And to take care of the chill in the air, top this look off with an over-over-sized black tiger striped jacket. Pull up the hood for those bad hair days. You Rock!!!!

In this outfit you are ready to hit the town, you'll fit right in at Walmart (at least in Price). Anyone who's anyone knows that you put a plaid jacket with a floral pant. "They both have pink" states the model when questioned as to why she picked the ensemble. She did vary a bit with the yellow undershirt just to add a little splash of color.

I love my little supermodel, she is adorable in anything she wears and this is the proof. I keep telling myself "it's just a phase" and I'm enjoying every moment of it.

Disclaimer: For private use only. Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution or exhibition of copyrighted outfits by Booga TM

Bean Museum

I took the kids to the Bean Museum the other day to check out all the animals. They had such a good time!! They have added a lot of things since the last time we were there a few years back...

Valyssa ~ Devin ~ Taylor ~ Zac

(and the alligator)

The 'infamous' Kodiak Bear. When Derek went hunting in Alaska with his Dad and Brothers a few years ago the kids were convinced that he was going to shoot a Kodiak Bear, they had seen this one

and were waiting to have their very own version fully

mounted in our living room.

Valyssa loved this Elephant

and had to get a picture of it...

Valyssa also 'loved' the birds...

I feel somewhat responsible for the way she 'played' with them, I wonder if they have a wanted poster up that looks a

little like this....

Ya, I'm joking, they were dead when we got there. But I wouldn't put it past my little angel.

Taylors 12

It's time for another update. Life is happening so fast, I can hardly keep up!! We've had several things going on lately but what I'd like to blog about today is my little Taylor, who is not so little anymore. . . . can you see all those candles on his cake??? Ya, he turned 12 in April, holy cow!!! (yes, I feel old). Taylor is an amazing kid. I know I'm biased but COME ON . . . anyone who knows him will agree that Taylor is the exception to the rule. He is so agreeable, he's a peacemaker, he's a joy to be around. He lights up the room. He really is my angel. He makes me so proud, he is a great example to his siblings as well as his friends and family. Happy Birthday kid.

Taylor also had the privilege of becoming a Deacon last Sunday. What a special time for him and our family. Derek came up to Lehi and ordained Taylor right after the block of meetings in the Bishops office. Aside from his Dad, Taylor was lucky enough to have Zac, Devin, Valyssa and me along with Grandpa and Grandma Beagley, and Grandpa and Grandma Bradley there. It was such a special day for us all.

What a good looking bunch of men, right???

Top row: Derek ~ Grandpa Derk ~ Grandpa Beagley ~ Bishop Beckstrand

Bottom Row: Taylor ~ Zachary ~ Devin

I absolutely love my boys.

Taylor, I am so incredibly proud of how you have chosen to live your life. You have accomplished so much in your 12 years and have touched so many lives. Congratulations on becoming a Deacon and receiving the Aaronic Priesthood. You did a wonderful job passing the sacrament Sunday. I love you, son.