Month of June

Joseph's parents came for a visit so we headed to the beach and also got to tour Joseph's plant at work. It was a fun couple days and the kids enjoyed all the attention.

For those who don't know, I was called as the Young Women's president last December when our ward split. The transition was HARD and that is a complete understatement. It was difficult physically as Joseph also serves the youth as the Young Men's president in a different church unit so trying to figure out what to do physically with our children for youth activities was (and still is) challenging. It was hard emotionally and spiritually as I felt completely unqualified to serve in this capacity. Previously, I was serving as Relief Society president and thoroughly enjoyed the calling. I never pictured myself serving with young women as I felt (and still partially do) I don't relate very well to them. The past seven months have been a good challenge for me and I've definitely gone outside my comfort zone. I decided to attend Young Women's camp for the first time this summer. Attending camp was very rewarding. I enjoyed spending the week with the young women in our ward and getting to know them on a deeper level than what we do on Sundays and Wednesdays. Ashton begged to go with me and I look forward to going with her when she is 12. Joseph stayed home most of the time and the kids loved that. Here are a few pictures of his week with them.

Ashton wearing the camp beads I received for my week at camp.

We did some science stuff this month and made a volcano. Then we did shaving cream painting too.

I also took Ashton and a friend to a morning movie at the theater. They do a summer deal where for $4, you get a ticket, popcorn, a small drink, and fruit snacks. She got to see the Lorax and enjoyed it.

Ashton's favorite missionary came back to town for a visit. We kept it a surprise from Ashton and planned a little get-together at church one night to meet her. Ashton was shocked. Luckily, we get to see her again when we go to Nephi later this month.

For Father's Day, we celebrated by making Joe's favorite dinner. Burritos. I think he had a good day and Ashton kept saying, "Happy Father's Day" all day long. His gift is a lesson/training on flying a drone from a guy in our stake who has a few drones.

Tanner is excited to take our suitcase on our month-long trip this summer!

Saturday morning run. Tanner is normally more excited that he shows.

Ashton has been counting down the sleeps until we leave for Wisconsin. Just 2 sleeps left! This is her "I'm soooooo excited: face.

Our garden is still growing well. I canned 16 quarts of pickles from our cucumbers and we will still have lots to eat up. Our cantaloupe and watermelon are growing now and tasting delicious. Ashton still loves going out there each day to find new produce.

Joseph and I got tickets to Lion King on Broadway and went with another couple. It was a great night to get away and enjoy something that little kids would not. We went to this the summer we interned here five years ago and it was well worth going again.