Grand Canyon

 I can't believe I forgot to document our trip to the Grand Canyon over Spring Break! How embarrassing. It started one night over dinner- we were looking at the US map and started asking each kid where they'd like to visit. Jaxon said the Grand Canyon, and we thought, "Huh, that would be easy!"

Unfortunately, our trip got off to a little rocky start...

We were at a hotel in Brian Head, ready to hit the pool downstairs, when Talmage started running down the hall, looked back for a second, and then crashed full force into the corner of a fire extinguisher box on the wall. Honestly, he probably should have gotten stitches. But as we were up in the mountains, and hour away from a hospital, Travis ran to the local market (with jacked up prices) to buy gauze, neosporin, and medical tape. The hotel only had bandaids and antibacterial wipes.

After cutting away some hair and putting an insane amount of pressure on his head for an hour, it stopped bleeding enough to bandage it up. He was able to get his feet wet, at least, later on!

We missed our usual general conference breakfast with Mamie and Papa, but enjoyed rolls in our hotel room the next morning!

The kids were so excited to cross into another state they've never been before.

The next day, we got up early-ish to get to the Grand Canyon. I don't know what they enjoyed more, seeing the Grand Canyon or watching early morning Scooby-Doo from their beds.

On the way home, we stopped in Kanab to snap some pictures for my brother's LDS architecture website. 

And of course, we stopped by my old stomping grounds in Panguitch before heading to the cabin.

It was a quick, but beautiful trip.

Taking a Break

Ah, vacation. Shortly after Travis was released, we went to the cabin for the week and spent some quality time together without any unexpected calling- related phone calls. Trust me, he used to get an unbelievable number of calls and texts throughout the day, EVERY day...

The kids surprised us one morning and made waffles! They secretly packed everything needed for it!

We had fun checking out local museums...

The city park and library are always a favorite...

But most of all, we loved the beach! 

It's so nice to get away!

An Ode to Barrio 7

Well, after 5 years, 4 months, and about 20 days, Obispo Anderson was officially released! A few weeks prior, we had a big party with his couselors, executive secretary, and clerks to celebrate. We love these people so much!

(Hno. I. Lopez 2c, Travis, Hno. R. Lopez, 1c, Hno. Badillo clerk, Hno. Ensaldo ex.sec, Hno. Cruz EQP, and Hno. Stevenson YM advisor)

Travis liked having two counselors with the same last name. He would say, "if you need anything, ask Hno Lopez!" Ha, ha.

Travis home on a Sunday afternoon!

It has been such a wonderful, growing experience serving in our ward. It's been 15 years! I told our ward that sometimes I feel like Ammon in the Book of Mormon, in that no one seems to understand why we chose to serve amongst these people, but here we have witnessed such great faith, even more than amongst the Nephites. Many of the members endure such great afflictions, yet press forward in their faith in Christ.

Another fun party with our friends 

There was one time where a family from a neighboring English ward went through something tragic. Travis talked to their bishop and he said their RS president was having a hard time finding more people to take dinner to this family, that they had filled up 2 weeks but were hoping for more. Travis asked our own RS president if there was anything we could do to help, and she responded with something like, "Bishop, there's not a member of our ward who does not know what it is to suffer." We filled 3 months of dinner slots for this family no one knew, and many couldn't even speak the same language.

Early morning temple trip before school

Another time, a primary teacher was suddenly arrested by ICE and spent months in a detention center. Travis submitted a character reference letter to the judge, and was finally released.  The next Sunday was testimony meeting and this hermano got up and bore such a strong testimony of the gospel, and how it kept him strong during his time in the detention center. He said he spent his time preaching the gospel to others who were also there. He said his patriarchal blessing said he would one day serve a mission, but always wondered how as he was already married and it never seemed feasible. But that know he feels like that was his mission.

The young men have enjoyed many campouts with Travis as bishop

When I was Primary president, my first counselor and I were pregnant at the same time with these two. They ended up being one day apart! They moved a few years ago, but at a recent reunion they found each other so quickly and acted like they had always been the best of friends!

Talmage and Moroni are the best of friends

Violet's first year at girls camp!

We've had so many spiritual experiences like this where I feel like our family could not get anywhere else. I hope my kids always remember them.

Talmage Turns 5!

Guess who just turned 5?

We love our Tal Tal. He's a ball of fun and is up for any crazy antics with his siblings or friends. He's also very excited for kindergarten!

Travis took him on his birthday outing to the aquarium. He loved it!

Violet Turns 12!

It seems like she's been 12 all year, to be honest, but now it's official!

My phone was inconveniently dead, but Travis got a couple pics. :)

Violet is always up for adventure and scheming something or other. For her birthday activity she went camping. 

She is a great little mother and loves to be around little kids. We love you, Violet!

Summer is Here!

The youth love serving at the food and care coalition. 

Ivy had a little mishap on the ice one morning. She fell and got a concussion and it's customary to call an ambulance when that happens. She rested very well the rest of the day.

Kids who were told not to get too close to the pond got too close to the pond. First Ginger lost her sandals in the deep mud and Violet lost hers while trying to help Ginger retrieve them. Travis finally helped us find them DEEP in the mud.

It was all at the Ward picnic. Always a fun tradition. 

And then we've just been embracing the every day.

Getting lots of sun at a splash pad in Lehi while Violet is at her ASL class nearby.

Summer means cousin days at Mamie's!

Sometimes I take kids to work with me and they like to have fun there.