Summer Vacation May-June 2018 (Lake Powell, Mesa, Cabo, Gilbert, Sedona, Farewell)

After Steven's graduation, we had a quick trip to Lake Powell for a day.  

Ben drove down from Provo with William and Lucy, and met us there with the Steven's crew.  We had a blast finding a spot for the house boat, tubing, and enjoying the lake. 

I have fond memories of trips to Lake Powell with my Steven's cousins when I was a kid, so it was fun bringing my own kids there as well.  

We started our Memorial Day weekend in Lake Powell and drove down to Gilbert to spend a couple days there.  Grandma and Grandpa got ready to be mission presidents in Cambodia for 3 years, and we crashed their house with our 3 kids.  They willingly agreed to watch our kids while we went to Cabo for a quick graduation trip for Steven and my Christensen family. 

My three siblings and mom and dad met in Cabo for a fun few days in paradise. (we sadly missed our brother-in-law, Tyler). 

We were in heaven enojying beautiful views, beaches, sports gear, and delicious food. 

It was fun to get together and hard to leave the party. 

We flew home on Sunday and had fun with grandparents and cousins.  

A few days after we got home from Cabo, Ben flew to Hong Kong and Boston for two work conferences.  We spent the entire month of June in Arizona while he was home and away for work trips.  While in Arizona, William learned how to officially swim without floaties, and we had lots of fun in the sun!  We went to splash pads, parks, the library, the mall, indoor gyms, movies, and bike rides.  

The Arizona Diamondbacks front row tickets made for a fun afternoon with the kids. 

Ben's parents were set apart by President Oaks to be mission presidents. 

Ben flew back to Arizona just in time to be with us on Father's Day. We love our daddy, Ben, and don't know what we'd do without him. 

While in AZ I was able to visit some old friends and catch up.  Whitney's kiddos Cameron and Jane were adorable!

At the end of June we left the Mesa/Gilbert area and headed to Sedona.  Ben and I got engaged there nine years ago, and we have fond memories of that weekend.  In Sedona we had a Smoot "cousin's camp" with Ben's family.  Grandpa Lewis tucked in William and Ollie for their cousin sleepover, ending with a prayer in Khmer language.

We enjoyed hiking, swimming, games, and cousin bonding.  

After cousin's camp ended we headed home to Provo, followed by cousins from North Carolina and Texas.  We had a fun couple of days before John and LaCinda left for Cambodia. 

One of the highlights of the weekend was a "funeral" for the Lewises as the grandkids sang "Be What I Believe" and eveyone took part in the program. 

We got a few last family photos at the park and at the airport before their teary departure.  

May 2018

In early May some of my best college friends and I planned a weekend trip to Tucson.  Brittany, Maren, and I were freshman roomies at BYU and are still good friends. 

We had a blast reminiscing on old times and getting away from the kiddos :)

Lucy started private speech therapy at Sawyer Speech, with Miss Suzanne.  We would attend her clinic in her home once a week.  

Lots of Lucy appointments and therapies means a lot of time with neighbors/friends helping to watch William and Maddie. 

We celebrated Aunt Diana's graduation from nursing school at the U!

Mother's Day snuggles and breakfast in bed. 

We were sad to see William's year at BYU Kindergarten come to an end.  

We loved being on campus, seeing dad every so often, and picnics before school started. 

Last day of school with his neighbor buddy, Josie, who we carpooled with weekly.  

Ben played soccer with CJ and friends and won the Provo Rec League championship

Grandpa Smoot's horse property and Suntan are always fun to visit.  Lucy enjoyed being on the horse, but Maddie only liked to look from afar. 

Happy Birthday to Michael, May 20th!

William and his great teacher, Mrs. Amy, at BYU. 

Madeline became obsessed with "helping" fold the laundry.  She loves to lay in the pile of clothes and drape them all around her, or try on a few different items. 

For the month of May, William had private swimming lessons.  We liked his teacher, Britt, and he improved so much.  No more floaties for William!

It had been far too long since a haircut (over a year) so I was able to donate 8 inches of hair!  So glad I could finally donate my hair, I've been wanting to for a long time. 

Lucy had her last day of school with Mrs. Becky at Sunrise Preschool.  

Maddie and I flew to Arizona for my brother's highschool graduation.  

It was being able to celebrate him and be there with my parents.  Go Toros!