Bear Lake

While Ben ran Ragnar the kids and I went to Bear Lake. My brother Michael and his wife invited us up to her families cabin. It was sooooo nice!! It was a nice getaway. We watched some movies, went on walks, watched a guy sink his tractor while trying to load his boat, ate some yummy food, and yes we played in the water. 

 The kids spent half their trip buried in the sand. 

It was fun to be with family and get away from life for a couple of days. I always have loved Bear Lake. The lake was perfect Saturday, I honestly have never seen it that smooth ever. It was like glass when we got up and when we were climbing up out of Bear Lake that night it was still glass. The only complaint is the water temperature but everyone knows if you get into the lake before the end of July you are going to freeze! We found out some exciting news while we were there, my brother Mike and his wife are expecting their first baby:) We are so excited for them, they will be great parents. I can't wait to meet my new niece or nephew this December.

Ragnar 2012

Ben has been training for Ragnar. For those of you that don't know what that is, it is a relay race from Logan to Park City over a course of 2 days. Ben was able to get on the team at work. He and 11 other people ran close to 200 miles. Ben's part in that was 15 miles. Here he is smiling after a 7 1/2 mile run. I wouldn't be smiling. I have found over the years that Ben has a very competitive side and running really brings it out

 He was just finishing up his 1st of 3 legs. He beat his time by 10 minutes. He looked so good, I was really proud of him.

 Below he is marking his "kills"(people he passed). In his first leg he passed 61, 2nd leg 23, and his 3rd leg 20. So he passed a total of 104 people and only 3 passed him. 

Would he do it again? He said yes. At points it was pretty miserable but he had a good time.

My Dad's Headstone

We finally got my Dad's headstone. We don't know who, but someone donated this to my Dad and my Mom. We are humbled and amazed by their generosity. It was such a relief to my Mom. We wish we could thank whoever it was, but I think and hope they know what this meant to us.

 We are coming up on the year anniversary of my Dad's passing really fast. I have struggled the last month with him being gone. There is so much I want to tell him. I have gone to call him so many times and wanted to do lunch. I thought that it would get easier but lately it seems to be hard. I am thankful for the memories and that I have no regrets. One of the last things me and my Dad said to each other was how much we loved each other. Once again I love you Dad and there isn't a day that you don't make your way into my thoughts. I am thankful that we are an eternal family and that I know that this life isn't the end. I am thankful for the gospel and the knowledge I have because of it. The gospel is not easy sometimes but it is worth it. 

Jarrett's Birthday

Well our Jarrett is 11! Where has the time gone? He was pretty excited for his birthday this year, but aren't they excited for all of them? This year he got a new bike, outfit, and a Captain America movie from us. He was spoiled he got new clothes, nerf toys, a new bow, and a sleepover and hike.

 This year he got to go on a field trip to Boondocks for school this year on his birthday. Then we celebrated him later with a party at his Grandma Jodi and Frank's house. 

 I think everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a little on the cool side but Jarrett had a good time.

 What is Jarrett into right now? He is trying to decide if he like football or basketball more, he is getting into Archery, loves Captain America, loves hiking, and eating. Jarrett is an amazing boy. He is always trying to do what is right. He is still very caring and worries about everyone. He loves to read and reads his scriptures daily( he is better than his mommy on that one). I am thankful for him and the good person he is and is becoming. We love you Jarrett Brougher!!

St. George and 35!

 So for Mother's Day and Ben's 35th Birthday we went to St. George. We love everything about St. George. We met up with Ben's mom and aunt Tia down there. What did we do? First of all we enjoyed the warmth, then we played. We had a picnic, went swimming, went to the Avengers, of course we went on a hike, spent time with Ben's family, and we went house hunting( a person can dream a little can't she?). We had a group of 35 Harley's from Riverside California who were staying at our hotel. The bikes and the riders were extremely noisy. Saturday morning about 7:50 they all lined up and the Losee in me loved it. The sounds and the exhaust smell. It was pretty awesome. I even made friends with a few of them before we left. Ben joked that I am now an honorary member. We had a great trip and were so sad to have to leave. 

On Monday Ben turned 35!!! I am so thankful for him,he is my life. Then on Wednesday it was 14 years since I went on my last first date. Ben had my heart that first day. Love you Benjamin.

Bear World

Today we headed to Idaho and visited the Bears @ Bear World. We had such a good day. We stopped on the way up and had a picnic at a park near the temple. Then after sandwiches we walked the temple grounds. After that we headed to Bear World.

 We saw baby bears( I wanted to take them home), we saw big and medium bears. We also saw elk, buffalo, mountain goats, deer, a moose, wolves, the fattest chicken I have ever seen, a pig, and some turkeys.

 We went to Bear World about 3 1/2 years ago and loved it. They have so many bears now, it is awesome.

 We drove through the park when we first got there, but almost every animal was taking a nap. So we headed to the gift shop, of course, the petting zoo, the rides, and to the cutest baby bear cubs ever.

It was a perfect day. I love having days like this with my family. We had a lot of fun and made some great memories.

Easter

We had a great Easter weekend. We did family stuff all weekend. Saturday morning we went to an Easter Egg Hunt. Poor Isabelle, I honestly don't know what happened but she didn't get anything. She was kid of sauntering over instead of running like the other kids. Thankfully Gregor loves her and gave her some of his candy. Then we met up with Ben's mom and brother and played at the park. Next, Ben went golfing with his brother, dad, step mom, step brother, and sister-in-law while we went and visited some friends we had not see in forever. Loved seeing Katie and her boys, we have missed them. Then Saturday night we went to Ben's Dad's house and ate some food and the kids had an Easter Egg Hunt. Isabelle did better here. Sunday we woke up and the Easter Bunny found us. We leave it simple, one small toy with some candy. I hate how people are turning Easter into a mini Christmas. After church we headed to my Mom's where we took flowers to my Dad's grave, ate some food, played at the park, and had a little Easter program. It was a great weekend. I am thankful for this time of year and for my Savior and all he has done and continues to do for me and my family. It was harder than I thought to have my dad gone. Missed him a lot yesterday, but I know he was there with us.