Hello!

Natalie has really been into the little kitty lately and was so excited when we went to WalMart today and she found this nightgown. She just had to put it on as soon as we got home and has had it on ever since. I am happy it was only $13 as I know the day will come soon enough when I won't get off so easily (cheaply)!





















Just thought I would throw in this picture of Brad, purely for selfish reasons.

Fun Weekend!

Natalie had a doctor's appointment on Friday and Saturday was the Ward Temple Day. I got on Priceline and got us rooms at the Pyramid Marriott for $45! It was great. Bart and Dorothy had one room, we had one, and mom and Aunt Audrey had another. We went swimming and the kids loved the pool that was half inside, half outside. Saturday afternoon we made it home and today we all attended church together. Brad gave an awesome talk in Sacrament and I taught the lesson in RS. I have been released as the Primary President and today I was called as the 1st counselor in the YW. Never a dull moment!

Backyard Camp Out!

Katie has been wanting to sleep in the camper for some time now and she and the kiddos are outside as I type. We had a campfire and I told them a story as I tucked them in. I hope they don't get too cold!

It's ok, but my mom makes me work.

I took Nathan and Harker to their yearly checkups at the doctor this morning. Nathan was worried that he was going to get "stuck" with "that pokey thing." Harker was freaked out that they made him pee in a cup for the first time. My favorite part was when the doctor asked Harker if he was having a nice summer. Harker said, "It's ok, but my mom makes us work." He then told her how he still has to do school work AND chores. It was great! I started laughing but the doctor held it together and just smiled saying, "That's great, you will be so smart!" It dawned on him then that he was getting no sympathy and shrugged it off. I was just cleaning off my camera and saw this picture of Hyrum cleaning out the fridge last week and I laughed thinking about what he could have told the doctor. Summer isn't all about swimming, sleeping late, video games, and ice cream. It's also about mom filling in the holes of public education and free child labor. Before you start feeling too badly for my kiddos, I should tell you that they will be in California soon, playing at Legoland and running all over Disneyland!
This is another picture that was on my camera. It was a FHE when Brad had the lesson. He had medicine in one bowl that looked like candy and candy in one bowl that looked like medicine. The kids were confused and learned a good lesson. When I start teaching again I am going to have to have Brad come in and do it again!

Nathan's Three!!!

My baby turned three yesterday! We had a houseful of family and plenty of pizza, cake and ice cream to go around. Nathan loved his car pinata and all his presents. He was so happy to get a "big boy bike" and a Buzz Light Year. Happy Birthday Nathan!

Harker's 10th Birthday!

Harker turned 10 years old yesterday. Grandma Mangum took him and his friends bowling and then they came back to the house for lunch, cupcakes and ice cream. He also had three of his cousins spend the night and we spent the evening in the backyard where we had a fire and roasted marshmellows. He loved all his presents but his favorite gift was his very own Kindle from his Grandma Mangum that was already loaded with Choke, the second book in a series that he has been waiting to read.

Knee Surgery Complete!

I had my knee surgery done yesterday. I was at the hospital a total of four hours. I was sent home with my leg all wrapped up and told to leave it bandaged up for 48 hours. I have to keep it elevated and iced that long as well. Dorothy has been keeping the kiddos. Brad took care of me yesterday and today Katie is helping me out. The drugs are working and I am in minimal pain. The doctor said I tore my meniscus up pretty good. He cleaned it all up and said my knee will no longer be locked up. Yeah!

Reunion Day Four

Day four was the long road home. Actually, it only took us about eight hours and was quite a pleasant drive. For those of you that are interested, I made a DVD of the reunion with pictures and video. I have copies ready for those of you that are interested. Just let me know!

Reunion Day Three

On day three some of us met up at Temple Square. That afternoon we went to Addison's baptism (that she shared with her cousin Anna) and birthday party. One of the Elders I served with for four months, James Richards, on my mission was also at the baptism and it was such a nice surprise. It was so great to meet his family and catch up.

Reunion Day Two- Part Two

We all met up for lunch at another park. We had BBQ and lots of fun! Later that evening we had dinner at a banquet room at the Hotel and, of course, more swimming!

Utah Reunion Trip Day 2- Part One

Day two of the reunion trip started out at Smoot Park in Centerville- bright and early at 8a.m. We took all kinds of pictures and thank goodness, we evaded the rain. It was cold but we were troopers for the most part (Nathan did not want to be a part of the grandchildren picture!). We were on the way back to the hotel before 10a.m. to change.


John's Family
Matthew's Family
Daniel's Family
My Family
Mom and Dad

Dad and Brad

Hyrum, Aunt Audrey, Harker


Matt and Brad

Jacob


Addison

Utah Reunion Trip Day 1

We went up to Utah this last weekend for a Westhoff/ Martin family reunion. My parents and all of my siblings and their families came. Both of my mother's sisters were there as well as three of her brothers. We had a great weekend! It all started with Mom and Aunt Audrey driving up from ElPaso. They spent the night and picked up Katie and we were out of here. We caravaned up to the Utah valley where my family decided to take a detour to Provo. We had fun sharing our Alma mater with our children.

We bought t-shirts in the bookstore and caffeine free cokes at the Cougar Eat.
The kids had fun running around campus. BYU has changed a lot but still has the same great feel to it.


After BYU and a quick tour of Provo, we made our way up to our hotel in Bountiful. The whole Westhoff family was swimming and pizza soon followed. It was a fun first day!