Snowbowl Snowshoe Trip April 2018

We had a super successful snowshoe trip with year with the Battistis and the Newvilles. We made it up to the top and then the snow started and didn't stop until we had about 15 inches of fresh powder. We did a ton of sledding after be blazed a trail through the powder. I love sledding so much. I went up and down the hill so many times that day. We played games, laughed, ate well, had snow cones, stayed up late and played outside as much as we could. The kids did such a great job of getting all the load up the hill. We needed them to help with food this year and some of Phil's gear so we could get Alexis up on her sled. It was amazing to see the men taking turns pulling up that sled. So much love for everyone. It was super fun having the sled up there because it was super fast and fun. Plus it was fun watching Alexis fly down the mountain on the last day down.

Hiding Nona

She was so good at not moving for about 10 minutes while we all "looked for Nona"

Miya's Softball Freshman Year 2018

Miya decided to try softball this year for the first time. She did a really great job. She was super dedicated to a team that wasn't super great or super dedicated to the sport. She was at all the practices even at the end when only 4 or 5 girls would show up. She started playing outfield and then was moved in to play 2nd base for the other half of the season. I have been so proud of my girl that had gone out of her way this year to grow, meet new friends, try new things, got herself up each morning for seminary, read the Book of Mormon on her own this year and I watched her testimony grow and it was amazing. She got her driving permit and passed drivers ed. She has come a long way from the girl that would hide behind my legs and her hair when people came around.

Couples Trip to Rochester March 2018

We all talked our husband into taking a trip in the snowy March spring to visit mom and dad on their mission in Rochester. It was such an amazing, spiritual trip. We were able to visit some of the earliest church history sites and many of them we were the only ones there because the weather was cold. We got to have family prayer at the Smith's Frame house on the Smith Farm. We were able to tour the printing building (Granger house) where the Book of Mormon was first printed. We went to the Whitmer Farm where much of the translation took place. We walked the Sacred Grove in the snow and wind. We took a little trip across the boarder (for those of us with passports) to see Niagara Falls. It was a cold, but fun to see that big water fall. We drove out to Pen Yan to attend church with mom and dad at their little branch. As we were driving we passed many of the Mennonites taking their horse and buggy or bicycle to church. It was super cold and they had super red faces from the ice and wind. What a great example of faithful believers. It was very touching to see them practice their faith. We spent time at my parents apartment eating, playing games, laughing and talking. It is pretty amazing to have a family where the home is just as sacred a place as all the other church history sites. It is always such a blessing when we get to spend time together. I sure do love all of my family and my sisters all married such wonderful men.  

 enjoying time in the 12 passenger van

 Sacred Grove

 Smith Farm

 Smith Frame House

Games in the hotel 

 Hill Camorah

 Niagara Falls

 Sacred Grove

 Smith Farm

 Smith Frame House

 Hill Camorah

 Pretty sisters in the van

blurry picture of game night at mom and dad's