February 2016 - St George Tournament, Granny Clark's Funeral

We were treated to a Jazz Band concert with Carter's group. He's at AISU again this year and really likes Jazz Band. They were sounding awesome and then they decided to let the junior high and some elementary kids join the Jazz Band so now they sound, well okay again. It will take awhile to get them all trained up. Carter is the tall one in the back row. He plays the trumpet.

Ally's soccer team, FC Shock headed to St. George for a soccer tournament. They had a great few days of games. Lots of points and lots of wins. They ended up with first place in their division and undefeated. Way to go Shock! So fun to watch these girls at their game. We took the opportunity to tour around St. George. Saw the temple on Valentine's Day. A couple missionary had sent his wife a singing quartet and they sang her love songs. It was darling! Made me cry a tiny bit. "Let me Call you Sweetheart, I'm in Love with You!"

At the hotel-Ally is getting geared up for the days games. Watch out, she's tough.

Enjoying a little fruit slushy after Ally's big score in her game today. We all love it when Ally scores.

The sign says, no annoying whistling....funny because she does this constantly.

In our spare time, between games-we went into Zion to enjoy the awesomeness that is Zion. This tree was a pecan with lots of nuts still in it. We found some sticks and did a pretty good job of picking the pecans by knocking them out of the tree. They were tasty!           

Yes, she's a little excited for her tournament!

Ty found this color changing skateboard in a gift shop and decided he wanted to use his Mom Bucks on it. Mom bucks are the money the kids earn around the house by doing chores, mowing lawns, etc. They keep track on a chart at home and then cash in when they find something they really want.

At the mouth of the narrows. I've never hiked up further than where we are standing but the boys have. Someday...People going up today had rented wet suits and water shoes and walking sticks. It is much harder in the cold fall air than in the summertime. 

Rock shop. Love their rock shops. 

This is an example of how the boys support Ally at her games. Seriously! They dive into their books and don't look up until the game is over. Every once in a while I make them put their books away and watch the game. I don't know why it's so hard to cheer for your little sis every now and then. She really loves it when they come to her game and she would love it more if they would actually watch a little of it. They consider soccer games as torture sessions. 

Ally and her coach Cameron. We have loved having Cameron for a coach. He does an amazing job with these cute little ladies. Seriously the best team ever. Loved the field and the gorgeous warm St. George weather. We got to escape from the inversion that is the Salt Lake area in the winter. It has been a fun get-away.

Ally in action. 

Cameron, Ally, Kate, Kaylee, Addy, Hailey, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Kate, Emily, India, Daisy.

After the girls finish a game they run down the line of parents and give us all high-fives. I love it! They complain we all yell and cheer too loudly in their ears but we want them to know how great we think they did.

First place medal! Way to go tough girl! While in St. George we got the news that Laura's mother Granny Clark had passed away. We quickly booked tickets to head on down for her funeral. We had to slip a little birthday party into the mix for Jozsie while we were there since his birthday was so soon. Yes to piniata's in the park and a superhero cake. Phil is kissing on Baby Walker which we were all thrilled to see again. He just keeps growing up to quickly. 

Nixon, TX is where Thelma and Grady Clark lived. We drove down for the funeral and graveside services. Apparently the DQ is also a mandatory stop when you go for a visit to see Granny Clark. All the grandkids and great grandkids enjoyed their visit and got to say their good-byes, for now.    These cute kids love to go over to the pond down the street from Nana Pollan's place. They are always on the look out for bread to feed the swans. The restaurant photo was taken on our drive to Nixon. We found a little dive off the beaten path. Complete with cockroaches skittering along the walls. Hello Texas.

 Laura's mother was a fantastic woman. She raised her kids as a single Mom working for the telephone company. She gave her everything to her kids and getting them raised up. It was fantastic when she found Grady in her later years and they got to spend their time loving each other into old age. She was lucky to have him. She was loved by many and will be missed.
Ally and Tyler and I got to go through the Open House at the new Provo City Temple. It is a gorgeous temple and amazing that they were able to take the old burned out tabernacle and turn it into such a gorgeous building. It was a privilege to see it. Skiing at ALTA with the family. These kids are getting so fast and good. It won't be long until they are leaving me in the dust. Of course, the lodge is my favorite part of skiing so I won't be too sad. Bring on the hot chocolate and marshmallows.