Hoops for Hope 2009

I can hardly even put into words the happiness that this event brings to our family. Hoops for Hope was something that Trey, with the help of David, decided he wanted to do for his Eagle Scout Project about 3 years ago. His vision was to have a day where children and adults with Down's Syndrome could come and play basketball and associate with the UT men's and women's basketball teams. I have to admit that I was not very hopeful that his idea would work. And at first it didn't. When Trey first tried to put this together, UT could not commit to doing it until the next year. I felt like that was too long to put off doing his eagle scout project and thought he should think of a new project. I had no vision. Thankfully Trey and David did. They could see that if they were patient they could create something really worthwhile. They waited until the next year and tried again. After many, many meetings this time UT was able to commit to a date. And after a lot more red tape and man hours it finally happened.

The first Hoops for Hope was in August 2008. Eveyone involved was incredible. The athletes, volunteers, sponsors, the kids were all just....happy. We just held the 2nd annual Hoops for Hope. The warm feelings that were felt last year were doubled this year. It was the kind of day that you just can't stop thinking about and want to remember forever. It appears we are going to be blessed to be able to hold it again next year....I am filled with love and appreciation for my son and my husband for having the courage, patience, diligence, and love that it took to make this event happen. This is something that I could have seen us volunteering to help out with, never one that I thought my son and husband would create and run.

First day of school

Sydney's first day of school: She knows exactly what she wants to wear. She asked me to use the flat iron on her hair. She's a little nervous she won't be able to find her classroom again, even though she was there on Friday to meet her teacher. She wanted to set her alarm for 5:00 a.m. I talked her into 6:10. She wanted to shower in the morning. However, her alarm didn't go off so she had to skip the shower.

Connor's first day of school: Back pack is stuffed full of all the supplies a week in advance. Is still just fine with me laying out some clothes for him to wear. A little nervous. Seems to have the most nurturing, sweet teacher, Mrs. Mashburn....just what he needs. So excited that Tanner is in his team class.

Tanner's first day of school: Wears his arrow head necklace he just bought while we were in Lake Powell. When I go to wake the boys up they are laying in bed, with their covers pulled up to their chins, eyes closed, smiling. When I turn on the light, they pop out of bed giggling and..... fully dressed. "We woke up at 6:23!", they say. Excited to see his friends and be at the Intermediate School.

Allie's first day of school: High School!! Still loves school supplies. She loves to get all her school supplies early, lay everything out on her bedroom floor and get organized. She always NEEDS a new backpack because of one reason or another. Loves the fact that she doesn't have to ride the bus anymore because Trey is driving! Reluctantly induldges me in a photo. Feeling pretty relieved that she had a freshman orientation day on Friday so she knows where all her classes are and likes all of her teachers.

Trey's first day of school: at 7:15 he announces he going running. (What?!) Runs a mile, showers, eats breakfast, picks up his old backpack that he's had since the 7th grade (I kid you not), dumps out the debris from last May, tells me he'll clean it up when he gets home. Then looks at his backpack again and says: "hmm, I might need a new back pack this year." Picks up a pencil and notepad and he's ready to go. Has no idea who might be in his classes. VERY happy to be driving to school. Going to Aubrey's with friends after school.

My first day of school: Pretty calm and now very quiet....ahhhhh.

Camping and river rafting

That's trey in the front of the boat and allie in the blue t-shirt

We went our 3rd annual back to school camping/river rafting trip. This was the best year so far. Warm weather while we were on the river, cool evening for camping. For anyone who has not gone down the Nantahala River, you must! It is just good family fun. Our group has grown each year and the kids love being able to camp with their friends from the ward. David didn't even complain about the camping part. He did need a little help getting our tent up though :)

Building a dam in the river

Of course the lightsabers and wands had to come along

Adventure club: All cousins welcome

David playing with Hale and Jonah

Cousins eating dinner

Oquirr mountain (sp?) temple openhouse

Amazing Bryce Canyon

Connor and Silas doing the buddy system on the way to the toadstools

The first toadstools

hiking to the toadstools

Tubing in Lake Powell

Zion's national park

The adventure club is formed!

The adventure club just finished the river walk

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Utah. The last time Trey and David were in Utah was 10 years ago for the birth of Jonah and the triplets had never been. We decided it had been long enough so we planned a trip to southern Utah before heading back up to Provo to drop Trey off at EFY. Events of the week: Zion's National park, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, the toadstools, Temple square, byu tour and view of Brad's office, seeing Brad and Susan's house and lot, and staying with the fantastic hosts: Joel and Jenica!

Immediately as we started the hiking trails in Zion's the cousins started an adventure club. Then back in Lehi it became the potions and electronics clubs. They also had a theatre club. Non-stop fun! Sydney will be starting her own blog to write more about this.

We could not have enjoyed our time in Utah more. We will definetely not be waiting another 10 years to make it back out there!