Pioneer Trek

In July Alyssa was able to take part in a trek to Martin's Cove in Wyoming. She and the other youth in our Stake dressed in pioneer clothing and were divided into family groups and represented a real pioneer that made the trek in the 1800's. Alyssa chose Elizabeth Horacks Jackson. She had a great experience and learned that she can do hard things. The first day they had to hike 15 miles up Rocky Ridge. At the hardest part of the hike the men and boys stood along side the trail and the women had to pull the hand carts over rocks. This was actually a great learning experience for the girls, as there were many women pioneers who had to do it alone. Alyssa was also able to represent a pioneer who had died at Martin's Cove and is buried in the common grave at the site. Her testimony grew and she has a better understanding of what the pioneers went through. She said that she is amazed at the faith and sacrifice of the pioneers and hopes that she can be as strong as they were.

Scout Camp

Tyler was able to go on a Boy Scout camping trip this last summer. They hiked about 20 miles over three days and would camp at night. The boys carried all their gear. The last couple of days they camped at Camp Firewalker and had some high adventure activities.

Summer Fun!

The beginning of June we made a trip to southern Idaho and then spent some time in Provo.

In Idaho we swam at Downata Hot Springs, went fishing, and the kids learned to shoot. We had a great time visiting Paul's family.




We visited some fun geology spots and went fishing at Twin Lakes.





Paul and his Dad

We also shot some of Grandpa's guns at the shooting range.


On our way to Provo we stopped at a Farr Ice Cream Shop.

Brayden loves birds, so when we saw The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge by Brigham City, we had to stop. We watched a short movie called "Wings of Thunder" and saw so many different kinds of birds like the American Avocet, White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilt, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Snowy Plover and other shorebirds while we hiked through marsh lands. Before we left Brayden got a field guide about birds of North America, he usually carries it with him where ever he goes.




Our nephews, Wesley, Riley, and Zachary




Paul with his sister, Larkin and her daughter, Savannah

Paul's sister, Laura with her kiddos (Taylor and Ayden)

Paul with three of his sisters (Laura, Lisa, and Leslie)

All the Crawford Cousins

Poor Ryan

Every year we have some kind of drama. This year it happened to Ryan.

Wednesday night he was jumping on the trampoline with Paul and Brayden while I was watering the garden. There was no crazy jumping, just having fun. I also want to mention that we have had our trampoline for 5 1/2 years and have not had any injuries, until now. All of a sudden Paul yells to me that Ryan has broken his arm and that we need to go to the E.R. Paul carries Ryan to the van and I drive us to the hospital, it was 8:30 in the evening. His arm was obviously broken in several spots (it looked as if he had two wrists) and I knew that he would need surgery. Ryan had put his arm out to catch himself and with the trampoline pushing up his arm broke in three spots.

We got to the hospital and they took x-rays and admitted him. I spent the night with him. He was in so much pain he just moaned pretty much all night long. As the nurse was hooking up the I.V. he asked, "How many calories are in that?". I had no idea he was watching his weight, especially since he just downed a huge ice cream cone before his accident. Anyway the next morning they came and got him at 6:15 to take him to pre-op. He then informed the Dr. that he would need a waterproof cast since he was planning on swimming next week. The Dr. told him that he would not be able to swim for about a month since they were going to put a pin in his arm. Ryan was really freaked out about a pin poking his arm. Anyway he was a trooper and made it out of surgery at about 8:30. He got to go home around 12:00. We all took naps and moved on with our crazy schedules. Alyssa and Tyler went on a youth temple trip and Brayden had piano lessons. Phew, we made all of our obligations.

8th Grade Graduation

Alyssa graduated from the 8th grade and will be in high school next year. She made the honor roll and the middle school band received several superior ratings and awards. Alyssa has also developed her musical talents and is quite good on the trombone. She will be a great high school student and I'm excited to see what she will accomplish.



Alyssa and her best friend, Taylor.


Getting ready to perform with the Jazz Band.

School in the Woods

Brayden had a great 4th Grade experience this last year. He was able to attend a school that was located in the forest and they had most of their class time everyday outside. He learned about many different types of trees, birds, insects, clouds, stars, gardening, and many other great outdoor things. During recess they would build wiki-ups (shelters made out of branches from the ponderosa pine trees). His spring field project was abiotic pond study. He was able to take samples from the pond at the school and test the water. He loves nature and even asked for field guides, bird houses, and binoculars for his birthday.

Ryan's Kindergarten Music Program

Ryan has loved this year of kindergarten and Mrs. Armstrong has been a wonderful teacher for him. They finished out the year with a fun music program.