Stampede

We decided that we wanted to stay in Calgary over the 4TH so we could experience the Stampede. I think if we lived here long term, it is not something we would stress about doing annually, but since it is most likely our only summer here, we wanted to figure out what it is all about. Our Bishop and his wife took us with them last weekend for Bishop (Jared's) work dinner and the Chuck Wagon races. That was mine and Matt's first date since living here in four months. It was a great time. We really enjoy be around Jared and Alexa.

The next week, the girls were involved in a swim camp every day from 9-12, and the pool they used was across the street from the Stampede. So, Monday after their first lessons/camp, I decided to surprise them and we walked over and spent a few hours playing games, walking around, eating treats, and ended at the Super Dog show. The kids were so well behaved. I was shocked at how well it went taking them alone. They won some huge prizes and everyone loved watching the dogs do their tricks.

Matt and I went back for Chevron's work night and Grand Stand show this past Saturday. It was a lot of fun again. We did one ride together which was the giant swings and we both had fun doing that. We placed our own little bets on the Chuck Wagons to make it more interesting, and then watched the show and grabbed a treat. It was a lot of fun being out with Matt again. I love our time together. The Stampede is not my favorite place to go though. I was mortified by the amount of filth and lack of clothes or maturity. It was so sad to me to see so many people acting and dressing so grossly. I had even seen a sign earlier that week that said, "It's still cheating even if you're stampeding." That gives you a pretty good idea of the attitude of so many at the Stampede. Highest divorce rate this week, and nine months later there is a huge baby boom. Sad. Gross. Wrong.

 Overall, we had a great night though, and I was reminded what an incredible guy I married. I am so grateful for the man he is and all he does to support and protect our family and marriage.

Sadie the Six Year Old

Sadie's birthday has been talked about and looked forward to for months. We didn't have anything big planned, and it really was just a simple day home (and at church) as a family, but everyone has been counting down the days. This morning, Matt had to wake everyone up because we were all so exhausted for our hours outside at the park yesterday with the ward. We got up, Sadie opened her presents, and we hurried off to church. Matt and I blew up a lot of balloons for her and the other kids to play with. I bought an assorted bag of balloons thinking they were assorted colors, but they came with lots of shapes, sizes, etc. It was a lot of fun.

Sadie is quite the special little girl. She is shy and quiet around a lot of people or new people, but once you get to know her, she is spunky, sassy, and hilarious as can be. I was SHOCKED when her primary teacher told me that she was the "crazy one" in class. I was pretty excited about it though and am glad that she opens up and gets comfortable being herself in her classes.

Sadie had a great day and exclaimed multiple times that it's been great and she loved her cake. She's been eyeing this tuxedo cake at Costco for weeks and decided it was what she wanted to try for her big special day. Her dinner of choice was pancakes with white (buttermilk) syrup, a lot of fruit, bacon, hash browns, and eggs. It was a fun afternoon and the Elders were over to eat and help us celebrate our very special six year old. I am still in shock that our little girl is six. She is the perfect addition to our family and we all love her so very much. She is sweet, helpful, smart, beautiful, and one of the funniest little people around. We love you, Sadie!!

Another Opportunity to Reflect and Have Faith

The very best thing that has come from our current situation of moving around frequently has been the opportunity for me to frequently put my faith and trust in my Heavenly Father and in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Halfway through another rotation, we are in the process of trying to figure out where we will be living next. It is the same each time for me. First I stress and worry, then I start researching different possible locations and rationalize why I can or cannot move my children there. Then eventually, I remember that we are in the Lord's hands, and regardless of where we end up going, there is a reason and purpose behind it. I have grown so much closer to my Savior and have seen the blessings of following the promptings of the Spirit more in the past few years than ever before in my life. Matt and I have been extremely blessed in many different ways, but the most important and life changing blessings are the ones that have happened to us internally. Everything else can easily fade or be taken away, but we have grown so much closer as a family and we have grown stronger in our faith of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I testify that He lives. He guides and comforts us. I also testify that we have to work hard and that sacrifice is a necessity to truly come to know God. In ways these moves are getting harder, but in other ways, they are getting easier because I know that we are moving forward in faith and using the spirit to guide our choices. As long as we continue to do that, I know that the experiences both good and bad that we face are part of our Heavenly Father's plan for us and they are what we need to learn and grow closer to Him.

Canada Day

Matt had today off since it is Canada Day. We decided to head to Banff for a mini-day trip and hike some waterfalls. It's about an hour and a half away, but was totally worth the trip. The kids were great and had a blast, and the weather was beautiful. Canada is a gorgeous country and we are really enjoying the warmer weather the past few weeks. 

The hike was about 1.5 miles in, so 3 miles total. The kids loved it and had fun climbing around and seeing many different falls, big and small. The river was rushing quite quickly and I was nervous letting the kids play near it, but they were pretty careful and had fun touching the freezing cold water. Abby slept for most of the hike surprisingly and the other three did great. They also had fun chasing butterflies, catching caterpillars, and entertaining a rather friendly chipmunk. The kids put their hands out and the chipmunk ran right up to them. It was a great day as a family. When we got home, we went to Smashburger for dinner and then to Matt's games, but he was the only one on his team that showed up. We told the other teams that we forfeit (lame), and then went to play tag at the park as a family again. The kids got to bed pretty late tonight by the time we got home and showered, but I am sure they'll sleep great with all of our hiking and running around.

I love summer time because it means that much more family time. I have one handsome and fun husband and the most hilarious and fun four little people. We always have a blast together and I am so grateful we're a forever family. This ended up being such a perfect day. Matt has work tomorrow but has Thursday and Friday off for the beginning of Stampede as well as his 9/80. We aren't quite sure what our plans are, but we are all so anxious for more family time!