Motocross Racin'

So.  Karlee, Aiden, and I went to watch Haskin motocross race in Ogden.  Of course I was thrilled to take some pix!  (Going through withdrawals with no drill teamers to chase.)  I've never seen any motocross before, and it was really quite fun to watch.  And Haskin's pretty dang good at it too.  Aiden and I only stayed for the first race because we didn't want to wait for hours and hours in 100 degree temperatures for Haskin's next two races, but these crazy kids are die hards and stayed all day.  They have the sunburns to prove it, too.

Pre-race pic of Karlee & Haskin.

The following pix are of Haskin killin' it in his first race.

Race completed.  Sweaty and dirty.  Haskin thought he came in fourth, but he actually came in 3rd.

AND the final results of his three races...  HASKIN CAME IN 2ND PLACE OVERALL!!!

A few Aiden-isms from the day:  (Feel bad I didn't get any pix of him.  We had planned to go back for the other two races, but it was miserably hot, so we didn't make it.)

"When I get a big bike I'm going to race too so I can get dirty!"

"I might get a girlfriend so when I race she will say, 'Wahoo!!'"

"I want to bring my dirt bike and race Haskin because I'm fast!"

"I want to take my dirt bike and take a picture with Haskin." 

Baby Robin

As Jeff was trimming one of our trees, this little fella plopped down right in front of Jeff.

I LOVE that Jeff has a soft heart.  He truly is a good man.

Sweet Sixteen

Seriously this kid is Sweet Sixteen.  It isn't that he's terribly "sweet", it's that he hasn't been kissed yet.  At least I don't think he has anyway ;)  It's just so hard to believe that he is already sixteen.  Craziness!

You're an awesome kid, Garet, and Dad & I love you dearly!

Looks like we're in Paradise

We don't always get a sunset like this!

She's a Gonner!

She's all moved out!!!  AND she took all her friends and family with her (via the pix on her wall)!!!  So, just warning you, UofU, she's all yours now!!!  And she's THRILLED to be there.  She's so blessed to have been accepted into the ACCESS program.  It is quite the prestigious program and includes a generous scholarship too.  They only accept approximately 40 freshmen females, but this year they only took 38.  These girls are the cream of the crop, the smartest, most amazing girls around!  And of course our dear Karlee is among them!

Take a close look, because you're probably there!

And of course she couldn't leave Rodney behind!

Remember our Karlee in your prayers as she ventures out in the big bad world!!!  She is a light and will shine for all, we're all sure, BUT she can always use your love and prayers too!!

And thank you, Haskin, for help me move her in!  I'm just not too sure we could have done it without you there to carry all her pillows!!!  ;)

Twas the Night Before Lift-Off

Karlee and I finished all the last minute errands, and packing, and she was ready to head off to school in the morning.  I think she was REALLY quite nervous to actually move out to start her own life.  Karlee said she just wanted it to be the two of us tonight, snuggling in front of a movie.  We are pretty close for a mother and daughter, and I have LOVED every second of that.  I am definitely going to miss those good snuggles.  Anyways, she and I were snuggled up for about 10 minutes when the next thing we know a herd of girls (and Kyle tagged along too) came down the stairs.  

What awesome friends Karlee has.  I love each and every one of them so very much.  I love (in no particular order) Mikaela, Meg, Morgan, and Tori.  They will always, always have a special spot in my heart!!!  And I guess they had all been asking Karlee to come to them tonight, but she told them no.  I believe her excuse was because she had too much to do and had to get up early in the morning.  I think Karlee even turned down a few boys for me too.  Probably the last time that will ever happen, but I'll take it :)  Your friends love you, Karlee, so VERY much!  You remember that and remember they are there for you!

I know I'm going to miss Karlee.  So very much.  But I have to honestly say that I am so very proud of the young woman she has become.  She is virtuous, intelligent, fun, beautiful (inside and out) and strong.  She has overcome so many hardships, sadness, and difficult situations thus far in her life - some of which she has actually brought on herself with her hardheaded drive for excellence, but other difficult situations of which she had no control over - but regardless, she has overcome them all and is a stronger person for it!  She is amazing and she will excel and surprise us all with what she is going to do in her life.  I love you, Boo, and miss you already!!!