This past week, as I attended my Grandma Campbell's funeral, Lauren wrote me this note. She told me that when I was gone, the only way she knew how to express her love for me was through a note. Is this not the most beautiful thing? The gum is such a sweet extra touch. (sorry, couldn't help it). I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY LARZY!
I love how Lauren's personality shines in these three pictures playing by a fan. This is Lauren. This is her. What more can I say?
This Halloween was quite a crack up. Why does it seem birthdays and Holidays are more like a week long event, rather than a day long one? Anyway, we had fun. Greg and I went to a fun costume party, put on by the Proudfits. They did a great job, and we had fun.
And now....a couple of performances to share. Click HERE for the soon to be famous TY. Also, if you haven't seen it already, a break dancing number by Greg. Click HERE to be amazed.
and then......a Halloween gone by. Should I go blonde?
The kids made bank on the candy. Too much. Greg's trying to sell it all by the pound on ebay.
OHHH, and a Halloween gone by....cute Maddi.
How is it that I have a 6 year old diva? She just knows the poses, and only allows certain things applied to her look. Apparently she knows what she's doing.
What was I doing with Ty on this one? I literally woke up next to him that night, thinking I was sleeping with the Joker. I kissed him anyway.
When Austin was 4 he dressed up like an old man. Now he's 12, and the old man is back. His hair just grew a bit, and he's older. It's gonna happen to all of us.
Here is the cute couple that threw the fun Halloween party. I should have gotten a picture of them when they were in their costumes. Oh well.
And here is our favorite new neighbors. They are so cute! When the moon is full, though, I always have to yell at him to "keep it down!"
If everyone could take a minute to check out THIS website and read about what all of us can actually DO about bully problems, and no friend problems, perhaps we can make a difference. Even if your child isn't being bullied, he can still make a difference. There is some awesome info. CHECK THIS OUT! (p.s. don't pay attention to Ty's shirt right below this.)
The 2nd was Ty's 1st day of pre-kindergarten. That's right. Not just preschool... pre-kindergarten. There is a huge difference. This means he's getting extremely big, and extremely smart. My baby needs to stop growing RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
SEPT. 11Th is a sacred date. It is a day of TRAGEDY. It is awesome to see a MESSAGE OF HOPE that comes from something so tragic. All of us have, or may someday have a story of HARDSHIP or a tragic experience. To be able to find hope, or see the HAND OF GOD, and the POSITIVE FEELINGS and EXPERIENCES that stem from difficult times is a MIRACLE. Life is strange, sometimes very upsetting. But,to find the hope and RECOGNIZE our HEAVENLY FATHER'S HAND in our lives is CRITICAL and miraculous. Sometimes it takes STEPPING BACK and looking at the big picture, even years later. LOTS OF LOVE!
check out THIS video:
FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T HEARD YET, TY CAME FACE TO FACE WITH A 3 1/2 FOOT RATTLE SNAKE. I LOOKED UP PICTURES OF RATTLE SNAKE BITES, AND THE ONE I POSTED WAS A TAME PICTURE COMPARED TO THE GRUESOME ONES THAT I FOUND. IT TRULY MADE ME SICK! I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT TY IS O.K. IT
COULD HAVE BEEN HIS FACE! IT COULD HAVE BEEN HIS LIFE!
To see a video of Ty giving a detailed account of his experience, click HERE.
(pause the playlist)
This is Ty 
holding the rattle.
Thanks Randy, Chandler, and Sydney for helping! Sydney helped save Ty, and Randy and Chandler took care of the snake.
Warning. This post is totally messed up. Sometimes the Mac is hard to figure out for me. I got sick of it, and just published "as is". sorry.
Was the buggy parade getting buggy? It was for me! I'm glad to move on.
O.K., a very big nutshell. But, I do need to sum up our summer in Park City. On our way to Utah, traveling through Vegas, I got a call from my mom letting me know that my BFF's house was in the process of burning down. They have a very successful photography business that they had moved into the basement of their home; a perfect place for it with the beautiful scenery and surroundings. Everything was gone. The neighbors saved 
their hard drives, so the customers pictures were saved, but everything else-gone. Not only that, but Tiff was driving home from St. George and hearing about it on the phone.
Just a month or so prior to their house and business burning down, the little girl they were trying to adopt, and they raised for 9 months since birth, was given back to the birth mother due to a sperm donor father demanding parental rights. It was heartbreaking.
In their studio, a huge picture of my family was hanging in the entry. I imagined a vivid image of my family, wearing white, burning. starting at the corners, and moving in. I thought about how Satan is so determined to destroy families. Even my beautiful family. It really opened my eyes.
Tiff is amazing. I have been so impressed by her and Clark's reactions to all of this. Positive. Humbled (not that they needed it), and awesome. The weekend after their home burned down, Clark was called to be in the bishopbric. Ouch! Of course, he accepted and works on all of these things diligently. I know they will be so blessed. I love you Tiff!
Bulldogs, bulldogs, bulldogs. This was quite an experience having them with us. It was a bit chaotic. Keeping the condo smelling sweet was my main goal. With them having to have their bathroom in a sod-filled tub on the patio, and keep their hair cleaned up, was hard! And, to keep them from barking was a bit of a trial. Who knows if we'll get away with it next year.
The kids took most of these dog pictures. We have way, way, way too many dog pictures. It's all the kids photograph.
I had to bring this up, 'cause it was a bit shocking for us all. Z went through puberty, and man was it wacky. Gross, smelly, bladder infection included, -wacky. And, no, I did not know Z's vajay jay would look like this!
A real girly girl.
Lauren was so fun this summer. She took a gymnastics class and did sooo well. I never realized I have a gymnast on my hands. She can go all the way down in the splits, and do a back bend. This little girl does non-stop cartwheels. She's awesome!
Austin turned twelve on August 14th. He's growing up too fast! It really hit me when he passed the sacrament for the 1st time. I'm so proud of him. He went to a "big air" class in park City, and learned aireil skills and trampoline tricks. He loved it, and was determined to land his flips. He did great.
Boondocks! We have to go there at least once. It's fun to see the kids cut loose.
Crazy Ty. My mom had a luau and Ty took it to the next level. He is so much fun. And Funny! He turned 4 this summer, and all of a sudden He and Austin are fighting like cat and dog. I'm glad to be out of the condo and back to AZ for that reason. It's all better now. He also took gymnastics, and did great.
Concerts, concerts concerts! I've decided it's my thing. I love the feeling I get when I go. We went to Dave Matthews twice, Jason Mraz, The Fray, and American Idol. We are going to Rob Thomas and Jason Mraz in a couple weeks. I love these more than any other date!
Hangin' at the park. Of course is a big part of our summer. It's so beautiful there! We have so much fun in the 75 degree weather.
Greg's fireworks show!!! Oh what a show he had on the 4th of July. Another one was attempted on the 24th. Friends and family were gathered to witness the "GREG SHOW". It was cut short (thank goodness) by the fire marshal. Of course we didn't have a single legal firework on hand. The wind was also blowing, so I actually was glad. I don't want to be blamed for a house fire! The kids made the best of it and played a little red rover. Greg talked himself out of the $500 mandatory fine.
Of course, hiking in Park City is always fun. The scenery this summer was insane. So green, and so many flowers. Thanks, Flints, for showing us the trails.
Cousins, cousins, cousins. My kids love their cousins and love playing with them all day- then doing sleepovers.
Maddi had a fun summer too. She also did tumbling and had a great time. She has also just grown up way too much this year. I think what Maddi enjoys most is the one-on ones she was able to have with her grandmas. I have the best mom, and the best mother in law ever. My kids love them. They all got to spend quality personal time with their grandparents. I know it meant a lot to all of them.
The Dinosaur museum is always fun. We went with my cute friend Michelle and her 3 girls. My sister Mindy and Campbell went too. The best part was spending time with all of them.
Of course Lagoon. The highlight was when Greg won this red dog for Collin, after Collin kissed his coin and told Greg to win him something. 1st try, he won the big one.
Last, but not least, I visited my Grandma Campbell, who had just recently broke her hip. She had been heavily medicated, but I got to see the woman I knew and loved for a short time. I feel for her. She is almost completely blind now, and is unable to be the 
independent woman she is used to being. I love her and was grateful to spend this time with her.
Safe to say, another summer for the record books. We are so grateful to be able to live here every summer and enjoy family. I have grown closer to friends that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. I am so thankful for the friendships that I have there.
Now I can finally move on with my blog!
This year, for the Draper Days parade, The Salt Lake Preventive branch participated. I was trying to catch up on missed sleep, so I was missing. Ty was up all night with me, so he's missing too. Austin, Madeline, and Lauren along with Greg and Kevin and Campbell, were there to help. It was a fun, and tiring morning for them.
Brandon and Brienne did a great job (as usual) with the arranging and decorating. Brandon has been an awesome manager, and Brienne is one of the most creative people ever!
All of the kids handed out candy and Preventive stuff. They did a great job.
Way to go team! I slept well, thank you.
For Mother's Day this year-a gift to look forward to, Greg and I took our moms to see the American Idol concert. Austin and Maddi were lucky enough to go too! We had so much fun. I thought Austin might be a bit embarrassed of me (a crazy lady who loves music), but he seemed to be cool with it. I attempted to make my first movie of the concert. Seriously, I had fun doing it, but Greg said it's weird. Just grin and bear it. Sorry, my sense of humor is a little off. (DEFINITELY PAUSE THE PLAYLIST before viewing!!!!!)
Maddi is my little diva. She was so fun. She screamed like crazy, clapped her hands, and danced. She's going to be my new concert buddy.
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TODAY WE HAD OUR ANNUAL BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR TY AT OUR FAVORITE PARK IN PARK CITY. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. HE TURNED THE BIG 4! WE, AT THE LAST MINUTE DECIDED TO GET HIM THIS JOHN DEER TRUCK. AT FIRST HE WAS IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ACTED LIKE HE DIDN'T WANT IT. YEAH RIGHT. HE DID LOVE IT, AND KNEW EXACTLY HOW TO DO IT. LAUREN WAS ESPECIALLY FOND OF IT. SHE DROVE IT WAY MORE THAN TY DID. I MUST SAY, I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THOSE WHO MADE THE EFFORT TO COME. KRISTIN (MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER), AND HER HUSBAND, AARON DROVE WITH THEIR 2 KIDS, 1HR. AND 45 MIN. TO GET THERE. ON A PRECIOUS SATURDAY , EVEN! JARED AND LISA DROVE ALMOST AS LONG WITH THEIR NEWBORN BABY. GREG'S MOM FLEW IN FROM ST. GEORGE IN ORDER TO BE THERE. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR FAMILY. YOU ARE ALL SO AWESOME TO TAKE TIME TO COME. MAYBE NEXT YEAR WE SHOULD PLAN A BIRTHDAY HIKE, OR A CAMPING TRIP, OR OLYMPIC PARK, OR SOMETHING. I'LL 
LET YOU ALL CAST YOUR VOTES. ANYWAY, THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING!
Kristin, My mom and me. I wish Mindy could have made it! I thought I had taken more pictures. I must have been chasing around my dopey dogs. This place is like Disneyland to them.
I guess because Father's Day has been on my mind, It has also been on my mind what an important role being a father is to their daughters. Sons too, but since I'm a daughter, and I've spoken to other women, and girls, I'll speak for us. Whether girls are aware of it as children or not, or whether dads are aware of it, they have a significant impact on their daughters. We look to them for love, acceptance, an example, encouragement, and safety. Dads, in not so many words will let us know what they expect of us, and if they approve.
I've been looking forward to this post so I can express to my dad how much I love and appreciate him. (Wasn't he a great looking guy?) He means so much to me, and I love and respect him very much. My dad has always
been good example to me. Even though we sometimes have a hard time expressing it, I have always known that he loves me, and thinks I'm a good person. (thinks) jk. I try. He has definitely taught me by example. He has always tried to live what he has taught. He has also taught me a lot about the importance of living within our 
means.
This past year we had the opportunity to really grow closer and express our feelings toward one another. It was a priceless experience, and one that I feel everyone should have with their fathers. Sometimes I worry about his health, and tease him about his 10pm ice cream indulgences. I guess what comes around, goes around. ha ha. Love you dad. Happy Fathers Day!!!**********************************************************************************************
Where do I begin with Greg? Well, I'll just tell it like it is. You'll never meet a dad that loves his kids as much as Greg. He is such a fun dad. He's always the one jumping in the ocean or the pool 
with them. He loves "getting into it with them", and doesn't mind getting a little dirty. (As long as he can change immediately afterward.) He is CONSTANTLY bringing candy home to the kids. A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to Madeline about how it seemed like Ty was a little celebrity. She perked up and said, "I think dad is a celebrity." I know my girls (and boys) look up to him so much. They are proud of him, and have a great time with him, and miss him when he's not around. He definitely pulls through where I lack. Thank you, Greg for being such an exceptional dad, and a great provider.
hey dad, this is Austin. i just want you to know that you are the best dad i could ever ask for. Even though you are sometimes a little crazy, and weird you make a great dad. have a great fathers day and thanks for all the cool stuff that you do for us. ***** this is Maddi. my dad is very silly & funny with a titch of weird in him. he's very childish but that's just the way i like it.he is awesome,sweet,cool, and millions of other adjectives I'll always love him no matter what. dad, i love you so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much.i love you more than anything or anyone besides our family. i love you whether you like it or not but i know you like it. dad once more, i love you . happy fathers day.love Maddi*****(this is from Ty) Thank you dad. I love you. Wock on. Happy Fathers Day, dad.*****(this is from Lauren just like she wrote it) I love u dad I love u so mash I hop u hav a nis fothrs day I love u so mosh I love u wen u tuc me in and i lic magen clubs I hop u had a nis fothrs day.
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Who could ask for a better father-in-law than Richard? He has always been the best grandpa ever. He exemplifies hard work and service. He has even taken it upon himself to start his own Preventive branch in St. George, UT. Wow. I don't think too many Grandpas out there are starting their own businesses, and doing much of the work themselves. And trust me, It's work. Thanks for teaching Greg much of what it means to be a great dad and husband. Happy Fathers Day, Richard! Love, Heather. (In this picture, Ty is holding a dollar bill given to him by grandpa to spend in the shop they're in. Cute stuff.
******My dad is a modern day hero. He had my back recently when I almost got into a brawl with a biker short wearing hard guy. I can't think of a better guy to have on my side. I'm proud that he's my newest business partner and I'm especially thankful that he's my dad. He's always worked hard for the family and has been a fine example of fatherhood.
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The next 2 fathers are Rosalie's dad, (Grandpa Mark Turner)top
and My mom's dad, (Grandpa Evan Chesley). bottom
Both of these great men are not only good father's and grandfathers, and great grandfathers, but I respect them very much for both serving our country during World War 2. Not only did Mark serve, but was part of some very important battles, (Bulge and Normandy) he was shot 3 times and other men died all around him. He endured cold temperatures, that he still feels the effects of today. We are so glad he made it home safely to his wife and family. He is the father to 5 beautiful girls. We love him very much. He now enjoys entertaining the ladies (kind of like he is in this picture), in the assisted living place that he now lives in.
Grandpa Chesley is also honored, as he went through some other dreadful experiences while serving in the war. He endured being a P.O.W. for 2 years, which I can't imagine what this may have been like. He won't share very much, but I know he surely has suffered because of this memory and others he had while serving.
He has always enjoyed camping and the outdoors. Grandpa has traveled all over, and enjoyed this very much. He is the father of 7 children. His daughter that passed away from M.S. is remembered, as 2 of her daughters are 
showing him some love! kinda funny.
*******************************************************************************************My Grandpa Campbell, who passed away about 11 years ago, I miss very much. He was such a cute Grandpa. He was so funny, and such a great person. He was very dedicated to the church and his family. (And his BYU sports teams.) I'll post a picture as soon as I get one. I know my grandma has missed him very much. He is the father of 4 boys and 1 girl. I have so many good memories of him. His hobby; pigeon racing, was really cool. He had plaques and trophy's all over his house. Whenever I went to visit, he was usually in the backyard testing out a pigeon, or racing some. He also had quite a few young ladies that liked him (probably not as much as he said, he was like 80 and they were 16-18.) Love you, Grandpa.
Greg's Grandpa Hunt died from heart complications days before Greg was born. Russel M. Nelson was his surgeon. Greg had a chance to thank him when he ran into him at the airport, and Brother Nelson remembered him and the family well. Greg likes to think that while he was born, and when his grandpa died, that they talked and slapped high fives in Heaven. From what we know, he was truly a good man. If we ask too many questions about him, Richard gets choked up. We know he gave away full size candy bars at Halloween, and that he loved his grand kids. He was a good singer and song writer. He played the guitar. He ran a gas station in Southern Utah for many, many years.(I inherited his crooked bar stool that he sat on). He looked like Popeye because of his big forearms. He is the father of 2 boys, and 1 girl. *******************************************************************************************
If appropriate, I don't see why I wouldn't honor my Heavenly Father as well. I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of Him. He has given me everything I have. He is always there for me, and I know He loves me, and wants what is best for me. He sent his only begotten Son to die for me. I'm glad that He has an eternal understanding of why everything is the way it is, so I need to trust in Him, serve Him, and have faith in Him and his plan. ***********
We never grow tired of visiting Park City. I honestly believe it's one of the most beautiful places in the world. I feel fortunate to be part of it every year. We have such a great time! We look forward to enjoying it this year.
